Upstate Medical University: 117 Students

117Students

$92,257Earnings

Public4-yearData: 2023-24

About Upstate Medical University

Future doctors and health professionals flock to this specialized medical university in Syracuse. Upstate Medical University trains just 117 students in its intensive health sciences programs. The institution has built its reputation as central New York's top medical education center. Students work closely with faculty in an 8:1 ratio that ensures personalized attention during rigorous clinical training.

The financial picture looks promising for aspiring healthcare workers. Students graduate with a median debt of just $15,000, remarkably low for medical education. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $92,257. Even fresh graduates start strong, with median first-year earnings of $75,959. Monthly loan payments average only $159, making this one of the more affordable paths into healthcare careers.

Women dominate the student body at 70.94%, reflecting broader trends in health sciences education. The 97.2% employment rate speaks to the high demand for Upstate's graduates in medical fields. About one-quarter of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves students from diverse economic backgrounds. The semester system allows students to dive deep into intensive medical coursework without the rushed pace of quarters.

Academics & Faculty

Upstate Medical University focuses exclusively on health sciences education, training future doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio ensures intensive mentoring in clinical settings and laboratories. With only 117 students, the program maintains an intimate learning environment where professors know every student personally. The university operates teaching hospitals throughout central New York, giving students direct patient care experience from early in their studies. Women make up 70.94% of the student body, reflecting national trends in healthcare education. The 97.2% employment rate demonstrates strong job placement in medicine and health fields. Students here aren't taking general education courses but diving straight into rigorous medical and health science curricula.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Full-Time Faculty: 74.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $92,257
Carnegie Classification: Associate College (Mixed)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Master	$100,690
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$93,964
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Doctoral	$64,196
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$63,005
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Bachelor	$60,771
Medicine.	Doctoral	$59,635
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions.	Bachelor	$52,733
Public Health.	Master	$48,849

View all 29 programs →

Campus Life

Upstate Medical University sits in Syracuse, where lake-effect snow creates real winters that demand serious winter gear. The 117 students form an intimate community with an 8:1 student-faculty ratio that means professors know your name and track your progress closely. Housing capacity of 270 suggests many students live on campus, creating a tight-knit environment where study groups form naturally in residence halls.

Women make up 70.94% of the student body, reflecting the gender composition typical of health sciences programs. Weekend life revolves around clinical preparation and collaborative learning rather than traditional college parties. Syracuse offers museums, restaurants, and cultural events within walking distance, though the intense medical curriculum keeps most students campus-focused. The 97.2% employment rate speaks to the career-driven atmosphere where students balance rigorous coursework with clinical rotations at nearby hospitals. Winter study sessions in common areas become the norm, while spring brings outdoor study spots as students prepare for medical licensing exams that will define their professional futures.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 270 beds
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

57 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	10	0	4	3
Domestic Violence	11	0	0	0
Fondling	6	0	4	0
Dating Violence	6	0	1	1
Aggravated Assault	3	0	1	0
Burglary	3	1	0	0
Robbery	2	0	0	0
Rape	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 15°–31°F
July Avg: 61°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 80.0"
Annual Snowfall: 123.8"

Student Demographics

Upstate Medical University draws future healthcare professionals to its intimate campus of just 117 students. Women make up about 71% of the student body, reflecting the gender composition typical of health sciences programs. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio creates an apprenticeship-like environment where students work closely with physician mentors. About a quarter of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school attracts students from diverse economic backgrounds who see medicine as a path to stability. The small enrollment means every student matters in this tight-knit medical community.

Men: 29.1%
Women: 70.9%
White: 70.9%
Black: 8.6%
Hispanic: 2.6%
Asian: 3.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 24.7%

Location

Upstate Medical University sits in Syracuse, New York, about 250 miles northwest of New York City. The school operates in central New York's largest metropolitan area, home to roughly 650,000 residents. Syracuse blends urban amenities with a strong college town atmosphere, anchored by Syracuse University and several other higher education institutions. The city experiences four distinct seasons with significant snowfall, earning its reputation as part of New York's snow belt. Students have access to cultural venues, healthcare facilities, and outdoor recreation in the nearby Finger Lakes region. The area's economy centers heavily on education, healthcare, and technology sectors. Students considering colleges in New York may also compare Upstate Medical University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Syracuse, New York 13210

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $92,257
Median Earnings (5 years): $81,453
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $65,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 83.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $159/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $15,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Upstate Medical University unique for prospective students?

Upstate Medical University serves just 117 students, creating an exceptionally intimate learning environment focused entirely on medical and health sciences education. The school maintains an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention from faculty. Women comprise 70.94% of the student body, reflecting the gender demographics common in health professions programs.

How much debt do Upstate Medical University students typically graduate with?

Students graduate with a median debt of just $15,000, remarkably low for a medical education institution. Monthly loan payments average only $159, making this one of the most affordable paths to a medical career. The loan repayment rate stands at 83.07%, indicating graduates can successfully manage their educational investment.

What are the academic advantages at Upstate Medical University?

The 8:1 student-faculty ratio provides intensive mentorship opportunities rarely found at larger medical schools. Students operate on a semester calendar system that allows for deep immersion in medical coursework. The small enrollment of 117 students means every student receives significant individual attention from professors and clinical supervisors.

What career outcomes can graduates expect from Upstate Medical University?

Graduates achieve a 97.2% employment rate, demonstrating strong career placement in the competitive medical field. Median earnings reach $75,959 just one year after graduation and climb to $92,257 by the ten-year mark. The school's focus on medical education positions graduates well for high-demand healthcare careers throughout central New York and beyond.

Where do students live at Upstate Medical University?

The campus provides housing for up to 270 students, more than double the current enrollment of 117. This generous housing capacity ensures all students who want on-campus living can secure it. The urban Syracuse setting provides access to major medical centers and clinical training opportunities throughout the region.

How affordable is Upstate Medical University for low-income students?

Only 24.68% of students receive federal financial aid, suggesting many families can afford the costs without extensive borrowing. The same percentage qualifies for Pell Grants, indicating the school serves a mix of economic backgrounds. Federal loans are used by 55.06% of students, a moderate rate for medical education programs.