Founded in 1967, SUNY at Purchase College. is a Public college. Located in New York, which is a city setting in New York, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 4,053 full time undergraduate students, and 103 full time graduate students.
The SUNY at Purchase College Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 14:1. There are 174 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at SUNY at Purchase College include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
43%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
50
SAT Range
970-1180
ACT Range
20-27
Admissions at SUNY are considered More Selective, with ,24% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 11 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
71% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 39% were in the top quarter, and 10% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at SUNY at Purchase College.
0%
“We”re apathetic”
10%
“We know about current events and vote”
45%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
45%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
10%
“Sometimes, but not often”
61%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
29%
“All the time, including weekends”
5%
“I”m always terrified”
7%
“I only go out in groups”
32%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
56%
“I feel extremely safe”
72%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
22%
“We bought the gear”
6%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
0%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
7%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
93%
“We”re a very artistic group”
2%
“Haven”t met them”
5%
“Available in class”
51%
“They keep regular office hours”
41%
“They”re always available”
85%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
15%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
0%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
3%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
21%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
59%
“We only party on weekends”
18%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
3%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
41%
“There might be people who do”
44%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
13%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
0%
“We”re apathetic”
10%
“We know about current events and vote”
45%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
45%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
10%
“Sometimes, but not often”
61%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
29%
“All the time, including weekends”
5%
“I”m always terrified”
7%
“I only go out in groups”
32%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
56%
“I feel extremely safe”
72%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
22%
“We bought the gear”
6%
“We live for the big game”
0%
“It”s not really our thing”
0%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
7%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
93%
“We”re a very artistic group”
2%
“Haven”t met them”
5%
“Available in class”
51%
“They keep regular office hours”
41%
“They”re always available”
85%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
15%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
0%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
82 Students rated on-campus housing 3.1 stars. 5 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
60 Students rated off-campus housing 2.5 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
83 Students rated campus food 3.2 stars. 16 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
84 Students rated campus facilities 3.4 stars. 5 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
84 Students rated class size 4.2 stars. 40 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
83 Students rated school activities 3.8 stars. 29 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
83 Students rated local services 3.4 stars. 22 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
84 Students rated academics 4.2 stars. 42 % gave the school a 5.0.
SUNY at Purchase College REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of SUNY at Purchase College?
37 Students rated SUNY at Purchase College
Lilah
01/03/2024
I think it’s a pretty neat school! Take what I say with a grain of salt, though, because at the end of the day, I’m a freshman, and I do need more time to see more of what the school has to offer. With that said, the school itself is actually nice. The campus size isn’t overwhelmingly big or a maze that you can get lost in. Teachers are also very accepting of queer students and there is a chosen name policy for trans students. Some of the building designs are pretty bleach, but ant arts are amazing to see. Visual arts has a lot of diversity and creativity, performing and musical arts can be seen at the Student Center or Theaters and it’s usually a blast to see. I have yet to see more clubs but the school isn’t bad at all.
Miguel
03/11/2021
SUNY at Purchase College is a perfect place for a young academic or artist to build their skill before taking on a lengthy career in the city. I highly recommend SUNY Purchase to prospective students and hope that more take advantage of the academic offers of campus life.
Victoria
09/19/2020
I was quite unsure of how I would feel going to Purchase College, especially in the times of Corona. The moment I got here it felt like a home for me. Between the classes, students, teachers and the campus in general, I completely fell in love for the school. I would recommend it if you are looking in to applying!
Ginger
05/17/2020
I love being a student at Purchase. By and large, the students are friendly. My professors are available. I was invited to join the Crescendo Show Choir, and have been given roles in two plays. The circus arts class is great. White Plains is not far and there is a shuttle, so shopping is readily accessible. Also, New York City is an easy train ride away.
zaniah
05/12/2020
But it is a lovely school with a nice size campus and it is full of artistic beautiful minds. And even though it may not be that diverse everyone has an open mind and understands problems of the world. There also just seems to be a really understanding atmosphere.
Hannah
05/10/2020
SUNY at Purchase College serves as a safe space for students to express themselves fully. The school prides itself for its prestigious performing art conservatories while providing a thorough academic education simultaneously. SUNY Purchase is a hidden gem outside of White Plains and has accessible transportation routes to move through Westchester County, NYC, or local Connecticut shops. I am grateful for SUNY's immersive programs which provide opportunities for students like myself to be academically stimulated, artistically challenged, and actively involved in the school's political scene.
Hannah
05/10/2020
SUNY at Purchase College serves as a safe space for students to express themselves fully. The school prides itself for its prestigious performing art conservatories while providing a thorough academic education simultaneously. SUNY Purchase is a hidden gem outside of White Plains and has accessible transportation routes to move through Westchester County, NYC, or local Connecticut shops. I am grateful for SUNY's immersive programs which provide opportunities for students like myself to be academically stimulated, artistically challenged, and actively involved in the school's political scene.
Castus
02/21/2020
I love the school, but it's defiantly more dorming biased. Being a commuter is rough if you want to be involved socially. Most clubs take place at 10 pm at night or on Wednesdays. The issue with Wednesdays is that there are not a lot of classes to choose from due to it being an 'off day.' The food is what you would expect from a public high school. I'm fine with it, but I don't live on campus. It's one of those it could be better kind of schools. As a pscyh major, my classes are nice and the teachers are fun. I don't regret coming here, I just wish it was a bit more commuter friendly.
Hunter
12/23/2019
SUNY Purchase is great for a creative soul. It offers many artistic and talented individual which opens opportunity for collaboration. Classes and professors are what really makes this school great. In the music department professors work part time in their respected field. This allows for more relevant and insightful classroom conversations. Most professors will enjoy helping find ways for individuals to meet their independent goals if you go and talk with them. If you go to Purchase for the arts it would be very beneficial to make as many acquaintances.
The negatives part of this school is the overly expensive, below mediocre housing and food. Freshman dorms are outdated and face many maintenance and potential health code problems. (mold/asbestos) The school is just starting to renovate after years of students complaints. The other dorms are a big step up but will cost you an extra $1000 or so. The apartments on campus are also older with many maintenance issues. However, the school is fixing many of these issues currently. The food service is too expensive for what you are getting. There is only one main dinning hall located in a run down cafeteria in the freshman quad. It serves basic buffet food that is hastily made in bulk. Hours of operation change per semester but it is usually only open for between 9:30am- 2:00pm and 5:00pm-8:00pm with no late night option. Some days they have upscale dinning that will cost two meal swipes for one meal. Other dinning options include vegetarian grill called Terra Ve and an food court that stays open to midnight on weeks days and 1:00pm on weekends. However food options almost get cut in half after 8:00 pm. If you are serious about your art and craft and want to learn from insightful teachers, Purchase is great. However, do expect some dissatisfaction when in comes to room and board.
Shannon
11/18/2019
SUNY Purchase was my first choice and is my perfect fit! All of my professors/all the staff treat me with the utmost kindness, enthusiasm and respect. I am able to apply academic lessons to my daily life and apply my knowledge of psychology in classes such as African American Literature where black artist's use of "veiling" is similar to mental repression. I meet with the chorus professor outside of class for music theory and piano lessons, for free! College writing has introduced me to the NY Times. The students are extremely warm. Every place has its flaws but feel safe and have found my second home.
DeVoray
08/11/2019
I think SUNY at Purchase College is a great school overall. Purchase has incredible, dedicated & talented professors & staff who are devoted to students. The academics rival any other college or university while the fine arts culture is arguably second to none. Nestled in a small town in Westchester, just a quick train ride or drive into NYC. Westchester itself offers a wide diversity of hidden treasures and has ocean front parks, beaches, sailing opportunities and more. I will never forget my years at Purchase I just wish there financial aid could be better
Uriel
07/23/2019
It's an okay school for in class work priority but outside of that there isn't much on campus, especially because its isolated from big cities. We're all different so for others, they might appreciate that aspect but for me personally I enjoy the urban lifestyle.
Bella
06/27/2019
The campus is really gross and depressing, but the program that I'm here for is comparable to big music schools in the city (ie MSM, Julliard) and have taught me so much. The professors really care about you for the most part and will try to help you. The people that I've met and befriended are also some of the nicest and compassionate people I've ever met, though there are some on campus who are the exact opposite and super entitled lol
Gavin
05/26/2019
SUNY purchase is a college filled with ambitious and interesting folk. There is plenty to do and also company to bring with you, everywhere on campus there is a friendly attitude and not a bad place to make a friend or two. Although there are no real options for dining out around the campus kitchens are quite reasonable. All this said, I think SUNY purchase of Harrison, NY is a good friendly, affordable school for advocates of art culture.
Gabriella
01/28/2019
I enjoy Purchase College's vibrant lifestyle. The look of the campus may not be everyone's cup of tea, but the surrounding woods and fields are breathtaking. Much of the academics on campus are interesting and different compared to what I've seen at other colleges and many of the professors are fun and engaging with their classes. Plus the extracurricular activities are constantly happening on campus whether they're student-run or done through the campus. Many of the facilities on campus are there to be a useful resource for any who need it, like the Office of Disability Resources (ODR) asks students on campus to help others out by sharing notes for their classes so the student who asked for their help can learn and have the necessary material they need for the class the next time they meet. Purchase, in my mind, is a grand choice for anyone looking to get into an acting, dance, music, liberal arts, and even a biology major (I've heard some good things from others), the college has tremendous resources and a great reputation.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for SUNY at Purchase College is 43%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
I received a necessary degree that will allow me to pursue my future educational goals. In addition to this I also was able to hone my artistic skills, within the sculpture department. Throughout my time at Purchase College I was able to complete a number of bronze casts and many other metal sculptures. This access to the facilities necessary for the creation of art enhanced my college experience and my artistic portfolio. Within my legal studies classes I discovered a strength and aptitude for understanding and interpreting the law. Without the support and encouragement of the knowledgeable professors I never would have realized this talent. I have developed an interest in the law and wish to pursue higher understanding of it.
The type of person who whould attend suny purchase is someone who is liberal and enviornmentaly cautious. Also some one who's into the arts of all types.
The best part about being at Purchase would have to be our art programs and how open they are to all the students. It's great that we get to see amazing dance shows or art exibits without even leaving the campus! Plus there are great art/ dance classes offered for non-majors but with the same quality as the classes for majors.
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?
Everyone here is pretty confident in who they are, so it makes for a very unique environment. It's a school where you either fit in or you don't. Since everyone is always showing how talented they are, it pushes you to explore that artistic,creative side of yourself.
My school is best known for the conservatories. We have one for art, dance, music, and theatre. It is very difficult to be accepted into one of the conservatories.
One great thing about Purchase College is definitely the academics and professors. The professors are so enthusiastic and passionate about what they are teaching and it really plays a huge impact on the students. Purchase is a very small school so the classes are very small as well. The professors know each students name and a very special professor-student relationship is formed. This has really helped me excel in my academics at Purchase.
I am a psychology major at Purchase and have taken so many interesting psychology courses over the years. My favorite class would either be Practicum in child psychology, where I was able to not only learn about child development but do hands on work with the children in the Purchase College Children's center, or Philosophy of Good and Evil (so interesting and life changing). My least favorite class would have to be Development of the United States, a history course which I had to take for one of my general education requirements. Purchase's academic general education requirements are a bit annoying, however, they do allow you to broaden your horizons and learn different things which is a positive.
The psychology program at Purchase is great! I have learned so much and have gotten to spend time with so many interesting people in the field. The program has given me the opportunity to do hands on work in the psychology field and work with children through class and in internships. The professors in the department are so helpful. I am currently working on my senior project which has been so interesting as well.
Class participation is very common in classes at Purchase. The classes are very small so each student is encouraged to participate and speak their minds. This definitely adds to the class discussion and facilitates learning. Intellectual conversations are very common outside of the classroom. The students at Purchase are so intelligent, talented, and passionate in their different works. Therefore, they all speak about this even outside of the classroom. The students are not really competitive which is another thing that I love about Purchase. Everyone has different talents and we all appreciate each other for our different passions and talents.
I believe the education at Purchase is geared towards both getting a job and learning for its own sake. I have learned so many interesting things but have also learned so much in my career path as well. It has truly been an adventure.
This school is really awesome for someone who loves both academics and art...but you don't have to love art to come here! In general, it's a really close-knit and comfortable environment and because there are only about 4,000 students, it's really easy to make friends fast. At the same time, it's not too small, so it's not like being in high school again. People are really open and fun!
Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?
In some cases, students here are really artsy. Our conservatories are awesome, so we bring in a lot of talented artists (both visual and performing arts). But we have really good Liberal Arts programs, too (history, biology, economics, etc.) that attract people who aren't as interested in the arts. The best part about the school is that you can take challenging courses while being surrounded by art constantly, regardless of your major. Purchase is definitely diverse! Our school attracts so many different people from so many different places, so you can constantly meet people from other cultural backgrounds.
What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?
The stereotype is that there are a lot of gay people at my school. This isn't entirely true, we have people of many different sexualities and gender identities at Purchase! Purchase is much more welcoming of diversity than other schools, which is why we've gained the reputation of having a lot of LGBTQU people at school. We can't help it if people are comfortable here.
Livable. Some of them are much nicer than others. Freshman and Sophmore year will be a tad uncomfortable, so I would suggest a sweet. However, if you live in outback or Fort Awesome, you will be living large. The apartments are where it's at, but you can't live in them until you're a junior.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
88% of students attending SUNY at Purchase College receive some sort of financial aid.
34% were awarded federal grants.54%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.