Purchase College vs SUNY Albany
SUNY at Purchase College and SUNY at Albany, both esteemed institutions within the State University of New York system, offer distinct educational experiences. Purchase College, nestled in the vibrant town of Purchase, boasts a lower acceptance rate, fostering a more selective academic environment. It excels in the arts, with popular majors in the visual and performing arts, while Albany, situated in the heart of New York's capital city, offers a broader range of academic programs, including business, health sciences, and social sciences. Albany's larger student body reflects its diverse demographics, while Purchase College's smaller size cultivates a close-knit community. Both institutions boast impressive graduation rates, ensuring students receive the support they need to succeed. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover which college aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() SUNY at Albany |
![]() SUNY at Purchase College |
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Overview |
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Location | Albany, New York | Purchase, New York |
Campus setting | City: Small | Suburb: Large |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 82.0% | 79.0% |
![]() |
Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 68.0% | 75.4% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$50
Graduate:
$75
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Undergraduate:
$50
Graduate:
$85
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SAT range | 1090 - 1280 | 1120 - 1320 |
ACT range | 22 - 29 | 27 - 31 |
Students submitting SAT score | 15.0% | 12.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 2.0% | 2.0% |
Total number of applicants | 21,265 | 4,047 |
Total number of admissions given out | 14,458 | 3,052 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 3,030 | 680 |
Yield rate | 21.0% | 22.3% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$26,578
Out of state:
$44,418
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In state:
$28,661
Out of state:
$38,571
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Average net price | $17,350 | $19,458 |
Tuition |
In state:
$7,070
Out of state:
$24,910
|
In state:
$7,070
Out of state:
$16,980
|
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$9,558
Meal plan:
$5,495
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Room/dormitory:
$9,098
Meal plan:
$5,450
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
84.0%
Average amount $10,460 |
76.0%
Average amount $8,868 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
54.0%
Average amount $5,299 |
40.0%
Average amount $5,040 |
Students taking out private loans |
8.0%
Average amount $13,629 |
3.0%
Average amount $12,471 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
12,654
Men 46.4% Women 53.6% |
3,439
Men 41.1% Women 58.9% |
Graduate students |
4,421
Men 35.0% Women 65.0% |
83
Men 51.8% Women 48.2% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Moderate
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Moderate
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Out-of-state students | 4.4% | 16.2% |
International students | 6.6% | 1.9% |
Campus local/setting | City: Small | Suburb: Large |
Dormitory capacity | 6,867 | 2,270 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | New York New Jersey Pennsylvania Connecticut Maryland | New York New Jersey Connecticut Florida Mississippi |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 18:1 | 13:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 66.3% | 63.5% |
Dropout rate | 8.5% | 12.0% |
Transferred out | 24.4% | 23.1% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Taxation (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Public Administration (Master's Degrees)
Public Health (Master's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degrees)
Information Science/Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Mathematics and Statistics, Other (Bachelor's Degrees)
Visual and Performing Arts, Other (Bachelor's Degrees)
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Journalism (Bachelor's Degrees)
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (Bachelor's Degrees)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management (Bachelor's Degrees)
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees)
Literature (Bachelor's Degrees)
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