Purchase College vs SUNY Potsdam

SUNY at Purchase College and SUNY College at Potsdam, both esteemed institutions within the State University of New York system, offer distinct educational experiences. Purchase College, located in Purchase, New York, boasts a higher acceptance rate (68%) compared to Potsdam's 58%, making it a more accessible option for prospective students. Potsdam, situated in the scenic town of Potsdam, New York, excels in student retention and graduation rates, with 83% of its students persisting to their second year and 62% completing their degrees within six years. While Purchase College is renowned for its strength in the arts, with popular majors including Film, Visual and Performing Arts, and Design and Technology, Potsdam shines in the fields of Music, Education, and the Sciences. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details and discover which college aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	SUNY at Purchase College	SUNY College at Potsdam
Overview
Location	Purchase, New York	Potsdam, New York
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	Town: Remote
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	79.0%	67.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	75.4%	81.3%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $85	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1120 - 1320	N/A
ACT range	27 - 31	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	12.0%
Students submitting ACT score	2.0%
Total number of applicants	4,047	3,225
Total number of admissions given out	3,052	2,623
Admitted students who chose to enroll	680	416
Yield rate	22.3%	15.9%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $28,661 Out of state: $38,571	In state: $21,784 Out of state: $31,694
Average net price	$19,458	$14,494
Tuition	In state: $7,070 Out of state: $16,980	In state: $7,070 Out of state: $16,980
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $9,098 Meal plan: $5,450	Room/dormitory: $8,150 Meal plan: $5,800
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	76.0% Average amount $8,868	92.0% Average amount $10,014
Students receiving federal student loan	40.0% Average amount $5,040	71.0% Average amount $4,995
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $12,471	12.0% Average amount $11,185

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	3,439 Men 41.1% Women 58.9%	2,352 Men 37.6% Women 62.4%
Graduate students	83 Men 51.8% Women 48.2%	255 Men 27.8% Women 72.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	16.2%	3.9%
International students	1.9%	0.8%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	Town: Remote
Dormitory capacity	2,270	2,715
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 Connecticut Florida Mississippi	New York Vermont Connecticut New Jersey Colorado

Academics
Popular study areas	Visual & Performing Arts Liberal Arts Communication and Journalism Social Sciences Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Education Visual & Performing Arts Health Professions Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Business
Students to faculty ratio	13:1	10:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	63.5%	49.8%
Dropout rate	12.0%	17.1%
Transferred out	23.1%	32.8%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Mathematics and Statistics, Other (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $48,041 Year 3: $52,996 Visual and Performing Arts, Other (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $35,399 Year 2: $38,289 Year 3: $50,881 Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $25,852 Year 2: $28,236 Year 3: $41,970 Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $23,844 Year 2: $23,693 Year 3: $41,354 Journalism (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $26,684 Year 2: $30,305 Year 3: $37,885 Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $25,288 Year 2: $26,482 Year 3: $36,161 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $23,080 Year 2: $30,047 Year 3: $33,268 Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $28,859 Year 2: $30,475 Year 3: $32,388 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $24,933 Year 2: $26,933 Year 3: $31,949 Literature (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $20,339 Year 2: $21,234 Year 3: $30,297	Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $80,254 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $36,353 Year 2: $40,017 Year 3: $47,596 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $46,838 Year 2: $43,712 Year 3: $46,516 Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $33,686 Year 2: $30,771 Year 3: $46,475 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $42,720 Year 2: $38,289 Year 3: $45,785 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $30,690 Year 2: $34,420 Year 3: $44,513 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $42,078 Year 2: $37,424 Year 3: $43,713 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $35,008 Year 2: $35,891 Year 3: $43,677 Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $24,842 Year 2: $27,440 Year 3: $40,409 English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $30,771 Year 3: $39,586

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main academic differences between SUNY Purchase and SUNY Potsdam?

SUNY Purchase is known for its strong arts programs, including visual arts, performing arts, and film. It also has a solid liberal arts curriculum. SUNY Potsdam, while offering a range of programs, is particularly recognized for its education, music, and business programs. Potsdam also has a strong focus on sciences and offers a more traditional college experience.
How do the campus environments differ?

SUNY Purchase has a more contemporary and artistic vibe, with modern architecture and a focus on creative expression. The campus is located in a suburban area. SUNY Potsdam offers a more traditional college town experience, with a classic campus layout and a close-knit community feel. It is located in a more rural setting.
What are the typical class sizes at each college?

Both SUNY Purchase and SUNY Potsdam generally have relatively small class sizes, fostering a more personalized learning environment. However, you might find slightly smaller class sizes in some of the specialized arts programs at Purchase. Both institutions prioritize student-faculty interaction.
How do the student populations compare?

SUNY Purchase tends to attract a more diverse student body, particularly those interested in the arts. SUNY Potsdam also has a diverse student body, but it may have a slightly different demographic mix, with a stronger representation of students interested in education and music. Both campuses are known for their welcoming environments.
What are the strengths of the arts programs at each school?

SUNY Purchase is renowned for its School of the Arts, offering exceptional programs in visual arts, film, dance, music, and theater. SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music is highly regarded, providing outstanding music education and performance opportunities. Both schools offer excellent arts programs, but their specializations differ.
How does the cost of attendance compare?

The cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, is generally comparable between SUNY Purchase and SUNY Potsdam. However, specific costs can vary depending on your residency status (in-state vs. out-of-state) and your living arrangements. It's best to check the official websites for the most up-to-date financial information.
What are the career services like at each college?

Both SUNY Purchase and SUNY Potsdam offer career services to help students with internships, job searches, and career planning. The specific resources and industry connections may vary depending on the programs offered at each school. Purchase's career services often have strong ties to the arts and entertainment industries, while Potsdam's may have more connections to education and music.
How do the extracurricular activities and campus life differ?

SUNY Purchase has a vibrant campus life with a focus on arts and cultural events, including performances, exhibitions, and film screenings. SUNY Potsdam offers a more traditional college experience with a wide range of clubs, organizations, and athletic programs, including NCAA Division III sports. Both schools provide opportunities for students to get involved and build community.
Which college is better for someone interested in a specific major?

If you're interested in the arts, particularly visual arts, performing arts, or film, SUNY Purchase is an excellent choice. If you're interested in education, music, or business, SUNY Potsdam might be a better fit. Consider your specific academic interests and career goals when making your decision.
How accessible are the campuses?

Both SUNY Purchase and SUNY Potsdam are committed to providing accessible campuses. They offer resources and accommodations for students with disabilities. Specific accessibility features may vary, so it's advisable to contact each college's disability services office for detailed information.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.

Purchase College

University of Hawaii at Hilo