List of SUNY Colleges
The State University of New York, better known as SUNY, is the largest comprehensive public university system in the United States. With 64 campuses spread across every corner of New York State, SUNY offers something for virtually every type of student, whether you are looking for a flagship research university, a selective liberal arts college, a hands-on technology program, or an affordable community college close to home.
If you are a New York resident exploring your college options, understanding the full scope of the SUNY system is an important first step. Below is a complete breakdown of every SUNY institution organized by category.
University Centers (4)
SUNY's four university centers are its flagship research universities. These are large, R1 doctoral institutions offering the broadest range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in the system. If you are looking for a big school experience with Division I athletics, extensive research opportunities, and name recognition, these are the heavy hitters.
University at Albany (Albany)
Binghamton University (Vestal)
University at Buffalo (Buffalo)
Stony Brook University (Stony Brook)
University at Buffalo is the largest SUNY campus by enrollment with over 31,000 students. Binghamton University is widely regarded as the most selective school in the SUNY system, often called a "Public Ivy."
Doctoral-Granting Institutions (5)
These five institutions award doctoral and professional degrees in specialized fields but are not classified as full university centers. They tend to be smaller and more focused in their academic missions.
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University (Brooklyn)
SUNY Upstate Medical University (Syracuse)
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (Syracuse)
SUNY College of Optometry (Manhattan)
SUNY Polytechnic Institute (Utica)
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, commonly known as ESF, shares its campus with Syracuse University and manages over 25,000 acres of forest land. SUNY College of Optometry is the smallest institution in the SUNY system with roughly 400 students.
Statutory Colleges (5)
One of the most distinctive features of the SUNY system is its statutory colleges. These are state-funded colleges that are physically housed within private universities. Students enrolled in these colleges attend and receive their degrees from the host institution but pay SUNY-subsidized tuition rates. If you are admitted to one of these programs, you effectively get a Cornell or Alfred University education at a fraction of the private tuition cost.
At Cornell University (Ithaca):
NYS College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
NYS College of Human Ecology
NYS School of Industrial and Labor Relations
NYS College of Veterinary Medicine
At Alfred University (Alfred):
NYS College of Ceramics
Comprehensive Colleges (13)
SUNY's comprehensive colleges are primarily undergraduate-focused four-year institutions offering bachelor's and master's degrees across the liberal arts, sciences, and professional fields. Several of these schools are among the most selective public colleges in the Northeast and offer a smaller, more personal college experience compared to the university centers.
SUNY Brockport (Brockport)
Buffalo State University (Buffalo)
SUNY Cortland (Cortland)
SUNY Empire State University (Saratoga Springs, with 35+ locations statewide)
SUNY Fredonia (Fredonia)
SUNY Geneseo (Geneseo)
SUNY New Paltz (New Paltz)
SUNY Old Westbury (Old Westbury)
SUNY Oneonta (Oneonta)
SUNY Oswego (Oswego)
SUNY Plattsburgh (Plattsburgh)
SUNY Potsdam (Potsdam)
Purchase College (Purchase)
SUNY Geneseo is consistently ranked as one of the top public liberal arts colleges in the country. SUNY Potsdam, founded in 1816, is the oldest institution in the entire SUNY system. Buffalo State University should not be confused with the University at Buffalo, which is a separate and larger institution.
Technology Colleges (7)
SUNY's technology colleges emphasize hands-on, career-oriented education. They offer associate and bachelor's degrees, and in some cases master's degrees, in applied and technical disciplines. These schools are a strong fit if you are interested in practical, workforce-ready programs.
Alfred State College (Alfred)
SUNY Canton (Canton)
SUNY Cobleskill (Cobleskill)
SUNY Delhi (Delhi)
Farmingdale State College (East Farmingdale)
SUNY Maritime College (Throggs Neck, Bronx)
SUNY Morrisville (Morrisville)
SUNY Maritime College, located at Fort Schuyler in the Bronx, is the oldest and largest maritime college in the United States, founded in 1874.
Community Colleges (30)
SUNY's 30 community colleges are two-year institutions offering associate degrees, certificate programs, and transfer pathways to four-year schools. If you are planning to transfer into a four-year SUNY school, starting at a community college can be a smart and cost-effective strategy.
SUNY Adirondack (Queensbury)
SUNY Broome Community College (Binghamton)
Cayuga Community College (Auburn)
Clinton Community College (Plattsburgh)
Columbia-Greene Community College (Hudson)
Corning Community College (Corning)
Dutchess Community College (Poughkeepsie)
Erie Community College (Buffalo)
Fashion Institute of Technology (Manhattan)
Finger Lakes Community College (Canandaigua)
Fulton-Montgomery Community College (Johnstown)
Genesee Community College (Batavia)
Herkimer County Community College (Herkimer)
Hudson Valley Community College (Troy)
Jamestown Community College (Jamestown)
Jefferson Community College (Watertown)
Mohawk Valley Community College (Utica)
Monroe Community College (Rochester area)
Nassau Community College (East Garden City)
Niagara County Community College (Sanborn)
North Country Community College (Saranac Lake)
Onondaga Community College (Syracuse)
Orange County Community College (Middletown)
Rockland Community College (Suffern)
Schenectady County Community College (Schenectady)
Suffolk County Community College (Selden)
Sullivan County Community College (Loch Sheldrake)
Tompkins Cortland Community College (Dryden)
SUNY Ulster (Stone Ridge)
Westchester Community College (Valhalla)
Fashion Institute of Technology, commonly known as FIT, is one of the most unique institutions in the system. Despite being officially classified as a SUNY community college, FIT also awards bachelor's and master's degrees and is internationally recognized for its fashion, art, and design programs. Suffolk County Community College operates three campuses across Selden, Riverhead, and Brentwood, making it one of the largest community colleges in the state.
Recent Name Changes
Several SUNY institutions have undergone significant rebranding in recent years. Buffalo State College became Buffalo State University. Empire State College became SUNY Empire State University. SUNY Downstate Medical Center became SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. The College at Brockport became SUNY Brockport. These changes reflect the evolving missions and growth of these institutions.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are aiming for a top research university like Binghamton or Stony Brook, a selective liberal arts experience at Geneseo or New Paltz, a specialized program at ESF or Maritime, or a cost-effective start at a community college near home, the SUNY system has an option that fits. The key is understanding which type of institution aligns with your academic goals, career interests, and personal preferences.
If you are applying to SUNY schools and want expert guidance on building a competitive application, schedule a free consultation with an admissions expert today.
