Purchase College vs SUNY New Paltz
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![]() State University of New York at New Paltz |
![]() SUNY at Purchase College |
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Overview |
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Location | New Paltz, New York | Purchase, New York |
Campus setting | Suburb: Large | 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% |
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Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 46.1% | 75.4% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$50
Graduate:
$50
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Undergraduate:
$50
Graduate:
$85
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SAT range | 1150 - 1318 | 1120 - 1320 |
ACT range | 24 - 30 | 27 - 31 |
Students submitting SAT score | 18.0% | 12.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 4.0% | 2.0% |
Total number of applicants | 12,482 | 4,047 |
Total number of admissions given out | 5,759 | 3,052 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 1,133 | 680 |
Yield rate | 19.7% | 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) | Not required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$27,387
Out of state:
$37,297
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In state:
$28,661
Out of state:
$38,571
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Average net price | $15,318 | $19,458 |
Tuition |
In state:
$7,070
Out of state:
$16,980
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In state:
$7,070
Out of state:
$16,980
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Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$9,494
Meal plan:
$5,000
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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) |
64.0%
Average amount $10,509 |
76.0%
Average amount $8,868 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
50.0%
Average amount $5,206 |
40.0%
Average amount $5,040 |
Students taking out private loans |
4.0%
Average amount $13,431 |
3.0%
Average amount $12,471 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
6,256
Men 36.5% Women 63.5% |
3,439
Men 41.1% Women 58.9% |
Graduate students |
819
Men 31.5% Women 68.5% |
83
Men 51.8% Women 48.2% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
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Moderate
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Out-of-state students | 2.8% | 16.2% |
International students | 2.3% | 1.9% |
Campus local/setting | Suburb: Large | Suburb: Large |
Dormitory capacity | 3,198 | 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 Connecticut Pennsylvania Mississippi | 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 | 15:1 | 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 | 73.3% | 63.5% |
Dropout rate | 5.4% | 12.0% |
Transferred out | 20.3% | 23.1% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Education, Other (Master's Degrees)
Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees)
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees)
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Marketing (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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Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the main differences between SUNY Purchase and SUNY New Paltz?
SUNY Purchase is known for its strong focus on arts and liberal arts, with a conservatory-style approach to arts education. It's located in a suburban setting and has a smaller, more intimate campus. SUNY New Paltz, while also strong in the arts and liberal arts, offers a broader range of programs, including engineering and business. It's situated in a vibrant college town and has a larger student population.
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Which school is better for students interested in the arts?
Both schools offer excellent arts programs, but SUNY Purchase is particularly renowned for its conservatory programs in music, dance, theater, and visual arts. If you're seeking an immersive, highly specialized arts education, Purchase might be a better fit. New Paltz also has strong arts programs, but they are integrated within a broader liberal arts curriculum.
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How do the campuses differ in terms of location and atmosphere?
SUNY Purchase is located in Purchase, NY, a suburban area in Westchester County. The campus has a more secluded and artistic feel. SUNY New Paltz is located in New Paltz, NY, a lively college town in the Hudson Valley. The campus is more integrated with the surrounding community and offers a more traditional college town experience.
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What is the typical class size at each school?
SUNY Purchase generally has smaller class sizes, fostering a more intimate learning environment. You can expect many classes to have fewer than 20 students. SUNY New Paltz has a mix of class sizes, with some larger introductory courses and smaller upper-level classes. The average class size tends to be slightly larger than at Purchase.
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Which school is more affordable?
Tuition and fees at SUNY schools are generally comparable for in-state students. However, the overall cost of attendance can vary depending on factors like housing and personal expenses. It's best to check the official websites of both SUNY Purchase and SUNY New Paltz for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information and to compare financial aid packages.
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What types of academic programs are offered at each school?
SUNY Purchase excels in visual and performing arts, liberal arts, and humanities. Popular programs include music, dance, theater, film, and creative writing. SUNY New Paltz offers a wider range of programs, including business, education, engineering, and sciences, in addition to strong arts and humanities offerings.
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How do the student populations compare?
SUNY Purchase has a smaller student body, creating a close-knit community. SUNY New Paltz has a larger and more diverse student population, offering a broader range of perspectives and experiences.
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What are the housing options like at each school?
Both SUNY Purchase and SUNY New Paltz offer a variety of on-campus housing options, including traditional dormitories, suites, and apartments. Purchase is known for its unique and architecturally interesting dorms. New Paltz also has a range of housing options, with some offering views of the Shawangunk Ridge.
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What kind of extracurricular activities are available?
Both schools offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including clubs, organizations, sports, and volunteer opportunities. SUNY Purchase has a strong focus on arts-related clubs and performance groups. SUNY New Paltz offers a broader range of activities, including academic clubs, sports teams, and student government.
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Which school is better for students interested in a specific career path?
This depends on your career goals. If you're pursuing a career in the arts, SUNY Purchase's conservatory programs may provide a direct path. If you're interested in business, engineering, or education, SUNY New Paltz offers more specialized programs in those fields. Research the specific programs offered at each school and consider which aligns best with your career aspirations.
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How do the graduation rates compare between SUNY Purchase and SUNY New Paltz?
Graduation rates can vary from year to year. It's best to consult the official websites of SUNY Purchase and SUNY New Paltz, as well as resources like the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, for the most up-to-date graduation rate data. Consider factors like student demographics and program offerings when interpreting graduation rate statistics.
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What is the surrounding area like for each college?
SUNY Purchase is located in a suburban area with access to cultural attractions in nearby White Plains and New York City. SUNY New Paltz is located in a vibrant college town with a thriving arts and music scene, as well as access to outdoor recreation in the Shawangunk Mountains.
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