Private university in rural New York with top-ranked ceramics, engineering, and art programs since 1836.
Alfred offers 47 majors across five colleges and schools: the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, College of Professional Studies (including School of Business), Inamori School of Engineering, Graduate School, and the New York State College of Ceramics. The College of Ceramics uniquely combines state-supported engineering and art/design programs with the School of Art and Design. Students benefit from hands-on learning, a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and average class sizes of 18. The university emphasizes experiential learning through APEX-funded opportunities, study abroad, and internships.
The 232-acre rural campus in the Allegheny foothills features specialized facilities including the Stull Observatory (with one of New York's largest optical telescopes), Bromley-Daggett Equestrian Center (400 acres), Miller Performing Arts Center, and the Alfred Ceramic Art Museum (8,000 objects). Over 80 student organizations, 19 NCAA Division III sports teams, and guaranteed on-campus housing for all four years create a vibrant residential community. The annual Hot Dog Day festival, established in 1972, draws thousands to celebrate community and charity.
In 2019, Alfred had a 66% acceptance rate with middle 50% SAT scores of 940–1180 and ACT scores of 20–27. The university offers rolling admissions and welcomes transfer and international students. Nearly 100% of domestic students receive funding through university scholarships and grants; 97% of the entering first-year class receives some form of financial assistance from university, federal, state, and private sources.
Alfred consistently reports 98% of graduates employed or enrolled in graduate school within one year. Alumni work at major companies including Apple, Crayola, General Electric, Johnson & Johnson, Lockheed Martin, and Prada. The university is ranked #1 for MFA in Ceramic Art and #12 for Best Value Schools by US News & World Report (2025). The institution maintains research partnerships with China University of Geosciences and is a space-grant university.