Public SUNY university in the Hudson Valley offering liberal arts, business, education, and engineering programs.
SUNY New Paltz offers undergraduate and graduate programs across five schools: Liberal Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, Fine & Performing Arts, and Science & Engineering. The institution provides over 50 graduate programs in business, education, computer science, engineering, fine arts, music therapy, and liberal arts. Accelerated pathway programs allow qualified undergraduates to begin master's coursework at undergraduate tuition rates during their senior year. The School of Education reports an 85.8% pass rate on the rigorous performance-based edTPA certification exams.
The 257-acre campus in New Paltz features 14 residence halls, two dozen academic buildings, and extensive recreational facilities. Key venues include the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art (opened 2001, one of the largest in the SUNY system with 9,000+ sq ft of exhibition space), three on-campus theaters (McKenna, Parker, and Max and Nadia Shepard Recital Hall), and the Student Union Building (renovated 2010). The Hawks compete in NCAA Division III and SUNYAC, with men's volleyball capturing national championships in 2016 and 2019. Student life includes active Greek organizations, media outlets (The Oracle newspaper, WFNP radio, WNPC TV), and numerous clubs organized by the Student Association.
Undergraduate applicants use the Common Application or SUNY Application with a $50 fee. Early Action deadline is November 15; general fall admission is May 1. Transfer and international students follow the same application platforms with May 1 fall and December 1 spring deadlines. The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) serves New York State residents with demonstrated academic promise and financial need; EOP application fees are waived. Graduate admission requires a bachelor's degree equivalent.
SUNY New Paltz ranks #7 among Best Public Universities in the Northeast (U.S. News & World Report) and is recognized as a Best Value School. The institution is designated Military Friendly and appears in Princeton Review's Top Green Colleges list. It ranks in the top 3% for social mobility (Social Mobility Index), reflecting its commitment to helping students climb the socioeconomic ladder. The college has invested nearly $300 million in campus construction and improvements since 2008.