Empire State University
About Empire State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Empire State University is a public university in the SUNY system, based in Saratoga Springs, New York. It specializes in flexible, individualized degree programs for adult learners through online and blended formats.
Founded
1971
Location
Saratoga Springs, New York
Students
9,659
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
Open
Admits all qualified applicants
Graduation Rate
41.2%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$7,648
Out-of-state: $17,558
Avg Net Price
$11,676
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not required
No test scores requested
Median Earnings
$54,080
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Every applicant who meets the basic requirements is admitted, so there is no acceptance rate
How to Apply
Test Policy
No test needed
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Aug 7
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
41.2% complete their degree within six years
Retention
65.7%
4-Year Grad
14%
6-Year Grad
18%
Teaching Quality
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
22.5%
$/Student
$9.2K
Class Size
Medium
The 14% graduation rate is below average, but 65.7% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$7,648
In-State
$17,558
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
No on-campus housing
Books & Supplies
$1,776
Total Cost of Attendance
$19,699
After Financial Aid
$11,676
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$8,989
Receive Grants
36.8%
Take Loans
33.9%
Tuition is $7,648/yr, and after aid the average student pays about $11,676.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Empire State University fund their education.
While in School
36.8%
Get Grants
Free money
33.9%
Take Loans
Must repay
$26,758
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$18,730
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$199/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 33.9% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $18,730. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Empire State University.
Gender
68.1%
Female
32%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
7,585
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
2,074
Graduates
45.1%
First-Gen
33 yrs
Avg Age
73.5%
Age 25+
With an average entry age of 33, the campus has more working adults and non-traditional students than most schools. You'll find classmates with real-world experience. 45.1% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Suburb: Small
Campus Quick Facts
7,585
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Trimester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
No
Career Counseling
Yes
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Empire State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$54,080
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business/Commerce, General
$57K
347 grads
1yr Earnings
Community Organization and Advocacy
$46K
313 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$39K
164 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
—
95 grads
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$95K
92 grads
1yr Earnings
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
—
89 grads
Graduates earn about $50K six years out, growing to $54K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Empire State University
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Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.