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Public, 4-year

SUNY College at Potsdam

Potsdam, New York · www.potsdam.edu

中文

Acceptance rate

77.7%

2025

Peer median 85.8%

Out-of-state tuition

$18,678

In-state $8,768

Peer median $18,658

Undergraduates

2,111

Student-faculty ratio 11:1

Peer median 16 : 1

Graduation rate

36.8%

4-year; 6-year rate 49.8%

Peer median 29.5%

“Peers” are all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

SUNY College at Potsdam, located in the picturesque village of Potsdam, New York, is renowned for its commitment to liberal arts education and a strong emphasis on the performing arts. As a part of the State University of New York system, Potsdam has a rich history dating back to 1816, making it one of the oldest institutions in the state. The college is particularly well-known for its Crane School of Music, which is recognized nationally for its exceptional programs in music education and performance. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including modern music studios, performance halls, and ample practice spaces, fostering a vibrant artistic community.

In addition to its distinguished academic programs, SUNY Potsdam promotes a dynamic campus culture that encourages student involvement in various extracurricular activities. The college's motto, "To Seek, To Find, To Know," reflects its dedication to fostering a spirit of inquiry and lifelong learning among its students. The friendly and inclusive environment nurtures collaboration and innovation, making it a welcoming place for students from diverse backgrounds. With a strong focus on student engagement, the college offers numerous clubs and organizations, allowing students to explore their interests and develop leadership skills. Overall, SUNY College at Potsdam stands out as an institution that successfully blends academic rigor with a supportive and creative community.

Analysis of Key Educational Metrics at SUNY College at Potsdam

The educational landscape at SUNY College at Potsdam has experienced significant changes over the past decade, particularly in tuition costs, student enrollment, and graduation rates.

Firstly, tuition fees have steadily increased, with in-state undergraduate tuition rising from approximately $7,174 in 2014 to $8,712 in 2024, reflecting a 21.5% increase over the decade. Similarly, out-of-state undergraduate tuition surged from $16,624 to $18,622. This upward trend in tuition can be concerning as it may deter prospective students, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds, from pursuing higher education. The rising costs are indicative of broader trends in higher education across the United States, where tuition inflation has outpaced general economic growth.

On the enrollment front, the number of undergraduate students has seen a notable decline, dropping from 3,868 in 2013 to just 2,082 in 2023. This sharp decrease of over 46% may signal underlying issues, such as increased competition from other institutions, shifting demographics, or possibly dissatisfaction with the educational offerings. Such a reduction in student body size raises concerns about the institution's financial stability and its ability to maintain diverse academic programs.

Moreover, graduation rates offer a glimpse into the academic success of the institution. The on-time graduation rate fluctuated but ultimately stood at 36.9% in 2023, down from a higher rate of 44.8% in 2022. This decline raises questions about the effectiveness of student support systems and academic advising, which are crucial for helping students navigate their education successfully.

In conclusion, while SUNY College at Potsdam has made strides in some areas, the combination of rising tuition, declining enrollment, and fluctuating graduation rates suggests that the institution faces substantial challenges. Addressing these issues will be essential for attracting and retaining students, ensuring their success, and maintaining the college's reputation in the competitive landscape of higher education.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Remote town
Nearest major city
Syracuse, about 130 mi
Nearest international airport
Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR), about 120 mi
Potsdam, New York
Also known as
SUNY-Potsdam
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Suzanne R Smith (President)
Phone
3152672000
City
Potsdam, New York
Address
44 Pierrepont Ave, Potsdam, NY 13676-2294

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 85.8% · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
75.3%
Women
79.4%

In 2020: men 62.9%, women 70.8%.

Data insights

Analysis of Admission Trends at SUNY College at Potsdam

The admission data for SUNY College at Potsdam over the years reveals several noteworthy trends. Notably, the admission rates for both male and female applicants have shown fluctuations, with male acceptance rates ranging from approximately 58.8% to 78.3% and female rates varying from around 65.0% to 84.4%. This indicates a competitive environment, particularly in recent years, where the college has seen a decline in enrollment numbers coupled with an increase in acceptance rates.
The total number of enrollments has dropped significantly from 812 in 2009 to just 444 in 2023. This could suggest a variety of factors influencing student choices, including the overall reputation of the institution, financial considerations, and shifts in academic program offerings. The notable increase in the number of applicants who were denied admission—rising from 1,416 in 2009 to 549 in 2023—also highlights the intensified competition for a limited number of spots.
Moreover, the ratio of deferred admissions has grown, particularly in recent years, indicating that students are increasingly considering deferral as an option rather than outright rejection. This trend might reflect broader societal changes where students seek more flexibility in their educational paths, possibly influenced by the pandemic's impact on college experiences.
Overall, the data portrays SUNY College at Potsdam as an institution undergoing significant changes in its admission landscape, necessitating adaptive strategies to attract and retain students in a competitive higher education market.

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition

Social Sciences and Humanities1 programs—

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Test Scores

SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no SAT/ACT data for students admitted in 2025.

Data insights

Analysis of SAT and ACT Scores at SUNY College at Potsdam

The data from SUNY College at Potsdam over the years reflects a stable trend in standardized test scores and their submission rates. Notably, the percentage of admitted students submitting SAT scores has remained consistently high, fluctuating between 89% to 94%. This indicates a strong reliance on standardized testing in the admissions process, which may mirror broader national trends where many institutions still consider these scores as significant indicators of student preparedness.

Looking at the score ranges, the SAT reading scores have been consistently reported between 470 and 580 for the 25th to 75th percentile, suggesting that the college maintains a fairly standard benchmark for academic performance. This range indicates that while students are achieving decent scores, there is still room for improvement, particularly in a competitive academic environment.

Moreover, the data suggests stability in the college's admissions standards. The consistent score ranges over the years imply that the college has not drastically changed its evaluation criteria, which can be a reassuring factor for prospective students. However, it also raises questions about how this might impact the diversity of the applicant pool, especially as more institutions explore test-optional policies in response to educational equity movements.

In conclusion, while SUNY College at Potsdam shows a commitment to maintaining certain academic standards through standardized testing, the ongoing discourse around the efficacy and fairness of these tests continues to evolve. As higher education institutions reassess their admissions strategies, it will be interesting to observe how SUNY Potsdam adapts to these changes in the coming years.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 8 in 10

4,530 applicants in 2025, 77.7% admitted

3,520 admitted 1,010 not admitted Yield 10.0%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Bachelor's4663 international (0.6%)
Master's34896 international (27.6%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Music Teacher Education
68
Psychology, General
48
Elementary Education and Teaching
46
Business Administration and Management, General
39
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
22
Sociology, General
20
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
17
History, General
14
Political Science and Government, General
12
Exercise Science and Kinesiology
12

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Elementary Education and Teaching · Master's175 (51% international)
  • Curriculum and Instruction · Master's34 (0% international)
  • Reading Teacher Education · Master's31 (0% international)
  • Special Education and Teaching, General · Master's26 (0% international)
  • Music Teacher Education · Master's21 (0% international)
  • Business Administration and Management, General · Master's12 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at SUNY College at Potsdam

The graduation data from SUNY College at Potsdam reveals significant trends and highlights areas of concern within various academic programs. Notably, the Psychology program stands out with 58 graduates at the bachelor's level, indicating a strong interest and demand for this field among students. This aligns with broader trends observed in higher education, where psychology remains one of the most popular majors, reflecting the growing societal interest in mental health and wellness.

Conversely, several educational programs, including Elementary Education and Music Teacher Education, reported zero graduates at the bachelor's level. This raises questions about the appeal of these programs and potential barriers that may discourage enrollment, such as perceived job market challenges or the rigorous demands of teacher training. The lack of graduates could also suggest a need for curriculum reevaluation or enhanced recruitment strategies to attract students.

At the graduate level, the data shows that programs like Curriculum and Instruction and Music Teacher Education produced master's graduates, but notably, there were no international students in these programs. This could indicate a lack of global appeal or insufficient marketing to international audiences, which could be a missed opportunity for diversification and enrichment of the student body.

Overall, this data highlights both strengths and weaknesses within the institution's academic offerings, suggesting a need for strategic improvements, particularly in educational programs, to align with student interests and market demands.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Educationhas 467 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Curriculum and Instruction.-
Educational/Instructional Technology.-
Special Education and Teaching, General.-
Elementary Education and Teaching.$47,916-$54,912
Art Teacher Education.$48,185-$48,841
English/Language Arts Teacher Education.$48,185-$48,841
Mathematics Teacher Education.$48,185-$48,841
Music Teacher Education.$48,185-$48,841
Reading Teacher Education.$48,185-$48,841
Social Studies Teacher Education.$48,185-$48,841
Biology Teacher Education.$48,185-$48,841
Chemistry Teacher Education.$48,185-$48,841
Physics Teacher Education.$48,185-$48,841
Earth Science Teacher Education.$48,185-$48,841
Visual and Performing artshas 53 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Digital Arts.-
Dance, General.-
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.-
Fine/Studio Arts, General.$29,016
Art History, Criticism and Conservation.$29,016
Music, General.$35,497
Music History, Literature, and Theory.$35,497
Music Performance, General.$35,497
Fine and Studio Arts Management.$41,869
Music Management.$41,869
Businesshas 51 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Business Administration and Management, General.$43,656
Social sciencehas 51 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Anthropology, General.-
Archeology.-
Political Science and Government, General.-
Sociology, General.$46,389
Psychology has 48 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Psychology, General.$32,915
Biologyhas 24 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.$31,224
Biochemistry.-
Homeland security has 17 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.$48,496
English has 15 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
English Language and Literature, General.-
Writing, General.$30,927
Creative Writing.$30,927
History has 14 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
History, General.$32,570
Parks, recreation, leisure has 12 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.-
Natural resources has 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Environmental Studies.-
Environmental Science.-
Physical scienceshas 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Chemistry, General.-
Geology/Earth Science, General.-
Physics, General.-
Health professionshas 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Public Health, General.$37,176
Computer and information sciencehas 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Computer Science.-
Communication has 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Communication, General.$39,162
Mathmatics and statistics has 8 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Mathematics, General.$53,485
Cultural has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
Women's Studies.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
International/Globalization Studies.-
Foreign languages has 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryUnderMaster
French Language and Literature.-
Spanish Language and Literature.-

Students

2,832 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 42:58 · Freshman retention 77.7%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (2,111)

White
1,306 · 61.9%
Unknown
328 · 15.5%
Hispanic
213 · 10.1%
Black
132 · 6.3%
Two or more races
47 · 2.2%
Asian
30 · 1.4%
International
23 · 1.1%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
15.3%
18–19
31.7%
20–21
32.1%
22–24
12.9%
25 and over
8.1%

Graduate students

Under 22
3.7%
22–24
35.9%
25–29
20.7%
30–34
11.5%
35 and over
28.2%

Data insights

Student Demographics at SUNY College at Potsdam in 2023

In 2023, SUNY College at Potsdam showcases a diverse student body with a notable gender distribution across various categories of students. The undergraduate freshmen cohort, consisting of 444 students, has a gender ratio of approximately 39.6% male and 60.4% female, indicating a predominance of female students. Similarly, the undergraduate juniors, with a total of 1,475 students, also reflect a higher percentage of female students at 61.5%, compared to 38.5% male students.

Undergraduate transfer students exhibit a slightly more balanced gender distribution, with 42.8% males and 57.2% females among the 159 students. The graduate student segment, comprising 345 individuals, presents the most significant gender imbalance, with only 23.2% of students identifying as male and a substantial 76.8% as female. This trend of higher female enrollment in higher education is consistent with national patterns, where women have been outpacing men in college attendance and graduation rates in recent years.

In terms of racial and ethnic diversity, the data reveals that the majority of these student populations are white, followed by smaller proportions of other groups. While the numbers for some categories are not fully detailed, it remains crucial for institutions to enhance diversity and inclusion efforts to better reflect the demographics of the broader society. This is particularly relevant in today's educational landscape, where increasing representation and understanding among different racial and ethnic backgrounds is essential for fostering an inclusive academic environment. Overall, SUNY College at Potsdam's student demographics highlight significant trends in gender representation and a need for continued focus on diversity.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at SUNY College at Potsdam

The student age composition at SUNY College at Potsdam reveals some interesting trends about the demographics of the student body. The data shows a significant concentration of younger students, particularly in the 18-21 age range, which is typical for many colleges and universities. For instance, students aged 18-19 account for approximately 36% of the total female student population, while those aged 20-21 contribute around 35% to the total female enrollment, indicating a strong presence of traditionally-aged college students.

Interestingly, the representation of graduate students is relatively low compared to undergraduates, especially evident in the younger age brackets. The numbers reflect that while there are some graduate students, the majority of the student body comprises undergraduates. The percentage of graduate students, particularly males, is minimal in the 20-24 age range, suggesting that most students are pursuing undergraduate degrees.

Moreover, the age groups of 25 and above show a notable decrease in student numbers, which can be indicative of trends in adult education or non-traditional students returning to school. The data suggests that the college attracts a younger demographic, which aligns with broader trends observed in higher education.

Overall, the age distribution at SUNY College at Potsdam mirrors the national trend of an increasing number of traditional-aged students in colleges while highlighting the challenges of attracting and retaining older, non-traditional students who may have different educational needs and motivations. This demographic insight can inform future academic and support strategies to foster a more inclusive environment for all age groups.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Undergraduates1.1%

23 in 2025 · 0.6% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.6%2017: 0.7%2018: 0.5%2019: 0.2%2020: 0.4%2021: 0.3%2022: 0.3%2023: 0.9%2024: 0.9%2025: 1.1%
2016Peer median 1.7%2025
Graduate students30.0%

216 in 2025 · 7.6% in 2016

0% 17.5% 35% 2016: 7.6%2017: 5.0%2018: 3.8%2019: 5.4%2020: 4.7%2021: 4.5%2022: 5.5%2023: 9.0%2024: 4.4%2025: 30.0%
2016Peer median 3.1%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at SUNY College at Potsdam

The data reveals significant fluctuations in the enrollment of international students at SUNY College at Potsdam over nearly two decades. Back in 2004, the undergraduate international student population constituted approximately 3.44% of the total undergraduates, which was a modest figure. However, this percentage saw a peak in the late 2000s, with the highest being 4.16% in 2009, suggesting a growing appeal for the institution among international students at that time.

Conversely, from around 2011 onwards, there has been a notable decline in both the total number of undergraduates and the percentage of international students. By 2023, international undergraduates made up only 0.86% of the student body, a stark contrast to previous years. This downward trend may reflect broader challenges faced by U.S. educational institutions in attracting international talent, including changing immigration policies, increased competition from universities in other countries, and the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on global mobility.

The graduate program also showcases a similar trend, where the percentage of international students peaked at 40.63% in 2007, followed by a drastic decrease to just 8.99% by 2023. This decline raises concerns about the university's ability to maintain a diverse academic environment, which is often enriched by international perspectives.

In conclusion, while SUNY College at Potsdam had periods of robust international student enrollment, recent statistics indicate a pressing need for the institution to re-evaluate its strategies to attract and retain global talent in both undergraduate and graduate programs. Addressing these challenges will be crucial for fostering a vibrant and diverse academic community.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$33,958

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$18,678
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$8,768
Room and board
$15,280
Graduate tuition
$24,598
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $31,000 · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Tuition rose 5% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 29%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$111M

Government grants and contracts
$84.3M76.1%
Tuition and fees
$13.6M12.3%
Auxiliary enterprises
$8.4M7.6%
Gifts and private grants
$3.7M3.3%
Other
$751K0.7%

Expenses$106M

Instruction
$45.9M43.3%
Institutional support
$15.8M14.9%
Auxiliary enterprises
$14.5M13.7%
Student services
$11.3M10.6%
Academic support
$10.5M10.0%
Scholarships
$3.8M3.6%
Public service
$2.6M2.5%
Research
$787K0.7%
Other
$832K0.8%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

All faculty
$66,443peers $80,690
Professor
$83,959peers $98,841
Associate professor
$68,300peers $84,060
Assistant professor
$53,556peers $74,446
Instructor
$44,269peers $58,934
Lecturer
$48,050peers $60,351

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · State University of New York Athletic Conference

State University of New York Athletic Conference: basketball, cross country

2025
NCAA Division III without footballMENWOMEN
Lacrosse4123
Soccer3025
Ice Hockey2822
Track and Field (Outdoor)2717
Track and Field (Indoor)2116
Basketball1615
Volleyball1614
Softball-20
Swimming109
Cross Country76
2024
NCAA Division III without footballMENWOMEN
Soccer2629
Lacrosse3717
Ice Hockey2524
Track and Field (Indoor)2811
Track and Field (Outdoor)2811
Volleyball1616
Basketball1512
Swimming and Diving (combined)1110
Softball-20
Cross Country74
2023
NCAA Division III without footballMENWOMEN
Soccer2932
Lacrosse3619
Ice Hockey3023
Track and Field (Indoor)2510
Track and Field (Outdoor)2510
Volleyball1315
Basketball1413
Swimming107
Softball-16
Cross Country75
Diving-3

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near SUNY College at Potsdam:

  1. Middlebury College - Ranked 11th in the 2024 US News rankings, Middlebury College is a prestigious liberal arts college known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate education and its commitment to environmental sustainability.

  2. Hamilton College - With a ranking of 16, Hamilton College is another highly regarded liberal arts institution. It offers a unique open curriculum that allows students to design their own academic pathways.

  3. Colgate University - Ranked 21st, Colgate University is a private liberal arts college renowned for its rigorous academics and vibrant campus life.

  4. Union College - With a ranking of 45, Union College combines a liberal arts education with engineering, offering a diverse range of programs and a strong focus on research.

  5. Dartmouth College - Although a bit further away, Dartmouth College is an Ivy League institution ranked 18th. It is known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate education and vibrant campus community.

  6. Williams College - As the top-ranked liberal arts college in the nation, Williams College (ranked 1st) is famous for its exceptional faculty and strong undergraduate research opportunities.

These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and are recognized for their academic excellence.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 4.7 · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Liquor referrals
32
Dating violence
13
Liquor arrests
12
Rape
9
Drug referrals
6
Fondling
3

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Trends in Campus Crime Rates at SUNY Potsdam

The data from SUNY College at Potsdam reveals a notable decline in the average crime rates per 1,000 students from 2013 to 2021. In 2013, the crime rate was as high as 26.04, which significantly decreased to 6.16 by 2021. This decline can be attributed to various factors, such as improved campus safety measures, increased awareness of crime prevention, and possibly a decrease in on-campus activities due to the pandemic.

Interestingly, the types of crimes reported also show some variation over the years. For instance, there were instances of gun-related arrests and incidents of drug-related offenses, but these appear to have diminished over time. The absence of major violent crimes like murder or robbery indicates a relatively safe environment for students.

However, it is essential to remain vigilant, as crime can still occur, and the recent uptick in 2022 and 2023 raises concerns that should not be overlooked. The increase in incidents during these years could be linked to a return to normalcy post-pandemic, with more students on campus and engaged in social activities.

Overall, while the trend indicates progress in reducing crime rates, the university community must continue to prioritize safety and awareness to ensure a secure environment for all students. For detailed crime rate calculations, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of SUNY College at Potsdam include T. C. Boyle (Novelist and short story writer), Chris Lee (Canadian hockey defenceman, two-time Gagarin Cup winner) and Joy Tanner (Canadian actress in Life with Derek).

More alumni (11, by field)

Politics and law

Science and academia

  • Ludvik Toplak 1942–

    Slovenian law professor and university rector

  • Guoping Feng 1960–

    Neuroscientist and MIT professor

    Also attended: University at Buffalo

Arts and media

  • Brian Jagde 1979–

    Operatic tenor

  • Daniel Decker

    Puerto Rican composer and singer

  • Michael J. Colburn 1964–

    27th Director of the US Marine Band

  • Lisa Casalino 1972–

    Jazz singer and songwriter

  • Elizabeth Macklin 1952–

    American poet

  • John O'Reilly 1940–

    Composer and music author

    Also attended: Columbia University in the City of New York

From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.