SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
U.S. News Global 2027
#1410
Up 31 from 2026
ARWU World 2026
#701
Same as 2025
Out-of-state tuition
$19,662
In-state $7,822
Peer median $19,257
Undergraduates
293
Student-faculty ratio 9:1
Peer median 7 : 1
“Peers” are all 38 medical schools and centers in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, located in Brooklyn, New York, is a prestigious institution known for its commitment to healthcare education and research. Established in 1860, it stands as one of the oldest medical schools in the United States. The university is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and focuses on health sciences, offering a range of programs including medicine, nursing, public health, and allied health professions. Its mission is to improve health and healthcare delivery through education, research, and community engagement, embodying the university's core values of excellence, compassion, and integrity.
The campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including modern laboratories and simulation centers that enhance the learning experience for students. The university is also situated in a vibrant urban environment, providing students with numerous opportunities for hands-on clinical training at nearby hospitals and healthcare facilities. Notably, SUNY Downstate is renowned for its diverse student body and inclusive culture, fostering a supportive community where students from various backgrounds come together to learn and grow. The university's commitment to research and innovation is reflected in its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, preparing graduates to become leaders in the ever-evolving field of healthcare.
Analysis of Key Educational Metrics at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
The data reveals significant trends in tuition costs and student demographics at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University over the past decade. Notably, the tuition for in-state undergraduate students has steadily increased from $6,415 in 2014 to $7,733 in 2023, marking an increase of approximately 20.5%. Similarly, out-of-state undergraduate tuition has risen from $15,865 to $18,493, a rise of 16.4%. These escalating costs reflect broader trends in higher education, where tuition hikes are becoming increasingly common, placing a heavier financial burden on students and their families.
In terms of enrollment, the university experienced a notable decline in undergraduate students, dropping from 358 in 2014 to just 282 in 2023. This 21.2% decrease can be indicative of shifting educational preferences or increased competition among institutions. Conversely, graduate student enrollment has remained relatively stable, with a slight increase to 1,903 in 2023 from 1,507 in 2014. This could suggest a growing interest in advanced degrees, particularly in health sciences, which are increasingly valued in the job market.
Furthermore, the gender ratio among undergraduates has shown a consistent trend towards female dominance, with women comprising approximately 80% of the undergraduate population in recent years. This trend is mirrored in graduate studies, where female students constitute around 67%. Such demographics may influence the university's policies and support systems, potentially leading to initiatives aimed at further supporting women in health sciences.
Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio has remained stable at around 9 to 10 students per faculty member, which is generally favorable and suggests that students might receive adequate attention and support in their academic endeavors. Overall, the data paints a complex picture of SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, highlighting both challenges and strengths in its educational offerings.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Large city
- Nearest major city
- In New York
- Nearest international airport
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), about 9 mi
- Also known as
- SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Wayne J. Riley (President)
- Phone
- 7182702187
- Address
- 450 Clarkson Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11203-2098
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
Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition
Health Specialty3 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
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Medicine · Doctoral177 (0% international)
- Public Health, General · Master's124 (7% international)
- Family Practice Nurse/Nursing · Doctoral41 (0% international)
- Women's Health Nurse/Nursing · Master's39 (0% international)
- Occupational Therapy/Therapist · Master's33 (0% international)
- Physician Assistant · Master's31 (0% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduate Degrees at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
The graduation data from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University reveals significant trends in the fields of medicine and health sciences for the year 2023. Notably, the Doctorate in Medicine stands out with 190 graduates, indicating a strong emphasis on advanced medical training. This also aligns with the growing demand for highly skilled professionals in healthcare, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has placed immense pressure on healthcare systems globally.
Interestingly, the Physician Assistant program produced 42 Master's degree graduates, showcasing the increasing recognition and importance of this role in healthcare delivery. Additionally, there is a small but notable number of international students graduating from various programs, including 1 in Nursing Midwifery and 3 in Molecular Biology, highlighting the institution's appeal to a global student body.
The absence of bachelor's degrees awarded across the board in these health-related fields may suggest that SUNY Downstate primarily focuses on graduate education, potentially attracting students who already possess undergraduate degrees and are seeking advanced training. This trend mirrors the broader educational landscape, where there is a shift towards specialization and advanced qualifications in the healthcare workforce.
Overall, the data reflects the institution's commitment to producing highly educated professionals in medicine and health sciences, meeting both local and global healthcare demands. As the healthcare landscape evolves, SUNY Downstate appears well-positioned to adapt and respond to emerging challenges in medical education and practice.
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
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | - | |||
| Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist. | $89,909-$132,368 | |||
| Physician Assistant. | $89,909-$132,368 | |||
| Medicine. | $76,098 | |||
| Public Health, General. | $67,967 | |||
| Health Services Administration. | $67,967 | |||
| Occupational Therapy/Therapist. | $82,248-$88,476 | |||
| Physical Therapy/Therapist. | $82,248-$88,476 | |||
| Medical Informatics. | $105,364 | |||
| Nursing Education. | - | |||
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $117,590-$131,478 | |||
| Family Practice Nurse/Nursing. | $117,590-$131,478 | |||
| Nurse Midwife/Nursing Midwifery. | $117,590-$131,478 | |||
| Women's Health Nurse/Nursing. | $117,590-$131,478 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Molecular Biology. | - | |||
| Physiology, General. | - | |||
| Neuroscience. | - |
Students
2,220 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 22:78
- Continuing undergraduates 129
- Graduate students 1,927
- Transfers and others 164
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (293)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Graduate students
Data insights
Student Demographics at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University in 2023
The data from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University reveals intriguing insights into the composition of its student body for the year 2023. Among undergraduate students, the distribution highlights a significant gender disparity, particularly within the undergraduate category. The proportion of female students is notably high, with undergraduate seniors comprising 81% females and undergraduate transfer students at 79.5%. This trend indicates a robust representation of women in the undergraduate segment, suggesting that the university may be an attractive environment for female students pursuing higher education in health sciences.
In contrast, the graduate student population, which encompasses a larger total number of students, shows a more balanced gender ratio with 33.1% males and 66.9% females. The dominance of female students in graduate programs aligns with broader trends observed in many health-related fields where women are increasingly taking on leadership roles and advancing their careers.
The racial and ethnic breakdown of students further illustrates the diversity within the student body. While specific details on the racial composition of undergraduate students were not disclosed, it is noteworthy that the graduate program includes a significant number of students from various backgrounds, including a substantial proportion of white students. This diversity is essential in fostering an inclusive academic environment that reflects the demographics of the communities served by healthcare professionals.
Overall, the data presents a positive outlook on gender representation and diversity at SUNY Downstate, emphasizing the importance of continued efforts in promoting inclusivity and supporting underrepresented groups in health sciences education.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
The age distribution of students at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University reveals interesting trends in demographics, particularly in the context of higher education. The data shows a significant concentration of students aged 22-24, with a total of 412 students in this age bracket, comprising both undergraduate and graduate levels. This trend is consistent with national patterns where younger adults are increasingly pursuing higher education immediately following high school.
The 25-29 age group also represents a substantial portion of the student body, with 520 students. This may indicate a growing trend of individuals returning to school for further education or career advancement, reflecting a shift in societal norms where continuous education is valued.
Interestingly, as age increases, the number of students tends to decline sharply. For instance, the number of students aged 30-34 drops to 323, and those aged 35-39 further reduces to 160. This decline is typical in academic institutions, where younger students are more prevalent, but it also raises questions about accessibility and support for older students who wish to pursue higher education.
Gender distribution across age groups also presents notable insights. Among younger students, there are more females than males, especially in the 20-21 age range and the 22-24 group. This trend could reflect broader societal changes where women are increasingly pursuing higher education.
Overall, the data from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University highlights the importance of understanding student demographics to better cater to their educational needs and provide appropriate resources, especially for non-traditional students who may face unique challenges in their academic journey.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 38 medical schools and centers in the U.S.
2 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
33 in 2025 · 1.3% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
The data on international students at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University reveals a notable decline in both undergraduate and graduate enrollment over the years. Starting from 2004, the proportion of international undergraduate students was relatively low, with only 0.57% of the total undergraduate population. This figure showed slight fluctuations but remained under 3% until 2023, when it reached 1.06%. Such low enrollment numbers may indicate barriers that international students face, such as financial concerns or visa complications, which have been exacerbated by global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
For graduate students, the situation appears even more concerning. The percentage of international students decreased significantly from 12.22% in 2004 to just 1.63% in 2023. This sharp decline might reflect broader trends in U.S. higher education, where international student enrollment has been affected by changing immigration policies and increasing competition from institutions in other countries.
The overall trend suggests that SUNY Downstate is becoming less attractive to international students, which could have long-term implications for the university's diversity and global engagement. As institutions strive to enhance their international footprint, it will be essential for SUNY Downstate to address these challenges and develop strategies to attract more international talent. This could include improving support services for international students or enhancing outreach efforts to potential applicants abroad.
Cost
2025 tuition (out-of-state)
$19,662
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $19,662
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $7,822
- Graduate tuition
- $25,172
Tuition rose 16% from 2016 to 2025.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$899M
Expenses$806M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 38 medical schools and centers in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
New York UniversityNew York · 5.9 mi
U.S. News #31
-
Stevens Institute of TechnologyHoboken · 7.5 mi
U.S. News #59
-
Columbia University in the City of New YorkNew York · 10.7 mi
U.S. News #12
-
Barnard CollegeNew York · 10.8 mi
Liberal Arts #19
-
Rutgers University-NewarkNewark · 13.4 mi
U.S. News #73
-
Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick · 28.4 mi
U.S. News #44
-
Princeton UniversityPrinceton · 43.0 mi
U.S. News #2
-
Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook · 46.8 mi
U.S. News #59
-
The United States Military Academy at West PointWest Point · 50.8 mi
Liberal Arts #9
Data insights
Here are some notable institutions near SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University:
-
Columbia University in the City of New York - Ranked 12th in the 2024 US News rankings, Columbia University is an Ivy League research university located in Manhattan. It is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and distinguished faculty.
-
New York University - With a rank of 35, NYU is one of the largest private universities in the United States. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its diverse student body and vibrant campus life.
-
Princeton University - Ranked 1st, Princeton is another Ivy League institution that is widely regarded for its commitment to undergraduate education and its strong emphasis on research across various disciplines.
-
Barnard College - This women's liberal arts college is ranked 11th and is affiliated with Columbia University. Barnard is celebrated for its empowering educational environment and strong emphasis on liberal arts education.
-
Stevens Institute of Technology - Ranked 76th, Stevens focuses on engineering, science, and technology, offering a blend of technical education with a strong foundation in business and management.
These institutions contribute significantly to the academic landscape of the region, each with its unique strengths and focus areas.
Peer median 1.3 · all 38 medical schools and centers in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
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 Downstate
The crime statistics from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University reveal an interesting trend over the past decade. In 2013, the average crime rate was 11.12 incidents per 1000 students, which marked one of the highest points during this period. However, this figure has shown a gradual decline, reaching a low of 3.78 per 1000 students in 2021. This significant decrease could be indicative of effective measures taken by the university to enhance campus safety and reduce crime.
Particularly noteworthy is the consistent drop in incidents of gun-related arrests and drug offenses, with a marked reduction in the latter years. For instance, in 2013, gun-related arrests were notably high, but subsequent years have shown no recorded incidents on campus. This could reflect broader trends in societal attitudes towards gun control and drug use, as well as the potential success of preventive programs at the institution.
Despite a slight uptick in overall crime rates in 2022, it is essential to consider these figures in the context of national trends in campus safety, which often fluctuate due to a variety of factors, including social unrest and changing legislation. As universities continue to adapt to these challenges, monitoring these statistics will be crucial for ensuring student safety and well-being.
For a detailed understanding of how crime rates are calculated, one can refer to the following link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.
Notable Alumni
All 24Notable alumni of SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University include Gary Wright (Musician known for Dream Weaver), Alexander Skene (Gynecologist who first described Skene's glands) and Alexander S. Wiener (Hematologist who helped discover the Rh factor).
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Gary Wright 1943–2023
Musician known for Dream Weaver
-
Alexander Skene 1837–1900
Gynecologist who first described Skene's glands
-
Alexander S. Wiener 1907–1976
Hematologist who helped discover the Rh factor
-
Allen Frances 1942–
Psychiatrist and professor emeritus at Duke University
-
Richard Gardner 1931–2003
Child psychiatrist who introduced parental alienation syndrome
-
Stanley Plotkin 1932–
Vaccine developer who helped create rubella vaccine
-
John Fremont Hill 1855–1912
45th Governor of Maine
-
William Alanson White 1870–1937
Neurologist and psychiatrist
-
Susan Love 1948–2023
Surgeon and breast cancer research advocate
See all 24 notable alumni of SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University →
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.