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SUNY College at Potsdam is a small, public, higher learning institution founded in 1816. It was one of the first 50 colleges in the US, and it is located in Potsdam, New York, which is in upstate New York at the foothills of the Adirondack mountains. Potsdam is just South of the Canadian border, not far from Ottawa and Montreal. The small-town lifestyle allows for a tranquil and nature-filled environment to help students get away from the rigorous academic setting when they have a chance. The roughly 3,500 students, of whom 92% are undergraduates, benefit from a mindful educational experience.
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Overview of SUNY College at Potsdam
The college has been described as eclectic, sophisticated, and creative, with a foundation in personal growth and intellectual freedom. Each individual will grow academically, personally, and professionally throughout the education, arts, sciences, and other degree programs. Students will also benefit from an inclusive community that focuses on skill development including innovation, collaboration, creativity, sustainability, and leadership. The fact that students are part of a community provides students with a greater sense of human experience, responsibility, and accountability that often leads to long-term success.
In addition to academic programs, students have access to over 120 student clubs and organizations. Faculty provide support in both the personal and academic lives of students. At SUNY Potsdam, students will also be able to pursue freedom of expression, belief, and thought in a respectful and considerate environment. Ethics, health, and wellness are also at the cornerstone of each program.
General Information
School Type | Public |
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Campus Setting | Town: Remote |
Campus Housing | Yes |
Student Faculty Ratio | 11 to 1 |
Graduation Rate | 61% |
Year Founded | 1816 |
Student Enrollment
Total Students3,339
3,063
276
Undergraduate Student
Male 1,164
Female 1,899
Graduate Student
Male 105
Female 171
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Admissions
APPLICATIONS5,079
ACCEPTANCE3,454
Acceptance Rate68%
Enrollment 622
Admissions | |
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Application Fee | $50 |
High School GPA | Required |
High School Rank | Recommended |
High School Transcripts | Required |
College Prep Courses | Recommended |
Recommendations | Required |
Formal demonstration of competencies | Recommended |
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) | Required |
Application Deadline | Rolling |
Common Application Accepted | Yes |
Tuition Cost & Financial Aid
The cost of SUNY Potsdam is different for in-state and out-of-state students at prices of $8,711 and $18,621, respectively. Despite the fact that out-of-state students pay over twice as much, all students pay the same for additional education-related expenses of almost $14,000 for room and board, $1,000 for supplies and books, and almost $2,000 for other costs. These costs do not include transportation expenses, trips to Canada, nights out with friends, and other lifestyle and entertainment options.
Almost 98% of students at SUNY Potsdam take advantage of financial aid in some form. Many students secure student loans and apply for grants and scholarships. The college offers a wide array of scholarship opportunities for students including freshmen, transfer students, students of alumni, continuing education students, and graduate students. Donor-funded scholarship awards are available in a range of $500 to $2,000 each year along with NCAA Division III athletic scholarships.
Average net price | 2018-2019 |
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Net Price | $13,454 |
Average Total Aid | $10,038 |
Students Receiving Financial Aid | 98% |
Room & Board | $13,900 |
Sticker Price
- Tuition In-State - $8,711
- Tuition Out-of-State - $18,621
- Books and Supplies - $900
- Room & Board - $13,900
- Other - $1,746
Academics
The educational opportunities at SUNY Potsdam are quite expansive and varied. Despite the small size of the college, they have around 130 programs based in tradition and the careers of tomorrow. Students have access to roughly 16 undergraduate programs with 54 majors and 60 minors. In fact, many students choose to double major in areas that appeal to career success and personal interests, such as dance and math or science and music.
Students can select from undergraduate degrees, master’s degrees, and graduate certificates. Three primary schools are available including music, education and professional studies, and arts and sciences. The aim of these programs is to allow students to pursue their personal interests and develop their passions into a successful and rewarding career. As a way to cater to each individual, specialized programs are also available including early college programs, strategic partnerships, Watertown programs, and special sessions. It is also possible to study online, take hybrid courses, or study abroad.
The 73% retention rate at SUNY Potsdam is quite reasonable. And the graduation rates are higher than the national average at 45% for four years and 61% for six years. Part of the reason for the higher graduation rates may be directly connected to the lower student-to-faculty ratio of 11 to 1. It may also be due to the fact SUNY Potsdam has a number of academic support resources available for each and every student.
Retention
Rate
4 year
Graduation
Rate
6 year
Graduation
Rate
Student Population Total
Student Population 3,339
3,063
276
Most Popular Programs & Majors
(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)
Visual and Performing Arts | 104 Total Graduates / 17% |
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Music Performance, General | 25 Graduates |
Fine/Studio Arts, General | 21 Graduates |
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General | 15 Graduates |
Digital Arts | 14 Graduates |
All Education Majors | 92 Total Graduates / 15% |
Music Teacher Education | 58 Graduates |
Elementary Education and Teaching | 34 Graduates |
All Business Majors | 75 Total Graduates / 12% |
Business Administration and Management, General | 70 Graduates |
Business/Managerial Economics | 5 Graduates |
All Social Sciences Majors | 56 Total Graduates / 9% |
Sociology | 22 Graduates |
Archeology | 16 Graduates |
Anthropology | NA |
Political Science and Government, General | 6 Graduates |
All Psychology Majors | 51 Total Graduates / 8% |
Psychology, General | 51 Graduates |
All Other Diplomas | 39% |
Outcome & Salary
To prepare students for various career pathways, the college offers specialized career services to all students. A career day is available for younger students to start to learn about possible careers, potential employers, and various industries. Older students can network with potential employers and learn of career opportunities at such events. It’s also possible for students to participate in professional development options and select peer advisors to assist with decision making.
In addition to career services, students can take advantage of various personal and professional development opportunities including study abroad programs, travel, research, and creative projects. Students can also reach out to alumni, volunteer, work on campus, and secure internships as ways to improve the chances of employment upon graduation.
Graduates Salary | |
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College Grads Early Career Salary | $44,900 |
College Grads Average Salary | $62,384 |
College Grads Mid Career Salary | $87,600 |
Return on Investment (ROI) | |
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10 Year Salary Earnings Potential | $623,840 |
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential | $1,499,840 |
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year | $53,816 |
10 Year Projected ROI | $570,024 |
20 Year Projected ROI | $1,446,024 |
No College Education Salary Comparison | |
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National Average Salary | $38,792 |
10 Year Projected Income | $387,920 |
20 Year Projected Income | $775,840 |
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