SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
The Vibe Check
SUNY ESF feels like a tight-knit community of passionate nature lovers and problem solvers, set on a serene campus that blends seamlessly with the neighboring Syracuse University. It's an intimate, hands-on environment where your professors know your name and the forest is your extended classroom. The vibe is collaborative and mission-driven, focused on sustainability and real-world impact.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Optional
This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Syracuse
Students enjoy a vibrant college-town atmosphere with access to Syracuse's nightlife, diverse restaurants, and cultural venues like the Landmark Theatre. Outdoor enthusiasts love the proximity to Onondaga Lake Park for biking and kayaking, and the Adirondacks are a popular weekend trip. On campus, student clubs often organize hikes, sustainability projects, and social events.
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Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($55,763):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
SUNY ESF has a very safe campus environment with its own dedicated police force and is located in a quiet, residential neighborhood near Syracuse University. The surrounding area is generally safe for students, though standard urban precautions are advised when exploring the city of Syracuse.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Unbeatable access to hands-on research and outdoor classrooms in the Adirondacks and surrounding forests.
- ✓ Highly specialized, top-ranked programs in environmental science, forestry, and sustainability.
- ✓ Tight-knit, collaborative community with small class sizes and direct faculty mentorship.
- ✓ Strong career outcomes and networking opportunities in the growing green economy.
Cons
- ✗ Limited program diversity; not the best fit if you're undecided or want a traditional liberal arts major.
- ✗ Campus social life can feel quiet compared to larger universities, requiring effort to engage with the broader Syracuse campus.
- ✗ Harsh, snowy winters in Central New York can be challenging for some students.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
SUNY ESF is nationally renowned as one of the top colleges globally for environmental science, forestry, and sustainability. It offers highly specialized programs in fields like natural resources management, environmental engineering, biotechnology, and landscape architecture. The college is deeply committed to hands-on learning, with access to the 25,000-acre Adirondack Ecological Center and other field stations.
SUNY ESF has an acceptance rate of 82.94%, making it generally accessible for applicants with a solid academic record. While not highly selective, successful applicants typically have a strong GPA, particularly in science and math courses, and show a clear passion for the environment in their essays and activities. A high school transcript that includes biology, chemistry, and advanced math is advantageous for most programs.
Campus life at ESF is intimate and community-oriented, with a small student body of around 1,725, which fosters close relationships with peers and faculty. Students are highly engaged in sustainability clubs, outdoor recreation groups, and research projects. The campus is also adjacent to Syracuse University, allowing ESF students to participate in a broader range of clubs, sports, and social events.
For students pursuing a career in environmental fields, SUNY ESF is an outstanding financial investment, especially for New York residents. The combination of low in-state tuition, a high graduation rate, and strong 10-year median earnings of $55,763 indicates a positive return on investment. The specialized degree programs provide direct pipelines to stable, growing careers in the green economy.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Public
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 2,383
- In-State Tuition $9,206
- Out-of-State $21,036
- Zip Code 13210
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With an average net price of $18,730 and in-state tuition under $10,000, ESF offers an exceptional return on investment for New York residents. The 10-year median earnings of $55,763, combined with a strong 85% retention rate, indicate that graduates are well-prepared for solid careers. For out-of-state students, the value is still strong but requires more financial consideration.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.