Overview
Founded in 1971 as part of the State University of New York system, Empire State University was created to serve adult, working, and nontraditional students through individualized, mentor-guided study. It quickly became a national model for competency-based and prior-learning-assessment education, allowing students to design personalized degree plans with faculty mentors rather than following a fixed curriculum. The university has long been recognized for its flexibility, accessibility, and commitment to lifelong learning rather than traditional campus-based prestige.
At a Glance
| Type | Public |
| Location | Saratoga Springs, New York |
| Founded | 1971 |
| Total students | 17,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 15:1 |
| Acceptance rate | Open Admission |
| Graduation rate | 45% |
| Average starting salary | $52,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $7,700 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $18,270 |
| Room & board | $0 |
| Average financial aid | $8,200 |
| Students receiving aid | 70% |
Admissions
| SAT range | N/A |
| ACT range | N/A |
| Average GPA | N/A |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Business Management
- Nursing
- Human Services
- Educational Studies
- Labor Studies
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.