Admit rate has ranged 54%–83% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
SUNY Oswego is a public university that trades the frenzy of a big city for the serene, windswept shores of Lake Ontario. It’s a place where students find a practical, hands-on education—particularly in business, communications, education, and the arts—within a tight-knit, residential campus community. The vibe is friendly and active, defined by its stunning lakeside location, a sprawling slate of student organizations, and a straightforward admissions process that opens the door for a wide range of students.
Admission requirements
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
Letters of recommendation
College-prep program
TOEFL (non-native English)
Considered (not required)
Class rank
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
5,473
In-state tuition
$8,825
Out-of-state tuition
$18,735
Graduation Rate
60%
On-Campus Housing
57%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$57,566
First-Year Retention Rate
77.4%
Students Receiving Financial Aid
78-80%
Post-Graduation Placement Rate (Class of 2024)
98%
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$57,566
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
3.5×
Median debt at graduation
$20,880
Graduation rate
60%
First-year retention
70%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
68%
Pell (lower-income) share
40%
First-gen share (among federal-aid recipients)
28%
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Computer and Information Sciences, General$67,324
Insurance$57,318
Finance and Financial Management Services$50,439
Human Resources Management and Services$39,832
Accounting and Related Services$39,009
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Campus & location
Campus safety
On-campus violent crimes (2024)
8
Per 1,000 students
1.20
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
94
Summer high
76°F
Winter low
23°F
Annual rain
52.7"
Annual snow
58"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively Low
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Deep dive — research, future-scholar output & economic mobility▾
Research output
Institutional h-index
127
Scholarly works
4,527
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at State University of New York at Oswego?
State University of New York at Oswego's acceptance rate is approximately 81% (Oswego, NY), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for State University of New York at Oswego?
Admitted students at State University of New York at Oswego typically score 1070–1270 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does State University of New York at Oswego cost?
At State University of New York at Oswego, the average net price (after aid) is about $16,236 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend State University of New York at Oswego?
State University of New York at Oswego enrolls approximately 5,473 undergraduate students.
Where is State University of New York at Oswego located?
State University of New York at Oswego is located in Oswego, NY.
Admissions
SUNY Oswego operates with an accessible admissions process, admitting a significant majority of its applicants. The university's selectivity is characterized as 'less selective' or 'lightly selective' by external observers. For the middle 50% of admitted students who submit scores, the SAT range is 1060–1270 and the ACT range is 23–27. The university states it admits a percentage of the freshman class based on promise demonstrated through means other than traditional academic criteria. While specific data on Early Decision and the importance of demonstrated interest in the are not provided in the sources, one external source cites an early acceptance rate of 98.5%.
Key Admissions Notes:
The admissions landscape is not hyper-competitive, focusing on a broader review of applicant potential.
Standardized test scores, while considered, fall within a range that reflects the university's inclusive mission.
The university explicitly values non-academic criteria for a portion of its class, suggesting a .
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
$38,787
Economics$37,748
Marketing$37,478
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Oswego's academic structure is organized into four distinct colleges, offering students a choice from more than 70 undergraduate majors. The curriculum encourages customization, allowing students to combine majors, add up to two minors, or focus their studies within specific concentrations. External reviews highlight an 'excellent business program,' a strong education department, a 'successful honors program,' and 'good study-abroad options' as standout features. The most popular majors reflect a career-oriented student body, centering on Business Administration, Management and Operations; Criminal Justice and Corrections; and Psychology. The academic divisions are frequently cited as the School of Business, the School of Communication, Media and the Arts, the School of Education, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Students generally report appreciating the strong academic programs and dedicated professors who foster a supportive sense of community.
Life at Oswego is fundamentally shaped by its spectacular setting on the shore of Lake Ontario. The university promotes its 'lakeside campus' as offering a serene environment for learning and living, complete with soothing waves and breathtaking sunsets—a 'unique experience' it heavily leans into for its identity. It's a residential campus, with 57% of students living in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing. The Division of Student Affairs aims to cultivate a community valuing mutual respect, civility, and integrity. Students can dive into a vast array of activities, including performances, fine and applied arts, community service, cultural groups, athletics, political and media organizations, and Greek life. In athletics, SUNY Oswego competes in NCAA Division III. The overall vibe is one of an active, engaged community where the stunning natural backdrop is a central part of the daily experience.
Post-graduation outcomes for Oswego graduates show solid placement into careers and further education. According to the university's most recent graduate outcomes report, 97% of the Class of 2024 were employed and/or continuing their education, with a 98% placement rate. Of those, 73% were employed and 24% were continuing their education. The university's graduation rate has been a point of discussion, with data showing a drop from 65% in 2021 to 60% in 2023 for tracked freshman cohorts. Historical data shows a first-year retention rate of 77.4% for the Fall 2018 cohort. In terms of earnings, one source reports median earnings of $37,649 one year after graduation and $54,439 five years after graduation. A significant majority of graduating students (68%) have borrowed to finance their education, with an average debt at graduation reported at $27,267.
SUNY Oswego is a public institution with a that reflects its mission of accessibility. A large majority of students receive financial aid, with figures ranging from 78% to nearly 80% of students receiving any grant money. The average school grant is reported as $3,088. The university encourages families to use its Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate of costs and potential aid. Financial aid packages typically break down costs, including grants and scholarships (money that does not need to be repaid) and loans (which are optional). The university offers federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans to eligible students and emphasizes that completing the FAFSA is the gateway to federal aid and many merit considerations. The institution's policies state that financial aid in excess of semester charges will be refunded to the student once all funds are received.
SUNY Oswego carves out a distinct identity that is inseparable from its location. It’s not just a campus near a lake; the lake is the campus. This creates a cohesive, self-contained community with a relaxed, scenic atmosphere that’s rare in public higher education. Academically, it punches above its weight in specific, practical areas: its School of Business and School of Communication, Media and the Arts are consistently highlighted as strengths, providing a focused, career-ready education within the broader SUNY system. The university manages to balance accessibility—with an admissions rate that welcomes a broad swath of students—with reputable outcomes, placing the vast majority of graduates into jobs or further study. For students seeking a traditional college experience defined by a beautiful, active campus, strong community ties, and clear pathways to in-demand fields, all at a public university price point, Oswego offers a compelling and unique package.
