SUNY Empire State University (formerly Empire State College) is a public university of the State University of New York system, headquartered in Saratoga Springs, New York, founded in 1971. Designed specifically for adult and non-traditional learners, Empire State University offers flexible bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs through online, distance learning, and independent study formats. The university operates more than 35 learning centers across New York State and serves students throughout the country and internationally. With a student-centered philosophy, Empire State allows learners to create individualized degree plans that integrate prior learning assessment, workplace experience, and academic coursework. Programs span liberal arts, business, education, human services, labor studies, and the sciences. The university's innovative model has made it a national leader in adult education and flexible online learning, serving working professionals, military service members, and others who require alternative degree pathways.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Domestic
—
/yr
Out-of-State / Intl
$$17,558
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
Sticker price (annual, out-of-state): $17,558
Net-cost estimate is US-resident-only — international applicants are typically excluded from need-based aid at most schools and should treat the sticker price as the planning baseline.
