Deciding between colleges can be a daunting task, especially when comparing two institutions that may offer different experiences, opportunities, and outcomes. This article will provide a comprehensive comparison of SUNY-Potsdam and the University of Scranton, covering aspects such as cost, admissions, academics, and more, to assist you in making an informed decision.
SUNY-Potsdam Overview
SUNY-Potsdam, or the State University of New York at Potsdam, is a public institution located in the village of Potsdam, New York. Established in 1816, the college is known for its strong liberal arts and sciences programs, as well as its renowned Crane School of Music. With about 3,600 students, SUNY-Potsdam offers a close-knit campus community and a student-faculty ratio of 12:1.
SUNY-Potsdam Costs & Tuition
Tuition at SUNY-Potsdam is relatively affordable, with in-state tuition for undergraduate students being approximately $8,700 per year and out-of-state tuition around $18,600. Additional costs, such as room and board, are estimated to be $13,870, and fees amount to about $1,800, making the total cost of attendance for in-state students around $24,370 and for out-of-state students around $34,270.
SUNY-Potsdam Admissions
Admissions at SUNY-Potsdam are considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 64%. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts, a personal essay, and SAT or ACT scores. However, it is important to note that the average SAT score for admitted students is 1010-1200, and the average ACT score is 19-25.
SUNY-Potsdam Degrees Offered
SUNY-Potsdam offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including arts, sciences, education, and business. Some popular majors include music, psychology, biology, and business administration. The college also offers various minors, dual degree programs, and pre-professional programs to cater to a diverse range of student interests.
SUNY-Potsdam Academics
With a student-faculty ratio of 12:1, SUNY-Potsdam provides students with personalized attention and support from their professors. The college is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and has a four-year graduation rate of 41% and a six-year graduation rate of 53%.
SUNY-Potsdam Diversity
SUNY-Potsdam’s student body is diverse, with students from various backgrounds and locations. Approximately 35% of the student population identifies as a minority, and about 2% of students are international. The college is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion through various programs, initiatives, and resources.
SUNY-Potsdam Students
Students at SUNY-Potsdam have access to numerous clubs, organizations, and activities to enhance their college experience. The campus boasts more than 100 student-run clubs, including academic, social, cultural, and recreational organizations. Additionally, the college offers various opportunities for community engagement, leadership development, and personal growth.
SUNY-Potsdam Campus
SUNY-Potsdam’s campus spans 240 acres and includes academic buildings, residence halls, and recreational facilities. The college offers on-campus housing options for students, with various residence hall communities and living-learning communities available. Students have access to facilities such as the Maxcy Hall Athletic Complex, the Performing Arts Center, and the Frederick W. Crumb Memorial Library. The campus is also home to the Crane School of Music, which houses state-of-the-art performance and rehearsal spaces.
SUNY-Potsdam Alumni
Notable SUNY-Potsdam alumni include Renee Fleming, a Grammy Award-winning opera singer, and St. Lawrence County District Attorney Gary Pasqua. The college has a strong alumni network, providing graduates with networking opportunities and resources for career development.
SUNY-Potsdam Rankings
According to the U.S. News & World Report, SUNY-Potsdam is ranked #141-#176 in the Regional Universities North category. The college is also ranked #27 in Top Performers on Social Mobility and #83 in Top Public Schools.
SUNY-Potsdam Outcomes
The average starting salary for SUNY-Potsdam graduates is around $30,000, with a mid-career salary of about $56,000. The college has a strong commitment to preparing students for their careers through internships, research opportunities, and career services.
University of Scranton Overview
The University of Scranton is a private, Catholic, and Jesuit institution located in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1888, the university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a strong focus on liberal arts, sciences, and professional studies. With approximately 5,400 students, the University of Scranton has a student-faculty ratio of 13:1.
University of Scranton Costs & Tuition
The cost of attending the University of Scranton is relatively higher than SUNY-Potsdam, with undergraduate tuition being approximately $47,964 per year. Additional costs, such as room and board, are estimated to be around $15,100, and fees amount to about $1,026, making the total cost of attendance for students around $64,090.
University of Scranton Admissions
Admissions at the University of Scranton are considered selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 73%. Applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts, a personal essay, and SAT or ACT scores. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1130-1320, and the average ACT score is 23-28.
University of Scranton Degrees Offered
The University of Scranton offers over 67 undergraduate majors and 39 graduate programs, including arts, sciences, business, and health sciences. Some popular majors include nursing, exercise science, and accounting. The university also offers various minors, dual degree programs, and pre-professional programs to cater to a diverse range of student interests.
University of Scranton Academics
The University of Scranton has a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, providing students with personalized attention from their professors. The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and has a four-year graduation rate of 70% and a six-year graduation rate of 82%.
University of Scranton Diversity
The University of Scranton’s student body is diverse, with students from various backgrounds and locations. Approximately 15% of the student population identifies as a minority, and about 1% of students are international. The university is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion through various programs, initiatives, and resources.
University of Scranton Students
Students at the University of Scranton have access to numerous clubs, organizations, and activities to enhance their college experience. The campus boasts more than 80 student-run clubs, including academic, social, cultural, and recreational organizations. Additionally, the university offers various opportunities for community engagement, leadership development, and personal growth.
University of Scranton Campus
The University of Scranton’s campus spans 58 acres and includes academic buildings, residence halls, and recreational facilities. The university offers on-campus housing options for students, with various residence hall communities and living-learning communities available. Students have access to facilities such as the Byron Recreation Complex, the DeNaples Center, and the Weinberg Memorial Library.
University of Scranton Alumni
Notable University of Scranton alumni include Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author William McGowan. The university has a strong alumni network, providing graduates with networking opportunities and resources for career development.
University of Scranton Rankings
According to the U.S. News & World Report, the University of Scranton is ranked #6 in the Regional Universities North category. The university is also ranked #6 in Best Value Schools and #29 in Best Undergraduate Teaching.
University of Scranton Outcomes
The average starting salary for University of Scranton graduates is around $45,000, with a mid-career salary of about $81,000. The university has a strong commitment to preparing students for their careers through internships, research opportunities, and career services.
SUNY-Potsdam vs University of Scranton Cost Comparison
When comparing the cost of attendance, SUNY-Potsdam is significantly more affordable than the University of Scranton. For in-state students, SUNY-Potsdam’s total cost of attendance is approximately $24,370, while for out-of-state students, it is around $34,270. In comparison, the University of Scranton’s total cost of attendance is approximately $64,090, making it a more expensive option for students.
SUNY-Potsdam vs University of Scranton Admissions Difficulty
Both SUNY-Potsdam and the University of Scranton have selective admissions processes; however, the University of Scranton has a slightly higher acceptance rate at 73%, compared to SUNY-Potsdam’s 64%. Additionally, the average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students are higher at the University of Scranton, indicating that it may be more competitive for students to gain admission.
SUNY-Potsdam vs University of Scranton Academic Difficulty
While both institutions offer challenging and rigorous academic programs, the University of Scranton has a higher four-year graduation rate (70%) than SUNY-Potsdam (41%). This may indicate that the University of Scranton provides more academic support and resources to help students succeed in their studies. However, both colleges have small student-faculty ratios and offer a personalized learning experience.
SUNY-Potsdam vs University of Scranton Outcome Comparison
In terms of outcomes, the University of Scranton has a higher average starting salary of $45,000 compared to SUNY-Potsdam’s $30,000, and a higher mid-career salary of $81,000 compared to SUNY-Potsdam’s $56,000. Additionally, the University of Scranton has a higher six-year graduation rate (82%) than SUNY-Potsdam (53%). This may be an important consideration for students when comparing the two institutions.
In conclusion, both SUNY-Potsdam and the University of Scranton offer unique opportunities and experiences for students, and the choice between the two will ultimately depend on individual preferences and priorities. Factors such as cost, admissions difficulty, academic rigor, and outcomes may be influential in making a final decision.
