College Profile: State University of New York at New Paltz

In the proud tradition of SUNY, the State University of New York at New Paltz is committed to providing high quality, affordable education to students from all social and economic backgrounds. We are a faculty and campus community dedicated to the construction of a vibrant intellectual/creative public forum which reflects and celebrates the diversity of our society and encourages and supports active participation in scholarly and artistic activity. SUNY New Paltz is an active contributor to the schools, community institutions and economic/cultural life of our region. We are selective in admitting students who show promise of thriving in a learning environment which is challenging, student-centered, and personalized. Our goal is for students to gain knowledge, skills, and confidence to contribute as productive members of their communities and professions and active citizens in a democratic nation and a global society.

Located in the historic village of New Paltz, which was founded in 1677 by French Huguenots, the contemporary buildings of the landscaped campus are a fitting contrast to the historic structures of the community and of the farmlands and vineyards beyond. Nestled between the historic Hudson River to the east and the majestic Shawangunk Mountains to the west, New Paltz provides some of the most breathtakingly beautiful countryside on the east coast. The community is surrounded by the fertile farmlands of the Wallkill River Valley and hill upon hill of apple orchards and vineyards, making the region one of the prime apple-growing and wine making areas in New York State.

New Paltz is an aesthetic blend of commerce and natural beauty and is great for hiking and biking or just strolling along its many quiet tree-lined streets. Restaurants, retail shops and professional offices intermingle with historic stone houses built in the 17th and 18th centuries.

New Paltz is most famous for Huguenot Street, the oldest street in America, where visitors are welcome to tour the original stone houses, gaining a glimpse of 17th century colonial life.

The local terrain -- from underground caverns to mountain peaks -- is perfect for on-site study in geology. New York City, an educational gold mine, is less than a two hour drive, and benefits business, political science, communication, international relations, and fine and performing arts students with voluminous offerings: the UN, network studies, national publications, Wall Street, Broadway, museums and galleries, -- to scratch only the surface.

 

• Overview
• Admissions
• Finances
• Students
• Academic Programs
• Q&A