SUNY University at Albany

The University at Albany (UAlbany), one of four University Centers in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, is consistently recognized for academic excellence, research impact and value. In 2026, it ranked 63^rd among top public schools and 127^th among national universities according to U.S. News & World Report (USNWR).

UAlbany students can select from 65+ undergraduate majors and 150+ graduate programs, taught by world-class faculty across nine schools and colleges and two distinct campuses. As a research university, UAlbany provides ample opportunities for students to conduct research alongside faculty across a range of disciplines.

With a diverse student body, including international students from around the world, the university fosters a supportive, inclusive campus environment for its 17,500 students. They benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio and work closely with faculty and industry contacts to graduate with the knowledge, skills and professional networks needed to succeed in their chosen career path.

Outside of academics, UAlbany's welcoming campus community includes 250+ student clubs and organizations; 19 Division I athletic programs; and support services dedicated to student well-being, professional development and more.

International students at UAlbany enjoy a variety of special support services. Known for its affordability and value, UAlbany offers inclusive scholarships and financial aid options for international students, as well as an Intensive English Language Program for students who need to improve their English language proficiency.

UAlbany's location in New York State's capital, the third-largest seat of government in the U.S., provides excellent access to internships, hands-on learning, community service and outdoor recreation. Albany is a dynamic, historic and multicultural city with a robust business and tech scene, and is well-connected to the rest of New York and surrounding areas by road and rail.

UAlbany is dedicated to creating powerful learning experiences that help students spark their creativity, develop innovative thinking and build skills that can create change on a global scale. Of the nearly 1,500 world-class faculty, dozens are ranked among the world's top two percent of scientists. They are highly qualified in their subject areas, acting as both teachers and mentors, and providing the valuable academic and industry insights one would expect at an R1 university.

Research informs every study program at UAlbany, and the university is one of fewer than 200 U.S. institutions designated Carnegie R1 for research. With state-of-the-art research labs studying solar winds, evidence-informed youth justice practices, photonic technologies, artificial intelligence and more, there are opportunities for all students to pursue their passions.

UAlbany's academic programs are organized by field of study into nine schools and colleges. School and college deans and faculty lead their respective disciplines while also collaborating with other departments to advance new ideas and create interdisciplinary opportunities in teaching and research.

• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security & Cybersecurity
• College of Integrated Health Sciences (home of the School of Social Welfare)
• College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering
• Massry School of Business
• Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy (home of the School of Criminal Justice)
• School of Education

UAlbany is also affiliated with Albany Medical School, where students in select healthcare programs can participate in classroom and lab components on UAlbany's Uptown Campus and clinical rotations at Albany Med Health System facilities. This gives students access to cutting-edge facilities, hands-on fieldwork and expert faculty at a distinguished Level I trauma center.

Academic

International students must submit their school and/or college transcripts with their application. Specific academic requirements are dictated by the program a student is applying to, and whether they are studying at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Students must submit English proficiency scores if they attended high school outside the U.S. and English is not their native language. Students are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores but may do so if they choose.

English Language

To study at UAlbany, international students must demonstrate their English language proficiency. For most programs, the requirements are:

• Undergraduate: overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 (or equivalent)
• Graduate: overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 (or equivalent)

UAlbany accepts a range of English language tests and requirements may vary by program. Before applying, students should carefully check the English language requirements for their preferred program.

Academic

UAlbany students have access to a range of modern facilities that support their learning and provide research opportunities and hands-on learning experiences:

• The Albany NanoTech Complex, one of the most advanced nanotechnology facilities of its kind in North America.
• ETEC, UAlbany's newest state-of-the-art facility, features multiple collaborative research spaces and specialist labs, including the National Weather Service meteorological laboratory and a 1,700-square-foot drone lab.
• A $16.5M supercomputer, housed at the RNA Institute and powered by NVIDIA DGX systems, is currently the most capable AI supercomputer within the SUNY system.
• New York State Mesonet, the nation's largest and most advanced early-warning weather detection network.
• A new makerspace, equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, soldering irons and a variety of other tools and hardware, is available to all students to create, invent and learn.

Accommodation

The university offers a variety of residence options to suit students' preferences and budgets. All freshmen and sophomores are required to live on campus, but they can live in nearby private residences after this period. Graduate students can opt to live on or off campus.

For the 2026 academic year, room rates range from USD 10,605 to USD 15,195. Students can also sign up for a meal plan during their time on campus.

Sports and social

The UAlbany student body is an active and friendly community, and students are encouraged to take part in the many activities that take place outside the classroom. With over 250 student organizations to get involved in, as well as a busy schedule of events, there is something for everyone.

Students cheer on the UAlbany Great Danes in 19 Division I competitive sports, held at the university's own ultra-modern athletic facilities. They also enjoy the new recreation and wellness center, The Well, where they can exercise, take fitness classes and more.

International students must be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover their tuition fees and living expenses while they study abroad. Standard international tuition costs and fees in 2026 typically range from USD 14,400 and USD 17,400 per semester.

The University at Albany Global Excellence Scholarships may be offered to international undergraduate students based on their academic achievement or other qualifying factors. In 2026, the maximum scholarship amount is USD 20,500 per year for first-year applicants, renewable annually for a total of USD 82,000 over four years, provided they meet the ongoing eligibility criteria and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5.

For graduate students, a range of fellowships; teaching, research and administrative assistantships; traineeships; and scholarships are available. Academic scholarships are competitive and typically awarded on a program-by-program basis.

Students may also seek external funding opportunities or find part-time work on campus to help fund their studies.

Study Programs

Since fall 2025, UAlbany has launched several new study programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level, including:

• BA Environmental Studies
• MS Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Business
• MS and PhD programs in Climate Science
• A range of nanoscale science and engineering programs, including the new BS in Mechanical and Design Engineering and BS in Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering

Student Initiatives

As a leader in student well-being, UAlbany prioritizes student welfare and development through various initiatives and support services:

• Thrive UAlbany is a new wellness initiative designed to support students across all areas of health and well-being throughout their time at the university
• The Student Association provides opportunities for personal growth outside the classroom, such as the Block Party, an annual gathering of all the student organizations on campus where students can learn about UAlbany's 250+ clubs
• The Graduate Student Association (GSA) provides graduate students with everything from professional development opportunities and research grants to social events and advocacy

Awards and Accolades

The university has been recognized for its excellence with several accolades:

• Recipient of the Higher Education and Distinction Award for the eighth consecutive year (Insight Into Academia, 2025)
• Named on the Princeton Review's Mental Health Services Honor Roll for the second consecutive year (2025)
• In 2025, the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity was designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency (NSA)
• Recertified in 2025 for the Seal of Excelencia from Excelencia in Education, a national leader in catalyzing institutional transformation for student success in higher education among Latino populations