Empire State University

What is the history of Empire State University?

Empire State University is a public institution in the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Founded in 1971 as Empire State College, it was designed to serve adults and other students whose educational needs did not fit a conventional, residential college schedule.

Its approach emphasized individualized study, faculty mentoring and recognition of learning acquired outside traditional classrooms. The institution later expanded its online offerings and graduate programs. In 2023, it changed its name to Empire State University. The university designation did not turn it into a single residential campus: its identity remains tied to flexible study across New York and online.

What are the faculties and departments at Empire State University?

Empire State University offers associate, bachelor's and graduate study across the arts, sciences, business, education, health and human services. Its academic organization includes schools focused on arts and humanities; business; human services; nursing and allied health; science, mathematics and technology; and social and behavioral sciences, alongside graduate study.

Representative subjects include business administration, psychology, criminal justice, nursing, public health and education. Students may encounter both established majors and opportunities to shape a degree plan around prior college work or professional experience. That flexibility has limits: a program's required courses, professional standards and available formats still determine which credits will count toward a particular credential. Applicants should review the catalog for their intended degree rather than assume every subject is available at every location or in every term.

What is the location of Empire State University?

Empire State University is headquartered in Saratoga Springs, New York, but it is not organized around one traditional residential campus. Students study online and through university locations across the state; the place where a student attends classes or receives services depends on the program and course format.

Saratoga Springs is a small city north of Albany. Albany International Airport serves the region, although travel to the Saratoga Springs headquarters or another university location requires a separate ground connection. For prospective students, the more consequential location question is often whether required courses, advising appointments and any in-person activities are accessible from home or work. Check the delivery format of the entire intended program, not just its introductory courses.

What is the mission and vision of Empire State University?

Empire State University's stated educational purpose centers on expanding access to higher education through flexible, individualized learning. Its approach is particularly relevant to adults, transfer students and people balancing study with employment or family responsibilities.

Faculty mentoring, online and location-based instruction, and evaluation of learning acquired outside conventional college courses are ways the university puts that purpose into practice. These are institutional priorities, not assurances that every course is self-paced or that every applicant will receive credit for work experience. A student considering the university should compare the actual schedule, degree requirements and available support with the flexibility they need.