
1 Hawk Drive, New Paltz, NY 12561, USA


The State University of New York at New Paltz holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, a regional accrediting body recognized for ensuring the quality and integrity of institutions in that geographic area. This accreditation affirms that the university meets rigorous standards in areas such as academic programs, faculty qualifications, student support services, and institutional governance.
Additionally, several individual programs within the university have received specialized accreditation from relevant professional organizations. These specialized accreditations validate that certain departments meet discipline-specific standards that prepare students for professional careers and certifications.
For prospective students, the regional accreditation guarantees that credits earned will generally be transferable to other accredited institutions and that the degrees awarded are recognized by employers and graduate programs nationwide. The specialized program accreditations further offer assurance of the quality and relevance of specific fields of study at the university.
Admission to State University of New York at New Paltz requires completion of a secondary school education or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Prospective students must submit their secondary school records and a college program application. Although submission of admission test scores is not mandatory, the university recommends providing TOEFL scores and other standardized test results to strengthen the application. A minimum high school GPA is required, while ranking in the graduating class and demonstration of competencies are suggested but not compulsory. Letters of recommendation are also necessary for consideration.
The university does not offer open admission or accept dual credit for enrollment, but it does award Advanced Placement (AP) credits. Computer possession or leasing is not required for applicants. The acceptance rate stands at approximately 59%, reflecting a moderately selective admissions process.
Regarding standardized test performance, the average SAT score for admitted students is 1234, placing them in the top 30% nationally, with an average Math score of 610 and Writing score of 624. The average ACT score is 27, also ranking in the top 30%. These scores suggest that admitted students tend to perform well above average on standardized assessments.
The State University of New York at New Paltz requires prospective undergraduate applicants to submit a nonrefundable application fee. This fee covers the processing of materials and supports the admissions office's administrative costs. While the exact amount of the application fee is not specified here, applicants should be prepared for this financial obligation as part of the submission process.
For students who demonstrate financial need, the university offers fee waivers to reduce barriers in applying. Eligible candidates can request a waiver, which, if approved, exempts them from paying the application fee. This policy helps ensure that cost does not prevent qualified individuals from pursuing admission at the university.
Applicants are encouraged to enquire directly with the admissions office regarding eligibility criteria and the process for obtaining application fee waivers. Being informed about these options can be beneficial in planning the college application journey.
State University of New York at New Paltz does not host its own ROTC program on campus. Instead, students interested in pursuing ROTC training can participate through a cooperative arrangement with a nearby host institution that offers the ROTC units. This setup allows prospective cadets to access military training and related opportunities by attending the affiliated institution while enrolled at State University of New York at New Paltz.
Transfer students aiming to enroll at State University of New York at New Paltz can apply for admission during the fall and spring semesters, as transfer opportunities are available for these terms.
The university accepts a variety of standardized credit examinations, including CLEP General and CLEP Subject tests, as well as DANTES credits, which can facilitate the transfer process by awarding credit for prior learning.
Applicants seeking to transfer should be aware that the university maintains a very difficult entrance standard, reflecting a competitive selection process.
Recommendations are considered as part of the admission criteria, providing an additional avenue for applicants to strengthen their transfer applications.
State University of New York at New Paltz offers a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enrich students' academic experience by immersing them in different cultural and educational environments. These programs range from semester-long and summer sessions to shorter faculty-led trips, enabling students to tailor their international study to their academic schedules and interests.
The university partners with numerous institutions across Europe, Asia, and Latin America, providing options for students in disciplines such as art, business, languages, and social sciences. Many programs include hands-on learning components, internships, or community engagement projects, which add practical experience alongside classroom instruction.
In addition to exchange programs where students attend foreign universities, State University of New York at New Paltz also facilitates faculty-led programs that focus on specific themes or areas of study. These programs typically offer guided instruction combined with travel and cultural excursions, usually lasting from a few weeks to a full summer term.
The university supports study abroad participation through advising services, helping students select programs that align with their academic goals and course requirements. This support ensures that credits earned abroad can be effectively transferred back to their degree tracks, minimizing disruption to their progress toward graduation.
Overall, the study abroad programs at State University of New York at New Paltz provide flexible and diverse options for students seeking to enhance their global perspective and academic portfolio through international experiences.
Median composite SAT score
1234Median composite ACT score
27Percent of students submitting ACT scores
3.3%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
11.9%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
NoSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RecommendedSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RecommendedOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
HardGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
Data not availablePossible transfer
Fall, Spring