Alfred State College
Alfred State College (State University of New York system) is a public technology college in Alfred, New York. It is a small-to-medium-sized college with roughly 3,500 undergraduate students. The admissions are moderately selective with an approximately 82% acceptance rate. Engaging fields of study include Engineering Technologies, Business, Health Professions, Architecture, and Computer Science. Alfred State has a six-year graduation rate of around 55% and a median salary of approximately INR 43,00,000 for its graduates, ten years post-admission (from $51,600 median income).
Alfred University
Alfred University is another private research university based in Alfred, New York. It is a relatively small institution, with approximately 1,600 undergraduate students and around 2,300 overall students. Admissions are relatively selective, with an acceptance rate of roughly 48%. Business, Engineering, Psychology, Fine Arts, and Ceramic Arts are among the most popular majors, which the university is especially famous for. Alfred University boasts a six-year graduation rate of roughly 63%, and its graduates command a median salary of around INR 46,00,000 ten years after admission (converted from $55,500 median earnings).
| Alfred State College | Alfred University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | - | 4 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | - | # 580 Forbes 2019 |
| Subject Strength | - | # 181 for Engineering by US News 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -24 | UG Programs -39 PG Programs -5 |
| Acceptance Rate | 82.0 % | 48.0 % |
| Exam Score | - | IELTS-6.5 SAT-990 TOEFL-90 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 21005 [For UG Program] | Average Tuition Fees 21005 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 21005 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 30864 Per Year |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 98 for Sciences by India Today 2022 | # 135 for Business by US News 2024 |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 90/160IELTS - 5.5/9PTE - 54/90TOEFL - 61/120 | Duolingo - 100/160IELTS - 6/9TOEFL - 80/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -21005 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -21005 |
| General Facts | Alfred State College | Alfred University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | College | University |
| Established | 1948 | 1836 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 18:1 | 10:1 |
| Male:Female | 64% Male, 36% Female | 48% Male, 52% Female |
| Hostel | - | #On campus - $12272 #Off campus (not with family) - $12272 #Off campus (with family) - $6320 |
| Weather |
Alfred State College vs Alfred University
Subject Strength & Global Reputation
Although both situated in the same small village of Alfred, New York, Alfred State College (a SUNY institution) and Alfred University differ strongly in mission and academic reputation.Alfred University is renowned globally for its ceramics, glass science, engineering, business, psychology, and arts programs. It is a liberal arts and research institution with a strong foundation in innovation and creative professions.Alfred State College, however, is a technology-based public college, with specializations in applied sciences, agriculture, healthcare, and technology programs. It is best known for experiential education and career preparation.In international reputation, Alfred University is more visible, especially in niche research areas such as materials science, but Alfred State is regionally known for technical and workforce preparation.
Campus Life & Student Body
Alfred State provides a more applied, career-oriented campus environment with approximately 3,500 students. It is a close-knit, community atmosphere but still offers a vibrant student life through athletics, clubs, and technical competitions.
Alfred University's student body is slightly over 5,000 (graduate students included). Its campus culture is more toward tradition, arts, and scholarly investigation with heavy emphasis on research and global links.
Admissions & Selectivity
Alfred State's admissions are relatively open with an acceptance rate of roughly 70–75%, allowing students access to applied learning and definite career goals.
Alfred University is more competitive, accepting approximately 60% of applicants. It generally seeks higher academic records, especially in professional programs such as engineering, business, and fine arts.
Research & Facilities
Alfred University boasts world-class research institutes, including the New York State College of Ceramics, and engineering and materials science labs. Its research findings attract international collaborations and grants.
Alfred State focuses on labs, workshops, and working facilities preparing students to enter the job market. Its education is industry-focused, targeting internships, co-ops, and hands-on training environments.
Cost & Financial Aid
Being a public college, Alfred State is much more affordable: approximately $10,000–12,000 annually for in-state students and $18,000–20,000 for out-of-state students.
Alfred University, which is private, runs approximately $36,000–40,000 per year, yet it offers competitive merit-based scholarships as well as financial aid packages to help defray expenses.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Alfred State graduates usually become employed relatively quickly, especially in technical and applied areas like nursing, engineering technology, and information technology. The employers appreciate the school's emphasis on hands-on skills and this results in solid job placement rates.
Alfred University graduates also enjoy a more global and wider graduate network, especially in engineering, business, art, and academia. The graduates tend to seek master's degrees or management levels, assisted by the university's widespread professional networks.











