SUNY New Paltz admits approximately 58.7% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 5 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places the institution in the moderately selective category, making it more accessible than highly competitive universities while maintaining academic standards. The peer median admission rate of 84.6% highlights that SUNY New Paltz is notably more selective than typical four-year public institutions, accepting 25.9 percentage points fewer applicants than the average peer. This level of selectivity means that academically prepared students have reasonable admission prospects, though the university does evaluate applications holistically rather than accepting all qualified candidates. Students should expect some competition for admission spots, particularly in popular programs like Psychology and Communications. For prospective applicants, SUNY New Paltz represents a solid target school rather than a safety, requiring attention to application quality and academic preparation. The moderate selectivity level allows the institution to maintain academic rigor while remaining accessible to students from diverse educational backgrounds, including the substantial transfer student population that comprises 35.6% of enrollment.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at SUNY New Paltz typically demonstrate strong academic preparation through standardized test scores and high school performance. The middle 50% of enrolled students score between 1170-1340 on the SAT, with a median of 1267. SAT Math scores range from 570-660, while SAT Verbal scores span 600-680. ACT scores for the middle 50% range from 24-29, with a median of 27. These test score ranges place SUNY New Paltz 177 points above the peer median SAT score of 1090, indicating the institution attracts academically stronger students than typical public universities in its comparison group. The test score profile represents excellent performance nationally, reflecting the university's ability to compete for well-prepared students despite its public university mission. Students scoring within the 1170-1340 SAT range or 24-29 ACT range are academically competitive for admission, though scores outside this range don't automatically disqualify applicants. The institution evaluates applications holistically, considering factors beyond test scores. Students with scores below the 25th percentile should strengthen other application components, while those above the 75th percentile can consider SUNY New Paltz a likely admit from an academic standpoint. Prospective students should view these ranges as indicators of the academic environment they'll encounter rather than rigid admission thresholds.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
SUNY New Paltz enrolls a diverse student body that reflects both academic preparation and socioeconomic accessibility. The institution serves 32.9% Pell-eligible students, indicating that roughly one-third of enrolled students come from lower-income families. First-generation college students comprise 31.7% of enrollment, demonstrating the university's role in expanding educational opportunity to families without prior college experience. Transfer students represent a substantial 35.6% of the student body, reflecting SUNY New Paltz's commitment to providing pathways for students beginning their higher education journey at community colleges or other institutions. This transfer share is notably higher than most four-year institutions, indicating strong articulation agreements and support systems for students transitioning from other colleges. The combination of moderate selectivity with substantial enrollment of students from diverse economic and educational backgrounds suggests that SUNY New Paltz balances academic standards with accessibility. Students from various socioeconomic backgrounds can find their place in the university community, with financial aid systems supporting those who need assistance. The high transfer enrollment particularly benefits students seeking to complete bachelor's degrees after starting at community colleges, making SUNY New Paltz an important destination for students pursuing non-traditional educational pathways.
Given SUNY New Paltz's 58.7% acceptance rate, most prepared applicants have reasonable admission prospects, though competition exists for popular programs. Students seeking alternatives should consider these options with different admission profiles.
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Students who enroll at SUNY New Paltz demonstrate solid persistence and completion outcomes once admitted. The retention rate of 86.7% indicates that most freshmen return for their sophomore year, placing the institution above the peer median retention rate of 73.2%. This 13.5 percentage point advantage suggests effective student support systems and academic programming that helps students navigate their first year successfully. The six-year graduation rate of 68.9% exceeds the peer median completion rate of 49.3% by 19.6 percentage points, indicating that SUNY New Paltz helps students progress toward degree completion more effectively than similar institutions. Pell-eligible students graduate at a rate of 57.6%, creating an 11.3 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate. While this gap indicates some additional challenges for lower-income students, the 57.6% Pell completion rate still represents solid outcomes for this population. The retention and completion patterns suggest that students who gain admission can expect institutional support for degree completion, with most freshmen persisting through their first year and a solid majority completing their degrees within six years. Students from lower-income backgrounds should anticipate the challenges reflected in the Pell completion gap but can also expect institutional resources designed to support their success.
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