SUNY Plattsburgh admits 75.2% of applicants, meaning approximately 3 in 4 applicants receive offers of admission. This admission rate falls within the Open Access category, making the college significantly more accessible than many four-year institutions. The peer median admission rate of 84.6% indicates that SUNY Plattsburgh maintains slightly more selective standards than typical institutions in its comparison group, though the difference is modest. This selectivity level means that most academically prepared students have strong chances of admission, though the college does maintain academic standards as evidenced by the strong SAT performance of enrolled students. Students should view SUNY Plattsburgh as an accessible option that balances opportunity with quality, making it suitable for students seeking reliable admission chances while still attending an institution with solid academic credentials. The relatively accessible admission creates opportunities for students who may not qualify for highly selective institutions but still want strong post-graduation outcomes, particularly in specialized fields like nursing and education.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at SUNY Plattsburgh typically score between 1100 and 1270 on the SAT, with a median of 1180. The middle 50% range spans 170 points, indicating reasonable variation in academic preparation among enrolled students. Math scores range from 540 to 630, while verbal scores span 560 to 640, showing balanced performance across both sections. The SAT performance ranks at the 93rd percentile nationally, representing top-tier academic achievement that significantly exceeds the peer median of 1090 by 90 points. This 90-point advantage demonstrates that SUNY Plattsburgh attracts academically strong students despite its accessible admission rate. ACT scores show a median of 26, ranking at the 95th percentile nationally, further confirming the strong academic preparation of enrolled students. Students scoring within the 1100-1270 SAT range should feel academically competitive for admission and expect to be surrounded by similarly prepared peers. Those scoring below 1100 face greater competitive challenges but are not automatically excluded, particularly if they demonstrate strength in other areas. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with these ranges when building their college application strategy and determining appropriate target schools.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
SUNY Plattsburgh enrolls a diverse student body with significant representation from first-generation and lower-income families. The college enrolls 38.5% Pell-eligible students, indicating that more than one-third of students come from families with household incomes typically below $50,000. First-generation college students comprise 31.4% of enrollment, meaning nearly one in three students are the first in their families to attend college. Transfer students represent 27% of enrollment, demonstrating the institution's commitment to serving students from community colleges and other transfer pathways. This student composition reflects SUNY Plattsburgh's mission as a public institution focused on educational access and opportunity. The substantial first-generation and Pell-eligible populations indicate that students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds will find peers with similar experiences and challenges. Prospective students from lower-income or first-generation backgrounds should view these enrollment patterns as indicators of institutional support systems and peer communities that understand their unique college experiences. The significant transfer population also suggests that the college values diverse educational pathways and provides support for students transitioning from other institutions.
Given SUNY Plattsburgh's 75% acceptance rate, most academically prepared students have strong admission chances, making it less of a reach school for typical applicants. However, students seeking similar outcomes with different characteristics have several alternatives.
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Once enrolled, students at SUNY Plattsburgh demonstrate solid persistence and completion outcomes. The retention rate of 71.2% means that roughly 7 in 10 freshmen return for sophomore year, which falls below the peer median of 73.2% but still indicates that most students successfully navigate their first year. The six-year graduation rate of 58.8% significantly exceeds the peer median of 49.3%, showing that SUNY Plattsburgh supports degree completion more effectively than similar institutions. Pell-eligible students graduate at a rate of 61.9%, which actually exceeds the overall graduation rate by 3.1 percentage points. This positive Pell completion gap indicates exceptionally strong institutional support for lower-income students, suggesting that economic disadvantage does not predict lower completion rates at this institution. Students who gain admission can expect institutional support systems that help them persist through graduation, particularly if they come from lower-income backgrounds. The higher Pell completion rate suggests that the college has developed effective strategies for supporting students who face financial challenges and may lack family experience with higher education. Prospective students should view these completion patterns as evidence of the institution's commitment to student success across diverse backgrounds.
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