SUNY Oneonta admits approximately 70.2% of applicants, meaning roughly 7 in 10 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 meaningful admission standards. The peer median admission rate of 84.6% shows that SUNY Oneonta is somewhat more selective than typical public institutions in its comparison group. This selectivity level creates a balanced admissions environment where qualified students have reasonable prospects for admission without the extreme uncertainty faced at highly selective institutions. Students with solid academic credentials should view SUNY Oneonta as a realistic option rather than a reach school. The 70% admission rate indicates that the institution evaluates applicants holistically while maintaining standards that support strong academic outcomes. For most applicants with appropriate academic preparation, admission probability is favorable, making SUNY Oneonta an accessible choice for building a balanced college list. Students should still present their strongest academic profile, but the admission rate suggests that competitive applicants can reasonably expect positive outcomes in the application process.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at SUNY Oneonta typically score between 1090 and 1250 on the SAT, with the middle 50% of enrolled students falling within this range. The median SAT score reaches 1181, indicating solid academic preparation among the student body. Math scores range from 540 to 620, while verbal scores span from 550 to 630, showing balanced performance across both test sections. These scores rank at the 93rd percentile nationally, demonstrating that despite moderate admission selectivity, enrolled students show strong academic preparation. Compared to peer institutions with a median SAT of 1090, SUNY Oneonta enrolls students with notably higher test scores—91 points above the peer median. ACT scores range from 23 to 28 for the middle 50% of students, providing alternative pathways for demonstrating academic readiness. Students scoring below 1090 on the SAT should expect to be at a competitive disadvantage but are not automatically excluded, as the institution considers multiple factors in admission decisions. If your scores fall within the 1090-1250 range, you are academically competitive for admission and should feel confident about your prospects. Students should consider whether their academic profile aligns with this range when building their college list, as test scores significantly above or below this range may indicate better fit at other institutions.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
SUNY Oneonta enrolls a diverse student body that reflects both academic achievement and socioeconomic variety. The institution enrolls 33.3% Pell-eligible students, indicating that one-third of students come from lower-income families qualifying for federal financial aid. First-generation students comprise 25.8% of enrollment, showing the university's role in expanding access to higher education for families without previous college experience. Transfer students represent 19.4% of the student body, indicating meaningful pathways for students beginning their college careers at community colleges or other institutions. This composition suggests that SUNY Oneonta prioritizes both academic preparation and diversity of background in its admission decisions. The substantial Pell and first-generation enrollment indicates the institution actively serves students who might face barriers at more selective universities. Geographic diversity reflects the institution's regional focus while drawing students from across New York State and beyond. First-generation students should know that approximately one in four enrolled students share their background, creating a supportive environment with institutional experience serving this population. Students from lower-income families should consider the 33% Pell share when assessing fit, as this indicates substantial enrollment of peers with similar economic circumstances. The combination of academic achievement reflected in test scores and socioeconomic diversity creates a student body that balances preparation with accessibility.
Given SUNY Oneonta's 70% acceptance rate, most qualified applicants have reasonable admission prospects. However, students seeking additional options or different institutional characteristics should consider these alternatives that deliver comparable outcomes.
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Students who enroll at SUNY Oneonta demonstrate strong persistence and completion outcomes that indicate effective institutional support systems. The retention rate of 78.0% shows that roughly 4 in 5 freshmen return for sophomore year, compared to a peer median of 73.2%. This 4.8 percentage point advantage over peer institutions suggests that students find the academic and social environment supportive of continued enrollment. The graduation rate of 70.2% indicates that approximately 7 in 10 students complete their degrees within six years, which exceeds the peer median of 49.3% by more than 20 percentage points. Pell-eligible students graduate at a rate of 68.9%, creating just a 1.3 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate. This small gap indicates strong institutional support for lower-income students, who often face additional barriers to degree completion. Students who gain admission can expect strong institutional support for degree completion, as evidenced by above-peer retention and graduation rates across student populations. The minimal Pell completion gap suggests that economic background does not significantly disadvantage students once enrolled, indicating effective financial aid and support services. Prospective students should view these retention and completion rates as indicators of the academic environment they'll experience—one that supports persistence and degree completion across diverse student backgrounds.
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