Top 10 SUNY Schools With the Highest Acceptance Rates 2026

The State University of New York (SUNY) system gives you access to a wide range of colleges and programs across the state, with options that fit different academic goals and budgets. For many students, acceptance rates play an important role in how easy it is to take that first step into higher education.

SUNY schools with higher acceptance rates can make college more accessible by combining affordable tuition with academic support and practical degree options. Below, you’ll find SUNY schools that welcome a broad range of students while offering clear pathways toward future careers.

How Competitive Are SUNY Schools?

Competitiveness in the SUNY system varies widely. Some campuses, such as Binghamton or Stony Brook, are highly selective and admit fewer applicants, while others are more open and provide broader access. This range means you can find a SUNY option that fits your academic profile and career goals.

What Is Considered a High Acceptance Rate for a SUNY School?

An acceptance rate of 60% or higher is typically considered high, and several SUNY campuses admit most applicants each year. These schools give you more opportunities to begin your degree, making it easier to access affordable programs and supportive academic environments.

What Are the Easiest SUNY Schools To Get Into?

Some SUNY campuses stand out for their higher acceptance rates and flexible admissions policies. These schools give you more accessible entry points to begin your education and explore different academic or career pathways.

• SUNY Canton: 96% acceptance rate
• SUNY Potsdam: 85% acceptance rate
• SUNY Buffalo State University: 82% acceptance rate

Best SUNY Schools With the Highest Acceptance Rates

If you’re looking for an accessible entry point into the SUNY system, these campuses make it easier to get started. Each school combines approachable admissions with strong academics, hands-on learning, and opportunities to prepare for your future career.

1. SUNY Canton

At SUNY Canton, you can build career-ready skills while earning your degree. Programs include business, criminal justice, nursing, veterinary science, and engineering technology, with many majors available in flexible online formats.

You’ll gain hands-on experience in labs, simulation spaces, and clinical settings, giving you the chance to practice what you learn. Faculty bring professional expertise to the classroom and guide you through internships and projects that connect directly to the workplace.

• Acceptance rate: 96%
• Estimated tuition cost: $295 per credit hour (in-state); $353 per credit hour (out-of-state online); $729 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. SUNY Potsdam

At SUNY Potsdam, you can explore a mix of liberal arts and professional programs, with especially strong options in education, the arts, and music. If you’re passionate about performance, the Crane School of Music gives you access to ensembles, concerts, and cultural events that shape your experience.

You’ll benefit from smaller classes and personal attention from faculty who guide your academic journey. Opportunities like undergraduate research, study abroad, and internships let you take what you learn in class and apply it in real-world settings.

• Acceptance rate: 85%
• Estimated tuition cost: $7,070 per year (in-state); $16,980 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: MSCHE

3. SUNY Buffalo State University

SUNY Buffalo State University offers more than 75 undergraduate programs, from arts and sciences to teacher preparation and applied studies. The university’s strong education programs and community-focused approach give you plenty of ways to link classroom work with real-world practice.

Located in the city of Buffalo, you’ll be surrounded by cultural venues, nonprofits, and internship sites that connect directly to your studies. Faculty encourage you to take part in service-learning and research projects, helping you turn your education into a meaningful experience.

• Acceptance rate: 82%
• Estimated tuition cost: $3,535 per semester (in-state); $9,405 per semester (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: MSCHE

4. SUNY Oswego

SUNY Oswego gives you a lakeside campus and more than 60 majors in business, STEM, education, and the liberal arts. You’ll get involved in research, creative projects, and practical training that help you connect your academic work to your career goals.

On campus, you’ll use modern labs, media production suites, and maker spaces while collaborating with classmates and faculty. With more than 100 study abroad programs and internship connections in cities like New York and Washington, D.C., you can broaden your experience far beyond campus.

• Acceptance rate: 80%
• Estimated tuition cost: $295 per credit hour (in-state); $353 per credit hour (out-of-state online); $729 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: MSCHE

5. SUNY Fredonia

At SUNY Fredonia, you’ll find more than 80 majors to choose from, with standout options in education, business, music, and the sciences. If you’re interested in performance, the School of Music offers rehearsal spaces, ensembles, and the chance to learn directly from accomplished faculty.

You’ll also have access to research opportunities, internships, and study abroad programs that let you put your education into practice. Faculty and staff work closely with you to guide both your academic path and career preparation.

• Acceptance rate: 79%
• Estimated tuition cost: $3,535 per semester (resident); $7,070 per semester (non-resident)
• Accreditation: MSCHE

6. SUNY Maritime College

SUNY Maritime College lets you combine a bachelor’s degree with professional training in engineering, business, or maritime studies. If you’re interested in a Coast Guard license, the program integrates it into your academic track, preparing you for careers in shipping, transportation, and logistics.

On campus in the Bronx, you’ll study alongside the Long Island Sound and work with advanced tools like a full ship simulator and the college’s training vessel. Co-ops, internships, and industry partnerships give you direct entry points into the maritime field.

• Acceptance rate: 79%
• Estimated tuition cost: $13,085.50 per semester (in-state); $14,855.50 per semester (in-region); $18,535.50 per semester (out-of-region)
• Accreditation: MSCHE

7. SUNY Plattsburgh

SUNY Plattsburgh offers more than 70 academic programs, giving you options in the arts, sciences, business, and education. If you’re drawn to environmental science, the Adirondack region becomes your classroom for fieldwork and research, while education majors gain early experience in local schools.

You’ll use modern labs, media production spaces, and art studios while also taking part in internships, study abroad, or service learning projects. Faculty and staff work closely with you, making sure your academic work connects to your long-term career goals.

• Acceptance rate: 75%
• Estimated tuition cost: $3,535 per year (resident); $8,490 per year (non-resident)
• Accreditation: MSCHE

8. SUNY Brockport

At SUNY Brockport, you can choose from more than 50 undergraduate majors, including strong programs in education, health sciences, business, and the liberal arts. The campus is part of the Rochester metropolitan area, giving you access to internships and cultural opportunities alongside your studies.

You’ll find updated facilities, modern labs, and collaborative spaces that encourage both independent and group learning. Brockport also focuses on undergraduate research and service-learning, so you can apply what you learn in class while building connections that support your career goals.

• Acceptance rate: 71%
• Estimated tuition cost: $7,070 per year (in-state); $14,140 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: MSCHE

9. SUNY Oneonta

SUNY Oneonta offers more than 60 undergraduate majors in arts, sciences, education, and business. Programs are built to balance classroom instruction with real-world experience, so you can develop both academic knowledge and practical skills.

On campus, you’ll use modern labs, studios, and performance spaces while working closely with faculty who support your goals. Study abroad programs, internships, and research projects give you opportunities to take your learning beyond campus and connect with broader communities.

• Acceptance rate: 70%
• Estimated tuition cost: $7,070 per year (in-state); $18,020 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: MSCHE

10. SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

At SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), you’ll focus on sustainability, natural resources, and environmental problem-solving. Majors include environmental science, forestry, wildlife science, and engineering, so that you can start careers that address today’s ecological challenges.

You’ll study in specialized labs and research centers while taking advantage of ESF’s field stations across New York State. Faculty guide you through projects that combine classroom knowledge with applied research, internships, and conservation work, helping you turn your passion for the environment into professional preparation.

• Acceptance rate: 70%
• Estimated tuition cost: $3,535 per semester (resident); $10,510 per semester (non-resident)
• Accreditation: MSCHE

Admissions Requirements for SUNY Schools With High Acceptance Rates

SUNY campuses with higher acceptance rates still ask you to meet some basic admissions standards, but the process is often more flexible than at selective schools. Typical requirements may include:

• high school diploma or GED
• completed application and fee
• official high school transcripts
• personal essay or statement of purpose
• letters of recommendation (optional at many campuses)

How To Choose the Right SUNY School

When you’re comparing SUNY campuses, it helps to weigh a few key factors. Cost is often a major concern, especially if you’re deciding between in-state or out-of-state tuition. You’ll also want to think about the location, available majors, acceptance rates, and the type of campus life that feels like the best fit for you.

Long-term considerations matter too. Many SUNY schools have transfer agreements that make it easier to move into bachelor’s or graduate programs later. Financial aid opportunities, scholarships, and payment plans can affect overall affordability. Finally, consider the reputation of specific programs within the SUNY system, since some campuses are especially well known in fields like education, business, or the arts.

FAQs About SUNY Schools With High Acceptance Rates

If you’re exploring SUNY campuses with higher acceptance rates, you may have questions about admissions, costs, and transfer options. The FAQs below cover common concerns to help you plan your next steps.

Are There Any SUNY Schools With a 100% Acceptance Rate?

No SUNY campus currently admits every applicant, but some schools come very close with rates in the 90% range. SUNY Canton, for example, accepts nearly all qualified students and provides on-campus and online degree options.

Do High Acceptance Rate SUNY Schools Still Offer Quality Education?

Yes, a higher acceptance rate doesn’t mean weaker academics. Many SUNY schools with broad admissions still provide strong programs, experienced faculty, and hands-on learning opportunities. You’ll have access to internships, labs, and campus resources that support your success just as much as more selective schools within the system.

Can I Earn an Online Degree at a High Acceptance Rate SUNY School?

Several SUNY campuses with higher acceptance rates also offer online programs. These degrees allow you to balance studies with work or family responsibilities while earning a SUNY credential. Online options often include fields like business, criminal justice, and healthcare, giving you the same academic quality with added flexibility.

What Majors Are Most Popular at High Acceptance Rate SUNY Schools?

At SUNY campuses with higher acceptance rates, popular majors often include business, education, criminal justice, and health sciences. Many students also pursue programs in the liberal arts, STEM, and technology fields.

How Much Does Tuition Cost at a High Acceptance Rate SUNY School?

Tuition is generally affordable compared to many other state systems. In-state students usually pay around $7,000 per year, while out-of-state costs are higher. You can also lower expenses through financial aid, scholarships, and grants, which are available across the SUNY system to support different student needs.

Is It Easier To Transfer From a High Acceptance Rate SUNY School to Another SUNY Campus?

Yes, the SUNY system makes transferring between campuses straightforward. You can start at a school with a higher acceptance rate and later move to a more selective campus if you meet the academic requirements. Transfer agreements and shared credit policies help you carry coursework forward without losing progress toward your degree.

Explore SUNY Programs

You can take the next step by browsing SUNY programs on Learn.org. Compare schools, review tuition details, and contact campuses directly to learn more about admissions and academic opportunities.