Public
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Syracuse, New York
82.9% Acceptance Rate
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
82.9%Acceptance Rate
3.7Avg GPA
1215Avg SAT
$27,958Annual Cost
$55,763Grad Salary
25.7%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
82.9%
Avg GPA
3.7
Avg SAT
1215
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1175–1245
Avg Net Price
$18,730
Need-Based Aid
25.7% receive Pell
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, established in 1911 in Syracuse, New York, is a specialized public college ranked among the top national universities for environmental studies. ESF offers 25+ undergraduate programs focused on sustainability, forestry, and environmental biology across its main campus and 25,000 acres of field stations. The college's facilities include the Gateway Center (LEED Platinum certified) and the new Center for Sustainable Materials Management. ESF maintains a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio and is classified as a 'Doctoral University: High Research Activity.'
ESF's location provides access to diverse ecosystems from Adirondack forests to Finger Lakes watersheds. The Mighty Oaks compete in USCAA athletics. The college's Roosevelt Wild Life Station and Thousand Islands Biological Station support important ecological research. ESF's partnership with Syracuse University allows students to access additional academic resources while maintaining the college's environmental focus and close-knit community.
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Acceptance Rate
Admission at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry is inclusive by design. 82.9% of applicants who meet basic eligibility are accepted.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in. They are worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 82.9% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.70 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.50 – 3.69
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.25
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Mark November 15 for SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (Early Action — other plans are listed below).
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 102 days left — Early Action
Early Action
November 15
Regular Decision
January 15
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
ESF GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at ESF is 3.7. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.40 and 3.7? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.90–4.10.ESF GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective. This GPA sits within the typical admitted band.
Recommended Strategy: A top-5th-percentile SAT/ACT score makes the strongest case here.
This range is a rough map. Where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application.:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.70 – 4.00
Competitive Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.50 – 3.69
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.30 – 3.49
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.29
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- ESF has a test-blind admissions policy (not just test-optional); SAT/ACT scores are not used in admissions decisions.
- The Ranger School (AAS program, Wanakena campus) does not enroll first-year students; entry is only available via guaranteed transfer application as a high school senior or as a regular sophomore-year transfer.
- ESF students can take Syracuse University courses that count fully as ESF coursework, with ESF's standard C-minimum transfer grade requirement waived specifically for SU coursework.
- Transfer GPA thresholds differ by program: 2.80 for Syracuse-campus bachelor's programs, 2.50 for the Ranger School AAS; applicants below 2.00 GPA are not considered.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself. A 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average. The trajectory tells its own story.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at ESF
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at ESF. Landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into ESF Without SAT or ACT?
ESF neither requires nor recommends test scores. Submit yours only if it's above the state or national average. Otherwise, leaving it off works in your favor.
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Average SAT Score: 1215
Admitted students at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry average a 1215 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1215 — Slightly Competitive
A 1215 average tracks near the middle of the national distribution.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1245 SAT) to stand out. Below average? SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 1175? A retake is worth it at ESF. Two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 1215 | 1175 | 1245 |
A score under 1175 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1245+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1200
Can I get into SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) with a 1250 SAT?
At 1250, your SAT is squarely in ESF's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file. GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for ESF
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
ESF takes a broad view of applicants. Your energy is best spent proving readiness for coursework and maximizing your financial aid package.
Use ESF's full cross-registration with Syracuse University as a real curriculum expansion
ESF students can take Syracuse University courses that count fully as ESF coursework, with ESF's usual C-minimum transfer grade requirement specifically waived for SU coursework - a level of integration well beyond typical "consortium" cross-registration. If ESF's own catalog doesn't cover a specific interest (business, languages, arts), plan your schedule around specific Syracuse University courses from your first year, since they'll transcript identically to ESF courses.
Apply to The Ranger School as a high school senior for a guaranteed sophomore-year entry
ESF's Ranger School (an AAS program in Wanakena) does not enroll first-year students at all - students complete year one at ESF's Syracuse campus or elsewhere, then apply for guaranteed transfer entry as sophomores, with a required minimum 2.50 GPA for transfer applicants. If a hands-on, remote-campus forestry technician credential interests you, apply for this guaranteed transfer track while still a high school senior rather than assuming you can add it as a later transfer decision - spring admission isn't available, so timing matters.
Target ESF's Newcomb Campus and Cranberry Lake Biological Station for a genuinely rare wilderness research experience
ESF operates a network of regional campuses and field stations, including the Newcomb Campus inside the 15,000-acre Huntington Wildlife Forest and the Cranberry Lake Biological Station - facilities most environmental science programs simply don't have access to. If wildlife or ecosystem field research specifically draws you to ESF, ask your admissions counselor about which majors route students through these specific field stations, since not every ESF major uses them equally.
Push your GPA and letters over test scores - ESF is test-blind, not just test-optional
ESF has a test-blind policy, meaning submitted SAT/ACT scores are not used in admissions decisions at all - a stricter policy than merely "test-optional." Put your energy specifically into GPA trend, course rigor (three years each of college-prep math and science are required, four recommended), and any supporting materials rather than treating a strong test score as something that could offset a weaker transcript here.
Expert Insight:
A costly and specific mistake for transfer applicants is not knowing ESF's tiered GPA thresholds by program: a 2.80 cumulative GPA is required for bachelor's programs at the Syracuse campus, but only 2.50 for the Ranger School AAS program, and applicants below a 2.00 GPA are not considered for transfer admission at all - a student assuming one uniform transfer GPA bar across all ESF programs may misjudge their own competitiveness for a specific track.
ESF Profile
Full Name
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF)
City
Syracuse
State
New York
ZIP Code
13210
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a ESF Degree Worth It?
At $27,958/year against a $55,763 median graduate salary, ESF is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation. The numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $63,400, and graduates see a 3.54% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from ESF Cost?
Listed tuition runs $27,958/year at ESF. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land closer to $18,730.
At ESF, 25.7% receive a Pell Grant and 42.4% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming ESF on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a ESF Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, ESF graduates report a median income of $55,763, about 37% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 1194 | 26 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | Willimantic, CT | 1200 | NA |
| University of New Haven | West Haven, CT | 1190 | NA |
| Howard University | Washington, DC | 1205 | 25 |
| Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 1182 | 25 |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | Savannah, GA | 1178 | 25 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Mobile | Mobile, AL | 1220 | 24 |
| John Brown University | Siloam Springs, AR | 1222 | 26 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
| California Lutheran University | Thousand Oaks, CA | 1224 | 26 |
| University of Hartford | West Hartford, CT | 1207 | 29 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 1251 | 26 |
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 1261 | 26 |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | Prescott, AZ | 1256 | 27 |
| Biola University | La Mirada, CA | 1258 | 27 |
Degree Programs at ESF
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About ESF Admissions
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry graduates earn a moderate median salary of $55,763/year, with some variation by field.
Tuition at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry is relatively affordable, around $27,958/year.
25.7% of SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry students get a Pell Grant. Your odds depend mostly on household income, and filing FAFSA early still helps maximize what you're offered.
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry's acceptance rate is 82.9%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry students is 3.7, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.4 puts you in the standard applicant pool at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 3.3 or below makes admission tougher at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1215, and within the 1175–1245 range, keeps you competitive.
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry's deadline is November 15 (Early Action).
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry charges an application fee of 50; ask admissions about waiver eligibility if cost is a barrier.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out, plus a solid test score where the school considers one.
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