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
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 82.9%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
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
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
ESF GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at ESF is 3.7. ESF is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.90-4.10 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.40 and 3.7, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
ESF GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Admissions at ESF utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.7, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
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
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At ESF, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at ESF
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry's verified institutional data
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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
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into ESF Without SAT or ACT?
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Average SAT Score: 1215
The average SAT score of the admitted students at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry is 1215 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1215 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do well to score 1215 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1245 SAT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1175, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at ESF. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 1215 | 1175 | 1245 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1175 then you are below most of the admitted students at ESF and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1245 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
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?
With a 1250 SAT Score, your chances of admission at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) are good but the admission staff at ESF tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for ESF
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
ESF is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Consistency over Perfection
Prove you can handle a college curriculum by maintaining a steady or upward GPA trend. One or two lower grades won't be a dealbreaker if you've improved since.
Placement Validation
Use the SAT or ACT to exempt yourself from non-credit remedial courses. A solid score here saves you time and tuition money once you enroll.
Practical Leadership
Highlight work experience, family responsibilities, or community service. These schools value 'grit' and real-world maturity.
FAFSA & Deadlines
At schools with higher acceptance rates, the 'win' is financial. Submit your FAFSA and local scholarship apps as early as possible to maximize your aid package.
Next Step: Review the specific 'Pre-Professional' tracks at ESF to ensure your high school electives align with your intended major.
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?
Getting into ESF can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. ESF offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at ESF is $63,400 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.54%.
How much does a degree from ESF Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry is $27,958. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry is $18,730.
25.7% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 42.4 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to ESF and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist ESF as your choice in the form.
How much does a ESF Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $55,763. An average ESF graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
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
Full list of all degree programs offered by SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry →
Frequently Asked Questions About ESF Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $55,763 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $27,958 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
25.7% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry is 82.9% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.7. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.4, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.4, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.3 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.7, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1215 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1175–1245.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.