State University of New York at New Paltz Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Admission Requirements

State University of New York at New Paltz (SUNY New Paltz), established in 1828, is a public university renowned for fine arts, education, and engineering. Ranked among the top SUNY schools.

The campus features a world-class ceramics studio, digital fabrication lab, and new science building. Its Hudson Valley location inspires creativity and outdoor learning.

State University of New York at New Paltz Acceptance Rate

State University of New York at New Paltz (State University of New York) is somewhat selective. With an acceptance rate of 58.7%, the school is accessible to students who demonstrate foundational academic competency and a readiness for college-level work.

Admissions Guidelines

  • Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
  • Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
State University of New York at New Paltz Selectivity Meter

Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem .

State University of New York at New Paltz Admission Requirements

State University of New York GPA Requirement

The average GPA of the admitted students at State University of New York is 3.6. State University of New York 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.

If your GPA is between 3.3 and 3.6, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.

State University of New York GPA & Admission Outlook

Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.

Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.

Admissions at State University of New York utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.6, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.

Candidate GPA Range Admission Category Strategic Requirement
3.60 – 4.00 Target/Match Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.40 – 3.59 Competitive Match Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.20 – 3.39 Secondary Reach Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.19 Institutional Reach Requires Significant Contextual Factors

Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics

  • The Rigor Metric: At State University of New York, 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.

Admission Chance Predictor

Real-Time Sensitive Analysis

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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.



State University of New York at New Paltz (State University of New York) SAT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.

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 2025 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.

State University of New York at New Paltz Average SAT Score: 1267
The average SAT score of the admitted students at State University of New York at New Paltz is 1267 on the 1600 SAT scale.

SAT Competitiveness

Competitiveness

This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to well to score 1267 on the SAT.

Key Insight:Aim for the 75th percentile (1340 SAT or 29 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. State University of New York at New Paltz allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.

If your score is below 1170, you must retake the SAT to improve your chances of admission to State University of New York. It is not strange to appear multiple times for the SAT to improve scores. Colleges don’t mind if you have appeared multiple times, but not more than 5 times.

SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections

SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
SAT Math 615570660
SAT Reading 640600680
SAT Composite 126711701340

It means that if you have scored less than 1170 then you are below most of the admitted students at State University of New York and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1340 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 1250

Can I get into State University of New York at New Paltz (State University of New York) with a 1350 SAT?

With a 1350 SAT Score, your chances of admission at State University of New York at New Paltz (State University of New York) are good but the admission staff at State University of New York 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.

State University of New York at New Paltz (State University of New York) ACT Requirements

The average ACT Score at State University of New York is 27.

ACT Competitiveness

Competitiveness

This score makes State University of New York at New Paltz Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 27 on the ACT.

ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections

SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
ACT Math 252327
ACT English 282431
ACT Composite 272429

Can I get into State University of New York at New Paltz with a 29 ACT?

With a 29 ACT Score, your chances of admission at State University of New York at New Paltz are good but the admission staff does not check your ACT Score only. The College Admission process tests your all-around personality and 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.

View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 27.

State University of New York Profile

Name: State University of New York at New Paltz (State University of New York)

City: New Paltz

URL: www.newpaltz.edu/

State: New York

Type: Public

Zip: 12561-2443

Campus: Main

Accredited by: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)


How much does a degree from State University of New York Cost?

The average annual cost of the degree at State University of New York at New Paltz is USD: 27034. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at State University of New York at New Paltz is USD: 18481

How can I get a scholarship?

32.87% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 45.02 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to State University of New York and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.

At State University of New York at New Paltz, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist State University of New York as your choice in the form.

How much a State University of New York Graduate make?

The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 58073. An average State University of New York 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 USD: 40595



More Competitive

Less Competitive Schools

These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than State University of New York at New Paltz. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.


SchoolLocationSATACT
University of Alabama at Birmingham University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL125126
University of Mobile University of Mobile, AL122024
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, AZ125627
John Brown University John Brown University, AR122226
California Lutheran University California Lutheran University, CA122426
University of Redlands University of Redlands, CA123128
Eckerd College Eckerd College, FL125627
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, FL125627
University of South Florida University of South Florida, FL123527
Berry College Berry College, GA122326


Same Competitive

Equally Competitive Schools

These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as State University of New York at New Paltz. If your SAT or ACT score are competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.


SchoolLocationSATACT
University of Arizona University of Arizona, AZ126126
Biola University Biola University, CA125827
Thomas Aquinas College Thomas Aquinas College, CA127729
University of Central Florida University of Central Florida, FL127727
Florida Southern College Florida Southern College, FL126328
More Competitive

More Competitive Schools

These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than State University of New York at New Paltz. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.


SchoolLocationSATACT
University of Alabama in Huntsville University of Alabama in Huntsville, AL132128
Auburn University Auburn University, AL131828
Hendrix College Hendrix College, AR133629
University of the Pacific University of the Pacific, CA130327
University of San Francisco University of San Francisco, CA131329

Degree Programs


Bachelor Degree Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About State University of New York at New Paltz Admissions

Question: What is the average salary of a graduate?

Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $58073 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.


Question: What is the tuition fee?

Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $27034 per year, making it more affordable for many students.


Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?

Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are good, with about a 50-80% chance. Scholarships are competitive but achievable if you meet the criteria.


Question: What is the acceptance rate?

Answer: The acceptance rate of State University of New York at New Paltz is 58.7 which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.


Question: What is the average GPA of admitted students?

Answer: The average GPA of admitted students is 3.6. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.


Question: What is the minimum GPA required for admission?

Answer: 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 3.3, you're in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.3, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.


Question: What are my chances with a 3.3 GPA?

Answer: If your GPA is 3.2 or less, it may makes 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.


Question: Can I apply to State University of New York at New Paltz if my GPA is below 3.2

Answer: While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.6, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.


Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement

Answer: Admission to State University of New York at New Paltz is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1267 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1170-1340


Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?

Answer: 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.


Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?

Answer: 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.



Full list of All degree programs offered by State University of New York at New Paltz.

Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.

Sohaib Ahmad Khan

Sohaib Ahmad Khan is a leading career counselor and admission guidance expert who has guided over 300,000 students worldwide. He is the author of four books and developer of widely used career counseling and aptitude assessment systems. Read More about his achievements.

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