Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026  ·  Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard Nov 2025
SUNY at Purchase College (Purchase College) — Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements
Public Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education Purchase, New York 72.8% Acceptance Rate

SUNY at Purchase College (Purchase College) Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Admission Requirements

📍 Purchase, New York 10577-1400 🏛️ Main Campus 🌐 www.purchase.edu/

SUNY at Purchase College — Admission Snapshot 2026

A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application

72.8%Acceptance Rate
3.37Avg GPA
1277Avg SAT
30Avg ACT
$28,541Annual Cost
$45,092Grad Salary
35.6%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
72.8%
Avg GPA
3.37
Avg SAT
1277
Avg ACT
30
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1178–1363
ACT Middle 50%
27–32
Avg Net Price
$19,067
Need-Based Aid
35.6% receive Pell

SUNY at Purchase College Acceptance Rate

SUNY at Purchase College is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of SUNY at Purchase College is 72.8%. This means that 73 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.

Admissions Guidelines

  • Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
  • Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.

Selectivity at a Glance

Somewhat Selective
SUNY at Purchase College Selectivity Meter
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 72.8% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)

Recommended Academic Profile

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.37 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.17 – 3.36
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.92
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.

Purchase College GPA Requirement

The average GPA of admitted students at Purchase College is 3.37. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.

A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.

Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.57-3.77 for this same academic profile.

If your GPA is between 3.07 and 3.37, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.

Purchase College GPA & Admission Outlook

Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.

Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).

Admissions at Purchase College utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.37, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.37 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.17 – 3.36
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.97 – 3.16
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.96
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors

Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics

  • The Rigor Metric: At Purchase College, 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 Purchase College

Admission Chance Predictor

Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on SUNY at Purchase College's verified institutional data

--%
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 at Purchase College (Purchase College) 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 Purchase College Without SAT or ACT?

SUNY at Purchase College considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.

SUNY at Purchase College Average SAT Score: 1277

The average SAT score of the admitted students at SUNY at Purchase College is 1277 on the 1600 SAT scale.

SAT Competitiveness

SUNY at Purchase College SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1277 — Slightly Competitive

This score makes it slightly Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do well to score 1277 on the SAT.

SAT Math
621
SAT Reading
650
Composite
1277
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1363 SAT or 32 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. SUNY at Purchase College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.

If your score is below 1178, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Purchase College. 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

SAT score percentiles for SUNY at Purchase College
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
SAT Math621578663
SAT Reading650600700
SAT Composite127711781363

It means that if you have scored less than 1178 then you are below most of the admitted students at Purchase College and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1363 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 1300

Can I get into SUNY at Purchase College (Purchase College) with a 1350 SAT?

With a 1350 SAT Score, your chances of admission at SUNY at Purchase College (Purchase College) are good but the admission staff at Purchase College 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.

SUNY at Purchase College (Purchase College) ACT Requirements

The average ACT Score at Purchase College is 30.

ACT Competitiveness

SUNY at Purchase College ACT Competitiveness
ACT 30 — Very Competitive

This score makes SUNY at Purchase College very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 30 on the ACT.

ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections

ACT score percentiles for SUNY at Purchase College
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
ACT Math282530
ACT English312834
ACT Composite302732

Can I get into SUNY at Purchase College with a 32 ACT?

A 32 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at SUNY at Purchase College — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at SUNY at Purchase College use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.

Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.

One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that SUNY at Purchase College — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether SUNY at Purchase College uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.

Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 32 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.

View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 30

Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Purchase College

Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation

Purchase College 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 Purchase College to ensure your high school electives align with your intended major.

Purchase College Profile

Full Name
SUNY at Purchase College (Purchase College)
City
Purchase
State
New York
ZIP Code
10577-1400
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)

Is a Purchase College Degree Worth It?

Getting into Purchase College 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. Purchase College 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 Purchase College is $76,900 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.59%.

How much does a degree from Purchase College Cost?

The average annual cost of the degree at SUNY at Purchase College is $28,541. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at SUNY at Purchase College is $19,067.

35.6% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 44.3 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Purchase College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.

At SUNY at Purchase College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Purchase College as your choice in the form.

How much does a Purchase College Graduate earn?

The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $45,092. An average Purchase College 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.

$28,541Annual Cost
$19,067Net Price
35.6%Pell Grant
44.3%Federal Loan
$45,092Grad Salary (10yr)

Compare Similar Colleges

Less Competitive

Less Competitive Schools

These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than SUNY at Purchase College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL 1251 26
University of Arizona Tucson, AZ 1261 26
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott Prescott, AZ 1256 27
Biola University La Mirada, CA 1258 27
University of Redlands Redlands, CA 1231 28
Eckerd College Saint Petersburg, FL 1256 27
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach Daytona Beach, FL 1256 27
Florida Southern College Lakeland, FL 1263 28
University of South Florida Tampa, FL 1235 27
Covenant College Lookout Mountain, GA 1254 27
Same Competitive

Equally Competitive Schools

These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as SUNY at Purchase College. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.

SchoolLocationSATACT
The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL 1287 28
Point Loma Nazarene University San Diego, CA 1278 26
Thomas Aquinas College Santa Paula, CA 1277 29
University of Central Florida Orlando, FL 1277 27
Mercer University Macon, GA 1280 28
More Competitive

More Competitive Schools

These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than SUNY at Purchase College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
University of Alabama in Huntsville Huntsville, AL 1321 28
Auburn University Auburn, AL 1318 28
Hendrix College Conway, AR 1336 29
Chapman University Orange, CA 1353 30
University of San Francisco San Francisco, CA 1313 29

Degree Programs at Purchase College

Bachelor Degree Programs

Full list of all degree programs offered by SUNY at Purchase College →

Frequently Asked Questions About Purchase College Admissions

Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $45,092 annually, especially in non-technical fields.

The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $28,541 per year, making it more affordable for many students.

35.6% 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 at Purchase College is 72.8% 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 3.37. 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 3.07, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.07, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.

If your GPA is 2.97 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 3.37, 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 at Purchase College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1277 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1178–1363.

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.

Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026

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Sohaib Ahmad Khan

Sohaib Ahmad Khan is a leading career counselor and admission guidance expert who has guided over 50,000 students worldwide. He is the author of four books and developer of widely used career counseling and aptitude assessment systems. .

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