Public
Accredited · Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Saratoga Springs, New York
Empire State University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
$18,221Annual Cost
$54,080Grad Salary
35%Pell Grant
Selectivity
Open Enrollment
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Avg Net Price
$11,147
Need-Based Aid
35% receive Pell
Empire State University specializes in adult education across New York. Established in 1971, SUNY Empire features multiple locations.
The university excels in business and liberal studies programs. SUNY Empire's 'Mentoring' model provides personalized learning.
Empire State University Acceptance Rate
Empire State University maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 100%, 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
Open Enrollment
Selectivity scale: Open Enrollment — rate not reported
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
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 Empire State University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Empire State University'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
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Empire State University 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 Empire State University Without SAT or ACT?
The admission test score (SAT/ACT) policy for Empire State University is unknown. 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. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 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.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Empire State University
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
Empire State University provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Treat your assigned faculty mentor as your primary academic partner, not an occasional check-in
Empire State's entire model - course selection, degree planning, and prior-learning credit requests - runs through ongoing one-on-one conversations with your assigned faculty mentor, not a standard advising office you visit occasionally. Schedule regular mentor meetings from day one rather than treating the mentor relationship as something to activate only when you hit a problem; students who engage early shape a more efficient degree plan.
Build your Credit for Prior Learning (iCPL) case before your first mentor meeting, not during it
Prior-learning credit is awarded for verifiable college-level learning from work or life experience, evaluated by a subject-matter expert based on a written request you submit explaining what you know and how you learned it - not for the experience itself. Arrive with your resume, certifications, and work products already organized so your mentor can immediately identify which experiences are worth formal prior-learning requests, rather than starting the discovery process from scratch.
Plan your degree around the credit caps, not around how much prior learning you've accumulated
Most associate degrees cap transfer and prior-learning credit at 40 credits (52 for the AA/AS in General Studies), while bachelor's degrees allow up to 90-93 credits of advanced standing - but at least 45 credits must be upper-level work completed at SUNY Empire. Even extensive prior learning can't substitute for required upper-level coursework, so map your remaining credit needs realistically rather than assuming a large prior-learning portfolio shortens your bachelor's timeline as much as you'd expect.
Don't count on prior-learning credit to help a weak GPA
Credit awarded through iCPL is equivalent to a C or better at the undergraduate level (B or better at graduate level), but it does not carry a letter grade and is not factored into your SUNY Empire GPA at all. If you're trying to strengthen your GPA for a future program or scholarship, prior-learning credit won't help - only your graded coursework will move that number.
Expert Insight:
Because admission is non-selective - no essay, GPA not formally considered, roughly 66% acceptance - students sometimes assume the prior-learning credit process will be similarly easy. In practice, the work shifts from traditional coursework to a documentation-heavy, expert-evaluated process for every individual credit request, and a vague or poorly substantiated learning description is the most common reason requests are denied or reduced from the student's initial estimate.
Empire State University Profile
Full Name
Empire State University
City
Saratoga Springs
State
New York
ZIP Code
12866-4391
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSACHE)
Is a Empire State University Degree Worth It?
Getting into Empire State University 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. Empire State University 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 Empire State University is $59,500 and the graduate unemployment rate is 4.11%.
How much does a degree from Empire State University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Empire State University is $18,221. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Empire State University is $11,147.
35% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 34.6 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Empire State University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Empire State University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Empire State University as your choice in the form.
How much does a Empire State University Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $54,080. An average Empire State University 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.
Degree Programs at Empire State University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Empire State University →
Frequently Asked Questions About Empire State University Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $54,080 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $18,221 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
35.0% 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.
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.