Syracuse: Learn. Live. Lead.
Alright, let's talk about Syracuse University. First off, it’s been around since 1870. Picture this: situated in Syracuse, New York, one of the dream cities for students, with a beautiful campus. New York is surprisingly affordable for college kids, so you’re not blowing all your ramen money on rent.
Academics? It’s not just reading books; here you get real-world knowledge too. People rave about their communications, business, public affairs, and engineering programs. Like, if you’re into that media world, the S.I. Newhouse School is legendary. And the Maxwell School? Top-tier for students who want to study public administration and international relations. In this blog, we will walk you through the admission procedure, fees, campus life, and much more.
The campus has over 22,000 students from all around the globe, from more than 120 countries. It’s like a mini United Nations on campus. Plus, there are a bunch of different schools and colleges under the SU umbrella. You’ve got the Newhouse, Maxwell, Whitman School of Management, and a whole lot more. If you want options, you’ve got them to make a choice.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1870 |
| Type | Private Research University |
| Location | Syracuse, New York |
| Student Population | 22,000+ (UG + PG) |
| Campus Size | 721 acres |
| Schools/Colleges | 13 |
| Notable Colleges | Newhouse, Maxwell, Whitman |
| International Students | 120+ Countries |
Syracuse consistently performs well in both national and global rankings thanks to its research output, faculty quality, and strong graduate employability.
| Ranking Body | 2025 Position |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | #751–800 globally |
| QS USA University Rankings | Top 100 in the US |
| U.S. News & World Report | #67 in the US (National Universities) |
| Times Higher Education (THE) | 601–800 globally |
| Best Universities in New York | Among the top private institutions |
Syracuse University, New York, provides an extensive selection of academic pathways—over 200 undergraduate majors and more than 100 graduate programs spanning numerous fields. Whether your interests lie in engineering, media studies, data science, the arts, or management, Syracuse offers a diverse range of options to support your academic and professional goals.
Popular Courses at Syracuse University
B.S. in Computer Science
B.A. in Communications (Newhouse School)
B.S. in Business Administration (Whitman School)
M.S. in Data Science
MBA (including Online MBA)
MPA – Master of Public Administration (Maxwell School)
B.Arch – Bachelor of Architecture
M.S. in Information Management
Complete application via the Common App
High school transcripts
SAT/ACT scores (optional for most programs)
Personal essay
English proficiency: TOEFL iBT (min. 80), IELTS (min. 6.5), or Duolingo (min. 105)
Bachelor's degree from a recognized university
GRE/GMAT (if required by program)
Resume/CV
Letters of recommendation
English proficiency: TOEFL iBT (min. 90), IELTS (min. 7.0), or equivalent
Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA (typically 3.0+)
2+ years of work experience preferred
GMAT/GRE: Optional
Resume, SOP, LORs, and proof of English proficiency
Application Deadlines: Vary by program. For UG Fall intake: Early Decision – Nov 15; Regular Decision – Jan 5
Here's a breakdown of the costs Syracuse University international students can expect to spend. The cost of living in New York can vary depending on lifestyle and preferences as well.
| Program Type | Annual Tuition (USD) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Programs | $60,000–$62,000 |
| Graduate Programs | $32,000–$50,000 |
| Online MBA | ~$50,000 (total program) |
| Expense Category | Annual Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Housing & Meals | $16,000–$18,000 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,500–$2,000 |
| Health Insurance | $2,000 |
| Miscellaneous | $2,000–$3,000 |
| Total (approx.) | $20,000–$23,000 |
Syracuse offers a range of merit-based scholarships and need-based aid to help reduce the financial burden. Syracuse University financial aid helps eligible students reduce the overall cost of attendance through scholarships, grants, and work-study programs.
International Student Merit Scholarship:
Award: Up to $25,000/year for UG students
Graduate Assistantships:
Includes tuition waivers and stipend
External Funding Sources:
Examples: Fulbright, Inlaks Foundation, company sponsorships
Note: UG applicants are automatically considered for merit aid. PG students should check with individual departments.
Understanding the student profile can help you get a clearer picture of who thrives at Syracuse University. This table highlights key statistics, including class sizes, diversity, and academic backgrounds, to give prospective students insight into the campus community.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | 22,000+ students |
| International Students | ~15% of the total |
| Top Sending Countries | India, China, South Korea, Canada, Nigeria |
| Male: Female Ratio | 46:54 |
| Avg. UG Class Size | 20–25 students |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 15:1 |
Syracuse University is located in one of the best neighbourhoods of New York. At Syracuse, campus life is active and engaging. There are Division I sports teams and student groups; there are theater productions and all kinds of events; something is happening all the time. At Syracuse, you’ll find:
300+ student organizations
NCAA Division I athletic teams
Modern rec centers and libraries
Study abroad and study away in over 60 countries
On campus support: career advising and counseling, wellness and counseling center, writing center
Syracuse invests heavily in career development. The Career Services Center helps students land internships and full-time roles.
90%+ placement rate within 6 months of graduation
Avg. starting salary: $65,000–$75,000 (varies by program)
Top recruiters: Amazon, Google, Deloitte, Accenture, JPMorgan Chase
On-campus job fairs and alumni networking events
Here’s what students say:
Professors here? Super approachable and always ready to help you.
The alumni network is huge. You can get referrals through them in the majority of the good companies.
The campus—fall hits, and it turns into a postcard. Seriously, the pictures go viral on Instagram. In winter, don’t even think about surviving without coats and boots that could stomp through a blizzard.
And the vibe? Pretty chill, honestly. Lots of people from all over, so you never feel out of place.
Syracuse vs Virginia vs Delaware University: Which is Better?
| Feature | Syracuse Univ. | Univ. of Virginia | Univ. of Delaware |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Private | Public | Public |
| Ranking (US News 2025) | #67 | #24 | #76 |
| Avg. Tuition (UG) | $60,000 | $25,000 (in-state) | $38,000 |
| Best Known For | Communications, Policy | Law, Business | Engineering, Science |
| Campus Life | Urban-Suburban | Suburban | College town |
If you're looking for smaller class sizes and private university support, Syracuse holds strong.
Joe Biden – Yes, the 46th President himself. Also, a law school graduate from Syracuse.
Vera Farmiga – Emmy-nominated and a total powerhouse on screen.
Bob Costas – Sports broadcasting legend. The dude’s voice is a soundtrack for half of American sports history.
Megyn Kelly – Former Fox News host, studied a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and graduated in 1992
Lou Reed – An Iconic musician and Velvet Underground founder, who studied a Bachelor of Arts in English, class of 1964.
Off-Campus Housing near Syracuse University
While there are on-campus student housing options available, students usually opt for off-campus student apartments as they offer flexibility, comfort, and modern amenities, all while being located close to their university, promoting hassle-free travel. With amber, you can book apartments at the best price with utmost ease. A few of the best apartments in Syracuse, New York, near Syracuse University, are mentioned below:
1. Campus Prime, Syracuse
2. Park Point, Syracuse
3. The Laurel, Syracuse
4. U Point, Syracuse
Syracuse University offers a mix of academic excellence, diverse student life, and research opportunities. With a moderately selective admissions process, a broad range of programs, and a supportive campus community, it provides students with the tools to succeed both academically and personally. For those looking to balance rigorous academics with a rich college experience, Syracuse University stands out as a compelling choice.
Syracuse University is recognized for its top-ranked programs in communications, public affairs, and business. It's among the best universities in New York.
Syracuse University has a moderately selective acceptance rate of about 59%, so admission is competitive but attainable for many students.
The acceptance rate is around 52%, making it moderately selective.
Syracuse University fees range from $55,000 to $60,000/year, with the total cost of attendance going up to $85,000/year. Financial aid is available.
Syracuse University admissions typically require a strong GPA, SAT/ACT scores (optional in some cases), essays, and letters of recommendation.