What does SUNY stand for?

Hi, I'm a junior in high school starting my college search and I keep coming across the term 'SUNY.' Can someone please tell me what it stands for and what kind of schools are a part of this system? Thanks!

SUNY stands for State University of New York, and it is a public university system in New York state. It is one of the largest higher education systems in the United States, encompassing 64 individual institutions, which include universities, colleges, and specialized and community colleges. These schools provide various degree programs, from associate to doctoral degrees, in a wide range of fields.

The SUNY system is divided into four types of campuses: university centers, comprehensive colleges, technology colleges, and community colleges. The university centers include flagship schools such as Binghamton University, University at Albany, University at Buffalo, and Stony Brook University. These centers typically offer a wide variety of academic and professional programs, as well as innovative research opportunities.

Comprehensive colleges, such as SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Oswego, and SUNY Geneseo, provide a more intimate learning environment and often focus on liberal arts and sciences along with select professional programs. Technology colleges, like SUNY Polytechnic Institute, concentrate on applied learning, industry partnerships, and STEM disciplines. Lastly, the community colleges, such as Suffolk County Community College and Nassau Community College, primarily offer two-year associate degree programs and serve as an affordable entry point to higher education.

In general, SUNY schools pride themselves on offering accessible, high-quality education at a more affordable cost compared to many private colleges and universities. Students who attend SUNY schools benefit from a diverse array of academic programs and a strong emphasis on both research and community engagement.