Difference between CUNY and SUNY

Does anyone know the key differences between CUNY and SUNY schools? I’m considering applying to both but want to understand how they compare in terms of acceptance rates, campus culture, and resources. Thanks in advance!

Sure, I'd be happy to help you understand the differences!

The State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY) are both public university systems in New York, but they serve different regions and have different strengths.

Campuses & Locations:

SUNY is the larger of the two systems, with over 60 campuses spread across the entire state, from Long Island to Buffalo. This gives you a wide variety of campus settings and sizes to choose from, ranging from small rural colleges to large urban campuses.

CUNY, on the other hand, consists of 25 institutions all located within the five boroughs of New York City. This means that all CUNY campuses are urban and offer the vibrant, fast-paced culture of the city.

Acceptance Rates & Academics:

Acceptance rates can vary quite a bit within each system based on the specific school and program. For instance, within SUNY, Binghamton and Geneseo tend to be more selective with lower acceptance rates, while other schools have higher acceptance rates. Within CUNY, Baruch and Hunter are often more selective.

In terms of academics, both SUNY and CUNY offer a wide array of programs, but certain campuses have particular strengths. For example, SUNY has strong engineering programs at Binghamton and Buffalo and renowned art programs at Purchase. Meanwhile, Baruch College (CUNY) is well-known for its business program.

Tuition & Resources:

Both systems offer lower tuition for New York State residents, which can make them appealing from a financial standpoint. However, resources like academic services, extracurricular opportunities, or internship availability can vary wildly from campus to campus. Therefore, if you have specific interests or needs, it could be beneficial to research individual schools within both systems.

Campus Cultures:

Campus culture will primarily depend on the specific institution, its location, and size. SUNY schools, spread out as they are, offer a range of campus cultures from the tight-knit, traditional college feel of SUNY Geneseo, to the bustling, city atmosphere of SUNY Albany. Meanwhile, all CUNY institutions will offer an urban, commuter-oriented atmosphere, given their location in NYC.

So, while CUNY and SUNY may seem similar on the surface, there can be quite a few differences depending on which specific schools within the systems you’re considering. I would recommend researching individual schools that interest you within both systems to get a better idea of the differences. Good luck!