SUNY College at Geneseo

Geneseo’s academic rigor is its calling card—100% of students complete first-year seminars and writing-intensive courses, and 60% participate in service learning. The most popular major is Business Administration (105 degrees awarded annually), but the college shines in liberal arts, with strong programs in education, biology, and psychology. Small classes are the norm, and faculty are praised for being accessible and supportive. Unique offerings include a 4+1 AI in Business program and robust study-abroad opportunities. The curriculum emphasizes capstone projects, with 100% of seniors completing one.

Life at Geneseo revolves around its strong sense of community and clubs for every niche—from psychology club to gaming club. The campus is vibrant but not a party school, with a focus on "intentionally educational" engagement (think: sustainability initiatives, not Greek life). Students describe the vibe as collaborative rather than cutthroat, with a mix of academic intensity and quirky traditions. The rural location (90 minutes from Rochester) fosters a tight-knit feel, though some lament the lack of big-city amenities.

Geneseo delivers strong ROI: 64% graduate in four years (well above the national average), and alumni earn a median salary of $51,097 six years out. For business majors, employment rates hit 90–98% within seven months of graduation. The college’s upward mobility metrics are notable, with many first-gen?First-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context. students outperforming income expectations. Notably, the Master’s in Accounting program boasts near-perfect job placement.

As a SUNY school, Geneseo is a bargain: in-state net price averages $18,726, while out-of-state students pay around $32,000 after aid. A whopping 96% of first-years receive grants or scholarships, with average aid packages of $14,989. The college offers a net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator to estimate costs, and financial aid staff are notably hands-on in helping families navigate options.

Geneseo is the only public honors college in New York, offering a private-school experience at a public price. Its blend of rigorous academics (evidenced by 100% senior capstone completion), strong outcomes, and quirky community spirit makes it a standout among SUNY schools. The college punches above its weight in alumni earnings and graduation rates, proving that you don’t need Ivy League debt to get a transformative education. For students who thrive in a serious-but-not-stuffy environment, it’s a hidden gem.