SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

ESF’s academic identity is laser-focused on environmental stewardship, offering 50+ degree programs—from forestry to environmental engineering—with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio. Nearly 60% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering close mentorship. Standout programs include Environmental Resource Engineering (ERE) and forestry, bolstered by 25,000 acres of research forests and Syracuse University cross-registration privileges.

• Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
• Small Classes (<20 students): 59.9%
• Key Facilities: 25,000 acres of forest land across eight field stations

Life at ESF blends rugged outdoor culture with Syracuse University’s urban energy. Only 32% of students live on campus, but ESF’s 40+ student clubs (like the Maple Syrup Club) and access to 300+ Syracuse University organizations keep social calendars full. The vibe is earthy and activist-leaning—think tree-planting initiatives and sustainability hackathons—with Syracuse’s bars and sports teams a short walk away.

ESF graduates enter a niche job market with 76% graduation rates (well above the national average) and 92% career placement within six months. Early-career salaries average $36,000, reflecting the public-sector and nonprofit tilt of environmental careers. The college’s 81.8% knowledge rate (grad survey participation) suggests robust alumni tracking.

• Graduation Rate: 76%
• Career Placement Rate: 92%
• Early-Career Salary: $36,000

As a SUNY school, ESF is relatively affordable, with a net price of $22,957 after aid. The average financial aid package is $8,105, though only 60% of students receive grants or scholarships. New York’s Excelsior Scholarship can further reduce costs for in-state students meeting income requirements.

• Net Price: $22,957
• Average Aid Package: $8,105
• Students Receiving Grants/Scholarships: 60%

ESF is the only SUNY school dedicated solely to environmental science, offering a rare combo of public-school affordability and specialized rigor. Its 25,000-acre outdoor classroom and Syracuse University adjacency let students geek out on dendrology by day and catch a basketball game by night. For future conservationists, it’s a pragmatic alternative to pricier private eco-schools like UVM or Middlebury.