Admissions

Deadlines vary by program.

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Liberal Arts and Sciences BA / BS

Acting BFA

Art+Design BFA / BS

Creative Writing BA

Dance BFA

Film BFA

Music MusB

Theatre Design/Technology BFA

Undeclared/Undecided

Is Purchase College test-optional?

Yes. Purchase College is test-optional. SAT or ACT scores may be submitted if you feel they strengthen your application, but they are not required.

What GPA do I need to get into Purchase?

We review each application holistically. The middle 50% of enrolled first-year students typically have a high school GPA between 3.0 and 3.7 (on a 4.0 scale). The average GPA of the incoming fall 2025 class was 88.3% (out of 100).

What is the acceptance rate of Purchase?

Purchase College is selective. For the 2025–2026 entering class, acceptance rates varied significantly by program—conservatory programs requiring auditions or portfolio reviews are among the most competitive, while liberal arts and sciences programs are more accessible. We encourage all students who feel Purchase is the right fit to apply.

Does Purchase College require a portfolio or audition?

We require portfolios and/or auditions for BFA programs in Acting, Dance, Film, Visual Arts, and Theatre Design/Technology; MusB programs in Music; and the BA in Creative Writing, in addition to the standard application. The remaining BA/BS programs do not require talent assessment.

What is the application deadline for Purchase College?

The application deadlines vary by program. The BA/BS programs in the liberal arts and sciences have an early action deadline of November 15, with rolling admissions through April 1. Conservatory programs have earlier deadlines due to audition/interview scheduling and portfolio review, and typically fall between December and March. Some programs have different application and supporting documentation deadlines, so please check your specific program for dates and submission requirements.

How much does it cost to attend Purchase College?

As a SUNY institution, Purchase College offers significantly lower in-state tuition than comparable private colleges. For 2025–2026, annual tuition and fees are $9,016 for New York State residents and $19,616 for out-of-state students. Our out-of-state tuition is sometimes less than some states’ in-state tuition. 

See a complete listing on the Student Financial Services Tuition and Fees page.

The college awards $2.4 million in merit and talent scholarships annually, and 79% of students receive financial aid.

Use the SUNY Net Price Calculator to estimate your personalized cost after financial aid.