Why Purchase?
For us, think wide open isn’t a slogan. It’s a promise. That a Purchase College education will prepare you not for a single job, but a lifetime of success.
Let some of our graduates tell you in their own words.
The Vibe Here is Different
Yes, you’ll be getting the value and quality of a renowned SUNY education, with students from all over the U.S. and 35 countries coming together in the name of learning and intellectual exploration.
You’ll be given the tools and the independence to discover what really motivates you and how best to apply that passion.
Our campus is open and interdisciplinary, our academics are rigorous and focused, and our setting feels small, quirky, and curious.
But the energy here is palpable—buzzing with creative people ready for something new and open to collaborating. Just put yourself out there.
Learn by Doing
Education isn’t about how well you can regurgitate facts; it’s about real knowledge. We’re talking about the stuff that you can—and will—use in your life as a professional. Our visual artists put on gallery shows, our scientists publish research, our journalists track down the stories. And when our graduates pound the pavement, they are excited—and prepared—for the many opportunities that await.
Senior Project
A cornerstone of the Purchase College education is the Senior Project. You’ll spend your senior year intensely devoted to a project of your own creation, something that you’re passionate about, that—with the support of our world-class faculty and your fellow students—will reflect all of the growth, knowledge, and technical skill you’ve developed in your time here.
A Diverse Community
There are people, then there are Purchase people. We know it’s our students and faculty that make the school. It’s precisely why we’re adamant that everyone in our community has the support and freedom of expression to become who they want to be. We’re a whole lot of bright and talented people who work hard and put forward ideas that provoke conversation.
The Arts Flourish
Not just by way of the steady stream of performances, exhibitions, and events here, but in your coursework. Each semester, you can choose from a wide variety of conservatory classes that are open to non-majors. Visit Arts Open Access to learn more.
Sound Good?
Make a plan to visit. We think you’ll like it here.