Syracuse University is one of the oldest and highest-ranked universities in the US. Each year, thousands of high school graduates seek admission to the university to get a high-quality education. If you plan to achieve your career goals to succeed in your profession and life, you might ask yourself, is Syracuse a good school?
This article aims to answer that questions by exploring Syracuse ranking by different credible bodies for a detailed analysis. This article contains everything you need to know before applying to Syracuse, including information on financial aid, the best programs at Syracuse, and how much Syracuse graduates earn.
Syracuse University Profile
- Campus Location(s): Syracuse, New York City, Los Angeles, Washington DC
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Acceptance Rate: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 82%
- Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $57,591
- Annual Graduate Tuition: $41,616
Syracuse University is a private research university that was founded in 1870. The school has grown massively since its incorporation and currently offers a wide range of different academic programs through 13 colleges and schools. It’s a non-profit institution that offers degree programs ranging from certificates to doctoral programs.
The number of students enrolled at the university in 2020 was 21,322, which includes 14,479 undergraduate students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 15-to-one. According to the US News & World Report, it ranks 29 among the best colleges for veterans. The numbers included in the school profile mentioned above have been taken from the official website of the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Where Is Syracuse?
Syracuse University is located in central New York state. It has its main campus located in the city with additional campuses in New York City, Los Angeles, and Washington DC. It has multiple locations in 60 countries to facilitate international students enrolled at the school.
The campus features Crouse-Hinds hall, campus store, dining, stadium, and a box office for an amazing freshman experience. You can find comprehensive maps on the official website of the university to find the exact locations.
What Is Syracuse Known For?
Syracuse University is known for its dynamic academics and vibrant athletics. The notable alumni of the university include President Joe Biden who graduated from their law school, renowned journalist Megyn Kelly, and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin.
The high retention and graduation rates, student population, smaller class size, and Greek life are some other points of prominence for the school. The university is known for its basketball team, which has won three national championships. The university offers a wide variety of learning opportunities through curricular and extracurricular activities.
Is Syracuse Ivy League?
No, Syracuse University is not an Ivy League school. The Ivy League is a group of eight universities located in the eastern US. These universities are known for their high academic standards and social recognition. Brown University, Cornell University, Yale University, and Harvard University are examples of Ivy League schools.
How Big Is Syracuse?
Syracuse University is a big school with around 21,322 students. The student population includes full-time and part-time students representing 50 American states and 120 countries. The university has a midsize main campus expanded on 270 acres of land. Admission to the university is fairly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 59 percent.
Is a Degree From Syracuse Good?
Yes, a degree from Syracuse university is good because it’s a respected school recognized by other educational institutions and top employers. You can choose from 200 majors, 200 advanced degrees, and 100 minor programs in a wide range of fields of study. It has high retention and graduation rates. According to IPEDS Data Feedback Report 2021, the six-year graduation rate is higher than the four-year graduation rate at the university.
How Much Does Syracuse Cost?
Syracuse University costs $57,591 per year for undergraduate students and $41,616 for graduate-level students. These figures only represent the cost of tuition and don’t include other costs and student expenses. The total cost of attendance, including housing and supplies, is around $77,896 for undergrad students. You can apply for financial aid to lower the financial burden.
Syracuse Financial Aid
There are ample financial aid options available for students enrolled at the university. According to the school’s official website, around 83 percent of students received financial aid of some kind from 2020 to 2021. It includes scholarships and grants awarded by federal, state, private, and institutional sources.
Syracuse University Scholarships
- ACE (Architecture Construction Engineering) Mentorship Scholarship. This scholarship is dedicated to the first-year students admitted to the School of Architecture of the College of Engineering and Computer Science. This is a merit-based scholarship and requires students to complete their form in the senior year of high school.
- AmeriCorps Scholarships. This scholarship is given to the participants of the AmeriCorps program who are enrolled in an undergraduate program. The scholarship amount equals at least half of the annual cost of tuition for eligible undergraduate students. Students can renew their scholarships for up to four years.
- Haudenosaunee Promise Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to transfer and first-time students who have been a resident of any of the eligible Haudenosaunee territories. The eligible full-time students enrolled in undergraduate programs get the scholarship award that covers their cost of attendance, tuition, housing, meals, and any mandatory fees.
- Maxwell School of Citizenship Scholarship for Community Impact. The scholarship is awarded by the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs to four students each year. It’s dedicated to first-year students enrolled in Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs who are active participants in community impact projects. The amount of the scholarship award is $15,000 and you can renew it each year as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
- NFTE Scholarship. Syracuse University partners with Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) to award two merit-based scholarships each year. The award covers the cost of tuition and mandatory fees as long as the student remains enrolled at the university. Eligible students must maintain the required standard of academic progress to renew the scholarship for up to four years.
Syracuse Rankings
It’s useful to consider Syracuse rankings by different ranking bodies. Syracuse reviews can also help you know what others think about their experience at this school. Below are the rankings of the school by different credible websites.
Syracuse US News & World Report Ranking
The US News & World Report ranks Syracuse University 383rd among 1,750 of the best global universities. The ranking includes the best higher education institutions from around the world based on 13 different performance indicators. It includes global research reputation, publications, books, conferences, and international collaborations.
Many of Syracuse University’s academic programs are also ranked among the best academic programs ranking. Among the best national universities, the school is ranked 59th based on predetermined performance indicators.
Syracuse Times Higher Education Ranking
Times Higher Education ranks Syracuse University 351 to 400th among 1,600 universities from 99 countries in the World University Ranking 2022. The ranking is based on 13 performance indicators in areas including teaching, international outlook, knowledge transfer, and research. It ranks 117th in the 2022 US College ranking. The ranking evaluates each college on the list for 15 performance indicators, including graduation rate, learning resources, and campus life.
Syracuse Center for World University Rankings
Syracuse University ranks 462nd in the Global 2000 list by the Center for World University Ranking. This list includes 2,000 top global universities from all over the world ranked for their education, research, faculty, and employability. Considering the school’s rank, it’s one of the top 500 best global universities, along with several other universities in the US.
Syracuse QS World University Rankings
The QS World University Rankings ranks Syracuse university from around 751 to 800. The list includes 1,300 universities from all over the globe that are evaluated on six factors, including academic reputation, employer reputation, international research network, and employment outcomes. The ranking helps you compare universities based on their academic value to help you make a better admission decision.
It ranks 316th among QS World University Rankings by Subject. It’s based on broadly divided subject areas covering 51 disciplines. As per QS World University Ranking USA 2021, Syracuse University ranks 59th among more than 350 universities in the USA.
Syracuse Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)
According to the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), Syracuse University ranks 601 to 700. The list includes 1,000 best global universities ranked based on six performance indicators. The best-ranked subjects offered by the university include public administration, library and information science, physics, communication, and sociology.
Top Programs at Syracuse University
Syracuse University aims to prepare future leaders by offering study programs in a wide range of disciplines that meet the current and future market needs. It facilitates students with the availability of educational resources such as dynamic classrooms, modern laboratories, and newsrooms.
You can study your preferred major at the undergraduate, graduate, or professional levels with experienced faculty. The following lists cover the most popular majors available for study at the university under different degree levels.
Bachelor’s Degrees at Syracuse University
US News & World Report Ranking ranks Syracuse University 42nd among the best schools for undergraduate teaching. It offers a wide range of popular undergraduate majors and bachelor’s degree programs in a range of disciplines and fields of study.
Bachelor of Architecture
The five-year undergraduate degree in architecture program offers professional learning through classroom and studio-based learning. The program is ranked five among the best design programs in the US by Design Intelligence for 2019 to 2020. The school of architecture offers conducive learning conditions for students. The curriculum focuses on boosting the creativity of students through research and practical learning.
Bachelor of Professional Studies – Business Management
This is an online degree program accredited by AACSB and considered one of the best programs offered by the university. The four-year degree program is offered by Whitman School of Management and allows students to study part-time through online classes.
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It prepares students for leadership roles in the dynamic business world. Students graduating with this degree can seek roles such as business development managers, project managers, and business analysts.
Bachelor of Science in Physics
A Bachelor’s Degree in Physics offers extensive learning opportunities to explore fundamental physical concepts and principles. It focuses on developing the skills among students to apply mathematical calculations to solve complex problems. It also includes laboratory work to develop technical problem-solving skills.
Master’s Degrees at Syracuse University
Syracuse University offers master’s degree programs in popular majors to help students achieve advanced education and employment. These programs are administered by highly qualified faculty through specialized schools and colleges at the university. Students can seek career advancement and higher learning opportunities after earning their master’s degrees.
Master of Arts in Communication and Rhetorical Studies
Students who want to complete their graduate studies in a dynamic learning environment can earn a Master’s Degree in Communication and Rhetorical Studies. It’s one of the popular majors at the university. Highly qualified faculty focus on high academic standards and help students become experts in the field. Learning on campus promotes good student-to-student communication and helps in network building.
Master of Fine Arts in Film
This master’s degree program is offered by the Department of Film and Media Arts. This program develops the understanding of the historic, current, and future trends in filmmaking, along with the creativity and skills required to become a filmmaker. The annual cost for filmmaking might be higher than others since the degree involves practical projects.
Master of Science in Engineering Management
This program is offered with the collaboration of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, Martin J. Whitman School of Management, and the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. It is designed for prospective students and professionals looking for comprehensive engineering programs to develop specialized skills and knowledge. You can customize your program by choosing electives according to your learning goals.
Other Top Programs at Syracuse University
Besides bachelor’s and master’s degrees, the university also offers certificate and doctoral programs in other popular majors for undergraduate and graduate students. It also offers professional programs for learners seeking professional development. Below is a list of other top programs offered by the university.
Certificate of Advanced Study in Public Leadership and Management
The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs offers this non-degree certificate program online and on campus. It aims to improve public management skills and provide a strong foundation in areas such as policy analysis, conflict management, and public budgeting. It requires a bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience to enroll in the program.
Master of Science in Nutrition Science
This is a nationally acclaimed master’s degree program offered by Falk College. Falk College is well known for home economics, health, nursing, and humanities programs. It requires students to complete 30 credit hours of coursework, including a thesis for research-based learning. This flexibility of the program facilitates theoretical and practical learning and builds the foundation for a doctoral program in the field of nutrition and dietetics.
PhD in Higher Education
The doctoral program in higher education prepares students to deal with the challenges and issues in higher education. It offers extensive learning through theory and research to explore the reasons behind complex problems. After completing the degree, the graduates can find career opportunities in research, academics, higher education administration, and educational policy.
How to Apply to Syracuse University
- Review enrollment options. The university offers three different enrollment options to incoming freshmen. You must first review all of them to choose the most suitable one for yourself. These options include single, dual, and combined enrollments. Each option facilitates a different learning plan.
- Complete an online application. The application process begins with completing an online application. Whatever program you are seeking admission in, you are required to complete and submit the application before the deadline. All domestic and first-year students must fill out the common application.
- Submit transcripts and application fee. After completing the application, you need to pay the application fee, which is $85. If you fulfill the eligibility for a fee waiver, you might not need to pay it. You might also be required to submit your official transcripts and grade report.
- Fulfill application requirements. There might be some college-specific application requirements varying from program to program in which you want to enroll yourself. Explore these requirements on the school’s official website and complete them carefully. It usually includes the submission of additional documents.
- Submit your standardized test scores. As a high school graduate, the university requires you to send the official scores of your standardized tests to the university. Currently, submitting these scores is an optional choice and not mandatory for any eligible candidate.
How Much Do Syracuse Graduates Earn?
Syracuse University graduates earn an average salary of $78,000 annually, as reported by PayScale. A degree earned from Syracuse University helps graduates get hired by top employers. Some of the prestigious companies hiring Syracuse University’s graduates include IBM, Amazon, Deloitte, Oracle, HBO, General Electric, and The Walt Disney Company.
The college career services offered by the university help students find internships at top companies. This provides them with worthy workplace experience and helps them qualify for high-paying jobs.
Is Syracuse a Good College?
Yes, Syracuse is a good college because it follows an effective approach to making high-quality education available to all students. It’s a regionally accredited, widely respected school with a large number of satisfied students.
The availability of financial aid allows students to get a high-quality education at an affordable rate in a range of disciplines. It’s one of the greatest universities not requiring foreign languages for admission. You can get high-quality education through well-designed curricular and extracurricular activities and utilize career services to head start your professional life.
Is Syracuse a Good School? FAQ
Yes, Syracuse is a party school. A party school refers to a college or university where students are involved in frequent partying. These schools offer an active and social campus environment for students. A party school can still be one of the best schools for academics, as is the case at Syracuse University. It has a large number of satisfied students enrolled in a range of disciplines under different degree levels.
Yes, Syracuse university is worth it. Besides offering high-quality education in a range of disciplines, it employs an effective approach to learning. The university has granted over 324,000 degrees to students, and 91 percent of them are employed according to their career goals.
It’s not hard to get into Syracuse University. The acceptance rate of the university represents a comparatively lower competitive level admissions policy. You can find several online reviews of students explaining the easy admission procedure at the university. If you’re eligible and follow the logical approach, you can seek admission quite easily in your desired program from a range of disciplines.
The popular schools at Syracuse University include Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, David B. Falk College of Sports and Human Dynamics, School of Architecture, and Martin J. Whitman School of Management. These schools offer degree and non-degree programs in a range of disciplines, including humanities major programs, engineering programs, art and architecture, and business management.
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