Purchase College State University of New York

In bringing two styles of education—traditional liberal arts and sciences programs and conservatory-based arts programs—into close contact on one campus, the founders of Purchase College hoped to inspire an appreciation for both intellectual and artistic talents in all students.

Founded by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1967 as the cultural gem of the State University of New York system, Purchase College today enjoys a world-class reputation for its arts programs and high rankings for its liberal arts and sciences programs. The college attracts students and faculty from around the world seeking a place where they can develop their talents, expand their minds, and prepare for a life of creative independence.

The focus and diversity at Purchase College are notable. Our more than 4,200 students and 450 faculty members are not passive culture appreciators, they are active culture generators. By choosing to come here, individuals make a conscious decision to pursue their studies and their careers in a more intense environment.

Princeton Review named Purchase College in 2015 as one of the Best 379 Colleges n the U.S. and Best Regional Colleges in the Northeast. The college has also been included in Kiplinger’s Personal Finance’s 2015 list of 100 Best Values in Public Colleges and America’s Best 100 College Buys, the Unofficial Biased Guide to the 328 Most Interesting Colleges. And graduates of Purchase College rank among the most famous, the most successful, and the most satisfied. Our graduates are also among the most sought after—by businesses, social organizations, and cultural institutions throughout the country.