Frequently Asked Questions

SUNY Empire State College was established in 1971 by the SUNY Board of Trustees and then-chancellor and future United States Commissioner of Education Ernest L. Boyer as a distinctive statewide SUNY institution focused on nontraditional teaching and learning, where college faculty mentors guide learners through designing an individual degree program within 12 broad areas.

Now Empire State University, the institution continues its 50-year commitment to valuing learning gained from life and work experience, and has a clear process for assessing and awarding credit for college-level learning gained through experience.

Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the university serves mostly working adults pursuing associate, bachelor’s and graduate degrees on-site at locations in New York state and abroad, as well as online everywhere.

You can study in the following ways:

  • through guided independent study, working one-to-one with a faculty mentor at times convenient for the two of you
  • through online learning
  • through small seminars, study groups, residencies or cross registration at other colleges – whatever suits your interests and lifestyle
  • through a combination of all these ways.

The faculty at Empire State University recognize that adults have many opportunities for valuable learning in their everyday lives and work.

When this prior learning is college-level, it can be identified through an evaluative process designed to determine whether it is worthy of university credit.

Many undergraduate students also earn credit via national standardized examinations.

Students enrolled in the Master of Business Administration in Management degree have the opportunity to pursue academic assessments for master's-level knowledge in eight content areas.

If you apply by the priority-application deadline, you are considered for the upcoming term. If you apply after the priority-application deadline, you will be considered on a space-available basis or for the next term.

See application review dates and deadlines for:

For additional information, visit Admissions.

This academic calendar has one goal in mind — to help you, as an Empire State University student, achieve academic success and earn your degree.

Undergraduate

Students may start their studies after completing an orientation session (in person or online).

The university offers a three-term academic calendar:

  • Fall term begins in September
  • Spring term begin in January
  • Summer term begins in May and includes 8-week and 15-week terms.

For additional information, visit Academic Terms and Application Priority Dates.

Graduate

Graduate students, depending on the program, start in either September or January. 

The graduate school offers a three-term academic calendar:

    • Fall term begins in September
    • Spring term begin in January
    • Summer term begins in May and includes 8-week and 15-week terms.

For additional information, visit Academic Terms and Application Review for Master's Degrees.

Nursing and Allied Health

Consult Nursing and Allied Health Admissions for details.

A bachelor’s degree requires that you complete 124 credits, while an associate degree requires 64 credits.

Generally, students complete their degrees in two to five years, studying part time. The amount of time may vary depending on how much credit you transfer and the type of degree program you design.

For a complete and current breakout of undergraduate and graduate tuition charges by credit and fees, please visit the university’s tuition webpages.

Labor Studies

The Harry Van Arsdale Jr. School of Labor Studies houses the most comprehensive labor program of its kind in the United States and has been addressing the needs of trade unionists and others interested in labor-related issues since 1972.

Many labor leaders across New York state can be counted among the center’s graduates. All of the college’s areas of study are available at The Harry Van Arsdale Jr. Center for Labor Studies.

Nursing

The School of Nursing and Allied Health offers an online RN to B.S. in Nursing program for registered nurses who hold associate degrees or diplomas and wish to continue their nursing education. The Master of Science in Nursing degree program prepares graduates to advance nursing practice in a complex and evolving health care environment.

Yes, Empire State University students are eligible for a number of state and federal grants as well as foundation scholarships. More than 50 percent of our students receive financial assistance.