Virtual Walk-in Hours

Need assistance completing the application process?

Visit us online during our virtual drop-in hours on:

Mondays, November 8, 15, 22, 29 and December 6 from 5-8pm; or

Wednesdays, November 10, 17, 24 and December 1 from 11am-1pm

Apply for Associate or Bachelor's Degree

Thank you for choosing Empire State College to pursue your degree. Please review the requirements below before starting your application.

If you are applying for the nursing program, please review the nursing admissions requirements.

If you are applying for the Empire Opportunity Program, please review the Empire Opportunity Program requirements.

Please review the academic terms and submit a completed application including required documentation by the application deadline dates below.

Fall Academic TermFall Application Deadline*

Full Term (15-week session) and
Express Term 1 (8-week session)

Express Term 2 (8-week session)

Empire Opportunity Program

July 27


September 29

July 20

Spring Academic Term

Spring Application Deadline*

Full Term (15-week session) and
Express Term 1 (8-week session)

Express Term 2 (8-week session)

December 6


January 28

Summer Academic Term

Summer Application Deadline*

Full Term (15-week session) and
Express Term 1 (8-week session)

Express Term 2 (8-week session)

April 15


May 31

*All required application documents (supplemental items) must be submitted on or before the application deadline date

Nondegree students do not need to complete this application.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to Empire State College you must:

  • provide proof of high school completion
  • demonstrate ability to pursue college-level work through the essay
  • complete an application (as outlined below)

In addition, Empire State College must have the resources to serve you.

An applicant has one year from the submission of the application to complete the admissions process and attend a pre-enrollment orientation workshop. If the application process is not completed within that year, the application expires and the applicant will have to reapply.

Application Requirements

An application is considered complete when the Admissions Office has received all of the following items:

Learn about college support and next steps after you are accepted.

Immunization Requirement

State Law dictates that students enrolling in 6 or more credits provide proof of immunization including measles, mumps, rubella and meningitis. Applicants are encouraged to provide documentation to avoid registration restrictions. 

Disability Services or Accommodations

For information regarding disability services or to request accommodations, please contact the Office of Accessibility Resources and Services.