Profile

Founded: 1836, one of the first coeducational institutions in the U.S.

Type of institution: Private, non-sectarian, with state-sponsored programs in engineering and art and design.

Location: Alfred, New York, a village in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains about an hour west of Corning, an hour and a half south of Rochester and two hours from Buffalo.

Students: About 2000 undergraduates and 300 graduate students from 31 states and 20 countries. The minority population is about 12%. Freshman Class Profile >>>

Campus: 232 acre campus with more than 50 academic and residential buildings. Residential, student-centered, vibrant living/learning community.

Admissions: Admission is selective. In general, admitted undergraduate students have an A, B+ or B high school average and the middle 50% have SAT scores between 1080 and 1280. Admitted graduate students should have a 3.0 GPA or better. How to apply >>>

Financial Aid: More than 90% of the entering freshmen class receive some type of financial assistance: university, federal, state, and private.
Learn more about financial aid >>>

Graduates: Surveys of AU graduates consistently reveal that one year after graduation more than 95% are either employed or in graduate school.

Academics

Programs: More than 60 majors and concentrations, internships, research and study abroad opportunities in the following schools and colleges

• College of Business
• College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• New York State College of Ceramics
  • School of Art and Design
  • Kazuo Inamori School of Engineering
• The Graduate School

Class size: Average class size is 18 students. Faculty/student ratio is 1:12.

Faculty: More than 90% of the faculty have doctorates or terminal degrees in their discipline. Teaching is a faculty priority. Read faculty profiles >>>

Academic Calendar: Two semesters and two summer school sessions.

Libraries: Two libraries with extensive electronic resources supporting undergraduate and graduate programs

Research: Undergraduate research is the hallmark of an Alfred University degree. AU's research programs and "Centers for Excellence" complement academic programs. Learn more about student research opportunities >>>

Technology: 100% network-wired, with wireless zones in selected locations. The ratio of students to computers in labs, clusters and classrooms is 6:1. There is a laptop lending program and a fully-staffed Information Technology Services HelpDesk. Learn more about Information Technology Services at AU.

Student Life

Clubs and organizations: More than 100 recognized clubs and organizations. Learn more about services for students >>>

Athletics: AU Saxons compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports and two IHSA sports. About 22% of all undergrad play a varsity sport, and half of all AU students participate in either intramural or club sports. Learn more about AU Athletics >>>

Accreditation

Alfred University is accredited by:

• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• New York State Association of Colleges and Schools
• New York State Education Department
• Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (Programs in Ceramic Engineering, Glass Science Engineering, Material Sciences and Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering)
• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Professions (Athletic Training)
• National Association of Schools of Art and Design
• American Chemical Society
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
• International Association of Management Education
• American Psychological Association
• National Association of School Psychologists

Rankings

Alfred University consistently ranks among the top 20 master's level institutions in the North, according to U.S. News and World Report's annual college guide, "America's Best Colleges.

AU's internationally-known ceramics M.F.A. program is also consistently ranked No. 1 in the nation by U.S.News and World Report in its graduate school guide.

AU is ranked as the #2 "Great School at a Great Price" in the Northern U.S. among comparable (masters-degree granting) institutions, according to U.S. News and World Report's 2009 annual college guide.