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State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry

About

ESF is one of the premier colleges in the United States focused on the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable future. We work to address the Earth’s most pressing problems — and students come here because they want to be part of the solution. SUNY ESF offers a world-class education among a close-knit community of more than 2,000 scholars with common values and a shared sense of purpose. Be a part of the solution, join us!

ESF is one of the premier colleges in the United States focused on the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable future. We work to address the Earth’s most pressing problems — and students come here because they want to be part of the solution. SUNY ESF offers a world-class education among a close-knit community of more than 2,000 scholars with common values and a shared sense of purpose. Be a part of the solution, join us!

A small college with BIG ideas

Our students, faculty, staff, and alumni make a global impact in improving and sustaining the environment. We offer a world-class education among a close-knit community of more than 2,000 scholars with common values and a shared sense of purpose.

Our Mission

We’re on a mission to educate future environmental leaders of all backgrounds, advance knowledge and skills necessary to promote scholarship and stewardship of the natural to designed environments and act both locally and globally to improve our world.

ESF’s tight-knit community is centered alongside Syracuse University in the heart of Central New York and has a system of properties that broadly represent New York state’s rich ecological diversity for scientific study and instruction.

Living and Dining

ESF is nestled on University Hill, right next door to Syracuse University, down the street from SUNY Upstate Medical University, and just blocks away from vibrant downtown neighborhoods.

ESF first-year students are required to live on-campus unless their permanent home address is within 30 miles of campus. Transfer students generally live off campus, but on-campus housing is made available on a space-available basis.

Centennial Hall

Our environmentally friendly residence hall — Centennial Hall, or Centen — offers double and triple rooms that include private bathrooms, minifridge, microwave, and furniture from Stickley.

The Center also features study spaces, a computer lab, lounge areas, a fitness center, bike storage, laundry facilities, and a community kitchen.

Our residence hall is located on the western edge of the ESF campus, just a short walk from our academic buildings.

    ESF is one of the most distinguished colleges in the nation that focuses on the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable future.

    For the past century, we’ve been educating, training, and supporting environmental champions, planet protectors, and sustainability advocates to understand, adapt to, mitigate, and build resilience in the face of environmental issues facing our planet.

    If you’re passionate about improving our world, ESF can provide you with the academic foundation you need to prepare for a rewarding career. You’ll learn through a variety of ways: in the classroom, lab, or studio; out in the field; through study-abroad programs and internships; and from your faculty, peers, and the community.

    Our work has never been more important, our research has never been more needed, and our students have never been more valuable upon their graduation.

    Set up your application portal

    Once your application has been received and processed by ESF (usually 1-3 business days), you will receive an email with the subject line “Application to ESF” prompting you to set up your ESF Applicant Portal. Be sure to check your spam folder!

    Complete the application checklist

    As outlined in your Applicant Portal, you will need to submit the following items. Your application will be reviewed once all of these items are complete. Check your portal often for updates!

    • Official Transcripts: Electronic transcript submission should be sent through email
    • ESF Supplemental Questions
    • SAT or ACT scores*

    SAT Code: 2530
    ACT Code: 2948

    *SUNY has temporarily suspended SAT and ACT testing requirements for admission to bachelor’s degree-granting campuses. You can now choose if you would like your scores considered at each SUNY college to which you apply.

    Test scores are helpful when they accurately represent your ability. ESF will only consider your test scores if you indicate that you want them to. Whether you opt to have your test scores considered or not, ESF will conduct a holistic evaluation of your application. If you’re unsure about what to do, consult your school counselor or advisor about how to best represent yourself.

    You will need to indicate your preference when you apply. In order to change your preference after submitting your application, you will have to directly contact the campus to which you have applied.

    The College offers these basic forms of student financial assistance: scholarships or grants; part-time employment; educational loans; assistantships, tuition scholarships, and fellowships for graduate students; a deferred tuition payment plan; and sources of non-need loans to students and parents.

    Federal and state financial aid programs are for United States citizens, permanent residents, or other eligible non-citizens. International students will be considered for academic merit-based scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships, but are not eligible for need-based student financial assistance. Aid programs are coordinated to supplement parental support, summer work, savings, and assistance from other sources. The sources of funds for financial assistance programs, the guidelines for determining the recipients, the procedures for applying, and the method of disbursement of funds vary from one program to another.

    Financial aid is awarded primarily on the basis of financial need. Some scholarships and fellowships, however, are based on other criteria, such as academic achievement. Assistantships, tuition scholarships, and fellowships for graduate students are awarded based on academic achievement.

    In order for students to receive aid, they must be making satisfactory academic progress toward a degree. Please refer to the appropriate sections under ESF College Aid, Federal Student Aid, and New York State Aid later in this chapter for satisfactory academic progress requirements.

    In addition, students are only eligible to receive most types of aid for courses that are required for degree completion. Students enrolled in credits beyond the number required for the degree or enrolled in courses that are not applicable to a degree requirement will have financial aid adjusted accordingly.

    Financial aid advisors are aware of the many problems associated with financing higher education and meeting living expenses for both undergraduate and graduate students and are available to discuss individual problems. All students are encouraged to apply for financial aid.

    Financial Aid Philosophy

    Financial aid at SUNY ESF is intended to assist students with education and essential cost-of-living expenses. Funds are awarded primarily on the basis of financial need and are coordinated to supplement parental support, student employment earnings, savings, and assistance from other sources. Some scholarships and fellowships are awarded based on additional criteria, such as academic achievement. Graduate student assistantships, tuition scholarships, and fellowships are not based on financial need.

    Special Circumstances

    Financial aid advisors at SUNY ESF are aware of the many challenges involved with financing higher education and meeting day-to-day living expenses. Families and students with special circumstances affecting their ability to cover these expenses are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office. Circumstances warranting a file review include, but are not limited to:

    • Job Loss or Change in Family Income
    • Education or Essential Living Expenses not Included in the Cost of Attendance Budget
    • Unexpected or Unreimbursed Medical Expenses

    Student Activities

    As an ESF student, you have access to over 40 ESF student organizations and more than 300 at Syracuse University. Participating in these professional, recreational, service and social affiliations will enrich your educational experience.

    Engagement

    Getting involved on campus through professional, recreational, service, and social organizations will enrich your educational experience beyond the classroom.

    As an ESF student, you have access to hundreds of student organizations and community service connections. These opportunities are where leadership, skill development, and personal growth converge.

    Join a Club

    ESF Engage is a student engagement platform, where you can explore campus clubs and events. The app is designed to help students build their co-curricular experiences while at ESF.

    • Syracuse

      1 Forestry Dr, Syracuse, 13210, Syracuse

    Questions

    State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry