Alfred University's Student Population: How Many Attend?

Alfred University is a private institution in Alfred, New York, with a total undergraduate population of approximately 1,463-1,700 students. The university has a rural campus of 232-600 acres and is divided into four colleges and schools. The university's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities North, #66.

Alfred University has around 1,700 undergraduates and 400 graduate students

Alfred University, a private university in Alfred, New York, has around 1,700 undergraduates and 400 graduate students enrolled full-time on its campus. The university also has about 90 additional part-time graduate students on its New York campus and 475 graduate students enrolled in its programs in the NYC-metro area.

The university's undergraduate population is approximately 1,600 students, according to one source, while another reports the figure to be 1,463 for the fall of 2023. The discrepancy in these numbers may be due to differences in reporting periods or methodologies.

Alfred University was founded in 1836 as a non-sectarian, co-educational school, making it the oldest surviving co-ed college in New York and New England. It was also the first higher education institution to be fully open to women, and within its first 20 years, it enrolled its first African-American and Native American students. Today, the university continues to foster diversity and inclusion, with students from 43 states and 16 countries.

The university offers a range of academic programs, including 47 undergraduate majors and 65 minors. It is particularly known for its New York State College of Ceramics, which includes the Inamori School of Engineering and the School of Art and Design. The university also boasts a low student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, with an average class size of 18 students.

In addition to its strong academics, Alfred University provides a well-rounded student experience with over 80 recognized clubs and organizations. The university's athletic teams, known as the Saxons, compete in various sports, including NCAA Division III and IHSA-governed equestrian teams. The university's selective admission process ensures that admitted undergraduate students have strong academic credentials, with the middle 50% having SAT scores between 910 and 1140.

The university received 7,091 applications in 2022, with a 50.6% acceptance rate

Alfred University, a private university in Alfred, New York, received 7,091 applications in 2022. This represented a 13.6% annual growth in applications. Of these 7,091 applicants, 3,589 were accepted, yielding an acceptance rate of 50.6%. This acceptance rate was lower than the previous year's rate of 67.2%. Between 2021 and 2022, while the number of applicants increased by 13.6%, admissions declined by 14.4%.

The university's overall acceptance rate in 2022 was 50.6%, with 3,589 admissions from 7,091 applications. The undergraduate acceptance rate was also 50.6%, with the same number of admissions out of the total applications. The university's acceptance rate in 2021 was 67.2%.

The total undergraduate population at Alfred University is approximately 1,600 students, with about 1,700 undergraduates and nearly 400 graduate students on the Alfred campus. The university also has about 90 additional part-time graduate students on the Alfred campus and 475 graduate students enrolled in its NYC-metro area programs.

The university's admissions are selective, with admitted undergraduate students generally having an A, B+, or B high school average. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores ranging from 910 to 1140. The university's acceptance rate, selective admissions criteria, and academic programs contribute to its reputation as a competitive institution.

The university has a total of 1,813 students enrolled

Alfred University, a private university in Alfred, New York, had a total of 1,813 students enrolled in 2022. This includes full-time and part-time students, as well as undergraduates and graduates. The university's student population has fluctuated over the years, with a recent high of 1,813 in 2022 and a recent low of 1,283 undergraduate students.

The university offers a range of academic programs and is organised into several colleges and schools, including the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the College of Professional Studies, the Inamori School of Engineering, the School of Art and Design, and the Graduate School. The university also hosts the statutory New York State College of Ceramics, which is part of the State University of New York system.

In terms of student demographics, the enrolled student population at Alfred University in 2022 was 51.9% White, 8.94% Black or African American, 8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.77% Two or More Races, 1.38% Asian, 0.221% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders, and 0.165% American Indian or Alaska Native. Additionally, 21.8% of students did not report their race.

The university has a selective admission process, and the acceptance rate for undergraduate programs has varied over the years, with a reported rate of 50.6% in 2022 and 66% in 2019. The university received 7,091 undergraduate applications in 2022, with 3,589 students accepted for enrollment. The university's retention rate for full-time undergraduates was reported as 72%, slightly lower than the rate for similar Master's Colleges and Universities.

The university has a whole-campus approach to student recruitment and retention

Alfred University in Alfred, New York, has a whole-campus approach to student recruitment and retention. The university received 7,091 undergraduate applications in 2022, a 13.6% increase from the previous year. Of those applicants, 3,589 were accepted, yielding an acceptance rate of 50.6%. The university's overall enrollment yield is 10.3%, meaning that 10.3% of admitted students ended up enrolling. In 2022, the university had a total enrollment of 1,813 students, including 1,484 full-time and 329 part-time students. The university has a diverse student body, with 51.9% of the student population identifying as White, 8.94% as Black or African American, 8% as Hispanic or Latino, 1.77% as Two or More Races, 1.38% as Asian, 0.221% as Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders, and 0.165% as American Indian or Alaska Native.

To support student recruitment and retention, Alfred University offers a range of student employment opportunities. The university's online Job Link platform lists available jobs in areas such as dining services, academic departments, the library, admissions office, office of student engagement, residential life, and athletics. The Office of Admissions, for example, hires student ambassadors as tour guides, student callers, and student hosts. These positions allow students to develop valuable career skills and earn extra money while contributing to a positive impression of the college for prospective students.

The university also fosters a vibrant student life with over 80 recognized clubs and organizations. Alfred University Saxons compete in 26 varsity teams, including NCAA Division III sports, USCSA skiing, NCA cheerleading, and IHSA equestrian. Approximately 30% of undergraduates play a varsity sport, and about half participate in intramural or club sports. Additionally, the university offers internships, research opportunities, and study abroad programs to enhance the student experience and promote retention.

In terms of academic performance and retention, Alfred University sets clear GPA requirements for students to maintain their academic standing. Students who fail to meet these requirements may be placed on probation or dismissed. The university also offers resources and support to help students improve their academic performance, such as academic probation and the opportunity to appeal dismissal decisions.

The university's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities North, #66

Alfred University is a private institution founded in 1836 with a current total undergraduate population of approximately 1,463 to 1,600 students. The university's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is #66 in Regional Universities North. This ranking is based on the university's performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.

The university's ranking in the Regional Universities North category reflects its position among colleges and universities in the northern region of the United States. The regional rankings by U.S. News & World Report consider various factors, including academic quality, faculty resources, student retention, graduation rates, social mobility, and financial resources.

In addition to its overall ranking, Alfred University has also been recognised in other categories. In the 2024 Best Colleges Rankings, the university was ranked 69th overall in the northern region and 10th in the Best Value School listing. This ranking takes into account both academic quality and the net cost of attendance for students receiving need-based financial aid.

Furthermore, Alfred University has a strong reputation in specific academic areas. Its fine arts graduate program was ranked 10th in the country and first in New York State by U.S. News & World Report in 2024. Additionally, the university's Master of Fine Arts program in ceramics was ranked the best in the nation.

The university has also received recognition from other organisations. Princeton Review included Alfred University in its 2024 Best 389 Colleges rankings, marking 32 consecutive years of inclusion. This selection is based on factors such as academics, admissions, tuition, financial aid, campus life, and job placement.

Frequently asked questions