Syracuse University: Student Testimonials And Reviews

what students say about syracuse university

Syracuse University is a private institution founded in 1870, with a total undergraduate enrollment of 15,739 students as of Fall 2023. The university offers more than 200 majors and 100 minors across 13 schools and colleges. Students share that Syracuse University provides a good living and study environment, with a welcoming and inclusive community spirit. The university is also praised for its top-ranked academics, groundbreaking research, and diverse community. However, some students mention that the tuition fees are expensive, and the party scene can be daunting for introverted students. Overall, Syracuse University is considered an excellent institution that offers meaningful educational opportunities and a well-rounded campus experience.

Characteristics Values
Ranking #73 in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges
Setting City
Campus size 725 acres
Campus life Vibrant
Campus community Energetic, enthusiastic, and together
School pride High
Student groups Over 100
Diversity Needs improvement
Dining hall food Good
Tuition Expensive
Weather Cold
Size Perfect, not too crowded
Administration Good
Retention rate for freshmen 92%
Opportunities Academic, social, and leadership
Research Groundbreaking
Student support Guidance and financial

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Syracuse University's academics, research, athletics, and campus life

Syracuse University, founded in 1870, is a private institution with a total undergraduate enrolment of 15,739 as of fall 2023. The university offers its students a holistic campus experience, with a focus on academics, athletics, and community.

Academics and Research

Syracuse University provides educational pathways and academic options for a wide range of passions and ambitions, with majors and over 100 minors across its schools and colleges. The university also offers study abroad programs for students wishing to explore international opportunities.

Athletics

Syracuse University has 8 men's and 12 women's NCAA Division 1 athletics teams, with a strong sporting spirit. The university also has state-of-the-art fitness facilities, including an esports lounge, and integrated wellness resources at the Barnes Center at The Arch.

Campus Life

The Syracuse University campus spans 725 acres and overlooks the city of Syracuse, New York. The campus offers 21 residence halls, 23 dining options, and a range of student organizations and communities. The campus is designed to support students' academic, social, and personal growth, with dynamic and inviting spaces. The university also provides mental health resources and financial aid, with students receiving some form of financial support totaling over $498 million.

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Student life and the party scene

Syracuse University has a vibrant campus life, with a strong sense of community spirit. The university offers over 100 student groups on campus, ranging from religious organisations to quidditch teams and acapella groups, allowing students to find their niche and get involved. The campus community shares an energy and enthusiasm that sets Syracuse University apart, with a bold legacy dating back to 1870. Students and alumni speak of the school pride, with a focus on cheering on sports teams, which include basketball and quidditch, and participating in clubs and organisations.

The city of Syracuse is not a particularly nice place, according to some students, but the campus itself is very pleasant. The campus has been described as beautiful, with excellent dining hall food, although the weather can be a downside, with cold winters and snow that can make the campus feel dismal. However, the fall, summer, and spring seasons make up for it.

The party scene at Syracuse University is described as daunting by some introverted students, but it is possible to have fun without being a partier. Marshall Street, which is essentially on campus, has a good bar scene and great food, adding to the social life outside of the campus. The university also has a good retention rate, with many students loving their time at Syracuse and forming lifelong friendships.

Syracuse University's five award-winning study abroad centres and international programs in 60 countries also provide students with diverse social and cultural experiences that broaden their perspectives and prepare them for their future careers.

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The weather and campus location

Syracuse University is located in Syracuse, New York, and has a campus size of 725 acres. The city is described as "not big at all", with limited things to do downtown, such as eating at restaurants or going to bars. Students without cars may feel restricted to the campus. The campus itself is considered very pleasant, with a strong sense of community and school spirit. Students and alumni speak highly of the campus, describing it as beautiful, with a unique sense of energy, enthusiasm, and togetherness.

The weather in Syracuse is a common point of discussion, with many students bracing themselves for the cold winters. The long winters, which can last until April or even beyond, are considered a significant downside of the university's location. The snow and cold can be off-putting, with students having to brave blizzards to get to their classes. However, the fall, summer, and spring seasons are said to make up for the harsh winters, with one student commenting that they "loved the area enough to stay for an extra year post-grad". The university rarely cancels classes due to snow, as they have the resources to manage the weather, but it can be challenging to leave the warmth of one's dorm or house during the coldest months.

Despite the challenges posed by the weather, students appreciate the campus location for its perfect size, which allows for a diverse student body and a range of extracurricular activities. The university's location provides a good balance between a large and small school experience, enabling students to find their niche within the broader community.

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Student groups, diversity, and inclusivity

Syracuse University is a diverse and inclusive community that offers a wide range of student groups and organisations catering to various interests and passions. With over 100 student groups on campus, students can easily find their niche and get involved. These groups include religious organisations, such as Campus Crusade for Christ and Baptist Campus Ministries, as well as unique groups like the Quidditch team and a cappella groups. The university's flexibility and extensive academic, social, and extracurricular opportunities make it a welcoming and embracing place for students from all backgrounds.

The university's 13 schools and colleges offer more than 200 majors and 100 minors, providing educational pathways for nearly every passion and ambition. Interdisciplinary areas of study include social justice, artificial intelligence, energy, and the environment, allowing students to broaden their perspectives and prepare for a variety of careers. Syracuse University also has five award-winning study abroad centres and international programs in 60 countries, further enhancing students' global perspectives.

While some students have noted that the party scene can be daunting for introverts, the university's sense of community spirit and school pride is strong. The university's athletics and sports teams, such as basketball, are a significant source of pride and community engagement. The Carrier Dome, in particular, is highlighted as a great venue for sporting events. The campus community shares an energy, enthusiasm, and togetherness that sets Syracuse University apart, and students can always find their place in this vibrant campus life.

Syracuse University is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all students. With a strong alumni network and a 92% retention rate for freshmen, the university fosters a sense of belonging and community that extends beyond the years spent on campus. The administration is praised for its care and attention to each student, ensuring that they receive the guidance and support needed to achieve their academic and career goals. Overall, Syracuse University offers a diverse and inclusive environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally.

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Scholarships, tuition fees, and financial aid

Syracuse University offers a range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid options to assist students with the cost of attendance. The total cost of attendance, including tuition, room and board, books, transportation, and fees, is approximately $85,282. However, Syracuse University is committed to making education accessible to all admitted students, regardless of financial need.

The university offers various scholarships, including the Haudenosaunee Honor Scholarship, which covers full tuition and mandatory fees for students residing on Haudenosaunee nation territories, and the Special Refugee Award, which covers full tuition and fees for refugees. Additionally, Syracuse University provides need-based grants and scholarships, with 18% of first-year students receiving a federal grant of about $5,492 per person. The average non-need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students is $19,583, and the university meets 96% of its students' financial aid needs.

Syracuse University also offers merit-based scholarships, recognizing students with exceptional academic records, special talents, or skills. The average financial aid package for a full-time, first-year student is around $46,471 per year. Students can also apply for loans, with options including federal loans, institutional loans, and private loans. The university recommends working while studying to lessen the burden of student loans, and offers work-study programs and campus jobs.

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs at Syracuse University aims to simplify the financial aid process. During the 2022-23 academic year, 82% of students received financial support, totalling more than $465 million. The university provides detailed information on the cost of attendance for undergraduates, graduates, and international students, and offers grants, scholarships, loans, and special programs tailored to individual needs.

Syracuse University's net price, the amount students pay out of pocket, is the total cost of attendance minus financial aid and scholarships. The net price for the average student receiving need-based aid is $41,097. The university encourages students to apply for financial aid and explore the various scholarship opportunities available to help make their educational investment affordable.

Frequently asked questions

Students have described the campus environment at Syracuse University as beautiful, with a sense of community spirit and school pride. The campus is said to be the perfect size, not too crowded, and not too small. There are over 100 student groups on campus, so there is something for everyone.

Students have described Syracuse University as a place with lots of opportunities academically, socially, and everything in between. The university offers more than 200 customizable majors and 100 minors, as well as online degrees and certificates, providing educational pathways for nearly every passion and ambition.

Students have described Syracuse University as having a vibrant campus life with a great sports scene and a good bar scene. The city of Syracuse is not a particularly nice place, but the campus itself is very pleasant. The weather is often mentioned as a downside, with cold winters and lots of snow.

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