SUNY Ulster
General Information for SUNY Ulster
Overview
SUNY Ulster, officially Ulster County Community College, is a public two-year institution located in Stone Ridge, New York. Founded in the early 1960s, the college serves as part of the larger State University of New York system. SUNY Ulster offers a blend of workforce-oriented certificate and associate degree programs, as well as transfer-ready liberal arts and sciences degrees, designed to launch students into careers or further education.
The campus is set on a scenic 165-acre rural parcel in Ulster County, offering a close-knit and community-oriented atmosphere. The college emphasises affordability, accessibility and flexible learning modes including face-to-face, online, hybrid and remote delivery to accommodate working adults and students with complex lives. Program pathways span business, health sciences, liberal arts, technology, fine and performing arts, and more, reflecting regional educational and workforce needs.
Contact Informations (Address, phone number, email address)
Address: 491 Cottekill Road, Stone Ridge, New York 12484, United States
Phone Number: 845-687-5000
Email Address: admissions@sunyulster.edu
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1963 (classes began in 1967) |
| Type | Public community college (2-year) |
| Parent System | State University of New York (SUNY) |
| Campus Setting | Rural, 165-acre main campus |
| Student Enrollment | About 3,001 undergraduates (2023-24) |
| Colours/Mascot | Blue & White / “Senator Sam” as mascot |
SUNY Ulster Rankings
| Ranking Category | Position / Comment |
|---|---|
| National (USA) | Ranked ~#1,328 out of 2,152 schools for overall quality (2025) |
| State (New York) | Ranked ~#112 among Best Colleges in New York |
| Global | Not widely ranked globally due to 2-year community college designation |
SUNY Ulster Academics
SUNY Ulster Faculties / Departments
- Business, Entrepreneurship & Accounting
- Fine & Performing Arts
- Health Sciences
- Human & Protective Services
- Individual Studies
- Liberal Arts: Humanities & Social Sciences
- Math & Sciences
- Technology
SUNY Ulster Courses and Programs / Majors
- Associate of Science in Business Administration
- Associate of Science in Computer Science
- Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
- Associate of Science in Individual Studies
- Associate of Arts in Fine Arts / Visual Arts
- Associate of Science in Music Performance
- Associate of Science in Communication & Media Arts
- Certificate in Bookkeeping
- Certificate in Entrepreneurship
- Online Microcredentials in Web Application Development, Mobile Application Development, Computer Game Design
Online Learning
SUNY Ulster offers a wide variety of online courses each semester, as well as online degrees and certificates. Fully online degrees include Business Administration AS, Computer Science AS, Criminal Justice AS, Liberal Arts AA and Individual Studies AS. Certificate and microcredential options are also delivered online, making it well-suited for learners with work or family obligations and those needing flexible scheduling.
Average Test Scores (SAT, ACT, GRE, etc.)
| Test | Typical Range / Note |
|---|---|
| SAT | Not published / test-optional common for community colleges |
| ACT | Not published / not required for general admission |
| GRE | Not applicable (no graduate programs) |
Retention and Graduation Rates
SUNY Ulster reports a retention rate around 57 % for full-time students and a graduation rate of about 30–31 % within six years for first-time full-time students. These metrics reflect the nature of community college students—many transfer, work part-time, or attend part-time—and underscore the importance of student support and planning for timely completion or transfer.
SUNY Ulster Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
As an open-admission community college, SUNY Ulster generally requires a high school diploma or GED equivalency rather than a rigid GPA or standardized test score range. Because many programs are designed for accessibility and student readiness is assessed via admissions consultation rather than strict numeric cut-offs, prospective applicants should focus on coursework completion, transcripts and readiness for college-level work.
SUNY Ulster Acceptance Rate
| Category | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| Overall Admission | Open admission – most applicants who meet basic requirements are admitted |
SUNY Ulster Application Requirements
Prospective students at SUNY Ulster complete an application for admission, submit proof of high school graduation or GED, provide any required transcripts from prior college work (if applicable), and meet with an enrollment or success counselor to discuss program choice, schedule options and financial aid. Students may also need to complete placement assessments, orientation, and a FAFSA to determine eligibility for grants and scholarships. Program-specific requirements (such as for health sciences or fine arts) may include portfolios, interviews or prerequisites.
Application Process
- Submit the online or paper application for SUNY Ulster
- Provide official high school transcript or GED certificate
- Meet with an Enrollment & Success advisor for program selection and readiness planning
- Complete the FAFSA and other financial aid forms
- Attend orientation, register for classes, and begin coursework
SUNY Ulster Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Term | Deadline / Note |
|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Rolling admission; early application recommended for financial aid and program seats |
| Spring Semester | Rolling admission; consult enrollment calendar |
| Other Start Dates | Certain programs may have cohort start dates with earlier deadlines |
Essay Prompt (if applicable)
SUNY Ulster typically does not require a formal essay prompt as part of its general admission process; however, specific programs may request a personal statement, portfolio or interview to assess applicant motivation and goals.
SUNY Ulster Scholarships
SUNY Ulster awards over one million dollars annually in scholarships to incoming, continuing and transferring students. The college participates in merit- and need-based aid, including full-tuition scholarships for Ulster County high school graduates ranking in the top 10 % of their class via the “College Scholars” award program. Federal Pell Grants, state TAP Grants, and institutional scholarships all support affordability.
SUNY Ulster Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Student Category | Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|
| New York State resident, full-time (12+ credits) | Approx. $2,840 per semester for Ulster County residents |
| Out-of-State, full-time | Approx. $5,680 per semester (non-resident full time) |
| 2024-25 annual estimate (in-state) | $6,666 for full undergraduate year for NY residents |
| 2024-25 annual estimate (out-of-state) | $12,146 for full undergraduate year for out-of-state students |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
For the 2023-24 academic year, SUNY Ulster had approximately 3,001 undergraduate students enrolled. The gender breakdown is close to even with about 1,554 male students and 1,447 female students (roughly 52 % male, 48 % female). The racial/ethnic distribution includes representation of White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian, and other/multiracial students, though detailed percentages vary by year. A significant portion of the student body attends part-time or as adult learners, reflecting diverse age ranges including recent high school graduates and returning adult students.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
SUNY Ulster serves many students from low-income backgrounds who benefit from financial aid programs such as the Pell Grant, TAP and institutional scholarships. The college supports students with disabilities through its Student Support Services office, which provides accommodations, learning assistance, and related services to ensure equitable access to education. The affordability and flexible scheduling of SUNY Ulster’s offerings make it particularly suitable for students facing economic or familial obligations.
Student Body (Total Students, International Students, etc.)
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Total enrolled students (2023-24) | 3,001 |
| Online students exclusively | 284 |
| Undergraduate students | All undergraduate (2-year) students |
University Diversity
SUNY Ulster’s diverse student community is reflective of its mission to provide accessible education in the Hudson Valley region. The campus brings together recent high school graduates, working adults, first-generation college students, and transfer-seekers aiming for four-year institutions. The gender balance is nearly even and the racial and ethnic mix adds cultural and experiential richness to the campus environment. The college’s emphasis on student-centered support, flexible learning formats, and workforce-based programs creates an inclusive atmosphere where individuals from varied backgrounds can pursue their educational and career goals. Student clubs, cultural events and transfer opportunities further enhance a sense of belonging and cross-group interaction.
Average Earnings
Graduates of SUNY Ulster typically enter the workforce or transfer to four-year institutions. Early-career earnings for graduates are reported around $31,000 on average, depending on program of study, credential achieved and regional employment conditions. Because many students transfer to continue study rather than immediately begin full employment, earnings data may reflect a mix of job entry and further education phases. The college’s affordability means graduates often face lower debt burdens, potentially improving return on investment for those who complete a certificate or associate degree and enter the job market or continue toward a bachelor’s degree.
SUNY Ulster Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
SUNY Ulster employs a range of instructional faculty, many of whom bring real-world experience in their fields to classroom and lab settings. The full-time faculty-to-student ratio is roughly around 20 : 1 to 23 : 1, allowing for smaller class sizes and more direct interaction between students and instructors. Academic and support staff in student services, financial aid, advising and career planning work collaboratively to assist students from enrollment through completion or transfer.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Faculty at SUNY Ulster hold credentials appropriate to associate-degree instruction and are involved in teaching both foundational general education courses and specialized program coursework in areas such as fine arts, technology, health sciences, communication and business. Many faculty members integrate experiential learning, internships and community partnerships into their courses, facilitating transfer pathways and workforce readiness. The college’s accreditation and program offerings reflect alignment with regional needs and evolving industries. Faculty are supported in their professional development and curriculum design to maintain relevance and quality in a changing higher education environment.
SUNY Ulster Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
The main campus of SUNY Ulster in Stone Ridge is nestled within 165 acres of scenic land in Ulster County, providing a suburban-rural setting for education. While SUNY Ulster is primarily a commuter institution and does not emphasize residential housing, there are off-campus rental options in the community for students seeking nearby living arrangements. Student life is enriched by over twenty student clubs and organizations, academic support services, cultural events, athletics, and transfer-oriented student programming. The college fosters a welcoming environment for diverse student populations, including adult learners, veterans, part-time students and those balancing education with family or work.
Transportation
SUNY Ulster is accessible via local roads and is located near regional transportation networks. While public transit options exist in Ulster County, many students commute by car, ride-share or regional bus services. The college provides campus parking and convenient access to its Kingston Center as well as the Stone Ridge main campus. Flexible scheduling, evening and online courses help accommodate students’ transportation or time-conflict constraints, and the college’s geographic location in the Hudson Valley gives students access to a broader regional job market and community resources.