SUNY Empire exists to strengthen the very fabric of our society, to bring education
to all corners not just of the state but of the globe.
About Empire
Since our founding in 1971, SUNY Empire has empowered students from all walks of life to achieve their greatest dreams through academic innovation. With decades of collective experience in virtual, individualized instruction, our faculty are the best of the best, making Empire State University SUNY’s leading online university.
Our Guiding Principles
Mission
We’re committed to helping students of all backgrounds thrive through individualized
instruction, mentoring, and credit for prior learning. We build on our students’ experiences
to promote their growth and drive upward mobility in New York and beyond.
Vision
Our institution is a national leader in high-quality, flexible, and affordable education.
We stand alone among public institutions nationwide in our ability to provide impactful
academic experiences to learners of all ages and backgrounds.
Values
Our values — access, flexibility, innovation, diversity, equity, and inclusion — guide
everything we do. We infuse our values into our priorities, decisions, and actions,
all in service of our students and their communities.
SUNY's Leading Online University
#1
Our student satisfaction rating among peer institutions for the last three decades.
39
Areas in which SUNY Empire has ranked #1, including academic services, campus climate,
and more.
100,000+
Alumni working as leaders in their fields around the globe.
Leadership That Inspires
Discover how our president is shaping the future of SUNY Empire. Hear her vision for growth, opportunity, and student success — and how it impacts your journey.
Meet the PresidentInvest in Your Team’s Future
Partner with SUNY Empire to upskill, recruit, and retain your workforce. Our tailored programs and training opportunities are designed to meet your needs, helping your employees grow and succeed. Together, we create solutions for long-term success.
It was an easy application process, and SUNY Empire’s partnership team is amazing.
I receive a scholarship, which is a huge benefit.
A Place for Everyone
81%
of undergraduate students over age 25.
51%
of students work full time.
20%
of all SUNY military-affiliated degrees granted by SUNY Empire.
Support for All
SUNY Empire is the first and only university designated an Autism Supportive College
by the Anderson Center for Autism. We embed support into our culture, infrastructure,
and planning to create an inclusive environment for neurodivergent students.
More than half of SUNY Empire students receive some credits through Credit for Prior
Learning (CPL). On average, CPLs cut bachelor’s degree students’ time to graduation
by 3-4 terms and save them about $10,000.
We design our 123+ online programs specifically for online learning. Our expert instructional
designers plan, prepare, and develop online courses. They draw on best practices,
learning objectives, and the latest technologies. Through our comprehensive courses,
you can access 24/7 online tutoring, interactive tools, career programming, basic-needs
outreach, and more. From anywhere in the world.
Institutional Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE): Empire State University is institutionally accredited by MSCHE, ensuring the highest standards of educational quality and institutional accountability.
Specialized Program Accreditations
- Business: Our MBA in Business Management and MBA in Healthcare Leadership are programmatically accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). Please visit the IACBE website for current membership status.
- Nursing: The RN to BSN and M.S. in Nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Education: Selected graduate teacher education programs are accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). These include the Master of Arts in Teaching in Middle Childhood and Adolescent Education, Master of Arts in Teaching in Adolescent Special Education, and Master of Education in Adolescent Education Accreditation.
Professional Affiliations & Alignments
- Human Resource Management (SHRM): Both our B.S. in Human Resource Management and our MBA in Business Management (HR concentration) are officially aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) curriculum guidelines.
- Finance (CFA Institute): The M.S. in Finance is recognized by the CFA Institute University Affiliation Program, signaling a curriculum that prepares students for the CFA® charter.
- Labor Studies: The Harry Van Arsdale Jr. School of Labor Studies maintains unique affiliations with several trade unions, providing specialized pathways for union members.
