The academics offered by SUNY include primarily certificate programs, associate degree programs and bachelor's degree programs. The certificate programs typically are offered at community colleges and prepare students to enter into the workforce immediately after completion. Associate degrees, including Associate of Applied Science, Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate of Occupational Studies, function to allow students to transfer to a four-year university or go directly into their chosen career path. Bachelor's degree programs such as Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts are equivalent to traditional college degrees. Some SUNY schools also offer master's and doctorate degrees.
Many students choose to attend SUNY schools because tuition is affordable due to the state support the universities receive. Students who attend SUNY schools can get both federal and state financial aid to pay for the cost of tuition, room and board and supplies. Federal Pell Grants are available to every individual who meets the financial requirements, but the New York State TAP grant is only provided to residents of New York state.
SUNY schools offer plenty of athletic opportunities, from fitness programs to intramurals and NCAA, NCJAA and NAIA intercollegiate sports. The network includes schools in Division I, Division II and Division III. Division I is the most competitive and includes at least six sports for both men and women. Division II has at least four sports for men and women that compete against other Division II and sometimes Division I schools. Division III athletics do not receive financial aid specifically for athletic ability, but there are five sports within the SUNY system for men and women.
Most SUNY schools offer online applications and in 2010, 96.7 percent of applicants applied through the Internet. Early decision and early action are available at some of the SUNY schools. If students use the SUNY common application, there is a $50 application fee for each campus choice you select. Some schools may have their own applications on their websites, such as community colleges, that do not charge a fee to apply. SUNY does not have an overall official application deadline. An added benefit to the SUNY system is that each institution has agreements set up to ensure that all of your credits transfer from one school to another within the SUNY network.