From Academy to University: A Legacy of Student Success
From a modest academy serving 15 students in 1826 to a thriving university community of over 3,000 students from around the world, SUNY Fredonia stands as a living testament to 200 years of educational excellence, innovation, and unwavering commitment to student success. What began as a small institution "among the hemlocks" has blossomed into one of the nation's finest comprehensive universities, while never losing sight of the personal attention and community spirit that has always defined the Fredonia experience.
As we celebrate our bicentennial, SUNY Fredonia stands as a community where dreams and talents are nurtured. From our beginnings as the Fredonia Academy to our current status as a premiere comprehensive university, we have remained true to our core mission: developing character, preparing students for rewarding careers, and making a positive difference in the world.
The numbers tell our story of growth and success, but behind every statistic is a student whose life has been transformed by their Fredonia experience. As we look toward our next century, we do so with pride in our past, confidence in our present, and excitement for the future we will build together.
A University Built on Achievement
Today's SUNY Fredonia embodies everything our founders envisioned and more. Our beautiful 256-acre campus serves 3,236 students—2,880 undergraduates and 356 graduate students—who come from 34 different states and 19 countries. This diversity reflects our global reach while maintaining the intimate, supportive environment that has been our hallmark for two centuries.
Our academic excellence is reflected in our numbers: 65+ undergraduate programs, 55+ minors and certificates, and 12 graduate programs, all delivered with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio that ensures every student receives the personal attention they deserve. With an average class size of just 22 students and 87% of our faculty holding the highest degree in their field, we continue the tradition of educational excellence that began in 1826.
Arts Excellence That Resonates Worldwide
Our commitment to the arts has grown into one of the most respected programs in the nation. Today, SUNY Fredonia's music program boasts a remarkable 100% job placement rate, backed by over a century of excellence and a powerful network of faculty, alumni, and school partnerships.
The accolades speak for themselves: our Jazz Flextet is the 2024 DownBeat Award Winner for Undergraduate Pop/Rock/Blues Group—the program's fifth DownBeat Award in the last six years! Our comprehensive arts offerings encompass music, dance, theatre, and visual arts in both traditional and new media, from world-renowned performers and artists to open mics and student gallery shows.
Athletic Excellence and School Spirit
"Go Big Blue!" echoes across our campus as 350 student-athletes compete in 19 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports in the ultra-competitive State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC). Our facilities have evolved dramatically from our humble beginnings, now featuring state-of-the-art indoor facilities including a fitness center, two gymnasia, swimming arena, diving well, ice arena, and track. Outdoor facilities include University Stadium soccer and lacrosse fields, practice fields, baseball and softball fields, outdoor running track, cross-country course, and basketball and tennis courts.
Global Connections and Opportunities
While we cherish our small-town roots, Fredonia's reach is truly global. Through SUNY's extensive network, our students can access over 1,000 study abroad programs in more than 60 countries across all seven continents. Impressively, 15% of Fredonia students study abroad during their undergraduate career—significantly higher than the national average of 10%. This global perspective enriches our campus community and prepares our graduates for success in an interconnected world.
Commitment to Accessibility and Affordability
True to our founding mission of providing quality education to all, SUNY Fredonia remains committed to affordability and accessibility. This year alone, we awarded $24 million in grants and scholarships, including $4.3 million in merit-based scholarships. Our financial aid statistics tell a powerful story:
- 97% of first-year students receive financial aid
- 94% of first-year students receive grants or scholarships
- 90% of all undergraduate students receive financial aid
- 78% of undergraduates receive grants or scholarships
- 40% receive Pell Grants, 38% receive TAP, and 19% receive Excelsior Scholarships
A Diverse and Inclusive Community
Today's student body reflects the diversity our founders could only have dreamed of, with a 60:40 female-male ratio and students representing a rich tapestry of backgrounds: 7% African American, 11% Hispanic/Latino, 2% Asian, 2% international students, 3% students of two or more races, and 2% other backgrounds. This diversity strengthens our community and prepares all students for success in our multicultural world.
The Complete College Experience
Located in the heart of a classic college town and just an hour from Buffalo, NY and Erie, PA, SUNY Fredonia offers the complete college experience our marketing materials promise. Our vibrant campus features comfortable residence halls, delicious dining options, and an abundance of extracurricular activities that keep evenings and weekends as stimulating as daily studies. We remain a "destination university" in a creative environment that is diverse, welcoming, and safe—helping students become uniquely connected to classmates, professors, and the community.