Information for School Counselors

Discover the wide range of academic programs SUNY Plattsburgh has to offer. From hands-on experiences to research opportunities, our majors are designed to help students pursue their passions and prepare for meaningful careers.

Explore our majors

The Honors Program offers high-achieving students a challenging and engaging academic experience, including smaller classes, specialized courses, research opportunities, and close mentorship with faculty.

Honors Program

Your student is accepted — what’s next? Join us in welcoming our newest Cardinals to SUNY Plattsburgh!

Next Steps

SUNY Free App Week — Late Fall

• First Year Admission Criteria
• How to Apply
• Submitting Official Information 
• College Credit

Note: If a student attended multiple high schools or a combination of high school and homeschool, we will need transcripts from all institutions for review.

Cardinal Thrive is SUNY Plattsburgh’s holistic student success initiative, focused on supporting well-being inside and outside the classroom. Through resources, workshops, and programming, students learn how to balance academics, health, and personal growth — helping them not just succeed, but truly thrive during their college journey.

Watch to Learn More

Admissions presentations, student panels, campus tours, first-year appointments and more are available year-round. Participate on-campus or virtually!

• Explore Event Options
• Group Visit Requests
• 8th Grade: I’ve Been Admitted to College (IBAC) Program
• Undergraduate Admissions Instagram Page

At SUNY Plattsburgh, we know that diversity is more than race, sex, gender, and sexual orientation. It is the full range of human experiences.

Diversity includes age, class, ethnicity, race, gender identity, gender expression, romantic orientation, nationality, (dis)ability, religion, sexual orientation, language, personality, communication style, work style, veteran status and more. Learn more about our Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion below.

Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The Education Opportunity Program (EOP) at SUNY Plattsburgh is part of the SUNY-Arthur O. Eve program, created to provide access, academic support, and financial assistance to New York State residents who show promise for succeeding in college but may not otherwise qualify under standard admissions criteria due to economic or educational disadvantages.

Summer Academy for Accepted EOP Students

EOP Admission

For any questions or to schedule a meeting regarding international admissions, please reach out to Senior Admissions Advisor Katie Duffy, [email protected]

• International Admissions & Resources
• International Student Scholarships

SUNY Plattsburgh automatically considers all applicants for scholarships. Awards are based on both academic merit and financial need, and no separate scholarship application is required — students are reviewed for eligibility through their admission application.

• Cost & Aid
• Tuition & Fees
• Net Price Calculator
• Scholarships
• Schedule an Appointment

Access and Opportunity Programs at SUNY Plattsburgh provide tailored support and resources to help students succeed academically, personally and professionally.

Visit Access & Opportunity Programs

We love supporting your efforts to share SUNY Plattsburgh with your students! Counselors are welcome to request individual swag items by emailing us directly at [email protected]

• Download the SUNY Plattsburgh Pennant

What is the GPA requirement to get into SUNY Plattsburgh, and what classes do you need (both traditional and EOP)?
Most of our programs require at least a 2.0 GPA for first-year students and a 2.3 GPA for transfer students. Some majors also require specific coursework such as Algebra II, Biology, or Chemistry. GPA expectations may also vary for competitive programs (e.g., Nursing and Education).

For the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), students must be New York State residents for at least 12 months prior to enrollment and meet both academic and financial eligibility guidelines. In general, most applicants have a 70–84.99 cumulative GPA. Requirements may differ by program, so contact us for more details.

Are test scores required? What are the average SAT scores?
SUNY Plattsburgh is test-optional, meaning students are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores.

What scholarships are available?
SUNY Plattsburgh offers a wide range of scholarships and grants for both first-year and transfer students, including the NYS Excelsior Scholarship and campus-based awards. For a full list, please visit our Scholarship Programs page or connect with Student Financial Services with any questions.

If a student who received a scholarship does not attend or withdraws, does that scholarship become available to others?
No. Scholarship funds awarded to a student who does not enroll or later withdraws are not reallocated to other students who have already received their awards.

Scholarship Appeals

Students may request a review of their scholarship eligibility by submitting new or updated academic information, materials or extenuating circumstances not included in their original application.

Scholarship Appeal Form

If a student is undecided/undeclared, is there a deadline to declare a major?
There is no single deadline, but there are important guidelines. For example, students receiving the NYS TAP grant must declare a major before earning 57 credits (typically by the end of sophomore year). We recommend that students discuss their interests with an academic advisor or department chair to determine the best time to declare.

What athletic teams are available?
SUNY Plattsburgh is home to a variety of NCAA Division III teams and more than 20 intramural and club sports. Our athletes have earned 9 NCAA team championships, 3 NCAA individual championships, and 64 conference titles.

How does SUNY Plattsburgh’s community get involved on and off campus?
Our community is highly engaged through:

• Volunteer and service opportunities with student organizations and the Center for Student Involvement
• Campus-based services like the Child Care Center and Speech & Hearing Center
• The Community H.U.B., where students, faculty, alumni, and community members come together for events, mentoring, and support

What activities are there off campus?
There’s always something to do in the North Country! From performances at the Strand Theatre and community events with the North Country Chamber of Commerce to day trips to Burlington, VT; Lake Placid; or Montreal, students enjoy both small-town charm and city amenities. Downtown Plattsburgh is a 10-minute walk from campus, with shops, restaurants, arts, and entertainment. Outdoor lovers can explore hiking, lakes, and historic sites year-round. Learn more on our Location & Things to Do page.

Are shuttle services free?
Yes. The Student Association partners with Clinton County Transportation to provide shuttle service at no cost to students. Details can be found on the Student Association Shuttle Information page.

What are the ways students can get to SUNY Plattsburgh?
Students can travel here by a variety of methods:

• Local airport (Plattsburgh International Airport)
• Greyhound bus service
• Amtrak train station
• Ferry access (popular with students from Vermont)
• Taxis and car rentals are available locally

More information is on our Directions & Campus Maps page.