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Alfred University

Alfred, NY·Private nonprofit·1,401 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

48%
Accept
1,401
Students
$22,701
Net Price
56%
Grad Rate
$47,300
Earnings
10 yr
$17,751
Debt

About This School

Alfred University is a private nonprofit institution located in Alfred, New York with approximately 1,401 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 48% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $22,701 per year. The graduation rate is 56%, and the typical graduate earns $47,300 within 10 years of enrollment.

Alfred University is a private university in Alfred, New York, United States. It has a total undergraduate population of approximately 1,600 students. The university hosts the statutory New York State College of Ceramics, which includes The Inamori School of Engineering and the School of Art and Design.

The numbers tell a mixed story here — the 56% graduation rate is a real concern, meaning nearly half of students who start don't finish, and median earnings of $47,300 a decade out are modest for a private school costing $22,701/year after aid. That said, this is a strong option for students seriously interested in art, design, or engineering, particularly through the nationally recognized New York State College of Ceramics, which gives Alfred a genuine specialty most small schools can't match. If you're committed to those fields and can get a strong aid package, the relatively low median debt of $17,751 at graduation makes the investment more defensible.

Founded
1836
Setting
Distant rural

Popular Programs

Visual & Performing Arts22%
Engineering20%
Business & Marketing15%
Psychology10%
Education7%
Biological Sciences4%
Communications3%
Health Professions2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Melvil DeweyRobert LittellRobert KleinAmy KarleTom Reed

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1205
Reading 75th %ile640
Math 75th %ile640

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite25

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$39,530
Out-of-State Tuition
$39,530
Avg Net Price
$22,701
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants39%
Median debt at graduation$17,751

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
56%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
77%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$47,300
after enrollment
Median Debt
$17,751
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$17,751
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$34,900
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$47,300
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.7x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White63%
Black10%
Hispanic/Latino11%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,401 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Alfred University

One Saxon Drive

Alfred, NY 14802-1205

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in New York

Browse all New York schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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