If you wish to continue your education and be able to work at the same time, Empire State College may be an option for you. Empire State College offers a flexible, individualized way to pursue an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Students can study many topics including biology, business, community organizations, economics, history, human services, information systems, literature, photography, psychology and Spanish. Founded in 1971, Empire State College is recognized as a pioneer and innovator in education, serving over 17,000 students each year.
SUNY Empire State College is set up with a Coordinating Center in Saratoga Springs, seven regional Centers, and several local Units under each regional Center. In this way, the state is pretty well covered!
The schedule for Information Sessions at the Alfred Unit is as follows:
- Monday, October 23, 2006 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 8, 2006 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, December 6, 2006 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, January 11, 2007 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, January 30, 2007 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
We ask that persons interested in attending one of the Information Sessions call our office to make a reservation and to get directions to the meeting site. The office number is 607-587-4140.
Empire State College (ESC) is a part of the State University of New York (SUNY) and is fully accredited by New York State and by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Universities. While it has no campus in the traditional sense, there are regional centers located throughout the state and an administrative center in Saratoga Springs. The Alfred Unit is a satellite of the Genesee Valley Center in Rochester. ESC is non-traditional in other ways as well: it permits individually designed curriculums, flexible student schedules, and independent study. Students may study with mentors and/or tutors, cross-register at other colleges, or take courses through the Center for Distance Learning. There are opportunities for foreign study, for weekend residencies, for practicums, and for pursuing a graduate degree.
The Alfred Unit of Empire State College operates year-round with two fall terms, two spring terms and one summer term. Usually, a half-time student enrolls for 6 or 8 credits (2 studies) and a full-time student for 12 - 16 credits (3 or 4 studies) – to be completed in 15 weeks. During the 8-week summer term, students may enroll for fewer credits. Because ESC is part of the SUNY system, tuition is reasonable. Students pay $639.30 for a 3-credit study. There are one-time fees for assessment of prior learning and degree program planning. Many employers reimburse their employees for their education costs. The standard sources of financial aid, e.g., PELL and TAP, are also available to Empire State College students.
Consider enriching your life and increasing your earning power by attending Empire State College. To learn more, please call us at 607-587-4140 and register to attend one of our scheduled, free information sessions.
- Monday, October 23, 2006: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 8, 2006: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, December 6, 2006: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, January 11, 2007: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Who Chooses Empire State College?
Although there is a great variety in our student population, there is a statistically typical student. Here is the profile:
- average age is 37
- 80% are employed full-time
- most have families
- most have community and civic responsibilities
- many have attended college before, typically for about two years
- most have gained college-level learning, on the job or elsewhere, which can result in additional credit at Empire State College
- about 60% are women
- most find our modest SUNY tuition appealing
- most are half-time students
- about 40% complete degree programs in business; almost 30% in community and human services; and about 15% in science, mathematics and technology
In sum, Empire State college students are busy, often accomplished adults who are highly motivated and who enjoy the flexibility and challenge of independent study with the guidance of a faculty mentor.
Undergraduate degrees can be earned in:
- Arts
- Business, Management and Economics
- Cultural Studies
- Community and Human Services
- Historical Studies
- Science, Mathematics and Technology
- Human Development
- Social Theory, Structure and Change
- Interdisciplinary Studies
For directions to the Alfred Unit Office of Empire State College, please call 607-587-4140.