About

If you stand out, this is where you’ll fit in.


Located just 35 miles north of NYC, our campus sits on 500 acres of fields and forests in suburban Westchester County.

We combine rigorous coursework in the liberal arts and sciences with world-class conservatory programs in the visual and performing arts.

We live on a collaborative and sustainable campus, and we work to create the kind of society we want to see in the world. 

Purchase people are passionate—about everything. Globally, locally, and personally. We’re the dreamers, the DIYers, the future of arts and culture, and of the humanities and the sciences.

  • 3,283

    Total Student Enrollment

  • 500

    Acres in Suburban Westchester County

  • #11

    On 2025 Top Public Schools List
    (U.S. News and World Report)

  • 90%

    Of 2023 Graduates Employed, Enrolled in Grad or Professional School, or Both

  • 12:1

    Student to Faculty Ratio

happening on campus

Campus-Wide Festival: *Photography Is*

The multifaceted nature of photography explored through exhibitions, workshops, talks, installations, and interactive activities runs through November 22, 2024.

Festival Details
   Rosalie D. Gagné 2017 Studio Numérique - marionnettes

On View in the Neuberger Museum of Art

The first retrospective of the Pan-American artist, Rosalie D. Gagné: A Contemporary Alchemist runs through December 22.

Read the Story

what we value

Bioswale between West Loop and West 1 parking lot.

Sustainability

Ranging in scale—light bulbs and plastic bottles to entire buildings—our sustainability efforts represent a core value.

Recent Sustainable Efforts
Dancers on a break between classes

A Culture of Inclusivity

Feel the raw energy created by the amazing blend ofpoeple who unabashedly express themselves however they choose, in a judgement-free environment.

Campus Life
Adotei Akwei '84

Proof of Purchase

Adotei Akwei ’84 is currently the Interim Chief Collaboration Officer at Amnesty International USA (AIUSA), the largest grassroots human rights organization in the world.

Before this, Akwei served as the Deputy Director for Advocacy and Government Relations for Amnesty International USA. He rejoined AIUSA in September 2010 after serving as the Senior Policy Advisor for CARE USA.

Meet Adotei
Study the Sciences
Beyond the Brick

Sophia chose Purchase for all it offers. She’s majoring in biology, but as a musician and dancer, she was drawn to the creative culture.

She’s learned scanning electron microscopy and how to use a Min-Ion handheld DNA sequencing device, cutting edge technology that allows genome study anywhere you can take a laptop.

Learn Moreabout Study the Sciences - Beyond the Brick
hands in blue rubber gloves using a benchtop data sequencer

“I feel prepared to go into whatever field I like.”

 

Latest Stories

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Latest Rankings and Ratings

Purchase College is proudly recognized by a variety of publications, including the #11 spot on U.S. News and World Report’s Top Public Schools list.

Blue starred badge with Featured in 2025 Fiske Guide to Colleges

Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025: “Unique Within the SUNY System”

Purchase noted for academics, sense of community, engaged professors, and raw energy.

Wordmark: The Hollywood Reporter in red

The 25 Best Drama Schools in the World

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Purchase named among best in the world.