Rooted in history.
Rooted in SUNY.
Rooted in the North Country.
We’re building our future, so that you can build yours.
Founded in 1816, SUNY Potsdam is one of America’s first 50 colleges and the oldest institution in the State University of New York. From our roots in a one-room academy all the way up to today, we have always put our students first—because your passion is our purpose.
Top-ranked
SUNY Potsdam has been named a top-ranked regional university in the Northeast by U.S. News & World Report for 25 years in a row—not to mention special honors for being Best for Veterans, Best Value, and Top Performer on Social Mobility. We are also ranked in the top 35 public master’s universities in the entire country by Washington Monthly magazine.
The Crane School of Music
Founded in 1886, SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music has a long legacy of excellence in music education and performance—including hosting more than 300 performances and lectures each year. Crane is SUNY’s only All-Steinway Institution and was an inaugural Yamaha Institution of Excellence.
Legacy of teacher education
SUNY Potsdam’s teacher education program is the oldest in SUNY, and our nationally accredited programs have earned national accolades. Our undergraduate programs include student teaching placements across the state, nation and even abroad, and our flexible online graduate programs allow students to earn their master’s degrees and certifications while juggling work and family.
Study STEM
Archaeology, geology, biology, environmental science, chemistry, exercise science… Name the scientific discipline, and you will find SUNY Potsdam students in the field and in the lab conducting hands-on research alongside dedicated faculty every day. With our emphasis on applied learning, students gain career-ready experience from day one.
Potsdam Bears
Our 17 intercollegiate athletic teams represent the maroon and grey for the Potsdam Bears. As charter members of the Division III SUNYAC conference, SUNY Potsdam fields men’s and women’s teams in basketball, cross-country, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, track and field, and volleyball. The College also offers club sports and intramural activities to keep students active.
Engaged and involved
Our student body is tightknit and engaged with the community—mentoring local children, helping with community clean-up days and stepping up to help local causes. Campus life is vibrant, with more than 100 student clubs, activities and honor societies to choose from.