College Profile
Study Environmental Science at SUNY ESF – A Supportive Community with a Global Focus
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is a small, public college in Syracuse, New York, focused entirely on the environment. Founded in 1911, it’s one of the oldest and most respected environmental colleges in the United States.
We offer more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs in areas like environmental science, renewable energy, forestry, conservation biology, and landscape architecture. Students come here because they care deeply about the planet—and want to be part of the solution.
🌍 You’ll be supported. ESF has students from over 30 countries, and our Office of International Education helps with everything from visas and orientation to academic and personal support.
🔬 You’ll get real experience. Many students start research or fieldwork in their first year. ESF manages over 25,000 acres of forests and field sites, including in the Adirondack Mountains.
🏫 You’ll have access to more. ESF is located next to Syracuse University. You can take some classes there and use their libraries, student centers, dining halls, and clubs.
📍 You’ll live in a safe, mid-sized city. Syracuse is in central New York State, about five hours from New York City. It’s affordable, friendly, and has four seasons—including snowy winters!
💬 You’ll have a community. ESF is a small campus, so it’s easy to get to know your professors and classmates. Many international students say it feels personal and welcoming.
💼 You’ll build a strong future. Students often take part in internships, assistantships, and research. There are opportunities to work on campus, and international students are eligible for OPT and CPT after graduation.
💰 Costs are manageable. ESF is part of the SUNY system, so tuition is more affordable than many U.S. universities. Scholarships and graduate assistantships are available.
Check our programs and learn more about what life is like at ESF: International Students at ESF
IMPORTANT UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
1. Biochemistry
2. Environmental Science
3. Landscape Architecture
4. Environmental Health
5. Wildlife Science
IMPORTANT GRADUATE PROGRAMS
1. Chemical Engineering
2. Environmental Resources Engineering
3. Sustainable Resources Management
4. Environmental Biology
5. Environmental Studies
Demographics
| 2,300 | Total Enrollment |
| 1,750 | Undergraduate Enrollment |
| 550 | Graduate Enrollment |
| Undergraduate 65, Graduate 120 | International Student Enrollment |
| 53% | Male |
| 47% | Female |
| 1:13 | Faculty-Student Ratio |
| 60 | Countries Represented |
International Student Housing Options
All first-year ESF students live in Centennial Hall, our on-campus residence hall. It’s a sustainable, environmentally friendly building that houses over 500 students in a mix of traditional rooms and apartment-style suites.
Centennial Hall includes furnished rooms with locally made, sustainable hardwood furniture. You’ll also have access to student lounges, laundry facilities, secure bike storage, and shared common areas—making it easy to connect with others and settle into life on campus.
Non-first year students often consider off-campus housing options. Generally, off-campus apartments in the ESF/SU neighborhood require a 12-month lease. Splitting the rent 2, 3, or 4 ways in a multi-bedroom unit makes off-campus living very affordable.
First Year, Transfer, and Graduate Students
First Year Admission: click here to learn more
Transfer Student Admission: click here to learn more
Graduate Student Admission: click here to learn more
Financial Aid
ESF offer scholarships to undergraduate international students based upon merit. For more information click here.
For graduate programs, ESF offers numerous graduate assistantships and research assistantships throughout the year. For more information click here.
Student Activities and Campus Life
At ESF, you’ll find a friendly and active campus community. There are student clubs for music, volunteering, environmental causes, sports, and more. You can also join student government or major-related groups.
Every week, ESF offers free movie nights, social events, and fun weekend activities like games, live music, and themed parties. You’ll also have access to over 30 club and intramural sports through nearby Syracuse University.
Each spring, ESF celebrates Earth Week with music, food, outdoor games, and campus traditions.
Learn more about student life at ESF: esf.edu/student-life
