Upstate Medical University
The Vibe Check
The campus feels like a focused professional hub rather than a traditional undergraduate college, with a quiet, purposeful energy centered on healthcare and science. Students are immersed in a clinical environment, often seen in scrubs heading to labs or nearby Upstate University Hospital. There's a strong sense of camaraderie among small cohorts tackling rigorous pre-med and health science pathways.
Academics & Majors
Academics are intensely focused on health professions and biomedical sciences, with curricula designed to prepare students for medical school or direct entry into clinical roles. Teaching quality is high, with small class sizes ensuring close mentorship from faculty who are often practicing clinicians or researchers. Students have early access to research opportunities through the SUNY Upstate Medical University hospital and research institute.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Syracuse
Students explore Armory Square for restaurants and nightlife, visit the Destiny USA mall for shopping and entertainment, and enjoy outdoor activities at Onondaga Lake Park. Syracuse offers a vibrant four-season climate, with popular student pastimes including hiking in the nearby Finger Lakes region during fall and skiing in the winter. The city also has a strong coffee shop culture and hosts numerous festivals throughout the year.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($92,257):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is located in a dense urban area and is adjacent to a major medical center, which includes security patrols and well-lit pathways. As with any city, students should practice urban safety awareness, but the immediate campus area is generally considered safe due to the hospital's presence.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Direct adjacency and affiliation with Upstate University Hospital provides unparalleled clinical and research exposure.
- ✓ Extremely focused curriculum ideal for students certain about a career in healthcare or biomedical research.
- ✓ Small enrollment size ensures low student-to-faculty ratios and personalized attention.
Cons
- ✗ Very limited traditional undergraduate campus life and social activities compared to larger universities.
- ✗ Programs are highly specialized, offering little flexibility for students interested in exploring diverse liberal arts disciplines.
- ✗ The urban setting may not appeal to students seeking a classic residential college campus experience.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Upstate Medical University is known for its rigorous health professions and biology/biomedical programs, directly integrated with the SUNY Upstate Medical University hospital system. It excels in training students for medical school and clinical careers through hands-on experience in a major academic medical center.
As a specialized institution with a small enrollment of only 117 students, admission is competitive and selective, particularly for its health science programs. While specific acceptance rates aren't always published for undergraduate programs, the small class size and focus on pre-med and health tracks mean they seek applicants with strong academic records, especially in sciences, and demonstrated healthcare commitment.
Campus life is academically intense and professional, centered around a small, close-knit community of students focused on healthcare careers. Social life is more subdued than at a large liberal arts college, with students often bonding over shared rigorous coursework and engaging with the broader city of Syracuse for recreation.
Yes, the strong median 10-year earnings of $92,257 suggest a high return on investment for its targeted degrees in health and biology. The specialized training provides a direct pipeline to well-paying careers in medicine and research, making it a financially sound choice for students committed to these fields.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded 1834
- Type Public
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 212
- Zip Code 13210
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a median 10-year earnings of $92,257, the degree offers a strong return on investment, particularly for its health and biology programs. The Pell Grant rate of 24.7% indicates a diverse student body with access to federal aid, helping to manage costs. Given the high earning potential in medical and biomedical fields, the investment is generally considered worthwhile for career-focused students.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.