Alfred University

Founded in 1836, this small, comprehensive university enrolls approximately 1,900 undergraduate students and 400 graduate students from 31 states and 20 countries. Faculty attention and a broad range of undergraduate research and leadership opportunities characterize students’ experience. Alfred features state-of-the-art studio art facilities (kilns, glass hot shop, foundry, electronic arts labs, etc.), well-equipped science and engineering labs, two theaters, an equestrian center offering instruction in both Western and English riding, and one of the best teaching observatories in the Northeast.

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  Main Campus

  Alfred, New York, United States

  0 - 5,000 on Campus

  <100,000 residents in Alfred

  Language(s) spoken on campus: English

  Alfred University is located on the edge of the Finger Lakes Region in New York State, a region renowned for lakes, waterfalls, rolling hills, wineries, apple orchards, and organic farms. The area offers hiking, skiing, and Western and English horseback riding, as well as a thriving arts community. Nearby tourist attractions include Niagara Falls, Watkins Glen, and the Corning Glass Museum. In terms of climate, this region of the country offers fabulous colors in the autumn, snow and cold-weather sports opportunities in the winter, and a lush summer landscape. 

  Alfred is a welcoming small-town American community with a lively intellectual and artistic culture. Students can expect to integrate easily into campus and community life. They will have ready and easy access to excellent faculty and facilities, as well as to a wide range of student activities and leadership opportunities at this small comprehensive university. 

  AU has small class sizes, and the faculty are very available to their students, frequently on a first name basis.  We have internationally recognized art, engineering, and ceramics majors but we also have a wide variety of other programs and majors to offer.  The Stull Astronomy Observatory, a new state-of-the-art foundry, a brand-new athletic complex, an Equestrian center, a Ceramic Museum, and our very own lake (Foster’s Lake) are just a few examples of the unique attributes of the campus.  

  Alfred University was founded in 1836 and has always valued diversity in its classrooms, with international students making up 7-9% of the undergraduate students on campus from countries around the world.

  Things to Do

  There is always something to do on campus.  Alfred University has clubs for all interests including baking, hiking trips on the weekends, esports, student investment, bowling, and art just to name a few.  There are also several clubs that celebrate international cultures such as Poder LatinX, the African Student Association, the International Student Association, Asians in America, the Muslim Student Association and the Chinese Language and Culture Club.   

  Enjoy nature through all 4 seasons. Try boating or swimming at Foster’s Lake, take a hike on the Pine Hill Trail whose trailhead starts on campus, have a campfire and make smores, or try something new like snowshoeing or skiing. You can also rent a bike on campus at the Bike Hub to ride around the town.

  There is a gym and workout area, a pool, and an indoor track that students can utilize.  If you enjoy the arts, there are tours of the Ceramic Art Museum.  Alfred University also offers multiple art galleries that showcase the students’ and faculty’s work in ceramics, painting, sculpting, integrated electronic arts, neon, and many other mediums. Throughout the semester there are musical, theatrical, or dance performances. Students can also participate in poster presentations of research done on campus and Mentorship Day to network with others in their field of study. 

  Alfred University is sure to provide a memorable experience for you!