Alfred University was founded in 1836 as a select school in the village of Alfred, New York, and became a university in 1857. It is a private institution with a unique hybrid structure, housing the privately endowed Alfred University alongside the New York State College of Ceramics, a statutory college that operates in partnership with the State University of New York system. Alfred is best known for the Kazuo Inamori School of Engineering, home to leading ceramic and glass engineering programs, and for the renowned School of Art and Design, whose ceramic art program is among the most respected in the nation.
Set in a quiet, rural Southern Tier village, Alfred offers an intimate campus culture where small classes, hands-on learning, and close faculty mentorship are the norm. Students often collaborate across disciplines, with artists and engineers sharing studios and labs, and undergraduate research is common. Campus life centers on arts events, Saxon athletics, outdoor recreation, and a strong sense of community, while a high proportion of students receive substantial institutional scholarships.
| Type | Private |
| Location | Alfred, New York |
| Founded | 1836 |
| Total students | 1,700 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 11:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 72% |
| Graduation rate | 58% |
| Average starting salary | $50,000 |
| In-state tuition | $41,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $41,000 |
| Room & board | $16,500 |
| Average financial aid | $36,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 99% |
| SAT range | 980-1210 |
| ACT range | 20-27 |
| Average GPA | 3.40 |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.