| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 2 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | 4 Year Bachelor’s Degree | |
| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 2 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | 4 Year Bachelor’s Degree | |
Alfred, New York — a small village in western New York State, surrounded by rolling hills. It's a peaceful, rural setting that gives students a close-knit campus vibe.
Colleges/Schools:
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Inamori School of Engineering
School of Art and Design (within the New York State College of Ceramics)
College of Business
Graduate programs in various disciplines
Well-known for:
Ceramics and glass engineering — world-renowned. It's one of the top programs globally in this niche.
Art and Design — especially ceramics, sculpture, and glass art.
Engineering — materials science and engineering stand out.
Enrollment: Around 2,000–2,500 students total (undergrad + grad)
Student-faculty ratio: Around 13:1, allowing for personal attention
Clubs & Athletics: Over 80 clubs and 20+ NCAA Division III sports teams
Welcomes students from many countries
Offers support through the International Student & Scholar Services Office
Offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities
Alfred University is home to part of the New York State College of Ceramics, a statutory college that is partially funded by the State of New York but operated by Alfred. It's a rare public-private partnership.
Renowned for its excellence in visual arts and design, especially ceramics and glass.
BFA in Art and Design (with concentrations in):
Ceramic Art
Glass
Painting
Sculpture/Dimensional Studies
Photography
Printmaking
Expanded Media
Graphic Design
Art History
Known globally for ceramics and materials science.
BS in Materials Science and Engineering
BS in Ceramic Engineering
BS in Glass Engineering Science
BS in Renewable Energy Engineering
BS in Mechanical Engineering
BS in Electrical Engineering
MS and PhD in:
Ceramic Engineering
Glass Science
Materials Science and Engineering
Biology
Chemistry
Communication Studies
Criminal Justice
Data Analytics
English
Environmental Studies
History
Mathematics
Neuroscience
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology
Spanish
Undeclared Liberal Arts
Pre-Med
Pre-Vet
Pre-Law
Pre-Dental
Pre-Pharmacy
Accounting
Business Administration
Finance
Marketing
Health Planning and Management
MBA (including a 4+1 option)
Education (MS in Education, MSEd)
School Counseling
Mental Health Counseling
College Student Development
Fine Arts (MFA in Ceramic Art or Electronic Integrated Arts)
Engineering (MS, PhD)
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
BFA in Art and Design |
4 years |
$36,500 |
|
BS in Ceramic Engineering |
4 years |
$36,500 |
|
BS in Glass Engineering Science |
4 years |
$36,500 |
|
BS in Materials Science and Engineering |
4 years |
$36,500 |
|
BS in Mechanical Engineering |
4 years |
$36,500 |
|
BS in Electrical Engineering |
4 years |
$36,500 |
|
BS in Renewable Energy Engineering |
4 years |
$36,500 |
|
BA/BS in Biology |
4 years |
$36,500 |
|
BA in Psychology |
4 years |
$36,500 |
|
BA in English |
4 years |
$36,500 |
|
BA in History |
4 years |
$36,500 |
|
BA in Criminal Justice |
4 years |
$36,500 |
|
BA in Political Science |
4 years |
$36,500 |
|
BA in Environmental Studies |
4 years |
$36,500 |
|
BS in Business Administration |
4 years |
$36,500 |
|
BS in Accounting |
4 years |
$36,500 |
|
BS in Finance |
4 years |
$36,500 |
|
BS in Marketing |
4 years |
$36,500 |
|
BS in Health Planning and Management |
4 years |
$36,500 |
|
BA in Sociology |
4 years |
$36,500 |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
MS in Ceramic Engineering |
2 years |
$25,500 |
|
MS in Materials Science and Engineering |
2 years |
$25,500 |
|
MS in Glass Science |
2 years |
$25,500 |
|
MS in Mechanical Engineering |
2 years |
$25,500 |
|
MS in Electrical Engineering |
2 years |
$25,500 |
|
MBA – Master of Business Administration |
1–2 years |
$25,500 |
|
MS in Education (General Track) |
1.5–2 years |
$25,500 |
|
MSEd in Literacy, Special Education, etc. |
1.5–2 years |
$25,500 |
|
MS in School Counseling |
2 years |
$25,500 |
|
MS in Mental Health Counseling |
2 years |
$25,500 |
|
MS in College Student Development |
2 years |
$25,500 |
|
MFA in Ceramic Art |
2–3 years |
$25,500 |
|
MFA in Electronic Integrated Arts |
2–3 years |
$25,500 |
Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
PhD in Ceramic Engineering |
4–6 years |
$25,500 |
|
PhD in Glass Science |
4–6 years |
$25,500 |
|
PhD in Materials Science and Engineering |
4–6 years |
$25,500 |
Feature |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Location |
Alfred, New York – a safe, scenic, and close-knit college town |
|
Student Population |
Approx. 2,000–2,500 students, with a diverse international community |
|
Popular with International Students |
Especially in engineering, ceramics, business, and art |
International students can enroll in:
Bachelor’s programs (Engineering, Business, Arts, Liberal Arts)
Master’s programs (MBA, MFA, Engineering, Counseling, Education)
PhD programs (Materials Science, Glass Science, Ceramic Engineering)
Tuition (UG/PG): ~$25,500–$36,500 per year (depending on program)
Scholarships for International Students:
Merit-based scholarships available at undergraduate level
Assistantships & fellowships for graduate and PhD students
No separate application required for most scholarships
Undergraduate:
High school diploma or equivalent
English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test)
SAT/ACT optional
Personal statement, letters of recommendation
Graduate/PhD:
Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
English proficiency
GRE may be required for some programs (especially Engineering)
Resume/CV, Statement of Purpose, Letters of Recommendation
International Student & Scholar Services Office offers:
Visa and immigration support (F-1 visa guidance)
Orientation for international students
Academic advising & tutoring
Cultural programs & trips
Internship & career advising
On-campus housing available (residence halls, apartments)
Meal plans and dining options
Clubs and organizations (including cultural clubs)
Events, sports, and a very friendly student community
Fall Semester (August start): Priority by March/April
Spring Semester (January start): Priority by October/November
Pick a major from arts, engineering, business, sciences, or liberal arts.
Apply via:
Common Application or
Alfred University Online Application
No application fee for undergraduates!
Official high school transcripts (translated if needed)
English proficiency test scores:
TOEFL (≥ 80 iBT)
IELTS (≥ 6.5)
Duolingo (≥ 105)
SAT/ACT (optional for most programs)
Personal essay or statement of purpose
1–2 letters of recommendation
Copy of passport (international students)
Proof of financial support (for I-20 visa processing)
Bank statement and affidavit of support
Decisions usually take 2–4 weeks after completing the application.
Select from MBA, MFA, MS, MSEd, or PhD programs.
Apply via Alfred University Graduate Admissions Portal
Application fee: Usually around $60 (may be waived in some cases)
Official transcripts (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent)
Resume/CV
Statement of Purpose
2–3 Letters of Recommendation
English proficiency scores:
TOEFL ≥ 80
IELTS ≥ 6.5
Duolingo ≥ 105
GRE (only for certain programs like Engineering or MS/PhD)
For I-20 issuance, submit:
Proof of financial support
Copy of passport
Some graduate programs may request a virtual interview.
Intake |
Start Month |
Application Deadline (Recommended) |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall Intake |
August |
March 1 – April 1 |
|
Spring Intake |
January |
October – November |
Note: Some graduate programs may have rolling admissions or program-specific deadlines.
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Educational Background |
Completion of high school (Grade 12 or equivalent) |
|
GPA |
Minimum 2.5–3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) recommended |
|
English Proficiency |
TOEFL ≥ 80 iBT, IELTS ≥ 6.5, Duolingo ≥ 105 |
|
Standardized Tests |
SAT/ACT optional for most programs |
|
Documents Needed |
High school transcripts, personal essay, 1–2 recommendation letters |
|
Passport Copy (International) |
Required for visa processing |
|
Financial Proof (International) |
Bank statement, affidavit of support |
Requirement |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Educational Background |
Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in relevant field |
|
GPA |
Minimum 3.0 preferred (some flexibility based on program) |
|
English Proficiency |
TOEFL ≥ 80, IELTS ≥ 6.5, Duolingo ≥ 105 |
|
GRE/GMAT |
Required for some programs (e.g., MS Engineering); optional for MBA |
|
Documents Needed |
Transcripts, resume/CV, statement of purpose, 2–3 recommendation letters |
|
Portfolio (MFA programs) |
Required for art/design-related degrees |
|
Financial Documents |
Proof of funding for I-20 issuance |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Amount (USD/year) |
Renewable? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Alfred International Scholarship |
International students with strong academics |
$3,000 – $20,000 |
Yes (up to 4 years) |
|
Presidential Scholarship |
GPA ≥ 3.5 or top academic achievers |
$18,000 – $22,000 |
Yes |
|
Dean’s Scholarship |
GPA ~3.0–3.5 with strong credentials |
$14,000 – $18,000 |
Yes |
|
Alfred Promise Award |
Demonstrated potential, involvement, or need |
$8,000 – $12,000 |
Yes |
|
Art Portfolio Scholarship |
For BFA applicants with strong portfolios |
Up to $3,000 |
Yes |
|
Legacy Scholarship |
Children of Alfred alumni |
$2,000 |
Yes |
|
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship |
For transfer students who are PTK members |
$2,000 |
Yes |
Type |
Eligibility |
Support Offered |
|---|---|---|
|
Graduate Assistantships |
Based on academic merit and program availability |
Tuition waiver + stipend |
|
Research Assistantships |
Available in Engineering, Science, and MFA fields |
Partial or full funding |
|
Art Graduate Fellowships |
MFA students in Ceramic Art or EIA |
Competitive funding packages |
Accommodation Type |
Location / Residence Hall |
Room Style |
Features |
Cost/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Traditional Residence Hall |
Openhym, Barresi, Brick |
Shared (Double Room) |
Furnished, Wi-Fi, common lounges, laundry, meal plan required |
~$7,000 – $8,000 |
|
Suite-Style Housing |
Joel’s House, Cannon Hall |
Suite (2–4 students) |
Shared bathroom, common living area, kitchenettes in some |
~$8,500 – $9,500 |
|
Apartment-Style Housing |
Pine Hill Apartments |
Private/Semi-Private |
Kitchen, living room, more independence, upper-level students preferred |
~$9,500 – $10,500 |
|
Specialty Housing |
Honors House, Unity House, etc. |
Varies |
Theme-based housing (honors, arts, culture), small community feel |
~$7,500 – $9,000 |
Plan Type |
Details |
Cost/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Gold Plan |
Unlimited meals + flex dollars |
~$6,500 |
|
Silver Plan |
14 meals/week + flex dollars |
~$6,000 |
|
Bronze Plan |
10 meals/week + flex dollars |
~$5,500 |
Alfred is known for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. The campus is friendly and supportive, making it easy for students — especially international students — to make friends and feel at home. The student population is small, so you’re more than just a number here.
There are over 80 student-run clubs and organizations covering:
Cultural groups (e.g., International Club, Caribbean Students Association)
Academic and professional societies
Arts and performance clubs
Social justice and community service groups
Gaming, outdoor recreation, and more
If you don’t find a club you like, you can even start your own!
Regular art exhibitions, student showcases, and performances
Visiting artists and lecturers
Campus-wide events like Hot Dog Day, Fiat Lux Festival, and Unity Fest
NCAA Division III sports teams (Alfred Saxons)
Intramural and club sports (soccer, basketball, rugby, esports, etc.)
Fitness center, swimming pool, and outdoor recreation opportunities (hiking, skiing, etc.)
Multiple dining options are available:
All-you-can-eat dining hall
Food court with different cuisines
Coffee shops and convenience stores on campus
Vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-sensitive meals available
Orientation programs, airport pickups, and campus tours
Cultural exchange events and international nights
Support from the International Student & Scholar Services Office
Opportunities for CPT/OPT and career counseling
Tutoring and writing centers
One-on-one advising
Internship placement help
Resume workshops and job fairs
Overall Placement Rate: Around 94–96% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation.
Strongest Sectors:
Engineering (Ceramics, Glass, Materials, Mechanical, Renewable Energy)
Art & Design (Ceramic artists, designers, museum/gallery professionals)
Business (Marketing, finance, management)
Education (Teachers, counselors, student affairs)
Employers Include:
Corning Inc.
IBM
GE
NASA
L3Harris
Kohler
Various public schools, galleries, and museums
The Career Development Center at Alfred provides:
Resume & cover letter workshops
Internship & job search support
Mock interviews
Career fairs and employer meetups
Graduate school advising
On-campus job opportunities and work-study positions
Many students complete internships (required for some programs).
Engineering and business students often land summer co-ops.
Art students participate in exhibitions, studio assistantships, and residencies.
Active alumni involved in mentorship and job referrals.
Graduates work across the U.S. and internationally.
The acceptance rate of Alfred University is approximately 62% – 65%, making it a moderately selective university.
You have a good chance of admission if you meet the academic requirements and submit a strong application.
The university considers more than just grades — personal essays, recommendation letters, extracurriculars, and portfolios (for art students) are also important.
International students are welcomed and evaluated with the same holistic approach.
High school GPA: 3.0+ (on a 4.0 scale) is competitive.
Test scores: SAT/ACT optional (though good scores can enhance your application).
English proficiency (for international students): TOEFL 80+, IELTS 6.5+, Duolingo 105+.
Alfred University
1 Saxon Drive
Alfred, NY 14802
United States
Rural and scenic setting surrounded by rolling hills and forests.
Roughly:
2 hours from Rochester, NY
2.5 hours from Buffalo, NY
4.5 hours from New York City
The town of Alfred is quiet, student-centered, and safe — perfect for focused study and tight-knit community life.
Shared by two institutions: Alfred University and Alfred State College, creating a college-town feel with shared resources and events.
