Clarification on SUNY meaning

I've seen SUNY mentioned quite a bit during my college search. Can anyone clarify what SUNY stands for and what it means for a school to be a part of the SUNY system?

"SUNY" stands for State University of New York. It's a system of public colleges and universities in New York state. When a school is part of the SUNY system, it means it's publicly funded and operates under the make up and provisions of the SUNY system.

This includes four major university centers (SUNY Albany, SUNY Binghamton, SUNY Buffalo, and SUNY Stony Brook), as well as other comprehensive or specialized colleges, technical colleges, and community colleges. In total, there are 64 institutions in the SUNY system.

Students who attend these schools benefit from the resources of the entire network. For example, they can cross-register for courses at other SUNY schools and tap into shared research opportunities, and some degree programs even allow students to study at multiple SUNY campuses.

Moreover, in-state students attending a SUNY school usually find it more cost-effective than attending private institutions, due to lower tuition rates. The published tuition rate for 2024-2025 for in-state students will be about $7,000 per year, not including room, board, and other fees, which is relatively low compared to many private schools.

Being a part of the SUNY system also provides students access to a diverse range of academic programs. Each campus has its own unique strengths and offerings. So, whether you're interested in engineering, performing arts, business, healthcare, or practically any other field, you're likely to find a program that suits your career interests within the SUNY system. Good luck with your search!