Alfred University

About

Alfred University is a private university located in Alfred, New York, in the scenic foothills of the Allegheny Mountains. Founded in 1836 by Seventh Day Baptists, it holds the distinction of being the first coeducational school in New York State and the second in the entire United States. From its beginnings, Alfred has been a pioneer in educational access, being among the first institutions to fully open its doors to women, Native American, and African American students. The university sits on a 232-acre campus with more than 50 academic and residential buildings, and additional recreational land spanning nearly 800 acres including the Saxon Hill Sports Complex and Maris Cuneo Equine Park. With approximately 1,700 undergraduates and nearly 400 graduate students from 43 states and 16 countries, Alfred maintains an intimate, student-centered learning community with a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Alfred is renowned for having one of the top five art schools in the country, with its MFA in Ceramic Art ranking #1 according to U.S. News & World Report. The institution also houses the Inamori School of Engineering with internationally recognized programs, along with majors spanning psychology, education, business, and more. The university's mission centers on helping students realize their purpose through intersections of academic rigor, mentorship, and inclusivity.