Founded in 1844 and designated a university in 1962, SUNY puts the world within reach for over 18,000 students at the graduate and undergraduate levels.
SUNY has three campuses: the Uptown Campus in Albany and Guilderland's McKownville neighborhood, the Downtown Campus in Albany, and one campus in East Greenbush, east of Albany. The University at Albany enrolls more than 18,000 students in nine schools and colleges, which offer 58 undergraduate majors and 128 graduate degree programs.

The academic choices are diverse and include a range of new and emerging fields such as public policy, nanotechnology, globalization, documentary studies, biotechnology, and informatics. Students take advantage of more than 300 study-abroad programs, as well as extensive internship opportunities that offer real-world experience in New York’s capital and surrounding area.

In addition to offering many cultural benefits, including a nationally-recognized contemporary art museum and a world-renowned writers institute, UAlbany plays a major role in the economic development of the Capital Region and New York State - particularly through its programs in nanosciences and nanotechnology and in the biotechnology and biomedical fields.

Libraries
SUNY Libraries provide more than two million volumes, and rank among the top 100 research libraries in the U.S., according to the Association of Research Libraries. Users from around the world access services and collections through the libraries' online systems.

Student Life
There are many different ways for students to get involved in the life of the University community, forge lifelong friendships, and make a difference in student's life and the lives of others.
SUNY's 200-plus clubs and organizations give students abundant opportunities to explore their interests and experiment with new ideas. The campus boasts a thriving cultural scene.  The Art Museum houses more than 2,000 pieces of art. The Performing Arts Center sponsors a full season of concerts, plays, lectures, and more. And the New York State Writers Institute brings important authors to campus for readings,writing workshops and lectures.