SUNY Old Westbury

Old Westbury, NY

publicgraduate

Find Scholarships Here

Quick Facts

“"Own Your Future"”

1965

Founded

Public university

Type

3,945

Total Students

4,784

Undergrad

303

Graduate

$8K

Tuition (In-State)

$18K

Tuition (Out-State)

$10K

Avg Net Price

85%

Acceptance Rate

47%

Graduation Rate

6-year

74%

Retention Rate

Master's Colleges & Universities

Classification

President: Timothy E. Sams

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About SUNY Old Westbury

SUNY Old Westbury: A public university built on a legacy of social justice and opportunity.

Discover SUNY Old Westbury, a vibrant public university on Long Island, committed to helping you "Own Your Future." Established in 1965, this institution has grown into a dynamic academic community of over 5,000 students, offering a distinctive educational experience rooted in its unique heritage.

SUNY Old Westbury's story began with a powerful vision. Founded in 1965 by the SUNY Board of Trustees, it opened its doors in 1968, initially at Planting Fields. Under its first president, John D. Maguire, a civil rights activist, the university was deliberately shaped to champion social justice and racial equality – a foundational ethos that continues to define its spirit.

The university found its permanent home in 1971 at the historic "Broad Hollow" estate in Nassau County. This commitment to progressive ideals was further cemented when L. Eudora Pettigrew became president in 1986, making her the first African-American college president in the entire SUNY system. Today, SUNY Old Westbury continues to foster an environment where students are empowered to make a meaningful impact, recently achieving university status in 2023, reflecting its ongoing growth and academic evolution.

Key Highlights

✦A public university with a student body of 5,087, fostering a close-knit yet diverse community experience.
✦Founded in 1965 with a pioneering mission to advance social justice and racial equality.
✦Located on a historic estate in Old Westbury, Nassau County, Long Island.
✦Achieved university status in 2023, officially becoming the State University of New York at Old Westbury.
✦Recognized for appointing L. Eudora Pettigrew in 1986 as the first African-American college president in the SUNY system.
✦Operates under the inspiring motto: "Own Your Future."

Timeline

1965

Founded as the State University of New York College at Old Westbury by the SUNY Board of Trustees

1968

Began operations at Planting Fields, the former Coe Estate and arboretum in Oyster Bay

1971

Moved to its present Old Westbury site in Nassau County, Long Island, the 'Broad Hollow' estate

1986

L. Eudora Pettigrew became president, the first African-American college president in the SUNY system

2023

Gained university status, becoming the State University of New York at Old Westbury

🏛️

61 Years

of Excellence

Leadership

Timothy E. Sams

President

David Lanoue

Provost

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

Find Scholarships at SUNY Old Westbury

Start Your Free Search