Study in Albany, The United States
2 schools in Albany, The United States. Universities (2).
Universities in Albany 2
- University at Albany
The University at Albany (UAlbany) is a public research university of the State University of New York (SUNY) in Albany, the capital of New York State. It tr…
- SUNY, The State University of New York
SUNY is a system of public universities in New York, USA. It was established in 1948, and represents the largest system of universities, colleges, and commun…
About Albany
Albany is the capital of New York State, in the northeast of the United States. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates its population at 101,317 (1 July 2024). For students it is a mid-sized city where state government, public policy and university research sit close together.
The city lies in the middle of the Northeast. According to the University at Albany, New York City, Boston and Montreal are each about a three-hour drive away and can also be reached by bus or train. Students choose Albany for a public research university in a state capital, with mountains and winter sports within reach.
Studying in Albany
Our directory lists two entries in Albany, both under universities: the University at Albany (UAlbany) and the State University of New York (SUNY), the state's public university system to which UAlbany belongs.
UAlbany began in 1844 as a "normal school" that trained teachers. In 1962 it joined the SUNY system as one of four University Centers and became a public research university; today it holds the Carnegie Research 1 classification. In autumn 2025 it had 17,426 students, of whom 12,889 were undergraduates and 4,537 graduate students. It offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and over 150 graduate programmes in nine schools and colleges, and its students come from over 100 countries.
The university has two main sites in the city. The Uptown Campus, at 1400 Washington Avenue, is the main campus. The Downtown Campus, at 135 Western Avenue, was the main campus from 1909 to 1966 and now houses the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy, the School of Criminal Justice and the School of Social Welfare, among others.
Teaching is in English. Students who need to improve their English first can take the university's Intensive English Language Program (IELP), established in 1978, which runs eight- and four-week sessions and can lead to conditional admission to a degree programme. The US academic year usually runs from August to May, according to EducationUSA.
Student visa
International students normally need an F student visa, which covers study at an accredited college or university and English courses at a language institute. You first apply to and are accepted by a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The school's international student office then sends a Form I-20 (or a DS-2019 for J exchange programmes) to present when you apply for the visa at a US embassy or consulate.
Cost of living for students
UAlbany publishes its costs for international students. For the 2026-27 academic year, undergraduate tuition and fees total $35,499.01. The total is $33,031.01 for the MBA and $31,811.01 for most other master's and PhD programmes.
Undergraduates are required to live on campus for their first two years, so housing is part of the budget from the start. A standard double room costs $10,605 and the unlimited meal plan $6,600, or $17,205 together for the academic year. Health insurance is mandatory for international students on F and J visas. New international undergraduates can be considered for the merit-based Global Excellence Scholarships.
With the permission of the international student office, international students may work on campus for up to 20 hours a week in their first year, according to EducationUSA. That helps with daily expenses but does not cover tuition.
Getting around and daily life
A car is not essential. CDTA, the regional bus operator, is free for UAlbany students and employees, and the city has a bike share scheme, an Amtrak train station and Albany International Airport.
Winters are cold and summers mild. NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Albany's airport give an average temperature of 24.4 °F (about −4 °C) in January and 73.1 °F (about 23 °C) in July. The Adirondack, Catskill and Berkshire mountains are nearby for hiking, cycling and snow sports.
Frequently asked questions
Which universities are in Albany, New York?
Our directory lists the University at Albany (UAlbany), a public research university and one of SUNY's four University Centers, together with the SUNY system itself.
How much does it cost to study at UAlbany as an international student?
For 2026-27, undergraduate tuition and fees total $35,499.01 a year, plus $17,205 for a standard double room and meal plan on campus, according to the university.
Do I need a car in Albany?
Not necessarily. CDTA buses are free for UAlbany students, and New York City, Boston and Montreal can be reached by bus or train.
Can I study English in Albany before starting a degree?
Yes. UAlbany's Intensive English Language Program runs eight- and four-week sessions, and many of its students go on to one of the university's degree programmes.
How cold does Albany get in winter?
The average January temperature at Albany's airport is 24.4 °F (about −4 °C), according to NOAA's 1991-2020 normals, so warm winter clothing is needed.