NY College Tour Recap: Seven Unique Campuses You Should Know About
If you’re a high school student starting your college search — or a parent supporting one — it’s hard to know where to begin. Jamie and I recently visited seven very different colleges across New York State, and each left a distinct impression. From tech-centered programs to quirky liberal arts communities, there’s truly something for everyone. Here’s what I learned — and what makes each school stand out.
🎨 Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) — Rochester, NY
Undergrad enrollment: ~14,000
RIT is where creativity and technology collide. It’s known for partnering with NASA on projects like the HUNCH program and for truly interdisciplinary programs that blend computing, humanities, and design. A unique feature is their New Economy Majors — programs built around adaptability and real-world collaboration, preparing students for industries that don’t even exist yet.
Some of the most impressive programs include:
Motion Picture Science, with a focus on audio engineering and post-production
Medical Illustration (yes, they use real cadavers in undergrad labs!)
Photography and Imaging Science
Packaging Science, a hidden gem blending math, science, and design
RIT is also one of the most inclusive campuses, with about a third of students identifying as LGBTQ+. They offer co-ops in nearly every major (including four required for engineering students) and a range of study-away options in places like LA, Dubai, and Croatia.
Fun fact: Wegmans grocery chain loves hiring RIT grads, and the campus has a D1 hockey team. If you’re interested in combining creativity, technology, and innovation, this place is a powerhouse.
🎶 University of Rochester — Rochester, NY
Undergrad enrollment: ~6,500
The University of Rochester is all about freedom and flexibility. Unlike most schools, it has no general education requirements (except a one-time writing seminar) and no foreign language requirement. Students design their education through three thematic clusters in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences.
Signature programs include:
Optical Engineering and The Omega Laser Lab (one of the largest university-based lasers)
Audio and Music Engineering
Geology/Earth and Space Science
Take 5 Program: a tuition-free fifth year to study anything you want, outside your major
About 77% of students are involved in research, many starting as early as their first semester. The nearby Eastman School of Music enriches the entire community with over 1,000 concerts per year.
The vibe here is small but mighty — a supportive research environment where students can be quirky, curious, and ambitious. And yes — there’s a tunnel system under campus for those chilly Rochester winters.
🧡 Syracuse University — Syracuse, NY
Undergrad enrollment: ~15,000
Syracuse is a big university with a personal touch. It’s known for combining over 200 majors with flexibility across its seven schools. You can apply undecided, explore, and mix interests through interdisciplinary studies. The school offers great career advising and research opportunities, starting from day one.
Standouts include:
Aerospace Engineering (with a public flight simulator day in spring!)
Esports Business Management
Architecture (a 5-year program with built-in study abroad)
The campus has strong D1 sports pride, a student-run coffee shop (the only place you can get Coke on a Pepsi campus), and amenities like POD bathrooms and unlimited meal plans. Students love the campus-without-walls model, with semester programs in DC, LA, and NYC.
Syracuse also houses an Honors College, four-year guaranteed housing, and a tight connection to the city’s community through programs like Maxwell School outreach and student teaching from the first semester.
🐐 Union College — Schenectady, NY
Undergrad enrollment: ~2,100
Union is a small, liberal arts college with a STEM edge. Its philosophy is to embrace “this and that” rather than “this or that.” Students can easily pair seemingly unrelated majors and minors, co-taught by faculty from different departments.
Some of Union’s highlights:
85% of students complete an internship
80% participate in research, often starting their first year
60% study abroad
Leadership in Medicine and 3+3 Law programs
Seven student-run Minerva houses, which offer social space, events, and even full kitchens
Union’s town has 50+ restaurants within two miles, free city bikes, and outdoor activities like goat yoga and a 97-mile bike and hike trail. D1 hockey is big here, and merit scholarships range from $20K-$40K per year.
⚙️ Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) — Troy, NY
Undergrad enrollment: ~5,800
“The application of science to all purposes of life.” That’s what Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is all about — getting students ready to lead in a fast-moving, tech-focused world.
Key Highlights:
🎶 In Room 2610 of the student union, there’s a piano with a little note: “Please enjoy this and treat it with care.” It’s small moments like that that make a place feel welcoming. To the pianists out there — you’re a gift.
⚙️ Fun fact: what looks like a chapel on campus is actually the computing center, home to an IBM quantum computer. RPI was the first university to install one for research. Their Quantum Club grew from just 40 students to over 400!
📊 Research is super accessible here. Over 900 students are involved, and many say it’s as easy as sending an email or chatting with a professor to get started — whether it’s for experience, course credit, or even pay.
🌍 The Arch Program switches up the traditional college schedule to give students a semester away — for co-ops, internships, study abroad, research, or even a self-designed experience.
🎓 In 2023, 56% of grads had full-time job offers at graduation. There are also accelerated programs where you can earn a bachelor’s and master’s in 5 years, with a nice tuition discount for that final year.
The campus is walkable, with shuttles to downtown Troy and local shops, plus a weekly Farmers Market where some students sell handmade items. And with 200+ clubs — from motorsports to Flying Club to visual arts — there’s something for everyone.
RPI has a long history of innovation and a tight-knit community of students making their mark in all kinds of fields. It’s a place where connection leads to discovery, and where science, creativity, and purpose come together.
My fave thing? Catching up with a former student!
🖋️ Bard College — Annandale-on-Hudson, NY
Undergrad enrollment: ~1,900
Bard is quirky, creative, and deeply intellectual. It’s known for its close-knit campus, small class sizes, and emphasis on writing and thinking.
What stood out most? The mutual respect between students and faculty. Our tour guide insisted students email professors before classes even start just to introduce themselves — and in true Bard fashion, a Studio Arts professor literally stopped mid-walk to say hello and invite us (yes, visitors!) to his office if we had any questions. ❤️
Bard’s academics are built around writing, reading, and thinking deeply through its unique Five Pillars:
📖 Language and Thinking Program: A pre-semester, small group, seminar-style crash course in big ideas (and a great social transition for first-years).
🔬 Citizen Science: A pass/fail course that brings scientific literacy to all students — STEM or not — while tackling real-world issues.
📚 First Year Seminar: Everyone reads the same anthology, but each professor puts their unique spin on it.
✅ Moderation: A mid-college check-in to reflect and plan, not a test.
🎓 Senior Project: A self-designed capstone that proves you can think, write, and contribute like a pro.
And if that wasn’t enough, Bard has a student-run, 1.25-acre farm 🌱 providing fresh, sustainably grown produce to the campus dining services and a seasonal farm stand. Talk about farm-to-table, Bard-style!
It honestly reminded me a little of Western Washington, Hampshire, Reed, and a sprinkle of Lewis & Clark — for those who get the reference.
Bard thrives on diversity, inclusion, and curiosity. Students are encouraged to explore across disciplines and think deeply about their place in the world. If you’re a creative spirit with academic ambitions, this could be your place.
🦊 Marist College
📍 Poughkeepsie, NY | 🎓 Undergrad Enrollment: ~5,300
Marist left me with one word: more. More majors, more involvement, more global experiences, and more connections — all in a stunning Hudson Valley location.
Why It’s a Standout:
#1-ranked study abroad program, including first-year programs in Florence or Dublin
Students regularly double-major, minor, and participate in multiple internships
86% of students complete at least one internship
The Marist Poll: 400+ students participate in national public opinion research
The Center for Sports Communication puts students on live ESPN+ broadcasts
Full bachelor’s programs in Art and Communications offered in Florence
Faculty-led travel programs to Ghana, Portugal, and more
Marist is for students who are bold, curious, and eager to shape their own globally minded education.
Final Thoughts
Each of these New York schools offers something unique — from NASA collaborations to giant lasers, Minerva Houses to goat yoga. What stood out most wasn’t just the academics, but how every school made it clear they want students to thrive inside and outside the classroom.
Whether you're after cutting-edge tech, big sports, tiny classes, or creative freedom — there's a place here for you.
P.S. Big thanks to all the amazing students and staff who made us feel welcome — and yes, the food at Swan Dive and Sinbad’s was everything. 🍕✨