State University of New York - College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF)

The State University of New York-College of Environmental Science and Forestry is the country's oldest institution dedicated to the study of environmental science, forestry, and sustainability, and it is said to "provide vast amounts of knowledge" in that area. Students describe this public research university as focused yet broad, covering "seemingly every topic of environmentalism" across 27 undergraduate programs in fields like Aquatic and Fisheries Science, Chemical Engineering, Conservation Biology, and Environmental Resources Engineering. Students strengthen their mastery of subjects in the school's 25,000-acre "living laboratory" spanning Central New York and the Adirondacks. A longstanding partnership with Syracuse University allows ESF students to take courses at Syracuse and use their library and computer facilities, among other benefits. Students appreciate that "there are specific classes for every aspect of environmental science" and that "classes are intense and thorough." ESF's professors "are all current or previous researchers and are experts in their field" and are "very passionate about the subjects they teach." Explains one student, "This school offers tons of super specific upper division courses in each of the fields...and in lectures, the professors always bring in examples of research they have done or are currently doing to make the concepts more reachable." The school provides "lots of opportunities to actually get out there and learn about your topic," including completing coursework and conducting research in ESF's many "field locations that provide hands-on experiences that the main campus and classrooms can't." One student describes ESF's greatest strength as "Its ability to connect students with faculty or alumni who have similar interests and are in a desired field. [It] is great for networking and creating a community not only during school but after."

Students are often described as "super friendly," "relaxed, and laid-back." Matriculants describe ESF as "a small community of people who want to make the world a better place" by "applying the knowledge we gain here and sharing it with [others]." While students' interests may range from biology to policy, they are all "driven by a collective passion for the environment." This shared commitment fosters an environment where connections are easily formed: "I know that I can talk to anybody on campus and know that they'll be friendly and interested in talking about various environmental issues and sustainability. It's easy to have an intellectual conversation or make a friend on campus." As one enthusiastic enrollee says, the student body is "one of the most loving communities I have ever encountered," where "everyone accepts each other for who they are and respects their lifestyles." Another student adds, "No one is afraid to be themselves" in this "very open and accepting environment." And one student declares, "I would not want to go to school anywhere else."

When they’re not busy studying, students are involved “in a multitude of clubs, usually relating to saving the environment or doing outdoor activities.” Undergrads can choose from over 40 student organizations at ESF and more than 400 at Syracuse, and students note that clubs offer “a lot of trips to the Adirondacks.” Additionally, many students enjoy climbing, hiking, and “walking around the multi-acre, forested, hilly graveyard directly behind” campus. Intrepid socializers “love using Syracuse University facilities and attending their parties” and can also pledge Greek organizations there. “I know many students that go out partying. The Syracuse University party scene is pretty large and ESF students tap into that,” says one student. “Here at ‘tree school,’ we spend most of our time studying, chilling with pals, or appreciating nature,” shares one student.

SUNY-ESF students take “specific courses with specialized programs that allow for very high job placement after graduation.” Many say they are also getting a career boost in terms of the “opportunities for interaction with professors and administrators. First year students are doing research and we have the ability to become close to high level administrators, including the president.” The Employer Partnership Program builds on the school’s relationships with major companies in industries like sustainability, electrical engineering, and energy. Students can take advantage of the school’s many experiential learning opportunities through internships and (paid) micro-Internships and projects to demonstrate their abilities to these companies. Career and Internships Fairs regularly draw around 90 employers and organizations. SUNY-ESF alums who visited PayScale.com reported a median starting salary of $59,900, and 56 percent stated that they derive a high level of meaning from their careers.