Syracuse University is a private research university in Syracuse, New York, known for its Newhouse School of Public Communications, which is among the most respected communications programs in the country. Its strong architecture program, vibrant athletics culture, and broad range of professional schools attract students from across the nation.
Mascot: Orange
Notable Alumni
Aaron Sorkin (screenwriter, The West Wing)•Bob Costas (iconic sports broadcaster)•Dick Clark (host, American Bandstand)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
Syracuse has been Princeton Review's #1 party school multiple times, and the ~30% Greek participation rate is deeply woven into the social fabric. Football Saturdays in the Dome, Mayfest, and a sprawling house party scene define weekends. You can absolutely thrive outside Greek life, but it's the loudest social current on campus.
Hilltop campus with a mix of Romanesque stone buildings and modern structures centered around the iconic Crouse College and the grassy Quad, though architectural consistency varies across the campus.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
The hilltop campus has trained security personnel, late-night transportation, electronic dorm access, and a dedicated public safety department.
Syracuse overall has one of the higher crime rates among U.S. cities. The area immediately around campus is safer than the city average, but the University Hill neighborhood ranks low for safety nationally.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Mon-Fri at 9am and 1pm, Saturdays at 9am and 10:30am
Duration: ~90 minutes (30-min info session + campus tour)
Check in at Office of Admissions Visitor Center (401 University Place). All parking is cashless — credit card, tap-to-pay, Google Pay, or Apple Pay only. For 5pm Thursday visits, park in University Ave North or South lots instead of the garage.
Book a TourSelf-guided walking maps available from the Visitor Center. Campus is open and walkable anytime. Virtual tour also available online.
Tour ResourcesSeptember through early November for beautiful fall foliage, or late March through April for spring energy. Campus is most alive during football season (September-November). Avoid January-March when heavy snow makes the hilly campus brutal to navigate.
University Avenue Garage is the main visitor option — cashless only. For Orange Preview events, use Skytop lot with shuttle service to Schine Student Center (allow 20 min). From Syracuse Hancock Airport (SYR): I-81 South to Exit 18 (Adams St), east up the hill to University Ave, ~15 min drive. Uber/Lyft available from airport.
Location
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