Agriculture Studies at Alfred State College

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In-Demand Majors in Agriculture

Four-year and two-year degrees are available in these areas:

  • Ag Automation & Robotics (AAS)
  • Ag Business (AAS)
  • Ag Entrepreneurship (BT)
  • Ag Technology (AAS)
  • Vet Technology (AAS)

Please visit out Majors and Minors pages for further information.

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Dalan chose Alfred State because it's the only school that offers Ag Automation and Robotics in order to be able to maintain his own farm one day.

Student working with farm equipment and play button to youtube video

Our agricultural automation and robotics program trains students to use computerized technology and to repair equipment.

US News, #1 SUNY Regional College, students with mascot giving thumbs up

Successful Careers

Alfred state offers career-focused education with about 80 in-demand majors. Every program includes project-based learning, hands-on training, and individual attention to empower students to land a job in their chosen career. For many of our programs, the number of employers ready to make job offers is greater than the number of students graduating with that degree. As evidence of our success, 98 percent of our graduates either continue their education or are successfully employed after graduation.

US News, #1 SUNY Regional College, students with mascot giving thumbs up

Quality Education

Not Far From Home

While the college is not that far from home, it offers jaw-dropping scenic beauty and so many ways to enjoy the great outdoors. You may be amazed to see deer grazing on lawns, or look twice when you notice that this college town only has one traffic light.

Many students note that the rolling hills and unique environment allow them to focus more on studies with fewer distractions. If you're looking for an interesting road trip, Alfred is within easy driving distance to many locations:

*Drive time estimates from Apple Maps.

Letchworth Park, NY 1 Hour Rochester, NY 1.5 Hours
Buffalo, NY 2 Hours Erie, PA 2 Hours
Syracuse, NY 2.5 Hours Utica, NY 3 Hours
Scranton, PA 3 Hours Cleveland, OH 3.5 Hours
Toronto, ON 3.5 Hours Pittsburgh, PA 4 Hours
Albany, NY 4.5 Hours Philadelphia, PA 5 Hours
Columbus, OH 5.5 Hours Toledo, OH 5.5 Hours
New York, NY 6 Hours Washington, DC 6 Hours
Boston, MA 6.5 Hours Detroit, MI 6.5 Hours
Richmond, VA 7 Hours Cincinnati, OH 7.5 Hours
Indianapolis, IN 8 Hours Chicago, IL 8.5 Hours

Map of NYS - Square

Student to faculty ratio 16:1, view inside a classroom

Affordable & Great Value

A college education is an investment, so you want to consider both the cost and benefits. We are very proud to keep our tuition and fees at a reasonable rate, below $8,900 for in-state students. And at Alfred State, we offer both an affordable and high-quality, Quality = Great Value.

Our college can boast great achievements in national rankings and we offer a wide variety of in-demand majors to match your interests. A campus population more than 3,500 students makes us a "right-sized" college: Not too small to limit activities and choices, and not too big to be impersonal. Our faculty are focused on student success because teaching is their number one priority, not research or publishing. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, professors know their students at Alfred State, resulting in students receiving the best preparation for a better career.

On Campus Housing

The Alfred State College campus includes 14 residence halls with corridor, suite and apartment style living options. You can choose from a variety of housing options ranging from our academic or program-based living learning communities or traditional lifestyle options such as quiet study or substance free. These lifestyles are in designated areas within specific residence halls.

SUNY College of Technology

Alfred State is a member of the prestigious State University of New York (SUNY) system. As a SUNY College of Technology, Alfred State invests in the latest equipment and facilities to prepare students for the working world and to complement classroom instruction. Internships and on-the-job training provides students with hands-on experience that is sought after by employers.

Student Success Stories

Carolyn Wright

Carolyn Wright | Agricultural Business

Thanks to her experiences at Alfred State College, Carolyn Wright has grown as a student, a leader, and a person. As a result, she now feels more prepared to take on the real world.

“I think it’s important to know what’s currently going on in the industry and what the trends are, and Alfred State does a really great job of getting that across.”

In her program, Carolyn has received numerous hands-on learning opportunities, from working with a variety of different animals at the College Farm, to serving on the Dairy Judging Team, to touring farms in- and out-of-state. She has also enjoyed learning about the business side of agriculture.

Austin Oakes

Austin Oakes | Heavy Equipment Operations

“I was told if I came into this program, it’d be like playing with the big Tonka trucks.”

Austin enrolled in the heavy equipment operations program, and is learning how to use backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, and more.

“I love operating and the fact that I’m not stuck in a classroom talking about operating. I’m actually getting a chance to sit on the machines."

Sarah Travers sitting in front of a computer

Sarah Travers | Architecture

Sarah's major allowed her to study abroad in Sorrento, Italy.

Sarah loves the real-world experience she gets in her program through working on a variety of commercial and residential projects. Her major has also allowed her to study abroad in Sorrento, Italy, and to secure an internship with SWBR Architects in Rochester.

“At my internship, I dealt with clients. I was less nervous working with them because, through my class projects, I already knew what it was like to have clients and to have to meet their expectations.”

Charles Richards

Charles Richards | Culinary Arts

Being at Alfred State, Charles said, is like a second home because of the friendliness of the college community.

Charles Richards began honing his culinary arts skills a few years ago when he studied at the only culinary-based high school in New York City.

After enrolling at Alfred State, Charles was able to expand his knowledge to include all facets of the food industry, from mass food production to fine dining, the latter of which is his favorite. He plans on pursuing either catering or becoming a private chef.