Admissions Newsletter | Fall 2026
A Message from Admissions
Another year, another adventure! The Alfred State Admissions team is excited to hit the road and reconnect with students, families, and school counselors through campus events, high school visits, college fairs, and virtual programming throughout the fall season.
As students begin exploring their college options and mapping out their futures, we are committed to helping them find the right fit and navigate the admissions process with confidence. Whether they're just beginning their search or preparing to submit an application, our team is here to provide support every step of the way.
This year brings several exciting opportunities for prospective students. We are proud to launch our new Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology, building on the success of our Biological Science program and providing students with an additional pathway to pursue careers in the growing life sciences field. Learn more at Applied Biology.
We are also excited to join SUNY's expansion of the ACE and ASAP programs. Available to eligible students in both two-year and four-year degree programs, these initiatives are designed to help students stay on track and graduate on time through comprehensive support services that may include financial assistance, academic support, personalized advising, and career development opportunities. Additional information can be found here.
Finally, we're making it even easier for students to take the next step toward becoming a Pioneer. Applications are free through November 2, and we encourage you to help spread the word.
Thank you for your continued partnership and the important work you do to support students throughout their college search. We look forward to working with you during another exciting admissions cycle. As always, if we can assist you or your students in any way, please contact us at 1-800-425-3733 or via email!
Sincerely,
Alfred State Admissions
Important Application Deadlines
Students interested in Electrical Construction and Maintenance Electrician, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), and Welding are strongly encouraged to apply by Dec. 1 to maximize opportunities for placement in their desired major and for scholarship consideration.
Students applying to Radiologic Technology and Diagnostic Medical Sonography should submit their application before Dec. 1 to be included in the programs' priority review process. Job shadowing is strongly encouraged for applicants to both programs.
Free Application through Nov. 2
Students applying for Fall 2027 are eligible to apply for free to SUNY Alfred State through Nov. 2. They may submit either the SUNY Application or the Common Application to be eligible.
Save the Date | Fall Open Houses
Fall Open Houses are Saturday, Oct. 24, and Sunday, Nov. 8. These will include in-person presentations on academics, admissions, financial aid, and guided tours.
One-on-one or Group Visits
These can consist of tours of the Alfred State campus. Tours of the School of Applied Technology in Wellsville are available, and options to meet with academic departments and financial aid are open by reservation. Academic department tours are also available for individuals on specific days of the week.
Virtual Admissions Overviews and Virtual Tours
Can't make the trip to Alfred? We offer virtual visits that include an overview of the campus and our programs, as well as a student-led virtual tour.
Register for a Virtual Overview
Points of Pride
Alfred State Joins SUNY’s Expansion of ASAP/ACE
Alfred State leaders today announced the campus will join the State University of New York’s Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) and Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) as part of a statewide expansion to serve 10,000 students at 44 SUNY campuses by the Fall 2026 semester.
Bringing Free Associate Degrees to Adult Learners
Alfred State College (ASC) has been added as a participating school in Governor Kathy Hochul’s SUNY Reconnect initiative. Adult learners, ages 25 to 55, can boost their earning power by getting a free associate degree in high-demand fields.
SUNY Invests $10.6 Million in Western New York Campuses
State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. and the SUNY Board of Trustees today announced the distribution of $54 million in new Direct State Tax Support in the FY 2027 Enacted New York State Budget to State-operated campuses - with $10.6 million allocated to SUNY campuses in the Western New York Region - as they affirm the affordability of an excellent education at SUNY.
Alfred State Receives $2 Million NSF Grant for Engineering Technology
Alfred State College (ASC) has been awarded a $2 million National Science Foundation Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (NSF S-STEM) grant to support high-achieving engineering technology students who demonstrate financial need.
Alfred State Celebrates Graduates at 115th Commencement Ceremony
Families and friends celebrated as approximately 1,000 Alfred State students crossed the stage at the college’s 115th Commencement Ceremony at Pioneer Stadium.
Hall and McWilliams Win Gold, Goodwin Silver at SkillsUSA Nationals
ASC Spotlight
A trio of Pioneers earned medals at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Championships last week in Atlanta, GA. Christian Hall (Massena, NY) and Sean McWilliams (Mexico, NY) earned gold medals while Matthew Goodwin (Barker, NY) claimed a silver medal.
Hall, returned to Nationals after finishing second in 2025, and climbed up to the top spot in the prepared speech competition. Allyson Sullivan (Catawba Valley CC) was second and Connor Threatt (York Technical College) placed third.
McWilliams took the top spot in the commercial roofing competition. He finished ahead of John Prophete (Orange Technical College – West Campus) and Adam Thornton (Central Georgia Technical College).
Goodwin was second in the carpentry category. He finished just behind Deagan Cleveland (Northwood Technical College) and ahead of Brevan Kenney (Eastern Maine CC).
Dylan Eggers (automotive refinishing – Alden, NY), Samual Austin-Hefford (automotive service – Whitney Point, NY), Daniel Vullo (commercial baking – Bloomfield, NY), Levi Peterson (electrical construction wiring – New Paltz, NY), and Artemis Inzinna (masonry – Brooktondale, NY) also competed at the event.
Alfred State President Dr. Steven Mauro, Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Carrie Cokely, Dean of the School of Applied Technology Jeff Stevens, Automotive Trades Instructor Mike Seeley, and Culinary Arts Instructor Rebecca Milliner joined the nine students.
The SkillsUSA Championships is the national culmination of a year-long process that begins in local chapters across the country. Top finishers in the state competitions earn the right to compete nationally at the SkillsUSA Championships each June. Along with gold, silver and bronze medallions, competitors may earn scholarships, tools of the trade, and even job offers right off the competition floor.
The National Championships is one of the largest workforce development events in the world. Held in conjunction with SkillsUSA’s National Leadership & Skills Conference each June, the event features more than 6,800 state champions from across the United States competing head-to-head in 115 skilled and leadership competitions.
Pioneer PROfiles | Allison Bateson
Student Spotlight
Allison Bateson (Syracuse, NY) came to Alfred State to play soccer, but it was the Criminal Justice program that convinced her she had found the right place to build her future.
Watch Allison's Pioneer PROfile
After touring the campus, exploring the crime lab, and meeting faculty members, she knew Alfred State offered the hands-on learning environment she was seeking.
“Everything I saw was engaging and connected to real-world experiences. I learned about opportunities and career paths that I hadn’t even considered before.”
Allison has gained practical experience through crime scene simulations, evidence collection exercises, investigative reports, and mock search warrants. She especially appreciates the program’s industry-standard technology, including a digital fingerprinting system and interactive simulator that allows students to respond to realistic scenarios.
“The simulator responds like a real person would. It teaches you how to think on your feet and adapt to situations you may encounter in your career.”
Bateson credits the faculty’s professional experience and the program’s small class sizes for creating a supportive learning environment. “The professors are incredibly knowledgeable. Most of them have years of background in criminal justice. You are not just learning textbook information, the professors are bringing in their real-life experiences, knowledge, and stories for us to learn from.”
Outside the classroom, she serves as a Criminal Justice peer mentor, competes on the women’s soccer and lacrosse teams, and is active in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
To further prepare for her future she added minors in Psychology and Business.
“I want to do something that helps people and brings closure when they need it most. That’s always been the ultimate goal.”
Engineering Skills Tested at Baja SAE Competition
Academic Spotlight
A six-person team of Alfred State engineering students took classroom concepts beyond the lab and into one of the most demanding collegiate engineering competitions in the world, competing in the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International Baja SAE competition in Palmyra, NY.
Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Technology Assistant Professor Mohamed Eleshaky and Motorsports Instructor Caryl Koch guided Cameron Dopman (Corning, NY), Dallas Ecker (Albion, NY), John Heimer (Gloversville, NY), Adam Karam (Cortland, NY), Joshua Mallabar (Grand Island, NY), and Nick Steurrys (Williamson, NY). They competed with 102 different colleges from across the United States, Canada, and beyond.
Watch the Alfred State Baja SAE Video
Photo Gallery of Baja SAE Competition
Baja SAE challenges teams to design, build, test, and race a single-seat, off-road recreational vehicle capable of enduring some of the harshest terrain imaginable. Throughout the year-long process, students are responsible for every aspect of the project, from engineering design and manufacturing to budgeting, sponsorship development, project management, and technical problem solving. The race in New York was one of three held this year (Oregon and Ohio).
The experience extended far beyond building an off-road vehicle for team leader Karam, “It is lots of fun. Once you get here and see all the different designs, you realize there are so many ways to solve engineering problems. If we ran into an issue, other teams were willing to help us out. There's a great community here."
Heimer saw the project as an opportunity to turn a lifelong passion into a real engineering experience. "I've always loved working on cars. I grew up tinkering on my own vehicles, so getting the opportunity to compete and put those skills to use is exactly why I wanted to be part of this team."
Karam added, "You learn real-world things, like figuring out what doesn't fit, how to redesign it while staying within the rules, and how to solve problems on the fly. Beyond engineering, I learned about budgeting, sponsorships, communication, delegation, and managing a team. Honestly, I've learned more during this process than I would in any individual class."
The competition requires months of planning, fabrication, testing, and refinement before teams ever arrive at the starting line. Students spend countless hours balancing academics with late nights in the shop, working together to prepare their vehicle for competition.
Heimer continued, "We were able to get it (the car) back up to the current rules and make it to competition. After all the long days we've put into it, just getting the car to the race was a huge accomplishment."
While the competition ultimately tests the durability and performance of the vehicle, it also prepares students for careers in engineering by requiring them to think critically, collaborate effectively, and solve complex challenges under real-world constraints.
SAE International is a global association representing more than 145,000 engineers and technical experts. The competition mirrors the collaborative environment students will encounter throughout their professional careers. Teams are evaluated not only on vehicle performance but also on design, manufacturing quality, cost analysis, and business presentations.