In bringing two styles of education—traditional liberal arts and sciences programs and conservatory-based arts programs—into close contact on one campus, the founders of Purchase College hoped to inspire an appreciation for both intellectual and artistic talents in all students.
Founded by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1967 as the cultural gem of the State University of New York system, Purchase College today enjoys a world-class reputation for its arts programs and high rankings for its liberal arts and sciences programs. The college attracts students and faculty from around the world seeking a place where they can develop their talents, expand their minds, and prepare for a life of creative independence.

The focus and diversity at Purchase College are notable. The 4,000 students and 300 faculty members here are not passive culture appreciators, they are active culture generators. By choosing to come here, individuals make a conscious decision to pursue their studies and their careers in a more intense environment.

Princeton Review named Purchase College as one of the "Best 361 Colleges." The college is also included in America's Best 100 College Buys, the Unofficial Biased Guide to the 328 Most Interesting Colleges, and it is one of the 151 colleges in the Princeton Review's Best Northeastern Regional Colleges. And graduates of Purchase College rank among the most famous, the most successful, and the most satisfied. Our graduates are also among the most sought after—by businesses, social organizations, and cultural institutions throughout the country.