The State University of New York at Oswego was founded in 1861 as the Oswego Primary Teachers’ Training School by Edward Austin Sheldon, who embraced and popularized some of the most innovative teaching methods of his day. In 1913, the institution — then known as the Oswego Normal School — moved from the city of Oswego to the current lakeside location following the construction and opening of what is now known as Sheldon Hall.
In 1942, state legislation elevated the institution from a normal school to the degree-granting Oswego State Teachers College. In 1948, Oswego became one of the State University of New York’s charter members. To meet the expanded need for specialized instruction, the institution broadened its academic perspective to become a full-fledged arts and sciences institution in the SUNY system and featuring a range of liberal and professional studies by 1962.
Oswego’s student body quadrupled during the 1960s and early 1970s, which was a busy time of building on campus as well — 29 new buildings opened in the 1960s alone. The institution was divided into the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, and School of Education in 1992. The College of Arts and Sciences spun off the School of Communication, Media and the Arts in 2007 and became the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 2008.
A Charming Port City
The city of Oswego grew from its strategic location where Lake Ontario flows into the Oswego River. SUNY Oswego’s 700-acre campus is situated on the lakeshore, just west of the picturesque port city, about a two-mile walk from campus to the riverfront at the heart of the city.
Oswego’s dynamic history resonates in its name — from the Haudenosaunee phrase meaning “the pouring out place.” A rich 19th-century character, mirroring its time as an industrial port community, remains preserved in many residential homes and downtown storefronts. Visitors come to learn more about the Oswego area’s heritage in museums and landmarks and to view historic Fort Ontario, Oswego Harbor, the West Pierhead Lighthouse, and other iconic attractions.
Lakeside Community
Oswego embraces the vibrancy of a college community in a hometown atmosphere. Grab a bite in your favorite neighborhood restaurant, café, or pub, explore arts and culture, hike or bike, catch a movie or take in a sunset over the lake. History, festivals, fishing, winter sports, and the abundance of natural beauty attract visitors and make this beautiful region lively in all seasons.
At The Center of It All
Located in Central New York, Oswego is close to Syracuse, Rochester, and even New York City — which truly delivers something for everyone.
SUNY Oswego’s Syracuse Campus
SUNY Oswego’s Syracuse Campus sits in the heart of downtown. You can find whatever you are looking for right around the corner. Discover boutiques and restaurants in Armory Square. Study at your favorite coffee shop or get together with your classmates at the famous Dinosaur BBQ. Walkout our door to enjoy the Downtown Farmers Market during summer and fall or experience the tranquility of winter while you watch ice skaters on the Clinton Square rink.
Getting Around
If you’ve got to get there from here — and back again — Oswego’s transportation options have you covered by road, rail, and air.
Distinguished Rankings
Top 10 Public “Best Regional Universities — North”
- U.S. News & World Report, 2021
Top 10 “Best Value School — North”
- U.S. News & World Report, 2021
Ranked 69th Nationally for “The Public Good” Among Master’s Universities
- Washington Monthly, 2021
Nationally Ranked Online MBA;
#1 New York State Public College in “Best Online Degree Programs: MBA”
- U.S. News & World Report, 2020
One of the Nation’s Top “Green Colleges”
- Princeton Review, 2021
