Excitement filled the air as Alfred State College (ASC) welcomed its largest incoming class since 2010, with nearly 1,500 new students joining the Pioneer community this fall. The overall campus population now exceeds 3,600, bucking the trend as some colleges in the region face declining enrollment.
Leaders credit this momentum to a student-first approach that combines strong financial aid packages, personalized advising, career-focused academics, and guidance that extends all the way to helping students land their first job.
New students say their transition to college has been eased by this strong sense of community support and a welcoming atmosphere, highlighted by more than one hundred events during the Week of Welcome.
Branded the “A-Team for Support,” Alfred State’s wraparound services include more than thirty offices dedicated to student needs, from financial aid to academic advising. From their first inquiry about costs and programs to their first day of class, many have found the enthusiasm of Alfred State’s faculty and staff contagious.
Alfred State President Dr. Steven Mauro credited the college’s momentum to this comprehensive network of services. “Our community is strong, and we are excited for these students to start the new school year. Our caring faculty and professionals are ready to support them in and outside the classroom as they learn and grow.”
Dr. Mauro’s video welcome message
First Week of Classes photo album
A four percent increase in transfer students also contributed to this year’s success, aided by the SUNY Transfer campaign, which eases the path from two-year to four-year schools. ASC is expanding articulation agreements, including a new pathway with SUNY Niagara, giving community college students innovative ways to pre-plan their bachelor’s degree.
Academic resources are another hallmark of Alfred State’s student-first approach. The Center for Academic Resources & Excellence (CARE) provides tutoring, mentoring, advising, and accessibility services. A focused effort to expand tutoring and advising last year resulted in hundreds of additional student interactions and boosted retention for at-risk students by more than 10 percent.
“From tutoring, to advising, to success coaching, and mentoring, our staff is here to assist students,” said Dean for Academic Support and Student Success Francine Staba. “We are here to help take them from day one to crossing the stage at commencement.”
Career readiness also remains central to the Alfred State experience. With industry-focused faculty ensuring that many students secure jobs before graduation, the college proudly maintains a 99 percent employment and continuing education rate within six months of commencement.
The return on a college investment is made even stronger when good-paying career outcomes are paired with Alfred State’s affordability. Ninety-four percent of ASC students receive financial support totaling $44 million annually. High-achieving students can receive up to $5,000 each in scholarships directly from Alfred State, providing meaningful relief to a family’s budget and turning college dreams into career successes.
