suny oswego visit

SUNY Oswego On-campus Tour

Come and explore our lakeside learning community. Nestled on nearly 700 scenic acres along the shore of Lake Ontario, the SUNY Oswego campus offers magnificent lake views year round.

SUNY Oswego is a comprehensive public college with 159 years of history and tradition. Nearly 8,000 students are enrolled in its more than 110 academic programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and post master’s certificate of advanced study degree levels through SUNY Oswego’s four schools: Business; Education; Communication, Media and the Arts; and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. As Oswego continues its tradition of excellence, our campus community remains committed to providing our most valuable asset—our students—with access to the very best facilities and resources, award-winning faculty and dedicated staff, in-demand academic programs, and applied learning opportunities.

At SUNY Oswego, our core is our students. We measure the success of the institution on how well we nurture, mentor, inspire, and prepare our students so that they may go on to live ethical and meaningful lives and build a better world as successful graduates. 

SUNY Oswego is a nationally recognized “College of Distinction” and has earned a reputation for quality. Princeton Review annually ranks Oswego among “The Best Northeastern Colleges,” and U.S. News recently ranked Oswego as one of the top 10 public campuses in the Northern region.

The undergraduate academic program is built around a breadth of knowledge (arts and sciences, global awareness, human diversity) as well as a focus on fundamental skills (writing, critical thinking, computer literacy) needed for lifelong success. Students can major and minor in a wide range of programs from both the liberal arts and sciences and professional programs. All programs provide students with the knowledge and skill development necessary to support their career and life goals. Students have many opportunities to participate in applied learning activities such as internships, undergraduate research, and civic engagement. A supportive faculty helps students meet the academic demands so that they can join the ranks of our graduates who have found success in business, education, law, medicine, public service, and other fields. 

Most undergraduate students are between 18 and 24, are studying full-time toward a degree, and live in our campus residence halls. The ratio of women to men is close to 51 to 49. Students come from every county in New York as well as from 32 other states and approximately 36 foreign countries.

They arrive well prepared for college study. Students entering as first-year students have earned an average grade of 90 (3.5/4.0) in high school. About 50 percent have graduated in the top quarter of their class and 85 percent in the top half. Average SAT scores total about 1150. The academic records of transfer students are equally impressive; typically transfer students have earned a B average or better in their previous college work.

At Oswego, our faculty and staff form deep connections with our students who are on their quest for knowledge. Among the 360 full-time faculty at Oswego, 85 are grant recipients for research from such agencies as the Sloan Foundation, the Fulbright Scholars Program and the National Science Foundation. The State University of New York has honored dozens of Oswego professors for excellence in teaching.

Faculty strive for quality classroom and online instruction and individualized attention whenever possible. Our student-faculty ratio is 17:1, and about 88 percent of the full-time teaching faculty hold doctoral degrees or the terminal degree in their fields.

Students benefit from daily contact with these scholars, who often share their research interests with them. Each year at Quest, Oswego’s forum for scholarly and creative activities, many faculty and students present their research.

SUNY Oswego continues to rate among the best colleges in the country for excellence and educational value. Our college consists of diverse, accomplished and caring faculty and staff; a caring, supportive advisement center; an effective career planning and placement center; and a stimulating residential community. We’re proud to have you as a student and future graduate of our college. The Oswego Guarantee is our partnership with you on your journey through college. We want you to earn your bachelor’s degree at Oswego and are committed to working together with you toward achieving this goal. Therefore, we make the following promise to you:

WE GUARANTEE that the necessary classes will be available to complete a baccalaureate degree in four consecutive academic years of full-time study. If you meet the academic expectations described below and cannot graduate after four years because of course unavailability, the college will enroll you in the remaining course or courses necessary to meet graduation requirements tuition-free.

WE GUARANTEE continued availability of small classes because we believe that small classes offer the greatest opportunity for discussion and interaction between faculty and students. More than 94 percent of all classes offered at Oswego enroll fewer than 50 students. In fact, approximately 56 percent of the classes offered at Oswego enroll fewer than 20 students.

WE GUARANTEE no increase in the cost of room or meal plans for four consecutive academic years. For you and your family, this means the major portion of the cost of a residential education will remain constant for four years.

The Oswego Graduation Return on Investment (ROI)

We guarantee that SUNY Oswego will provide a $300 Graduation Return on Investment (ROI) if, you enter Oswego in the fall semester as a freshman and earn your baccalaureate degree in four consecutive years or less.

The Oswego graduation ROI is our commitment to your future, and it is recognition of your hard work and determination; it’s our way of helping you begin the next leg of your journey. The Graduation ROI is intended to help propel you forward — whether it is traveling to a job interview, offsetting the cost of graduate school or even contributing to a down payment on a first car or apartment.

To qualify for the Oswego Guarantee and Graduation ROI, you must enroll in the fall term as a full-time freshman, declare a major no later than your fourth semester, meet with an academic advisor at least once a semester to verify you are still on course to graduate within four years, fulfill the major and college requirements as described in the college catalog and graduate with a baccalaureate degree in four consecutive years or less.

For additional information visit: www.oswego.edu/admissions/oswego-guarantee .

Our institution was founded in 1861 as the Oswego Primary Teachers’ Training School by Edward Austin Sheldon, who popularized some of the most innovative teaching methods of his day. Sheldon said his school was the first to combine the object learning method with in-class training for educators. Early Oswego graduates fanned across the nation and internationally to redesign and found countless colleges and schools. Generations of alumni continue this legacy of learning by doing, positively impacting lives, scientific and social progress, and the world as a whole. Today, the college continues to meet the evolving needs of employers and society in creating and adapting its broad selection of programs.

Learn more at https://www.oswego.edu/about/history-traditions .

Accreditation and Membership

SUNY Oswego is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. All programs in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Business, Communication Media and the Arts, and Education have been approved and registered by the New York State Education Department.

The School of Education at SUNY Oswego is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE); this accreditation covers initial teacher preparation programs and advanced educator preparation programs.

All School of Business undergraduate and graduate programs are accredited by AACSB International, The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

The Department of Art is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

The Department of Chemistry is accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS) in both the chemistry and biochemistry tracks.

The electrical and computer engineering and software engineering programs are accredited by the  Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET .

The Department of Music is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music Curriculum (NASM).

The Department of Technology is accredited by the International Technology Education Association/Council for Technical Teacher Education (ITEA/CTTE).

The mental health counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.

The Department of Theatre is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST).

The human resource management program is endorsed by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM).

The school psychology program is accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists.

Health Services is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.

The University Police department is accredited by the New York State Law Enforcement Accreditation Council.

Catalog Disclaimer: Notwithstanding anything contained in this Catalog, SUNY Oswego expressly reserves the right, whenever it deems advisable (1) to change or modify its schedule of tuition and fees, (2) to withdraw, cancel, reschedule or modify any course, program of study, degree, or any requirement or policy in connection with the foregoing, and (3) to change or modify any academic or other policy. Please be advised that, due to publishing deadlines, information contained in this Catalog may be outdated. Changes in information contained in this Catalog and new academic regulations, policies, or programs will be published on the College’s website. It is the responsibility of each student to ascertain current information that pertains to the individual’s program, particularly with regard to satisfaction of degree requirements, through frequent reference to the website and by consultation with the student’s advisor, the office of the student’s dean and other offices as appropriate (such as the Registrar or Financial Aid). In preparing this Catalog, efforts are made to provide pertinent and accurate information; however, Oswego assumes no liability for Catalog errors or omissions.

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SUNY Oswego

4 year • Oswego, NY

SUNY Oswego is a public institution that was founded in 1861. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 5,985 (fall 2022), and the campus size is 700 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. SUNY Oswego's ranking in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities North, #39. Its in-state tuition and fees are $8,769; out-of-state tuition and fees are $18,679.

The State University of New York at Oswego offers a variety of ways for its new students to ease into college life. All full-time undergraduates under 21 are required to live on campus – unless they commute from a parent's home or are married, among other exemptions – and freshmen can choose to live exclusively with other students in their class through the school's First-Year Residential Experience program. (Other freshmen may live among sophomores, juniors and seniors.)

SUNY Oswego has more than 150 clubs and organizations for students to consider, as well as sports teams, known as the Lakers, that compete in the NCAA Division III State University of New York Athletic Conference. The school's hometown, Oswego, is situated on Lake Ontario and is about 40 miles from the city of Syracuse, home to Syracuse University . Graduate students interested in SUNY Oswego can check out programs at the School of Business . Among the many notable graduates of SUNY Oswego are Al Roker, of the "Today" show, and ESPN sportscaster Steve Levy. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld attended SUNY Oswego before transferring to Queens College .

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At-a-Glance

In-state tuition and fees

Undergraduate Enrollment

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2024 Rankings

Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence. Read more about how we rank schools.

• #39 in Regional Universities North  (tie)
• #15 in Top Public Schools
• #50 in Best Value Schools

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High School GPA*

* These are the average scores of applications admitted to this school. Ranges represent admitted applicants who fell within the 25th and 75th percentile.

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Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

In-State Tuition & Fees

Room & Board

$15,940 (2023-24)

Average Need-Based Aid Package

*Average in-state cost after aid

Popular Majors

% OF GRADUATES

ALUMNI STARTING SALARY

Business Administration, Management and Operations

Radio, Television, and Digital Communication

Psychology, General

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas

Criminal Justice and Corrections

* In cases where salary data at the specific major level is unavailable, a general salary for the major category is displayed.

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Minority Enrollment

Two or more races

International

Not Specified is not included in this breakdown due to an enrollment of 0%.

Campus Life

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• apartment for single students
• special housing for international students
• theme housing

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After College

Graduation Rate

Graduating Students Who Have Borrowed (any loan type, 2021)

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Experience Oswego: A Traveler’s Guide to New York’s Scenic Lakeside Retreat

Updated : June 13, 2024

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Located on the eastern shores of Lake Ontario, Oswego is known as “The Port City of Central New York.” A short thirty minute drive from Syracuse, there is lots of do in the lakeside city. Take a trip to one of the numerous museums or head out during the winter to see a hockey game at SUNY Oswego. 

Related: 24 Hrs. in Schoharie Valley, NY: Visit these Incredible Locations

Best Time to Visit

Summer really brings this lakeside city to life with warm weather and sunny days, but there are a few weeks in the Fall that can also be quite nice when the humidity finally releases its jaws

Places to Go and See

Fort ontario state historic site.

Dating back to the early 1840s with 1863 to 1872 improvements, Fort Ontario has been a part of the French and Indian War, the War of 1812, and World War II as a refugee camp for Jewish victims. The fourth iteration of the fort is the one you will visit, but still holds the rich history that has been experienced on this stretch of land.

• Hours: Closed Mon & Tues, Wed-Sat 10-4:30, Sun 12-4:30
• Best Time: May through October, as this is when it is open

Breitbeck Park

Featuring a bell tower, playground, picnic area, and 5.9 mile walking loop, this community park has a view of some of the best sunsets in the world. Take a day and have a picnic by the lake, or just drive over and watch the sun dip below the horizon and flood the water with vibrant color.

• Hours: Dawn to dusk
• Best Time: Warm sunny weather
• Price: Free

Also Read: AYCD New York City Brunch with Flavors from Around the World

SUNY Oswego

Sitting right on the coast of Lake Ontario, SUNY Oswego is a highly rated college in both SUNY and Northeastern universities. Offering numerous majors in four different areas of study, there is something for everyone at this medium-sized college. Either decide to become a Laker, or just take a day to visit the campus and watch a college sports game.

• Hours: All year round
• Best Time: All year round

Oswego Speedway

Opened in August of 1951, this 5 ⁄ 8 mile asphalt track started off as the Wine Creek Horse Track, eventually shedding its dirt roots for a longer paved speedway. Known in racing circles as the Indy of the East, several competitors that race here have also competed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Take an afternoon and watch as these cars fly around the track, and enjoy food and refreshments as well.

• Hours: Afternoons, also depends on the day of the race
• Best Time: During the summer
• Price: ~$20, depending on which race you attend

Richardson Bates House Museum

Built for Maxwell Richardson, a local attorney and two-term mayor of Oswego in 1867, the house reflects 19th century Victorian designs. Given to the historical society in 1946, it is now one of the most intact house museums in New York. Come visit to see the beautiful furnishings, or learn about Oswego’s history through several exhibits around the house.

• Hours: Thurs, Fri, Sat 1-5
• Best Time: Open April through December

Check Out: Meandering In: Windham, New York

Washington Square Park

Right off of East Bridge Street, Washington Square Park is a place to relax and sit out in the sun, or laze in the shade under the numerous trees. Often a location for festivals, this park always has something for everyone to enjoy.

• Hours: 24Hrs
• Best Time: Warm sunny days

Hidden Gems

Ontario orchards.

Locally grown and sold, Ontario Orchards has a wide selection of produce, spices, pastries, and other items both edible and non-edible. Head over any time of the year to see what products they have, but especially make a trip during the fall and grab some of their delicious apples.

• Hours: Mon-Sun 7-7
• Best Time: Fall in order to get fresh apples and produce
• Price: Varies on item that is bought

River’s End Bookstore

View this profile on Instagram the river's end bookstore (@ riversendbookstore ) • Instagram photos and videos

One of my favorite Indie bookstores, River’s End not only supports local college students but the community as well. From their various book readings/signings, open mics, and release parties for SUNY Oswego’s literary magazine, there are always avid readers in this establishment.

• Hours: Closed Sun, Mon-Sat 10-6
• Best Time: Any time of year
• Price: Varies on the amount of books you buy

Read More: Exploring Top Wineries of Napa Valley and Sonoma

Bev’s Dairy Treat

View this profile on Instagram Bev’s Dairy Treats (@ bevsdairy ) • Instagram photos and videos

A huge favorite of college students and locals, there is always a large line stemming from the front of Bev’s Dairy Treat. Choose from several different flavors of hard and soft ice cream, and take a seat on one of their picnic tables right on the lakeshore.

• Hours: Mon-Sun 12-8
• Best Time: During the summer, as they are open seasonally
• Price: Depends on what ice cream you get

Rice Creek Field Station

View this profile on Instagram Rice Creek Field Station (@ ozricecreek ) • Instagram photos and videos

Part of SUNY Oswego a mile away from campus, Rice Creek is an informative building for visitors and a top-notch research facility for college students. Several labs are completed in this eco-friendly building, researching not only the wildlife on land but on water as well. 

• Hours: Trails dawn to dusk; Building Mon-Fri 8-4:30, Sat 9-3
• Best Time: Warmer months when all the trails are dry and open

Time & Again Books and Tea

Are you looking for unique items or lightly worn books? Come over to Time & Again, where you peruse their shelves for hours, or try some of their delicious tea options. Get lost in the walls of this building, and find souvenirs to bring home.

• Hours: Closed Sun, Mon-Tue 12:30-6, Wed 4-6, Thurs-Fri 12:30-6, Sat 12-4
• Best Time: Anytime; indoors
• Price: Varies on how many books you purchase

Check Out: 10 Solo Travel Tips to Get You Wandering

Safe Haven Museum

The Safe Haven museum highlights the only WWII refugee shelter in the United States, with the same name. From August 1944 to February 1946, 982 refugees were “guests” of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and stayed in Fort Ontario during that time. Take a step into the past and discover the lives of these scared refugees, and learn more about Oswego’s history.

• Hours: Memorial Day-Labor Day Mon-Sun 11-4, Labor Day-Memorial Day Thurs-Sun 11-4

Top Restaurants

The press box.

View this profile on Instagram pressboxoswego (@ pressboxoswego ) • Instagram photos and videos

Opened in 1984, this sports bar/restaurant has pub-themed food and tv’s scattered around the inside. During the summer, sit outdoors on the patio and enjoy the warm weather and sip on delicious seasonal beers and ciders. This is a hot spot for college students, especially when their families come up to see the campus.

• Hours: Mon-Sun 11-9
• Featured Food: Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken / Chicken Pesto Panini
• Featured Drink: 10 types of Draft Beer, not including seasonals

Canale’s Restaurant

View this profile on Instagram Canales Restaurant (@ canales_restaurant ) • Instagram photos and videos

Delicious Italian cuisine since 1954, Canale’s is off the main road but should definitely be on your main list of things to do in Oswego. Complete with indoor and outdoor seating during the warmer months, you can have a nice meal with loved ones or just by yourself.

• Hours: Sun-Tues 12-8, Wed-Thurs 12-9, Fri-Sat 12-10
• Featured Food: Baked Ziti ala Romano / Black and Bleu Pasta

Related: 24 Hrs. in Oneonta, NY: Visit these Incredible Locations

LD’s on the Lake

Near Bev’s Dairy Treat, LD’s on the Lake is a great place to have lunch or dinner while getting a front row seat to the shifting tides of Lake Ontario. Delicious food is paired with local beers on tap, and you have the option of sitting indoors or outside on their deck.

• Hours: Mon-Sun 10-11
• Featured Food: The Hot Chicken / Chicken Spiedie Salad

Wonzones Calzones

View this profile on Instagram Wonzones Calzones (@ officialwonzonescalzones ) • Instagram photos and videos

A huge favorite for the college campus community, Wonzones is a staple restaurant serving all types of calzones and other foods late into the night. Jason Shi, owner and past alumni has become a mascot at hockey games, and has even been through the Hot One’s gauntlet, a show hosted by Sean Evans with increasingly hotter wings combined with an interview.

• Hours: Sun-Wed 4pm-2am, Thur 4pm-3am, Fri-Sat 4pm-4am
• Featured Food: Tomcat Wonzone / Concussion Wonzone

Azteca Mexican Grill

View this profile on Instagram Azteca Mexican Grill (@ aztecacny ) • Instagram photos and videos

One of the favorite restaurants for college students, Azteca serves delicious Mexican food for reasonable prices. Just a couple minutes away from SUNY Oswego’s campus, take a moment to head on over and have some enchiladas, or maybe just a churro.

• Hours: Closed Sun, Mon-Sat 11:30-9
• Featured Food: Enchiladas Rancheras / Pollo Loco Special

Check Out: Essential Airbnb Tips for a Perfect Vacation in 2024

Vona’s

View this profile on Instagram Vona's Restaurant Oswego (@ vonasrestaurant ) • Instagram photos and videos

Another Italian restaurant in Oswego is Vona’s, serving its customers for nearly eighty years. Embodying the statement “Our family is your family,” they provide great hospitality and great food at the same time.

• Hours: Closed Mon, Tues-Thurs 4-8:30, Fri-Sat 4-9:30, Sun 4-8:30
• Featured Food: Stuffed Peppers / Eggplant Parmesan

La Parilla on the Water

View this profile on Instagram La Parrilla On The Water (@ laparrillaonthewater ) • Instagram photos and videos

Serving Mediterranean-style food on the shores of the Oswego River, this fun restaurant is perfect to try new and tasty recipes. While you’re eating, enjoy local artists playing all kinds of music and the water flowing by right outside of the building.

• Hours: Closed Mon, Tues-Thurs 4-9, Fri-Sat 12-10, Sun 12-9
• Featured Food: Latin Waffle Fries / Cannelloni
• Featured Drink: House-made Sangria

Rudy’s

Open seasonally since 1946, Rudy’s serves only the freshest and finest seafood from their lakeside restaurant. Becoming a regional favorite, make sure to stop at the restaurant located next to Bev’s and LD’s.

• Featured Food: Shrimp & Crab Roll / Center Cut Haddock with Cheese Sandwich

Also Read: 2 4 Hours in Newport, Rhode Island

All Seasons Inn

• Featured Amenities: Free WiFi, Air-conditioning, 24Hr Front Desk, Smoke Free Property
• Hotel Information: Check in 4pm, Check out 10am, Free Parking

Clarion Hotel & Suites Riverfront

• ~$120/night
• Featured Amenities: Free WiFi, Free Breakfast, Indoor Pool, Fitness Center, Kitchen, Extra-charge Pet Friendly
• Hotel Information: Check in 3pm, Check out 11am, Free Parking

Best Western Plus Oswego Hotel and Conference Center

• ~$130/night
• Featured Amenities: Free WiFi, Free Breakfast, Golf, Indoor Pool, Hot Tub, Fitness Center

Home2 Suites by Hilton Oswego

• ~$150/night
• Featured Amenities: Free WiFi, Free Breakfast, Indoor Pool, Fitness Center, Pet-Friendly, Air-conditioning

Full of history and lakeside charm, Oswego is a city to have a great balance between bustling streets and secluded wilderness. Each season has its own beauty, and that’s one of the reasons why so many college students and locals call this city their home.

Alexandria is a News Editor, writer, and reader of all things literature. She graduated from the State University of... More about Alexandria Wyckoff

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Welcome to SUNY Oswego!

The sound of waves on the lakeshore. A taste of Lakeside Dining. The buzz of students in Marano Campus Center. Browsing Penfield Library’s collections. The roar of Lakers on game day. These are just a few of the things you’ll experience at Oswego!

We’re eager to help you explore SUNY Oswego! Connect with us through a variety of options below or simply stay in touch at  [email protected]  or 315-312-2250.

Admitted Student Days

Saturday, March 23 Oswego Campus

Friday, April 12 Oswego Campus

Saturday, April 13 Oswego Campus

Spring Open House

Attend Spring Open House on Oswego’s lakeside campus!

• Sat. April 27
• Oswego Campus
• 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Register Spring Open House Schedule [PDF]     

Mini Open Houses

Deans and faculty from our four schools want to talk with you about their programs. Tour departments and enjoy lunch with faculty in a dining hall. Finish your visit with an optional campus tour.

Register Oswego Campus   2 Hours

Information Programs with Tour

Join us in person on the Oswego campus for an overview of the college and the admissions process. Afterward, take part in a student-guided tour.

Register Oswego Campus   2 hours

Online Information Programs

Can’t make it to campus? Join us from the comfort of home for a virtual overview of the college and the admissions process.

Register Online 1 Hour

Ask Me Anything

Informal Q&A sessions with current students are a great way to learn about what it’s like to be a Laker from a Laker. Delivered via Zoom.

Deeper dives into popular topics such as academic areas, financial aid, living on campus, athletics, career development, honors and more! Delivered via Zoom.

Register Online    1 to 1.5 hours

Student-Guided Tours

Participate in an hour and 30 minute student-guided tour of our lakeside campus.

Register Oswego Campus    1.5 hours

All programs require pre-registration for each date that you would like to attend. You may also register family and guests. Registrants will receive an email confirmation with info and reminders as your program approaches. Walk-in visitors will be accommodated on a space available basis. Events are added frequently so check back often!

Tour campus without stepping outside 360° Tour

Find your way around campus Map It Out

Group Visits

A tailored tour, admissions session and optional lunch. Ideal for high school and transfer groups.

Online Appointments

Connect with an admissions counselor online to learn more about our university.

Up to 45 minutes per appointment

Oswego on the Road

Our counselors attend high schools and college fairs nationwide. Find visits near you!

Find Us By Zip

Office Admissions

229 Sheldon Hall

Phone: 315-312-2250 Fax: 315-312-3260  Email:  [email protected]

8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday

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Rice Creek Observatory's Eclipse Experience

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Monday, April 8, 2024

The Rice Creek Observatory, in partnership with the  Syracuse Astronomical Society , is opening its doors to the public for the total solar eclipse — a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Oswego, NY lies near the center of the path of totality, providing visitors with 2.5 hours of eclipse watching and a long totality experience of 3 minutes and 27 seconds . We invite you to join us for a day of learning, excitement, and fun, immersed in the beautiful surroundings of Rice Creek Field Station. If you can't be with us in person, join our telescope streams on April 8!

Get Tickets

Follow along live.

Dr. Kamal Jabbour @PompeyObservatory will be streaming live from telescopes at Rice Creek Field Station on eclipse day beginning around 9 am.

Experience Highlights

Telescope Viewing

We'll have 7 telescopes on site, offering opportunities to view detailed images of the sun before, during, and after the eclipse through direct eyepiece viewing and projections onto small and large screens.

Eclipse Glasses

Each public ticket comes with a complimentary pair of eclipse glasses meeting the ISO 12312-2 safety standard. Glasses filter 99.999% of visible light.

Engaging Activities

Enjoy streamed lectures from world-famous astronomers, streamed planetarium shows, family-friendly arts & crafts activities, and NASA live streams from the comfort of our building.

Full Event Details

Event timing.

The Rice Creek Observatory's Eclipse Experience runs from 9 a.m. to 4:35 p.m. on Monday, April 8, 2024. Guests can arrive beginning at 8:55 a.m.

Eclipse timing

The eclipse begins at 2:08 p.m. and concludes at 4:35 p.m., lasting for about 2.5 hours. Totality (when the sun is completely blocked by the moon) occurs from 3:21:43 to 3:25:10 p.m., for a total of 3 min and 27 sec.

Event tickets are sold out. We encourage interested guests to visit the main SUNY Oswego campus to enjoy their eclipse-related activities .

Each ticket includes:

Observing the details of the sun through telescopes  — before, during, and after the eclipse. Have you ever seen the sun through a telescope? With  seven telescopes in use , including projections to screens, you'll have excellent opportunities to view details on the surface of the sun including sun spots and solar flares. For the 2.5 hours of the eclipse, organizers will closely monitor the moon's progress as it moves between the Earth and the sun. 

Staff will announce the start of each phase, explain what is happening, and advise viewers when totality has begun and it is safe to remove eclipse glasses. Many fascinating parts of a solar eclipse occur just for brief moments and could be easily missed. Staff will help bring these moments to life for visitors. 

Public tickets -- for those non-affiliated with SUNY Oswego -- include a complimentary pair of eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 safety standard and are made in the USA. The vendor is eclipse2024.org, a company that is listed on the "safe suppliers" list of the American Astronomical Society.

*Because SUNY Oswego students, faculty, and staff are eligible for a free pair of eclipse glasses through the campus box office, these ticket types will not include a pair of glasses. When SUNY Oswego students, faculty, and staff place an order for multiple tickets including family and friends who are unaffiliated with the university, these "public" tickets will include complimentary glasses.

Rice Creek is an official live-stream venue for these SUNY Oswego-hosted talks that have limited in-person seating.

Talks begin at 9 am and conclude at 1 pm, and feature astronomers Dr. Sarbani Basu and Dr. Earl Bellinger (both from Yale University), Dr. Martin Hendry (University of Glasgow), and Dr. Anil Pradhan (Ohio State University). Dr. Lyn Blanchfield, a historian from SUNY Oswego, will also give a talk about "Eclipses in ancient civilizations."

These talks are sponsored by the Shineman Endowed Fund.

Similarly, Rice Creek is an official live-stream venue for SUNY Oswego's eclipse day planetarium shows, which have limited seating. Join Dr. Natalia Lewandowska and her students in engaging and visually rich shows explaining the science behind the day's eclipse. Catch shows between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

These family-friendly activities are good for kids -- or the young at heart! Guests can make custom pinhole viewers, "half plate" solar viewers to hold children's glasses in place, eclipse chalk art, solar prints, and more.

Guests can explore Rice Creek's gardens, grounds, and five miles of trails. Spring is a wonderful time to see rare woodland wildflowers, resident and migratory birds, and other animals becoming more active like frogs and turtles. Bring your rain boots as spring trails are often muddy! Or, stay inside and enjoy watching the many visitors to Rice Creek's birdfeeders.

Snap a photo with our custom event frame to remember this milestone event!

Stop by the complimentary hot beverage station for coffee, tea, and hot chocolate -- open all day! 

Food will also be available for purchase from XO Taco 's food truck featuring fresh tacos, quesadillas, and nachos. The menu includes vegan and gluten-free options.

Updated on Monday, Mar 25, 2024:

Free accessible parking passes will be provided to guests with mobility challenges allowing them to park right near the ADA-accessible Rice Creek building.

All other public guests may park in the EC-7 parking lot (at the intersection of Route 104 and Barnes Drive) and ride a special eclipse shuttle to Rice Creek. These ADA-accessible shuttles will leave the parking lot every ~10 minutes starting at 8:45 a.m., offering safe and smooth transportation to Rice Creek. Parking permits are not required in this lot on eclipse day.

SUNY Oswego students, faculty, and staff can ride the  OSW-11 Green Route Shuttle  beginning at 11 a.m. or can ride the special eclipse shuttle from the EC-7 parking lot . 

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Commemorate your experience

A total solar eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Guests can commemorate the experience by purchasing a swag bundle through a pre-sale ticket . The bundle includes:

• A sustainable camping mug. The "deluxe" bundle ($25) includes an engraved, stainless steel MiiR-brand vacuum camp cup with a lid, ethically sourced and built to last a lifetime. The "basic" bundle ($10) includes a metal enamel camping mug. Use your mug during the event to help us go green and reduce waste!
• A black carabiner - an easy way to keep track of your mug.
• A 3" vinyl sticker with the Rice Creek eclipse logo.

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Guest Policies & Notices

Event guests are kindly asked to be aware of the following:

• WiFi will not be available during the event. Most cellular data providers have service at Rice Creek, but a few do not. Check your provider's coverage map if you are concerned.
• SUNY Oswego is a smoke-free campus. Guests may not smoke, vape, or use chewing tobacco.
• Guests may not bring or use alcohol or illegal drugs.
• Given the size and nature of this event, pets are not allowed.
• Guests may not bring or use grills or fire-starting equipment.
• Hunting, fishing, trapping, and unauthorized plant collecting are prohibited on the Rice Creek property.
• Please avoid playing music during this event - Rice Creek biologists will be using acoustic monitoring to study wildlife responses to the eclipse.
• Children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult responsible for their care and supervision.
• Please practice "leave no trace" at Rice Creek - and leave areas as good or better than you found them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tickets are available (advance sale only) through the University Box Office .

Walks-ins can be accommodated but will not receive a pair of eclipse glasses. 

Bring your printed tickets and (if applicable) your accessible parking pass. We also encourage you to bring warm layers, lawn chairs, a reusable water bottle, a hat, and sunscreen.

If you plan to walk the trails, you may want insect repellent as a tick prevention measure. Rain boots are highly encouraged as spring trail conditions are often muddy in spots.

Families with children are encouraged to bring books, games, and coloring books to keep little ones occupied while waiting. If your child has auditory sensitivities, you may want to bring earplugs or noise-reduction headphones for your child to use around totality, when groups of people often cheer or exclaim. Although food will be available, you may also want to bring your children's favorite snacks.

If you have binoculars or a camera, you may want to bring these to use during totality.   Please note that you cannot safely look through binoculars, a camera, a spotting scope, or a telescope at any other time during the eclipse - even while wearing eclipse glasses. Doing so will cause immediate and severe eye damage unless these items are equipped with a specialized solar filter.  

Use of tobacco products is prohibited on SUNY Oswego property, including the use of vaping products. Please also avoid bringing alcohol, drugs, fire pits, grills, and weapons. Organizers also ask guests to avoid bringing speakers or playing music, as Rice Creek biologists will be recording natural sounds before, during, and after the eclipse to study how wildlife respond.

Please leave all pets at home, as this is a pet-free event.

Please note that hunting, fishing, and trapping are not allowed at Rice Creek Field Station.

Given the size and nature of this event, dogs (and all pets) are not allowed. Thank you for your understanding and compliance.

Service animals, kept on a short leash, are allowed. 

Although we remain hopeful for clear or partially clear weather, there are no guarantees. We hope you will join our event regardless. Together, all can witness the landscape dramatically darken during totality, and Rice Creek will bring the eclipse to you by streaming videos from clear viewing locations on big screens. With crafts and STEAM activities, food, streamed lectures, and streamed planetarium shows, it will still be a memorable day.

All ticket sales are final. Please do let us know if you know for sure you will not be attending.

The Rice Creek building is ADA accessible, as are the sidewalks near the pavilion which will be the main hub for viewing. Persons with accessible parking passes can park close to the Rice Creek building.

For additional information or questions, please contact us at [email protected] or 315.312.6677.

Yes. We have two ADA-accessible bathrooms inside the Rice Creek building. We will also have several portable toilets located outside to supplement these.

Yes. We have a private shower room that will be designated as a lactation and baby changing area for the event. It has a chair, sink, and a flat surface (without safety straps) for changing.

Rice Creek Field Station is located in Oswego, NY: 3.4 miles southwest of downtown Oswego, 1.5 miles south of SUNY Oswego's main campus, and 50 minutes north of Syracuse. 

March 25, 2024 Update

The parking location for this event  has changed  to  Parking Lot EC-7  for regular (non-accessible) parking. A safe, ADA-accessible shuttle will bring guests to Rice Creek. This shuttle will run in a continuous loop every ~10 minutes beginning at 8:45 am and ending 4:45 pm. This change comes at the request of University Police, to alleviate congestion near the Rice Creek building. Ticket holders will not need a parking pass to park in this lot on eclipse day.

• Accessible parking : Park directly at Rice Creek Field Station, 193 Thompson Road in Oswego, beginning at 8:55 am. An accessible parking pass is required and will be emailed later today. If you need an accessible pass but do not receive one today, it means we have your ticket coded as a regular parking pass: please contact us to have this updated. 
• General public : Park in Lot EC-7 ( Campus Map , Google Maps ) and ride the special eclipse shuttle to Rice Creek beginning at 8:45 am and running every ~10 minutes after that. The shuttle is safe and ADA-accessible.
• SUNY Oswego student, faculty, and staff : Ride the Green Shuttle from campus (starting at 11 am) or park in Lot EC-7 and ride the special eclipse shuttle (starting at 8:45 am). 

It's difficult to say. What many locations experienced during the 2017 eclipse was that traffic was manageable before the eclipse, but right after totality, roads were clogged with people leaving the same area at the same time. Sometimes traffic jams lasted for hours. Here are our tips to avoid or minimize traffic issues:

• Make sure your vehicle is gassed up (or charged) before Monday, April 8.
• Keep a few supplies in your vehicle, like extra water and snacks.
• Plan to arrive early. The eclipse begins at 2:08 p.m. and totality begins at 3:21 p.m. Arriving just beforehand is a sure recipe for stress - and potentially a missed eclipse viewing opportunity if you encounter traffic. Our event begins at 9 a.m. and guests can arrive anytime afterward.
• Don't rush to leave. Totality ends at 3:25 p.m., but the eclipse -- and our event -- runs until 4:35 p.m. Traffic will likely be worst right after totality. We encourage guests to wait 30-60 minutes before leaving and enjoy the end of the eclipse.
• When you leave, using a navigation app like Waze or Google Maps may help you avoid congested routes.

Six Charge Point EV chargers are available on the SUNY Oswego main campus in the parking lot south of the Shineman Center - an 11-minute walk from Lot EC-7 . Bear in mind that there will likely be significant demand for these chargers, and that guests are asked to charge for no longer than four hours at a time. 

There are two EVolve NY 150 kw fast chargers located in downtown Oswego, which could be used before or after our program. Again, bear in mind the probable increased demand on eclipse day.

Certainly! You can use the special eclipse shuttle to return to Lot EC-7 and from there, you can walk to the Shineman Center (an  11-minute walk ). Faculty, staff, and students can also ride the the  OSW-11 Green Route Shuttle . Since traffic may be backed up on eclipse day, we don't recommend cutting timing too close if you would like to be in a certain location for totality.

Tickets are needed for certain on-campus events but many (like the weather balloon launches) are open to the public. Visit tickets.oswego.edu to learn more.

Dr. Kamal Jabbour, who runs the Pompey Observatory and is a member of the Syracuse Astronomical Society, will be streaming from several telescopes at Rice Creek on eclipse day. 

These YouTube links (@PompeyObservatory) will go live by 9 a.m. on April 8, 2024:

• Telescope Stream 1 , featuring views from multiple telescopes (full-disc images of the sun, with white light and H-alpha filters, and zoomed in views of sunspots and other solar phenomena from Rice Creek's large 16" telescope)
• Telescope Stream 2 , featuring all-day, single-telescope coverage of the eclipse (full-disc image of the sun with white light filter)

Additional details from Dr. Jabbour:

* Stream 1 will show a montage of three telescopes, 16-inch Meade LX200GPS telescope (the large telescope in Rice Creek's dome) with white light filter for close-up looks at sunspots, a Lunt LS50T Hydrogen Alpha telescope for full-disk looks at solar prominences, flares, faculae and filaments (the 3Fs of x-ray imaging of the sun), and a ZWO Seestar S50 smart telescope with ND100000 neutral density white light filter for a full view of the sun. This stream will switch among the three telescopes as necessary. LIVE commentary will be provided by domain experts with over a century of combined expertise.

* Stream 2 will track the sun all day and through all stages of the eclipse with a silent DWARF II smart telescope equipped with a ND1000000 (an extra zero more than the Seestar!) filter.

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Rice Creek Field Station 193 Thompson Road, Oswego, NY 13126 315.312.6677 [email protected]

Syracuse Astronomical Society [email protected] www.syracuse-astro.org

Page image credits: NASA/Aubrey Gemignani, VA State Parks via Wikimedia Commons,  Creative Commons Attribution 2.0