Welcome, 91探花 parents and family members!
A welcome message from Pedro Perez, parent ambassador
Our journey at The College of Saint Rose began in the Summer of 2018 with our oldest child Marcos and our first to attend college. So many questions as we entered the unknown: will Marcos find his fit? get homesick? miss us? not miss us? make it to class without someone shaking him out of bed?鈥ell, you get the picture. Whether sending your first off to college or you鈥檙e an experienced parent who can remember what that first time was like, it is okay to feel a bit overwhelmed, anxious, and worried…after all, we’ve dedicated ourselves to raising and investing in this 鈥渕ini-me鈥� who is moving forward to uncharted territory.
While this can be somewhat stressful for you and your student, it is also an exciting time for them to explore new opportunities in a supportive environment as they develop into their adult selves. Think of it as 鈥渁dulting with training wheels鈥� to prepare them for a future of their own after graduation when those training wheels come off.
Over the past 4 years, our son was supported, nurtured, mentored, challenged, celebrated success, learned to manage his time, and gained the confidence to advocate for himself. At the same time, I took on the challenge of encouraging parents who, like us, were entering 鈥渋nto the unknown鈥澛�(you can sing it in the tune of Frozen if you like)聽because I wanted every parent and family member to feel valued and heard the same way 91探花 did for us. It has been an amazing journey of discovery ever since, not only for our son, but for our family.
I encourage you to peruse all the resources, links, and tips available on this Parent Page. As we move forward together, more resources will be added to keep you supported and informed. Welcome families and, as I always say, be encouraged.
Sincerely,
Pedro Perez
91探花 parent ambassador, administrator on the 91探花 Parent Facebook Group, and proud parent of Marcos, a 2022 91探花 grad.
Hot topics
Easily find all the most-visited places on our website for 91探花 students and their families.
Keep up with everything on campus by visiting In the Know
Each week on Sunday nights students receive an email from Student Development with announcements and a calendar of activities for the week. Families can view that info on our website, where we鈥檒l post each edition.
Join our 91探花 Parent Group on Facebook
Did you know the College maintains a private Facebook group just for parents and prospective parents? Just be sure that when you make your membership request you list your students鈥� name and agree to the group rules in order to receive admission.
FAQS
Admissions
Students have the option of applying through the Common Application or through our own 91探花 application.
No. 91探花 recognizes that standardized tests are not always the best measure of a聽 students鈥� academic strength or potential. Since 2013, 91探花 has been a test optional institution. Students are welcome to submit scores, but they are not required for admission.
Although not required, we do encourage students to participate in an admissions interview, as they can earn a $2,000 grant for doing so under our Authentically You Awards.
If they submit all the required components of their application, your student should have an admissions decision within 10 days.
Your student will receive an email and an acceptance packet in the postal mail.
Although students indicate their major of interest when they apply, only two programs have a more intensive admissions process:
Music Industry: In addition to the academic requirements for admissions, students seeking entry into the Music Industry program are required to complete an audition in order to be considered for admission. Visit for more information.
Nursing: Students apply specifically to the nursing program. The application itself is largely the same, although to be eligible for the program, students need to have achieved at least an 80% in Algebra I, Chemistry, and Biology (or at least a C in college equivalents of these courses). Aside from that, the application is no different. We still need official high school transcripts, official transcripts from any colleges they have attended (or courses taken for college credit in high school), and a letter of recommendation from a teacher, professor, or school counselor. We also suggest that students submit an essay detailing their educational and career goals, and complete an admissions interview.
The traditional deposit deadline is May 1. However, they can make their decision at any time. We encourage all accepted students to attend one of our Accepted Student Days in the winter/spring so they (and you) can learn more about our majors, campus services, and the many opportunities available to them at 91探花. It鈥檚 also an opportunity for families to meet with financial aid if they have questions about their financial aid packages.
Financial Aid
It鈥檚 important that as you鈥檙e evaluating college choices with your student, you look at the bottom line price after financial aid is applied. The sticker price of a college is not an indication of how much your student will pay to attend. Financial aid varies by student due to income and ability to qualify for state, federal, and institutional grants.
99% of first-year students at 91探花 receive financial aid. The average financial aid package for a first-year student is nearly $30,000.
To receive an accurate financial aid package, you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Families are sometimes intimidated by the FAFSA, but it鈥檚 not as hard as you think. And to make it easy for you, we鈥檝e created a wealth of resources at our , including checklists (also in Spanish) and easy-to-follow step-by-step video tutorials. Also our Financial Aid Office 鈥� home of the Financial Aid King himself聽 鈥� is always happy to meet with families in person or virtually and help you fill out your FAFSA or answer questions related to financial aid.
The FAFSA opens each year on October 1. You can find the FAFSA form at .
Please call the Financial Aid Office at 518.458.5464 or email finaid@strose.edu, and a financial aid counselor will be happy to speak with you.
College accessibility has been important to 91探花 since our founding in 1920. In 2021, we launched the It鈥檚 Possible program for families who need the most assistance. Students whose Expected Family Contribution (EFC) on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) equals 0 will pay no tuition to attend 91探花. You鈥檒l also find that our room and board costs are less than most SUNY institutions, making a 91探花 education as affordable for families as state-school options.
Our own Financial Aid King breaks it all down for you on his website. See .听
A student can receive only one academic-based scholarship. However, there are other scholarships/grants a student can receive. Some examples include the Authentically You Awards, athletic scholarships, College need-based grants, etc. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information at finaid@strose.edu or 518.458.5464.
Semester bills are due a few weeks before the semester鈥檚 start date. Exact due dates for future semesters can be found by visiting the Touchnet Payment Center鈥檚 homepage (through the secure site, bannerweb.strose.edu) under 鈥淎nnouncement,鈥� or by contacting bursar@strose.edu.
Yes. Payment plans are offered on a semester basis. For more information, please visit the Payment Resource Center on the College鈥檚 website or email bursar@strose.edu.
Please contact the Office for Financial Aid by email or phone (finaid@strose.edu or聽 518.458.5464) to arrange a meeting to discuss the financial change and the possibility of increasing federal or college aid.
Academics
91探花 offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs and certificates. In addition, we offer 2-in-4 accelerated programs for undergraduates that allow them to get both their bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees in just four years, saving them $12,000. (Additional accelerated programs are available for majors that require more schooling).
There are 34 undergraduate majors to choose from. If your student isn鈥檛 sure about their major, The Core, our required foundational courses for all undergraduate students, will expose them to a lot of fields, helping them select a major. Career Services is always eager to meet with students and guide them through the process of discovering their interests and career path, too.
We offer numerous services at no additional charge to students, including a robust Academic Services Center with tutoring and our Writing Center, where students can have help with their writing, whether they鈥檙e a Dean鈥檚 List student or someone who is struggling putting together their papers for class.
The Navigate app, which we require students to download, also helps them connect with Study Buddies from the same courses to form study groups. And, of course our professors received recognition by U.S. News & World Report for their dedication to teaching undergraduate students, so they鈥檙e also always willing to help a student when they need assistance.
Your family is always welcome to set up an appointment to talk with our Office of Services for Students with Disabilities anytime in the admissions process to discuss services related to a student鈥檚 specific needs.
14:1. 91探花 has also been ranked a top 25 institution by U.S. News & World Report for faculty who excel at teaching undergraduate students.
We love a good book, but we also love to learn through experiences that make an impact on the community. Theory in Action means our professors use experiential learning 鈥� or an applied hands-on approach to learning 鈥� as part of the teaching process. It鈥檚 all just theory. We want students to see how theory relates and is applied to the real world. And with our location in the city of Albany, New York鈥檚 state capital, there are many places nearby where this type of learning can take place.
One example? Students in a political science class who hit the streets to talk to people about registering to vote and help them through the process, so they can make a difference but also understand barriers in the democratic process and some of the reasons behind low voter turnout.
For all majors in the Huether School of Business, as well as many other undergraduate programs, internships or field experience (such a student-teaching for education majors) is required in order to graduate. It is encouraged for all students.
Students get internship assistance from several sources. Career Services works with students on their internship search, resume, interviewing skills, and more. The Huether School of Business also has a dedicated internship coordinator, and students take a course in order to prepare for obtaining and being successful at their internships. Faculty are also very helpful, using their connections to help students locate internships in the community and beyond.
Housing
First-year full-time undergraduate students are required to live on campus for their first two years at 91探花. Exemptions are considered on a case-by-case basis for students who have: A change in household income, a parent/guardian who has tested positive for COVID-19 and the student is the primary caregiver, a diagnosed physical or mental health condition, a shared home with a family member within 60 miles of campus, a spouse, or children they live with. Read more about the residency requirement here.
Studies have shown that students who live on campus tend to do better academically. It is also a good way for your student to be deeply engaged in student life, which assists their personal growth while in college.
Accommodations range from traditional dorm rooms, to small houses, to apartment-style suites. Find details on each on our Residence Life pages.
Yes. No need to buy extra-long twin sheets.
Only Centennial and RCC. However, temperatures throughout the academic year at 91探花 are typically mild.听
Most residence halls contain a common room, a kitchen, and laundry facilities. Rooms are furnished with standard twin beds, dressers, desks, chairs, closet or wardrobe, and basic cable television access. The apartments are also furnished.
Appliances that are allowed include TVs, radios, computers, tablets, phones, gaming devices, hair dryers, curling irons, fans, irons, floor lamps (non-octopus-style), desk lamps with plastic lamp covers provided the bulb used matches the wattage recommended by the manufacture (we recommend an LED bulb), vacuums, refrigerators and microwaves (see additional specs for refrigerators and microwaves on this page).
Prohibited appliances include air conditioners, halogen lamps, heating coils, hot pots, George Foreman grills, toaster ovens, lava lamps, and sun lamps.
Microwaves and refrigerators are not provided in the rooms. First-year students are allowed to have one refrigerator and one microwave per room. Refrigerators must be UL approved, Energy Star rated, and be fewer than 115 volts/3.1 cubic feet. Microwaves in first-year student rooms must be UL approved and not exceed 700 watts/0.7 cubic feet.
For a list of items we suggest students bring and don鈥檛 bring, visit our website. Visit this link for a 鈥渞eal deal鈥� packing list crafted by one of our awesome 91探花 parents.
Refrigerators must be UL approved, Energy Star rated, and be fewer than 115 volts/3.1 cubic feet.听
Yes, but having a guest in your room is a privilege not a right. Roommates have the right to feel comfortable in their space and with who is in their room. We encourage students to be honest with each other and set expectations about who is OK to visit and who might not be 鈥� including talking about overnight guests, significant others, etc.
Incoming first year and transfer students are housed by the department of Residence Life during the summer prior to their first semester, typically at the end of July or early August. Incoming students who want to live together can request each other as roommates via MyHousing. Students who may need specific accommodations may contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities.
Once housing assignments are made, students can see who their roommate is via MyHousing. Typically these assignments are posted sometime in late July to early August.
Residence Life does offer single rooms to students, but they are limited and awarded on a case-by-case basis depending on student needs.
Residential students are allowed to have pet fish in tanks no bigger than 10 gallons. Support animals are considered, and students should contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities for more information.
Residence halls are secured by ID card access and all residence hall rooms have a door that locks.
New 91探花 students move into campus on August 23, 2022, and get assistance from dozens of College volunteers, who unpacked cars and carried boxes, so families had nothing left to deal with but their emotions about their students embarking on this next step of their life journeys.
Returning students move in August 28, 2022.
Dining
We have four dining facilities on campus, operated by Sodexo: Our main dining hall; Camelot Room, which offers made-to-order and grab-and-go options in a food court-like setting; Starbucks; and Lally Cafe, a small shop offering grab-and-go and snack items in the Thelma P. Lally School of Education.
Just off campus, we鈥檙e surrounded by countless restaurants and takeout options.
Students who live on-campus, in a residence hall other than Centennial Hall, are required to purchase a meal plan. Centennial Hall residents have the option of buying a special meal plan just for those in Centennial.
Sodexo, our hospitality services provider, also offers a commuter meal plan for non-resident students. Plans are available at different price points based on student needs.
Sodexo, our food service provider, has a dietitian who works with 91探花 students and will do individual consultations with your student. In addition, there is a designated area of the dining hall called Simple Servings that is free of the most common food allergens, such as gluten.
Yes. Plant-based options are available in all of our dining facilities.
Plan costs vary depending upon your selection. See .
Meal swipes can be used in the dining hall, and students are allowed to use them for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and for late-night meals. Students can also use swipes for a 鈥渕eal exchange鈥� up to three times a week in the Camelot Room.
Dining Dollars can be used at any of the on-campus eateries, and a set amount of them are included in the meal plans. Additional Dining Dollars can be purchased separately from Dining Services. Unused balances of Dining Dollars roll over from fall semester to spring semester but expire at the end of each academic year.
This account is not associated with the Dining Dollars funds, which you receive when you open an on-campus meal plan. With this account, money can be deposited onto your student ID card, allowing you to use it like a debit card in a number of locations on campus. Unlike Dining Dollars, Golden Knights Kash can be used at the Campus Store to purchase books, supplies, or 91探花 apparel or memorabilia, as well as at various print and copy machines located throughout the campus.听
Student Life
First-year students are allowed to buy a parking pass. For more information about parking, visit the parking and transportation section of the website.
We have about 30 clubs and organizations, so it鈥檚 easy to get involved at 91探花.
Air travel: serves the Capital Region with daily flights on major and commuter airlines. The airport is seven miles from 91探花 and taxi service is available.
Traveling by train: The Capital Region is served by the , six miles from the 91探花 campus. Trains to all major U.S. cities depart from the Rensselaer station and taxi service is available.
Traveling by bus: The Capital Region is served locally by and by and . The Albany bus terminal is located in downtown Albany, a short cab ride or easy bus ride on CDTA from the campus. Direct Service is available from many locations including White Plains, Poughkeepsie, Newburgh, Yonkers, New York City, Boston, Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo.听
For travel in the Capital Region, 91探花 students can use the CDTA services for free with the use of their student ID!
Campus Safety
Security is accessible 24-7 at 518.454.5187. All buildings are secured by ID card access.听
Security patrols campus around the clock. The Albany City Police also has officers assigned to the neighborhood who conduct patrol routes by the campus. Albany CIty Police are located just down the street.
Security cameras are also positioned throughout campus 鈥� both inside buildings and outside.
Our RAVE Guardian app alerts students to emergencies and gives them immediate access to Security with just the touch of a button. Visit the RAVE Guardian section of the website for more information.
Security officers provide campus escorts 24/7 to students and staff upon request.
The most recent annual security report is . Crime rates on campus are quite low.听
New students are required to take mandatory training on the subjects of alcohol and drug use and sexual assault/harassment/and violence.
Visiting Our Campus and Albany
Check out our visit page, which has an array of options, from campus tours, to one-on-one admission visits, to open houses.
Fabby Street, our undergraduate enrollment and engagement specialist, is also happy to work with you to customize the visit experience for you and your student. Email her at bogarduf@strose.edu or call 518.458.5427.
If you want to check out the campus online, you can take our virtual tour 24-7.