Purchase College - Definition and Overview

Purchase College, also known as SUNY Purchase or State University of New York College at Purchase, is a public liberal arts college in Purchase, New York and is a part of the State University of New York system. It was founded in 1967 and was designed as a school that would combine conservatory training in the visual and performing arts with liberal arts and sciences programs. It has strong conservatory programs in Theater Arts & Film, Music, and Dance, and its School of Art + Design is well-respected. It has an enrollment of approximately 4,000 students.

Notable alumni of Purchase include actors Parker Posey, Stanley Tucci, Wesley Snipes, and playwright Donald Margulies.