Students are divided almost equally between men and women. About one-third of the total student body is comprised of graduate students. Most students who attend ESF are residents of New York, but the campus draws students from throughout the Northeast and from more than 30 different foreign countries. The ethnic diversity of ESF undergraduates has risen steadily over the last 15 years. The size of the student population means students receive a lot of individual attention from faculty and personal assistance from staff.
Students get to know one another and form long-lasting friendships.
But the close nature of the college community is not inhibiting. The Syracuse campus is located adjacent to Syracuse University, a major private university with big-time sports and more than 300 student and professional clubs and organizations. ESF students have the advantage of being considered students at both institutions. ESF and SU have a dynamic and long-standing partnership that goes back to the founding of the college. From the beginning, the college has contracted with SU to provide accessory instruction, athletic programs, health and counseling services, library facilities and other services for students.