For Immediate Release
December 14, 2020

Pace University & Suffolk Announce New Joint Admission Agreement

Suffolk and Pace University met virtually to sign a new joint admission agreement allowing students who complete their studies at SUNY Suffolk to matriculate into Pace with junior standing.

Suffolk County Community College and Pace University have signed a new joint admission agreement, allowing students who complete their studies at SUNY Suffolk to matriculate into Pace with junior standing.

Presidents, provosts and administrators from Pace and SUNY Suffolk made the announcement on Monday, December 14, 2020 during a virtual meeting of the two schools.

As part of the agreement, SUNY Suffolk students who graduate from more than 30 programs with an Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Science (A.S.) or Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree and a minimum grade point average of 2.5 will be guaranteed acceptance to Pace University. Students graduating from SUNY Suffolk will have their lower level general education/core requirements waived if they transfer to Pace.

For the transfer students, a maximum of 68 credits will be applied toward the completion of the relevant Pace Bachelor’s degree programs. Additionally, Pace will offer scholarships of up to $25,000 to eligible transfer students who graduate with a GPA of 3.2 or higher on either Pace University campus in Westchester or New York City. The schools are also part of the The New York State Presidential Transfer Scholarship program, which offers full scholarships to eligible students.

“We are excited to join with SUNY Suffolk to provide the opportunity for their students to pursue dual admission and start on a path to a four-year degree,” said Pace President Marvin Krislov. “This agreement builds on and strengthens our longstanding partnership with Suffolk, and we’re looking forward to welcoming their hard-working, ambitious graduates to Pace.”

During the virtual meeting of the schools, President Krislov noted that SUNY Suffolk graduates have more than 150 majors and programs to choose from at Pace; opportunities to get involved in over 100 student clubs and organizations; a choice of two campuses – one in lower Manhattan and another in Pleasantville – and can enjoy what campus life has to offer.

“Suffolk County Community College is about creating opportunities for its students. With this important Joint Admissions Program, Suffolk students will be guaranteed admission to Pace University upon meeting the qualifications,” said Suffolk County Community College Interim President Louis J. Petrizzo. “This initiative is about providing Suffolk students with all the possibilities an outstanding University has to offer and we could not be more pleased that Pace University has agreed to allow our students this opportunity.” 

SUNY Suffolk students committing to Pace will be able to maximize course offerings and ensure a smooth transfer process. Transfer students will also be able to tap into thousands of internship and career placement opportunities offered through Pace’s Department of Career Services. Historically, Pace has some of the strongest job placement outcomes among undergraduate and graduate students. It’s one of the many reasons that Pace is ranked number one in upward economic mobility among four-year private universities according to a study conducted by Harvard University’s Opportunity Insights.

With approximately 25,000 students, Suffolk County Community College is the largest community college in the SUNY (State University of New York) system. It has three campuses – in Selden, Brentwood and Riverhead -- and offers more than 100 degree and certificate options.

For Pace junior Reynaldo Dallas, who graduated from SUNY Suffolk with a 3.9 GPA, the transition to Pace University has been smooth. In his remarks during the meeting, Dallas, a recipient of the New York State Presidential Scholarship, thanked professors and administrators at both schools for being supportive, encouraging and creating a path for his academic success.

“I’m beyond grateful for having this opportunity,” he said. “All of my credits transferred and the process has been seamless.”

“Providing students with opportunities to pursue higher education, reach their potential and achieve their goals are guiding principles at Pace,” said Pace Provost Vanya Quiñones. “This agreement with SUNY Suffolk will be a transformative experience for students and creates a clear pathway for success. We’re eager to be partnering with our Long Island colleagues to make this agreement a reality.” 

Dr. Paul M. Beaudin, vice president academic and student affairs, said: “Suffolk provides opportunities for every student, for those who are seeking immediate training to enter the workforce, for those who seek to get a degree which will lead to a career, and for those who are seeking to complete their degree and then to transfer to the best local and national colleges for the baccalaureate degree.  Our new joint admissions agreement with Pace University is an affirmation of Pace’s positive view of the quality of our degree and creates a pathway to a premier institution that provides students with amazing formal and informal learning experiences.  We want to partner with such institutions for the benefit of our students.”