Syracuse Maxwell School
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Maxwell students join a diverse community of future public leaders united by commitment to service and engagement with society's challenges. The school cultivates an environment where students learn from each other as much as from faculty, with classroom discussions enriched by varied professional backgrounds and life experiences. Study groups, student organizations, and social events build relationships that often last throughout careers in public service. Syracuse University provides the broader context for Maxwell student life, with all the resources and activities of a major research university. Campus facilities include extensive libraries, recreational centers, arts venues, and athletic facilities. NCAA Division I athletics, including the renowned basketball program, generate school spirit and entertainment. The university's diverse student body creates opportunities for connection across schools and programs. The city of Syracuse offers affordable living compared to coastal urban centers, allowing students to stretch their budgets further than in many other locations. While not a major metropolitan area, Syracuse provides the amenities of a small city including restaurants, entertainment venues, and cultural attractions. The nearby Finger Lakes region offers exceptional natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Many students find the combination of Maxwell's excellent program and Syracuse's affordability creates exceptional value. Professional development activities integrate with academic study to prepare students for career success. Networking events, speaker series, career fairs, and alumni connections create opportunities to build relationships with potential employers and mentors. The Maxwell in Washington program provides immersive experience in the nation's capital, often proving pivotal for federal career placement.
Location & Surroundings
Syracuse University occupies a hilltop campus overlooking the city of Syracuse in central New York State. The traditional campus features a mix of historical and modern buildings set around a central quad, creating an attractive academic environment. The Maxwell School occupies Eggers Hall, a modern building that houses classrooms, faculty offices, and student spaces designed for collaborative learning. Syracuse experiences a true four-season climate with cold, snowy winters and warm summers. The region is known for significant lake-effect snowfall, and students should prepare for substantial winter weather. Spring and fall offer pleasant conditions for enjoying the campus and surrounding areas. The climate requires adjustment for students from warmer regions but is familiar to those from the Northeast or Midwest. Transportation options include Syracuse Hancock International Airport, which provides connections to major hubs, and Amtrak service to New York City, Boston, and other destinations. Having a car is helpful for exploring the region but not essential for daily campus life. The university operates a bus system connecting campus areas, and the surrounding neighborhoods are walkable for most needs. The central New York region offers natural beauty and outdoor recreation, with the Finger Lakes, Adirondack Mountains, and numerous state parks within easy reach. Wine touring, hiking, skiing, and lake activities provide weekend diversions. New York City is approximately four hours by car or train, accessible for occasional visits. While Syracuse lacks the amenities of a major city, the region's affordability and natural attractions create a comfortable quality of life.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Graduate tuition at Syracuse University for Maxwell programs currently exceeds $50,000 annually before living expenses. However, the majority of students receive financial aid that substantially reduces actual costs. Assistantships and fellowships can cover partial or full tuition plus provide living stipends. Students should evaluate the likely net cost after aid when comparing programs. Living expenses in Syracuse are modest compared to many other graduate school locations. Housing costs run significantly lower than coastal cities, and other living expenses are similarly reasonable. The affordable cost of living means that stipends and part-time work can provide a reasonable standard of living during graduate study. This affordability represents one of Maxwell's advantages relative to programs in expensive metropolitan areas. Career outcomes for Maxwell graduates are excellent, with high placement rates in target sectors. Alumni work throughout the federal government, state and local agencies, nonprofit organizations, consulting firms, and international institutions. The school's strong reputation in public affairs opens doors for entry-level positions and advancement. Career services support includes dedicated career counselors, job fairs, and alumni networking programs. Starting salaries vary significantly depending on sector, location, and specific role. Federal government positions typically offer salaries in the $50,000-$80,000 range for entry-level professionals with master's degrees. State and local government and nonprofit salaries may be somewhat lower, while consulting and certain private sector roles may pay more. The return on investment should be evaluated considering both financial outcomes and the personal satisfaction of public service careers.
Campus Location
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