SUNY Geneseo is a public university. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, one of the largest public higher education systems in the United States. Founded in 1871, the college is known for its strong liberal arts and sciences programs. As a public institution, it receives state funding, which often results in lower tuition costs for in-state students compared to private universities. SUNY Geneseo maintains a reputation for academic excellence and is consistently ranked among the top public colleges in the nation.