Purchase College (SUNY) is the arts conservatory within the SUNY system, and it takes the arts seriously. Whether you're pursuing music, visual arts, theater, or dance, the expectation is that you're committed to your craft at a semi-professional level. Classes are small, studio space is abundant, and faculty are artists actively working in their fields. You'll spend a significant chunk of your time creating, rehearsing, performing, or producing, not sitting in lecture halls. For visual artists, you get real studio time and mentorship from working artists. For musicians, you're rehearsing with serious musicians and playing in ensembles regularly.
The student body is selective and artistically driven. You're surrounded by people who've chosen to organize their lives around art, which creates a coherent culture. But that intensity also means the campus can feel like a conservatory rather than a traditional college. General education and liberal arts are part of the curriculum, but they're secondary to your major. If you're looking for a balanced college experience with arts on the side, Purchase isn't it.
Purchase is the right choice if you're serious about art as a primary pursuit and you want training from working artists in a community of peers who are equally committed. The downside is less flexibility to explore other majors and a smaller alumni network outside the arts world. But for preparation in the arts and access to top faculty, SUNY Purchase is exceptional within the public system.