In 1908 President Boothe C. Davis of Alfred University persuaded the New York State legislature to locate the New York State School of Agriculture at the Alfred University Campus; the resulting allocation of $75,000 for three buildings, a farm, livestock, and machinery would set plans for the school in motion.

In 1937, the School of Engineering Technologies was founded by the original three academic faculty members; Al French, Bill Harrison and Herm Sickler.

By 1948, the enrollment grew to such large numbers that the state government decided to allow it room to expand, moving the school across Main Street from Alfred University, where it remains today.

The college is divided into the following schools: In 1972 two Alfred University students started a charity festival titled "Hot Dog Day."

Facilities also include a Central Dining Hall, a 150-bed townhouse complex, an Engineering Technology Building, and a Student Leadership Center.

Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, soccer, swimming & diving, track & field (indoor and outdoor) and wrestling; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, swimming & diving, track & field (indoor and outdoor) and volleyball.

The NCAA Division III Management Council announced in April 2013 that Alfred State has been accepted as provisional members.