The university was initially chartered in 1911 and opened five years later in 1916 as the Schoharie State School of Agriculture.

[3] The school adopted the name State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill, in 1987 after earning the right to grant bachelors degrees for the first time.

With their ID card, students may use their meal plan, a CobyCash account, or opt to pay in cash.

The Fighting Tigers are primarily a member of the North Atlantic Conference (NAC) for all sports since the 2020-21 season, with the exception of equestrian which competes in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) and track & field which competes in the New York State College Track Conference (NYSCTC).

Men's sports include: basketball, cross country, equestrian, golf, lacrosse, soccer, swimming & diving, and track & field; while women's sports include: basketball, cross country, equestrian, golf, lacrosse (in 2023–24), soccer, softball, swimming & diving, track & field, and volleyball.