Alfred is well-known for its ceramic art and ceramic engineering programs, and has a strong astronomy program due in part to
the presence on campus of the 7-telescope Stull Observatory.There are two libraries on Alfred's campus, the
Herrick Memorial Library 
, which primarily serves the private colleges, and the
Scholes Library , which primarily serves the New York State College of Ceramics.
The Schein-Joseph International Museum of Ceramic Art has a collection of
8,000 ceramic objects, including both ancient and modern ceramic art and craft.
