Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2024

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Here are the most affordable colleges and universities in New York. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you, at a price you can afford.

10 Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2024

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  1. Stony Brook University
  2. City College of New York
  3. University at Buffalo
  4. Brooklyn College
  5. United States Military Academy
  6. Binghamton University
  7. Hunter College
  8. University at Albany, SUNY
  9. Baruch College
  10. Queens College, City University of New York
  1. City College of New York
  2. United States Military Academy
  3. Brooklyn College
  4. Stony Brook University
  5. University at Buffalo
  6. Hunter College
  7. Binghamton University
  8. Baruch College
  9. Queens College, City University of New York
  10. University at Albany, SUNY
  1. Buffalo State University 86%
  2. State University of New York at Oswego 83%
  3. Alfred State College 82%
  4. Houghton University 77%
  5. State University of New York at Purchase 75%
  6. State University of New York at Geneseo 75%
  7. State University of New York at Oneonta 73%
  8. State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry 70%
  9. Queens College, City University of New York 69%
  10. University at Buffalo 68%
  1. Excelsior University 23 to 1
  2. Baruch College 19 to 1
  3. Binghamton University 19 to 1
  4. Stony Brook University 19 to 1
  5. Fashion Institute of Technology 17 to 1
  6. University at Albany, SUNY 17 to 1
  7. College of Staten Island 16 to 1
  8. State University of New York at Geneseo 16 to 1
  9. State University of New York at New Paltz 16 to 1
  10. Alfred State College 16 to 1
  1. Houghton University $16,446
  2. Fashion Institute of Technology $7,170
  3. State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry $7,070
  4. State University of New York at Purchase $7,070
  5. University at Buffalo $7,070
  6. Binghamton University $7,070
  7. Stony Brook University $7,070
  8. State University of New York at Geneseo $7,070
  9. State University of New York at New Paltz $7,070
  10. University at Albany, SUNY $7,070
  1. Houghton University $20,905
  2. Fashion Institute of Technology $11,542
  3. State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry $11,310
  4. State University of New York at Purchase $11,310
  5. University at Buffalo $11,310
  6. Binghamton University $11,310
  7. Stony Brook University $11,310
  8. State University of New York at Geneseo $11,310
  9. State University of New York at New Paltz $11,310
  10. University at Albany, SUNY $11,310
  1. State University of New York at Geneseo
  2. Alfred State College
  3. Buffalo State University
  4. State University of New York at Oneonta
  5. Houghton University
  6. State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
  7. Excelsior University
  8. College of Staten Island
  9. State University of New York at Oswego
  10. State University of New York at New Paltz
  1. Excelsior University
  2. Alfred State College
  3. Houghton University
  4. State University of New York at Oneonta
  5. State University of New York at Geneseo
  6. State University of New York at New Paltz
  7. College of Staten Island
  8. Buffalo State University
  9. State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
  10. State University of New York at Oswego
  1. United States Military Academy 12%
  2. United States Merchant Marine Academy 27%
  3. Binghamton University 42%
  4. Hunter College 48%
  5. Stony Brook University 49%
  6. Baruch College 50%
  7. John Jay College of Criminal Justice 51%
  8. Fashion Institute of Technology 53%
  9. Brooklyn College 55%
  10. Lehman College 55%
  1. United States Military Academy 7 to 1
  2. Houghton University 10 to 1
  3. State University of New York at Purchase 11 to 1
  4. University at Buffalo 12 to 1
  5. State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry 13 to 1
  6. Brooklyn College 13 to 1
  7. United States Merchant Marine Academy 13 to 1
  8. Buffalo State University 13 to 1
  9. Hunter College 14 to 1
  10. City College of New York 14 to 1
  1. United States Merchant Marine Academy $1,008
  2. Hunter College $6,930
  3. Baruch College $6,930
  4. College of Staten Island $6,930
  5. City College of New York $6,930
  6. Brooklyn College $6,930
  7. Lehman College $6,930
  8. Queens College, City University of New York $6,930
  9. John Jay College of Criminal Justice $6,930
  10. State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry $7,070
  1. Hunter College $11,090
  2. Baruch College $11,090
  3. College of Staten Island $11,090
  4. City College of New York $11,090
  5. Brooklyn College $11,090
  6. Lehman College $11,090
  7. Queens College, City University of New York $11,090
  8. John Jay College of Criminal Justice $11,090
  9. State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry $11,310
  10. State University of New York at Purchase $11,310

Colleges and Universities in New York

On average, tuition at New York’s higher education institutes comes in well-below the national average at about $7,900. Students have nearly 80 public school options to choose from, ranging in fees from $1,000 at the United States Merchant Marine Academy up to $10,000 at the University at Buffalo, the largest public university. However, some of the state’s private schools, such as New York University (NYU), charge tuition fees at a much higher cost.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

Although tuition fees at NYU average $52,000, students who attend this school have access to some of the best programs in fields like literature, business, medicine, communications, and law. The school also boasts famous alumni like Whoopi Goldberg and Jonas Salk. New York also offers close to 40 religiously affiliated schools. Students can expect to pay a wide range of tuition costs at these schools, but have the option to major in fields like social work, law, religious studies, business, and nursing.

They say New York is a place where dreams come true. Here, fashion, culture, food, business, art, and many languages comfortably coexist. While The Empire State’s metropolitan landmarks, like the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, are noteworthy, many forget New York also offers access to the Great Lakes, the Atlantic Ocean, and countless cozy cabins tucked away in the verdant Catskills Mountains. Additionally, New York is home to over 200 colleges and universities, making it easy for students to dream big while earning their degrees.

Explore some of the top programs New York higher education institutes have to offer, and make your educational and personal dreams come true.


What are New York’s Colleges & Universities?

New York’s Best Overall

New York's Most Affordable Colleges and Universities Badge
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There are 47 affordable colleges and universities in New York with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. The following list of the most affordable colleges and universities in New York is composed entirely of schools offering bachelor’s degree programs, have stated tuition and fees near or under the national average of $16,000/year, and are fully accredited colleges.

If affordability and budgeting throughout your college journey is a priority to you, check out our guide to budgeting for college students.

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Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2023

These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.

  1. #1

    Stony Brook University

    Stony Brook , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    49%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1410/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Stony Brook University

    Cost of Degree: $10,560
    Expenses: $19,958
    Starting Salary: $62,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Stony Brook University’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 57
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Electrical Engineering
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  2. #3

    University at Buffalo

    Buffalo , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    36K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1285/28

    Career Outlook for degree at University at Buffalo

    Cost of Degree: $10,782
    Expenses: $20,484
    Starting Salary: $62,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University at Buffalo’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  3. Other Rankings

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1335/30

  4. Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    42%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1425/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Binghamton University

    Cost of Degree: $10,363
    Expenses: $19,506
    Starting Salary: $68,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1220/26

    Career Outlook for degree at University at Albany, SUNY

    Cost of Degree: $10,408
    Expenses: $18,698
    Starting Salary: $57,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University at Albany, SUNY’s Online Degrees

    BS in Informatics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  6. #9

    Baruch College

    New York , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    50%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    24K

    Career Outlook for degree at Baruch College

    Cost of Degree: $7,464
    Expenses: $25,620
    Starting Salary: $63,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    22K

    Career Outlook for degree at Queens College, City University of New York

    Cost of Degree: $7,538
    Expenses: $22,814
    Starting Salary: $52,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Queens College, City University of New York known for?

    Queens College, City University of New York’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  8. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at Fashion Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $8,050
    Expenses: $32,250
    Starting Salary: $53,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Fashion Institute of Technology known for?

    Fashion Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  9. Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    51%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    19K

    Career Outlook for degree at John Jay College of Criminal Justice

    Cost of Degree: $7,470
    Starting Salary: $50,000

    John Jay College of Criminal Justice’s Online Degrees

    BS in Security Management
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  10. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1270/30

    Career Outlook for degree at State University of New York at Purchase

    Cost of Degree: $8,953
    Expenses: $19,588
    Starting Salary: $41,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is State University of New York at Purchase known for?

    State University of New York at Purchase’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  11. #14

    Lehman College

    Bronx , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    55%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    18K

    Career Outlook for degree at Lehman College

    Cost of Degree: $7,410
    Starting Salary: $47,500
  12. Tuition + fees

    $1K

    Acceptance

    27%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/24

    Career Outlook for degree at United States Merchant Marine Academy

    Cost of Degree: $1,008
    Starting Salary: $98,600
    What is United States Merchant Marine Academy known for?

    United States Merchant Marine Academy’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  13. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1250/27

    Career Outlook for degree at State University of New York at New Paltz

    Cost of Degree: $8,524
    Expenses: $19,264
    Starting Salary: $48,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is State University of New York at New Paltz known for?

    State University of New York at New Paltz’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  14. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1165/24

    Career Outlook for degree at State University of New York at Oswego

    Cost of Degree: $8,769
    Expenses: $18,740
    Starting Salary: $47,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    State University of New York at Oswego’s Online Degrees

    BA in Public Relations
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business and Marketing Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Wellness Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Agricultural Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Family and Consumer Sciences Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Careers Education 7-12
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Technical Education 7-12
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Trade Education 7-12
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  15. #18

    College of Staten Island

    Staten Island , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    14K

    Career Outlook for degree at College of Staten Island

    Cost of Degree: $7,490
    Expenses: $27,323
    Starting Salary: $47,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is College of Staten Island known for?

    College of Staten Island’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  16. #19

    Excelsior University

    Albany , NY
    Other Rankings

    Student body

    23K

    What is Excelsior University known for?

    Excelsior University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Excelsior University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business and Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Technology Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BPS in Business and Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • General Accounting
    • General
    • Logistics Management
    • Management of Human Resources
    • Marketing
    • Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Cybersecurity Technology
    • Network Operations
    • General
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    Degree Concentrations
    • Homeland Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Military Leadership
    Degree Concentrations
    • Intelligence and Security Analysis
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in National Security
    Degree Concentrations
    • Topics in National Security
    • General
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    Degree Concentrations
    • Cyber Operations
    • Electronics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Arts
    Degree Concentrations
    • General
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Liberal Arts
    Degree Concentrations
    • Logistics Operations Management
    • Population Health
    • Professional and Technical Writing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in History
    Degree Concentrations
    • General
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Sciences
    Degree Concentrations
    • Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Care Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • General
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Sciences
    Degree Concentrations
    • Health and Wellness
    • Management
    • Public Health
    • General
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    Degree Concentrations
    • General
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BPS in Technology Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Information Technology
    • Nuclear Technology
    • Renewable Energy Technology
    • General
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Natural Sciences
    Degree Concentrations
    • Biology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Electrical Engineering Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Nanotechnology
    • Power Systems
    • General
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  17. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry

    Cost of Degree: $9,242
    Expenses: $19,550
    Starting Salary: $49,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry known for?

    State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry’s Online Degrees

    BS in Sustainability Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  18. #21

    Houghton University

    Houghton , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Houghton University

    Cost of Degree: $16,446
    Expenses: $14,186
    Starting Salary: $42,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Houghton University’s Online Degrees

    BS/BBA in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS/BBA in Integrated Marketing Communication
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS/BBA in Leadership Development
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS/BBA in Organizational Management
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  19. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1170/26

    Career Outlook for degree at State University of New York at Oneonta

    Cost of Degree: $8,775
    Expenses: $18,770
    Starting Salary: $46,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is State University of New York at Oneonta known for?

    State University of New York at Oneonta’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  20. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Buffalo State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,486
    Expenses: $19,212
    Starting Salary: $42,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  21. #24

    Alfred State College

    Alfred , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1070/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Alfred State College

    Cost of Degree: $8,862
    Expenses: $17,166
    Starting Salary: $45,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Alfred State College known for?

    Alfred State College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Alfred State College’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Technology Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Services Management
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Management Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  22. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/28

    Career Outlook for degree at State University of New York at Geneseo

    Cost of Degree: $8,966
    Expenses: $17,666
    Starting Salary: $53,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is State University of New York at Geneseo known for?

    State University of New York at Geneseo’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

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New York’s Most Affordable Colleges in Your Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive
  1. United States Merchant Marine Academy
  2. New York City College of Technology
  3. City College of New York
  4. Medgar Evers College
  5. York College, City University of New York
  6. Hunter College
  7. Lehman College
  8. CUNY Graduate Center
  9. Brooklyn College
  10. Baruch College
  11. John Jay College of Criminal Justice
  12. College of Staten Island
  13. Queens College, City University of New York
  14. Empire State University
  15. Fashion Institute of Technology
  16. State University of New York at Old Westbury
  17. Buffalo State University
  18. SUNY Polytechnic Institute
  19. State University of New York at New Paltz
  20. State University of New York Maritime College
  21. Farmingdale State College
  22. State University of New York at Delhi
  23. State University of New York at Plattsburgh
  24. State University of New York at Canton
  25. SUNY Brockport
  26. State University of New York at Oneonta
  27. State University of New York at Oswego
  28. State University of New York at Potsdam
  29. State University of New York at Morrisville
  30. State University of New York at Fredonia
  31. State University of New York at Cortland
  32. Alfred State College
  33. State University of New York at Geneseo
  34. State University of New York at Cobleskill
  35. State University of New York at Purchase
  36. State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
  37. Stony Brook University
  38. University at Albany, SUNY
  39. Binghamton University
  40. University at Buffalo
  41. Boricua College
  42. Plaza College
  43. Monroe College
  44. Bryant & Stratton College
  45. Touro University
  46. Mercy College
  47. Metropolitan College of New York
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