Best Colleges in New York 2024

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Here are the best colleges and universities in New York. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you.

10 Best Colleges in New York

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  1. Columbia University
  2. New York University
  3. Cornell University
  4. University of Rochester
  5. Syracuse University
  6. Stony Brook University
  7. City College of New York
  8. Yeshiva University
  9. Fordham University
  10. University at Buffalo
  1. Columbia University
  2. Cornell University
  3. New York University
  4. City College of New York
  5. The New School
  6. University of Rochester
  7. Syracuse University
  8. United States Military Academy
  9. Brooklyn College
  10. Fordham University
  1. Long Island University 93%
  2. Pace University 88%
  3. St. John's University 85%
  4. Rochester Institute of Technology 71%
  5. University at Buffalo 70%
  6. University at Albany, SUNY 68%
  7. Hofstra University 68%
  8. The New School 66%
  9. City College of New York 64%
  10. Yeshiva University 63%
  1. Baruch College 20 to 1
  2. Binghamton University 19 to 1
  3. Stony Brook University 19 to 1
  4. University at Albany, SUNY 19 to 1
  5. Brooklyn College 17 to 1
  6. Fashion Institute of Technology 17 to 1
  7. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 17 to 1
  8. Queens College, City University of New York 17 to 1
  9. St. John's University 16 to 1
  10. Hunter College 15 to 1
  1. Columbia University $63,530
  2. Vassar College $62,870
  3. Colgate University $61,966
  4. Union College, New York $61,659
  5. Cornell University $61,015
  6. Barnard College $59,687
  7. University of Rochester $59,378
  8. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute $58,526
  9. Bard College $57,968
  10. Syracuse University $57,591
  1. Vassar College $61,940
  2. Colgate University $61,594
  3. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute $57,100
  4. Rochester Institute of Technology $52,092
  5. Columbia University $50,496
  6. The New School $47,920
  7. University of Rochester $46,779
  8. Syracuse University $41,616
  9. Bard College $37,549
  10. New York University $35,982
  1. Long Island University
  2. Rochester Institute of Technology
  3. Fashion Institute of Technology
  4. Union College, New York
  5. Bard College
  6. Colgate University
  7. Queens College, City University of New York
  8. Pace University
  9. St. John's University
  10. Hofstra University
  1. Fashion Institute of Technology
  2. St. John's University
  3. Pace University
  4. Long Island University
  5. Rochester Institute of Technology
  6. Hofstra University
  7. University at Albany, SUNY
  8. Queens College, City University of New York
  9. Colgate University
  10. Baruch College
  1. Columbia University 4%
  2. Cornell University 9%
  3. Barnard College 11%
  4. United States Military Academy 11%
  5. New York University 13%
  6. Colgate University 17%
  7. Vassar College 20%
  8. University of Rochester 41%
  9. Binghamton University 44%
  10. Hunter College 46%
  1. Columbia University 6 to 1
  2. Yeshiva University 7 to 1
  3. United States Military Academy 7 to 1
  4. New York University 8 to 1
  5. Vassar College 8 to 1
  6. The New School 9 to 1
  7. Cornell University 9 to 1
  8. Colgate University 9 to 1
  9. Union College, New York 9 to 1
  10. Bard College 9 to 1
  1. Hunter College $6,930
  2. Baruch College $6,930
  3. City College of New York $6,930
  4. Brooklyn College $6,930
  5. Queens College, City University of New York $6,930
  6. University at Buffalo $7,070
  7. Binghamton University $7,070
  8. Stony Brook University $7,070
  9. University at Albany, SUNY $7,070
  10. Fashion Institute of Technology $7,170
  1. Hunter College $11,090
  2. Baruch College $11,090
  3. City College of New York $11,090
  4. Brooklyn College $11,090
  5. Queens College, City University of New York $11,090
  6. University at Buffalo $11,310
  7. Binghamton University $11,310
  8. Stony Brook University $11,310
  9. University at Albany, SUNY $11,310
  10. Fashion Institute of Technology $11,542

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

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

New York' Best Colleges and Universities Badge
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We’ve identified 121 colleges and universities in New York that meet our criteria. This list of the top 30 colleges in New York below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in New York.

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Best Colleges in New York 2023

  1. #1

    Columbia University

    New York , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1515/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Columbia University

    Cost of Degree: $65,508
    Expenses: $19,958
    Starting Salary: $115,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #2

    New York University

    New York , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    60K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1455/32

    Career Outlook for degree at New York University

    Cost of Degree: $58,168
    Expenses: $23,927
    Starting Salary: $78,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #3

    Cornell University

    Ithaca , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1470/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Cornell University

    Cost of Degree: $63,200
    Expenses: $19,996
    Starting Salary: $101,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. #4

    University of Rochester

    Rochester , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    41%

    Graduation

    86%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1420/32

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Rochester

    Cost of Degree: $61,678
    Expenses: $20,922
    Starting Salary: $74,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Rochester’s Online Degrees

    BSN in RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  5. #5

    Syracuse University

    Syracuse , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    59%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    37K

    Career Outlook for degree at Syracuse University

    Cost of Degree: $60,135
    Expenses: $20,812
    Starting Salary: $69,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Syracuse University’s Online Degrees

    BPS in Creative Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BPS in Knowledge Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BPS in Cybersecurity Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  6. #6

    Stony Brook University

    Stony Brook , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1335/29

    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
  7. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/27

    Career Outlook for degree at City College of New York

    Cost of Degree: $7,340
    Expenses: $24,344
    Starting Salary: $50,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #9

    Fordham University

    Bronx , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1320/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Fordham University

    Cost of Degree: $58,082
    Expenses: $25,199
    Starting Salary: $67,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. #10

    University at Buffalo

    Buffalo , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    36K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/26

    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
  10. #11

    The New School

    New York , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1250/28

    Career Outlook for degree at The New School

    Cost of Degree: $54,371
    Expenses: $30,750
    Starting Salary: $55,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The New School’s Online Degrees

    BA in Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  11. Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1400/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

    Cost of Degree: $60,074
    Expenses: $19,860
    Starting Salary: $86,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  12. Other Rankings

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1325/30

  13. #15

    Barnard College

    New York , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1434/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Barnard College

    Cost of Degree: $62,525
    Expenses: $21,884
    Starting Salary: $69,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  14. #16

    Binghamton University

    Vestal , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    44%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1370/30

    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
  15. #18

    Vassar College

    Poughkeepsie , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    20%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Vassar College

    Cost of Degree: $64,800
    Expenses: $18,810
    Starting Salary: $61,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  16. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1170/25

    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
  17. #20

    Baruch College

    New York , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    51%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1265/28

    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
  18. #21

    Hofstra University

    Hempstead , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for degree at Hofstra University

    Cost of Degree: $53,330
    Expenses: $20,218
    Starting Salary: $59,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  19. #23

    Pace University

    New York , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1150/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Pace University

    Cost of Degree: $50,026
    Expenses: $23,226
    Starting Salary: $66,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Pace University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Technology Leadership
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Professional Communication Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 44
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Business Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Forensics
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  20. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    61%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/24

    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

  21. #25

    Colgate University

    Hamilton , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1385/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Colgate University

    Cost of Degree: $64,290
    Expenses: $19,360
    Starting Salary: $81,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  22. #26

    Bard College

    Annandale-On-Hudson , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    60%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bard College

    Cost of Degree: $60,622
    Expenses: $20,080
    Starting Salary: $43,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 23 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  23. #27

    Union College, New York

    Schenectady , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    47%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1305/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Union College, New York

    Cost of Degree: $63,954
    Expenses: $17,766
    Starting Salary: $80,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  24. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    82%

    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

  25. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $53K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1320/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Rochester Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $53,538
    Expenses: $17,778
    Starting Salary: $67,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Rochester Institute of Technology’s Online Degrees

    BA in Applied Arts and Sciences
    • Required Credits: 24
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Applied Arts and Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  26. #30

    Long Island University

    Brookville , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Long Island University

    Cost of Degree: $40,868
    Expenses: $21,376
    Starting Salary: $58,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
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New York’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. Columbia University
  2. Cornell University
  3. Sarah Lawrence College
  4. Barnard College
  5. Vassar College
  6. Cooper Union
  7. Yeshiva University
  8. New York University
  9. Bard College
  10. The New School
  11. University of Rochester
  12. United States Military Academy
  13. Colgate University
  14. Hamilton College
  15. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
  16. Syracuse University
  17. Fordham University
  18. Stony Brook University
  19. Union College, New York
  20. State University of New York at Purchase
  21. University at Buffalo
  22. Hofstra University
  23. Binghamton University
  24. Queens College, City University of New York
  25. Skidmore College
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