Best Colleges in New York 2024

Badge for BEST IN NEW YORK COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. James Barham
Updated:

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

Sort by:
  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. St. John's University 85%
  3. Pace University 83%
  4. Hofstra University 69%
  5. Queens College, City University of New York 69%
  6. University at Buffalo 68%
  7. University at Albany, SUNY 68%
  8. City College of New York 67%
  9. Rochester Institute of Technology 67%
  10. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 65%
  1. Stony Brook University 19 to 1
  2. Baruch College 19 to 1
  3. Binghamton University 19 to 1
  4. Fashion Institute of Technology 17 to 1
  5. University at Albany, SUNY 17 to 1
  6. St. John's University 16 to 1
  7. Syracuse University 15 to 1
  8. Queens College, City University of New York 14 to 1
  9. Pace University 14 to 1
  10. City College of New York 14 to 1
  1. Columbia University $66,139
  2. Vassar College $64,800
  3. Colgate University $64,290
  4. Union College $63,954
  5. Cornell University $63,200
  6. Barnard College $62,525
  7. University of Rochester $61,678
  8. Bard College $60,622
  9. Syracuse University $60,135
  10. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute $60,074
  1. Colgate University $63,904
  2. Vassar College $63,840
  3. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute $58,600
  4. Rochester Institute of Technology $54,176
  5. Columbia University $52,016
  6. The New School $49,966
  7. Syracuse University $43,428
  8. University of Rochester $41,888
  9. Bard College $39,780
  10. New York University $37,332
  1. Long Island University
  2. Rochester Institute of Technology
  3. Fashion Institute of Technology
  4. Union College
  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 7%
  3. Barnard College 9%
  4. United States Military Academy 12%
  5. New York University 12%
  6. Colgate University 12%
  7. Vassar College 19%
  8. University of Rochester 39%
  9. Binghamton University 42%
  10. Bard College 46%
  1. Columbia University 6 to 1
  2. Yeshiva University 7 to 1
  3. Vassar College 7 to 1
  4. United States Military Academy 7 to 1
  5. New York University 8 to 1
  6. Cornell University 9 to 1
  7. University of Rochester 9 to 1
  8. Colgate University 9 to 1
  9. Bard College 9 to 1
  10. Union College 9 to 1
  1. Queens College, City University of New York $6,930
  2. City College of New York $6,930
  3. Baruch College $6,930
  4. Hunter College $6,930
  5. Brooklyn College $6,930
  6. Stony Brook University $7,070
  7. University at Buffalo $7,070
  8. Binghamton University $7,070
  9. University at Albany, SUNY $7,070
  10. Fashion Institute of Technology $7,170
  1. Queens College, City University of New York $11,090
  2. City College of New York $11,090
  3. Baruch College $11,090
  4. Hunter College $11,090
  5. Brooklyn College $11,090
  6. Stony Brook University $11,310
  7. University at Buffalo $11,310
  8. Binghamton 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

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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
    #2 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #2 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #2 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #3 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $66K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Columbia University

    Cost of Degree: $68,171
    Expenses: $20,542
    Starting Salary: $115,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Columbia University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    New York University

    New York , NY
    #8 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #8 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #10 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #10 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    65K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for degree at New York University

    Cost of Degree: $60,438
    Expenses: $27,314
    Starting Salary: $78,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is New York University known for?

    New York University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Cornell University

    Ithaca , NY
    #1 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #6 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #9 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #9 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Cornell University

    Cost of Degree: $66,014
    Expenses: $22,126
    Starting Salary: $101,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Cornell University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    University of Rochester

    Rochester , NY
    #22 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #24 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #25 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    39%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1465/32

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Rochester

    Cost of Degree: $64,348
    Expenses: $21,614
    Starting Salary: $74,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Rochester known for?

    University of Rochester’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Rochester’s Online Degrees

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

    Syracuse University

    Syracuse , NY
    #2 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #4 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools in New York 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1345/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Syracuse University

    Cost of Degree: $63,061
    Expenses: $22,086
    Starting Salary: $69,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Syracuse University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Stony Brook University

    Stony Brook , NY
    #1 Best Public Colleges in New York 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2025 #8 Best Grad Schools in New York 2025 #8 Best Research Universities in New York 2025

    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: $21,810
    Starting Salary: $62,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Stony Brook University known for?

    Stony Brook University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
    Compare school
  8. #7

    City College of New York

    New York , NY
    #11 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #11 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in New York 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    17K

    Career Outlook for degree at City College of New York

    Cost of Degree: $7,340
    Expenses: $23,438
    Starting Salary: $50,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is City College of New York known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Yeshiva University

    New York , NY
    #8 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #20 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges in New York 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1375/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Yeshiva University

    Cost of Degree: $49,900
    Expenses: $21,650
    Starting Salary: $78,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Yeshiva University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Fordham University

    Bronx , NY
    #2 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #5 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #8 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in New York 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    54%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1400/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Fordham University

    Cost of Degree: $61,567
    Expenses: $27,583
    Starting Salary: $67,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Fordham University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  11. #10

    University at Buffalo

    Buffalo , NY
    #3 Best Public Colleges in New York 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2025 #4 Best Online Master’s in Counseling 2025 #5 10 Best Online Master's of Music Education Degree Programs 2025

    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: $23,006
    Starting Salary: $62,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University at Buffalo known for?

    University at Buffalo’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University at Buffalo’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  13. #11

    The New School

    New York , NY
    #7 Best Grad Schools in New York 2025 #7 Best Research Universities in New York 2025 #8 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024 #3 Best Online Colleges in New York 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $54K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    12K

    Career Outlook for degree at The New School

    Cost of Degree: $56,311
    Expenses: $34,014
    Starting Salary: $55,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is The New School known for?

    The New School’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
    Compare school
  14. #12

    Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

    Troy , NY
    #9 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024 #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Connecticut

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

    Cost of Degree: $61,884
    Expenses: $20,520
    Starting Salary: $86,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute known for?

    Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  17. #15

    Barnard College

    New York , NY
    #10 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #10 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 Best Small Colleges in New York 2025 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1495/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Barnard College

    Cost of Degree: $66,246
    Expenses: $23,562
    Starting Salary: $69,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Barnard College known for?

    Barnard College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  19. #16

    Binghamton University

    Vestal , NY
    #6 Best Public Colleges in New York 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2025

    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: $20,294
    Starting Salary: $68,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Binghamton University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  20. #17

    Hunter College

    New York , NY
    #11 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2025 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2025 #7 Best Public Colleges in New York 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    29K

    Career Outlook for degree at Hunter College

    Cost of Degree: $7,382
    Expenses: $16,658
    Starting Salary: $51,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Hunter College known for?

    Hunter College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  21. #18

    Vassar College

    Poughkeepsie , NY
    #11 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #13 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 Best Small Colleges in New York 2025 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1482/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Vassar College

    Cost of Degree: $67,805
    Expenses: $19,665
    Starting Salary: $61,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Vassar College known for?

    Vassar College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  22. #19

    University at Albany, SUNY

    Albany , NY
    #8 Best Public Colleges in New York 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2025 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in New York #5 Best Online Colleges in New York 2025

    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: $19,382
    Starting Salary: $57,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University at Albany, SUNY known for?

    University at Albany, SUNY’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University at Albany, SUNY’s Online Degrees

    BS in Informatics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  23. #20

    Baruch College

    New York , NY
    #21 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2025 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2025 #9 Best Public Colleges in New York 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    50%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    24K

    Career Outlook for degree at Baruch College

    Cost of Degree: $7,464
    Expenses: $24,018
    Starting Salary: $63,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Baruch College known for?

    Baruch College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  25. #21

    Hofstra University

    Hempstead , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $53K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1280/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Hofstra University

    Cost of Degree: $55,450
    Expenses: $20,770
    Starting Salary: $59,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Hofstra University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  26. #22

    St. John's University

    Queens , NY
    #8 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #23 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in New York 2024 #10 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1210/26

    Career Outlook for degree at St. John's University

    Cost of Degree: $49,911
    Expenses: $23,677
    Starting Salary: $62,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is St. John's University known for?

    St. John's University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  27. #23

    Pace University

    New York , NY
    #1 Best Online Associate in General Studies #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in New York 2025 #5 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s of Computer Science 2025 #7 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Information Technology 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    15K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1210/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Pace University

    Cost of Degree: $51,424
    Expenses: $24,642
    Starting Salary: $66,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Pace University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
    Compare school
  28. #24

    Queens College, City University of New York

    Queens , NY
    #24 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2025 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2025 #10 Best Public Colleges in New York 2024

    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: $21,798
    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

    Compare school
  29. #25

    Colgate University

    Hamilton , NY
    #7 Best Small Colleges in New York 2025 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1470/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Colgate University

    Cost of Degree: $67,024
    Expenses: $20,046
    Starting Salary: $81,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Colgate University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  31. #26

    Bard College

    Annandale-On-Hudson , NY
    #13 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #14 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #4 Best Small Colleges in New York 2025 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    46%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bard College

    Cost of Degree: $63,612
    Expenses: $21,240
    Starting Salary: $43,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 23 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bard College known for?

    Bard College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  32. #27

    Union College, New York

    Schenectady , NY
    #6 Best Small Colleges in New York 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    47%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1400/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Union College, New York

    Cost of Degree: $66,456
    Expenses: $18,414
    Starting Salary: $80,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Union College, New York known for?

    Union College, New York’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  33. #28

    Fashion Institute of Technology

    New York , NY

    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: $29,773
    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

    Compare school
  34. #29

    Rochester Institute of Technology

    Rochester , NY
    #1 Best Online Master’s in Executive MBA #1 Best Online Associate's in General Science 2025 #2 Best Online MBA Programs in New York 2025 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in New York 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1360/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Rochester Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $56,664
    Expenses: $18,316
    Starting Salary: $67,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Rochester Institute of Technology known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
    Compare school
  35. #30

    Long Island University

    Brookville , NY
    #12 Best Online Master's Programs in New York 2025 #18 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1215/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Long Island University

    Cost of Degree: $41,642
    Expenses: $21,854
    Starting Salary: $58,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Long Island University known for?

    Long Island University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
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New York’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

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2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 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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