Best Grad Schools in New York 2024

Badge for BEST IN NEW YORK GRADUATE SCHOOLS

Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in New York offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

10 Best Grad Schools 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. Rockefeller University
  9. Fordham University
  10. Stony Brook 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. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 17 to 1
  6. St. John's University 16 to 1
  7. Hunter College 15 to 1
  8. City College of New York 15 to 1
  9. Syracuse University 15 to 1
  10. University at Buffalo 14 to 1
  1. Columbia University $63,530
  2. Cornell University $61,015
  3. University of Rochester $59,378
  4. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute $58,526
  5. Bard College $57,968
  6. Syracuse University $57,591
  7. New York University $56,500
  8. Fordham University $56,161
  9. Rochester Institute of Technology $52,756
  10. The New School $52,494
  1. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute $57,100
  2. Rochester Institute of Technology $52,092
  3. Columbia University $50,496
  4. The New School $47,920
  5. University of Rochester $46,779
  6. Syracuse University $41,616
  7. Bard College $37,549
  8. New York University $35,982
  9. Yeshiva University $34,800
  10. Teachers College, Columbia University $34,078
  1. Long Island University
  2. Rochester Institute of Technology
  3. Bard College
  4. CUNY Graduate Center
  5. Teachers College, Columbia University
  6. Pace University
  7. St. John's University
  8. Hofstra University
  9. Baruch College
  10. University at Albany, SUNY
  1. St. John's University
  2. Pace University
  3. Long Island University
  4. Rochester Institute of Technology
  5. CUNY Graduate Center
  6. Hofstra University
  7. University at Albany, SUNY
  8. Baruch College
  9. Binghamton University
  10. Teachers College, Columbia University
  1. Columbia University 4%
  2. Cornell University 9%
  3. New York University 13%
  4. University of Rochester 41%
  5. Binghamton University 44%
  6. Hunter College 46%
  7. Stony Brook University 48%
  8. Baruch College 51%
  9. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 53%
  10. Fordham University 58%
  1. Columbia University 6 to 1
  2. Yeshiva University 7 to 1
  3. New York University 8 to 1
  4. The New School 9 to 1
  5. Cornell University 9 to 1
  6. Bard College 9 to 1
  7. CUNY Graduate Center 10 to 1
  8. Long Island University 10 to 1
  9. University of Rochester 10 to 1
  10. Rochester Institute of Technology 13 to 1
  1. Hunter College $6,930
  2. Baruch College $6,930
  3. CUNY Graduate Center $6,930
  4. City College of New York $6,930
  5. University at Buffalo $7,070
  6. Binghamton University $7,070
  7. Stony Brook University $7,070
  8. University at Albany, SUNY $7,070
  9. Long Island University $39,290
  10. St. John's University $46,050
  1. CUNY Graduate Center $9,930
  2. Hunter College $11,090
  3. Baruch College $11,090
  4. City College of New York $11,090
  5. University at Buffalo $11,310
  6. Binghamton University $11,310
  7. Stony Brook University $11,310
  8. University at Albany, SUNY $11,310
  9. Long Island University $22,047
  10. Fordham University $23,112

Key Takeaways

  • Graduate students can expect vast options for their graduate studies in New York City. The city is home to the CUNY schools, the SUNY system, and several private and ivy league institutions.
  • New York University is one of the most prominent university in the United States, with an undergraduate and graduate enrollment of over 49,000 students at its domestic and international campuses.
  • New York is one of the priciest states to obtain advanced education, but don’t worry! Financial aid options are always available. The most costly grad schools in New York are Columbia University and Cornell University.

Graduate Schools: New York’s Best

Obtaining a degree in New York is not for the weak and undetermined. New York is known for being one of the country’s most expensive places to live, meaning that students planning to obtain higher education here should expect to pay higher tuition and fees. Additionally, graduate programs in the best grad schools offer rigorous coursework.

However, despite its high cost of living, New York City is still one of the best places to live.

Cost of Living in New York

Living on or off campus will affect your rent costs. The state has numerous possibilities for residents. Off-campus housing will run you an average of $4,000 per month.

Additionally, New York has far higher food prices than most other cities. The national average monthly grocery bills for a single person are $165 and $345. In New York City, the expected monthly grocery bill is $468.

Fortunately, it’s easy to get around in New York City with a car, so getting to your college campus shouldn’t be a problem. In fact, having a car and driving in the city is generally not a good idea if you live in the city, especially if you are a student who doesn’t have a stable income. Remember that New York City has restricted parking, making it common for car owners to rent spaces that cost an average of $199 to more than $500 a month.

Reasons To Study in New York

New York is a major force in business, politics, art, and entertainment. New York’s GDP was $1,853,926,000,000 in 2021, making it the 3rd largest state economy.

The state’s GDP contribution is one of the reasons why colleges and universities charge higher tuition and fees for their top programs.

Top-Notch Academics

When it comes to academics, New York offers dozens of top-ranked universities. Some of the state’s prized higher education institutions include Columbia University, Cornell University, New York University, University of Rochester, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

There is also a roster of top-rated New York law schools or colleges offering legal or law education. The faculty and students at these institutions are frequently the brightest, which gives you a significant advantage in the job market.

Diversity

New York is an extremely diverse state, and New York City is especially so. This American city is full of diverse ethnic backgrounds. Numerous diverse neighborhoods, shops, cuisine, and religions have helped the state became home to thousands of international students.

Better Networking Opportunities

It’s more crucial than ever to expand your network. Graduate students should challenge themselves to step beyond their comfort zone to have better opportunities safely. Fortunately, New York offers a wealth of activities that give students a better chance to build networks that will advance their careers.

Dreamland for Booklovers

More volumes than you could possibly read in a lifetime are housed at the over 100 public libraries in New York. Thanks to their serene atmosphere, you’ll think you’ve traveled back in time. Students can find the necessary respite from the outer world among the millions of books, maps, and magazines available.

Getting Around is Easy

Students often worry about how they will get around after arriving in a new place. Luckily, New York is a bustling city that provides a quick, affordable, 24/7 subway system. Buses are also accessible from any place in the city if the subway is ever too congested.

There’s Always Something for You

New York City is not called “The Big Apple” for nothing. Because it’s a major city with a very diverse population, you’ll always find something that suits your interests.

Back to Top

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 Best Grad Schools Badge
Download Badge

There are 42 doctorate-granting graduate schools in New York. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the New York is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

Back to Top

Best Grad Schools 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. #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
  5. 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
  6. #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
  7. #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
  8. 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
  9. #13

    Rockefeller University

    New York , NY

    Student body

    <1K

    What is Rockefeller University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  10. #14

    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
  11. #17

    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
  12. #18

    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
  13. Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Teachers College, Columbia University

    Starting Salary: $71,400
    What is Teachers College, Columbia University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  14. #22

    CUNY Graduate Center

    New York , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for degree at CUNY Graduate Center

    Cost of Degree: $7,410
    Expenses: $28,160
    Starting Salary: $61,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  15. #23

    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
  16. #25

    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
Back to Top

New York’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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. New York University
  3. Cornell University
  4. Syracuse University
  5. The New School
  6. University of Rochester
  7. Stony Brook University
  8. University at Buffalo
  9. Fordham University
  10. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
  11. Yeshiva University
  12. Binghamton University
  13. Bard College
  14. CUNY Graduate Center
  15. Hofstra University
  16. University at Albany, SUNY
  17. Teachers College, Columbia University
  18. Rochester Institute of Technology
  19. Baruch College
  20. Adelphi University
  21. Clarkson University
  22. Alfred University
  23. Niagara University
  24. St. John Fisher University
Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here