Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2024

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Liberal arts colleges are a great option for students seeking a well-rounded education in an intimate campus setting. The best liberal arts colleges in New York offer a diverse selection of degree programs with opportunities for a highly individualized educational experience.

10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York

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  1. Brooklyn College
  2. United States Military Academy
  3. Barnard College
  4. Hunter College
  5. Vassar College
  6. Baruch College
  7. Queens College, City University of New York
  8. Colgate University
  9. Bard College
  10. Union College, New York
  1. United States Military Academy
  2. Brooklyn College
  3. Vassar College
  4. Barnard College
  5. Hunter College
  6. Bard College
  7. Union College, New York
  8. Sarah Lawrence College
  9. Baruch College
  10. Cooper Union
  1. Iona University 93%
  2. Niagara University 92%
  3. Manhattanville College 83%
  4. Wagner College 82%
  5. Canisius University 81%
  6. New York Institute of Technology 80%
  7. Ithaca College 78%
  8. Manhattan College 75%
  9. State University of New York at Purchase 75%
  10. Le Moyne College 73%
  1. Baruch College 20 to 1
  2. John Jay College of Criminal Justice 19 to 1
  3. Brooklyn College 17 to 1
  4. Fashion Institute of Technology 17 to 1
  5. Lehman College 17 to 1
  6. Queens College, City University of New York 17 to 1
  7. Hunter College 15 to 1
  8. Iona University 15 to 1
  9. Wagner College 15 to 1
  10. United States Merchant Marine Academy 13 to 1
  1. Vassar College $62,870
  2. Colgate University $61,966
  3. Union College, New York $61,659
  4. Skidmore College $60,302
  5. Hobart and William Smith Colleges $60,240
  6. St. Lawrence University $60,220
  7. Hamilton College $59,970
  8. Barnard College $59,687
  9. Sarah Lawrence College $59,470
  10. Bard College $57,968
  1. Vassar College $61,940
  2. Colgate University $61,594
  3. Cooper Union $38,038
  4. Bard College $37,549
  5. Sarah Lawrence College $32,284
  6. New York Institute of Technology $25,200
  7. Iona University $22,752
  8. Wagner College $22,590
  9. St. Lawrence University $22,380
  10. Ithaca College $22,056
  1. United States Merchant Marine Academy
  2. Le Moyne College
  3. Wagner College
  4. Manhattanville College
  5. Canisius University
  6. Lehman College
  7. Hamilton College
  8. St. Lawrence University
  9. State University of New York at Purchase
  10. Skidmore College
  1. Canisius University
  2. Iona University
  3. Le Moyne College
  4. Manhattanville College
  5. Skidmore College
  6. St. Lawrence University
  7. State University of New York at Purchase
  8. Niagara University
  9. Fashion Institute of Technology
  10. United States Merchant Marine Academy
  1. Barnard College 11%
  2. United States Military Academy 11%
  3. Hamilton College 14%
  4. Cooper Union 15%
  5. Colgate University 17%
  6. Vassar College 20%
  7. United States Merchant Marine Academy 25%
  8. Skidmore College 31%
  9. John Jay College of Criminal Justice 45%
  10. Hunter College 46%
  1. United States Military Academy 7 to 1
  2. Cooper Union 8 to 1
  3. Vassar College 8 to 1
  4. Skidmore College 8 to 1
  5. Hamilton College 9 to 1
  6. Hobart and William Smith Colleges 9 to 1
  7. Ithaca College 9 to 1
  8. Colgate University 9 to 1
  9. Union College, New York 9 to 1
  10. Bard College 9 to 1
  1. United States Merchant Marine Academy $780
  2. Hunter College $6,930
  3. Baruch College $6,930
  4. Brooklyn College $6,930
  5. Lehman College $6,930
  6. Queens College, City University of New York $6,930
  7. John Jay College of Criminal Justice $6,930
  8. State University of New York at Purchase $7,070
  9. Fashion Institute of Technology $7,170
  10. Canisius University $30,910
  1. Hunter College $11,090
  2. Baruch College $11,090
  3. Brooklyn College $11,090
  4. Lehman College $11,090
  5. Queens College, City University of New York $11,090
  6. John Jay College of Criminal Justice $11,090
  7. State University of New York at Purchase $11,310
  8. Fashion Institute of Technology $11,542
  9. Niagara University $13,950
  10. Hobart and William Smith Colleges $14,748

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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A liberal arts college is a school that puts a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. We’ve identified 92 liberal arts colleges in New York. To be ranked among the 30 best liberal arts colleges in New York, schools must fully accredited institutions.

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Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2023

  1. #1

    Brooklyn College

    Brooklyn , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    51%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1100/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Brooklyn College

    Cost of Degree: $7,440
    Starting Salary: $48,800
  2. Other Rankings

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1325/30

  3. #3

    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
  4. #4

    Hunter College

    New York , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    46%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    29K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1255/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Hunter College

    Cost of Degree: $7,382
    Expenses: $18,076
    Starting Salary: $51,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. #5

    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
  6. #6

    Baruch College

    New York , NY

    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
  7. 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

  8. #8

    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
  9. #9

    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
  10. #10

    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
  11. 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

  12. #12

    Sarah Lawrence College

    Bronxville , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1315/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Sarah Lawrence College

    Cost of Degree: $61,234
    Expenses: $18,180
    Starting Salary: $48,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Sarah Lawrence College known for?

    Sarah Lawrence College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  13. #13

    Ithaca College

    Ithaca , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $47K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Ithaca College

    Cost of Degree: $48,276
    Expenses: $17,959
    Starting Salary: $57,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  14. Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    45%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    19K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1090/23

    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
  15. #15

    Manhattan College

    Riverdale , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $47K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Manhattan College

    Cost of Degree: $48,658
    Expenses: $21,740
    Starting Salary: $70,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  16. #16

    Cooper Union

    New York , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $47K

    Acceptance

    15%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1415/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Cooper Union

    Cost of Degree: $46,820
    Expenses: $22,302
    Starting Salary: $68,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  17. Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/26

    Career Outlook for degree at New York Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $42,000
    Expenses: $21,384
    Starting Salary: $68,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  18. #19

    Iona University

    New Rochelle , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Iona University

    Cost of Degree: $44,328
    Expenses: $21,090
    Starting Salary: $60,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  19. Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1260/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Hobart and William Smith Colleges

    Cost of Degree: $61,725
    Expenses: $18,910
    Starting Salary: $62,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  20. #21

    Skidmore College

    Saratoga Springs , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    31%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1311/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Skidmore College

    Cost of Degree: $62,248
    Expenses: $19,492
    Starting Salary: $57,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  21. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1190/27

    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

  22. Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1270/30

    Career Outlook for degree at St. Lawrence University

    Cost of Degree: $62,020
    Expenses: $17,645
    Starting Salary: $60,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  23. #24

    Hamilton College

    Clinton , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1445/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Hamilton College

    Cost of Degree: $62,670
    Expenses: $17,710
    Starting Salary: $74,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  24. #25

    Lehman College

    Bronx , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    19K

    Career Outlook for degree at Lehman College

    Cost of Degree: $7,410
    Starting Salary: $47,500
  25. #26

    Canisius University

    Buffalo , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Canisius University

    Cost of Degree: $31,800
    Expenses: $14,658
    Starting Salary: $51,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  26. #27

    Manhattanville College

    Purchase , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Manhattanville College

    Cost of Degree: $41,210
    Expenses: $17,468
    Starting Salary: $50,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  27. #28

    Wagner College

    Staten Island , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Wagner College

    Cost of Degree: $51,260
    Expenses: $18,854
    Starting Salary: $64,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  28. #29

    Le Moyne College

    Syracuse , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Le Moyne College

    Cost of Degree: $37,450
    Expenses: $17,740
    Starting Salary: $55,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Le Moyne College known for?

    Le Moyne College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  29. Tuition + fees

    $1K

    Acceptance

    25%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1290/27

    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

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New York’s Best Liberal Arts 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. Sarah Lawrence College
  2. Barnard College
  3. Vassar College
  4. Cooper Union
  5. Bard College
  6. United States Military Academy
  7. Colgate University
  8. Hamilton College
  9. Brooklyn College
  10. Union College, New York
  11. State University of New York at Purchase
  12. Hunter College
  13. United States Merchant Marine Academy
  14. Queens College, City University of New York
  15. Skidmore College
  16. Wagner College
  17. Hobart and William Smith Colleges
  18. Manhattan College
  19. Marist College
  20. St. Lawrence University
  21. Wells College
  22. Alfred University
  23. St. Bonaventure University
  24. Houghton University
  25. St. Francis College

Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.

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