Best Private Colleges in New York 2024

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Private colleges, unlike large public institutions, can be a great option for students wanting a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Here is our list of the best private colleges in New York.

10 Best Private 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. Yeshiva University
  7. Fordham University
  8. The New School
  9. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
  10. Barnard College
  1. Columbia University
  2. Cornell University
  3. New York University
  4. The New School
  5. University of Rochester
  6. Syracuse University
  7. Fordham University
  8. Vassar College
  9. Barnard College
  10. Yeshiva University
  1. Long Island University 93%
  2. Iona University 93%
  3. Niagara University 92%
  4. Pace University 88%
  5. St. John's University 85%
  6. New York Institute of Technology 80%
  7. Ithaca College 78%
  8. Adelphi University 77%
  9. Manhattan College 75%
  10. Clarkson University 75%
  1. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 17 to 1
  2. St. John's University 16 to 1
  3. Iona University 15 to 1
  4. Syracuse University 15 to 1
  5. Pace University 14 to 1
  6. Clarkson University 13 to 1
  7. Rochester Institute of Technology 13 to 1
  8. Fordham University 13 to 1
  9. Hofstra University 13 to 1
  10. Adelphi University 12 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. Skidmore College $60,302
  7. Hobart and William Smith Colleges $60,240
  8. Barnard College $59,687
  9. Sarah Lawrence College $59,470
  10. University of Rochester $59,378
  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. Adelphi University $43,040
  9. Syracuse University $41,616
  10. Cooper Union $38,038
  1. Skidmore College
  2. Hobart and William Smith Colleges
  3. Iona University
  4. Niagara University
  5. New York Institute of Technology
  6. Cooper Union
  7. Manhattan College
  8. Clarkson University
  9. Ithaca College
  10. Adelphi University
  1. Iona University
  2. Skidmore College
  3. Niagara University
  4. Ithaca College
  5. Manhattan College
  6. Clarkson University
  7. Hobart and William Smith Colleges
  8. St. John's University
  9. New York Institute of Technology
  10. Pace University
  1. Columbia University 4%
  2. Cornell University 9%
  3. Barnard College 11%
  4. New York University 13%
  5. Cooper Union 15%
  6. Colgate University 17%
  7. Vassar College 20%
  8. Skidmore College 31%
  9. University of Rochester 41%
  10. Union College, New York 47%
  1. Columbia University 6 to 1
  2. Yeshiva University 7 to 1
  3. New York University 8 to 1
  4. Cooper Union 8 to 1
  5. Vassar College 8 to 1
  6. Skidmore College 8 to 1
  7. The New School 9 to 1
  8. Cornell University 9 to 1
  9. Hobart and William Smith Colleges 9 to 1
  10. Ithaca College 9 to 1
  1. Niagara University $35,980
  2. Long Island University $39,290
  3. New York Institute of Technology $39,760
  4. Adelphi University $42,475
  5. Iona University $42,828
  6. St. John's University $46,050
  7. Ithaca College $46,760
  8. Cooper Union $46,820
  9. Manhattan College $47,220
  10. Yeshiva University $47,500
  1. Niagara University $13,950
  2. Hobart and William Smith Colleges $14,748
  3. Manhattan College $20,052
  4. Long Island University $22,047
  5. Ithaca College $22,056
  6. Iona University $22,752
  7. Fordham University $23,112
  8. New York Institute of Technology $25,200
  9. Hofstra University $27,180
  10. Cornell University $29,500

Key Takeaways

  • The independent sector, which comprises New York private colleges and universities, has made and continues to make significant impacts on its economic landscape.
  • The cost of education in the best private private school options in New York is an understandable source of concern for many students. Luckily there are a wide range of financial aid options available, from federal financial aid and state-funded aid to private scholarships.
  • Aside from direct jobs on their campuses, private colleges and universities in New York are among the strongest drivers of academic programs, particularly in research and development, start-up ventures, and other economic activities.

Exploring New York State’s Top-Rated Private Schools

Did you know that many of the best private colleges in New York State are among the highest-ranked in the United States, if not the world? These rankings are in the best national universities, liberal arts colleges, and engineering schools, too! Columbia University, New York University, Cornell University, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are a few of the familiar names.

Of course, the State of New York prides itself on a complementary system of colleges and universities that serve 1.2 million students every year. Of these higher education institutions, the independent sector enrolls nearly 50% of these students. Indeed, the best private colleges in New York State play a crucial role in its history and progress!

Making History in the Educational Landscape

The state’s first college—Columbia University—is the top-ranked of the best private colleges in New York. Established as King’s College in 1754, Columbia University in New York City has become one of the world’s most prestigious universities.

As an Ivy League research university, its scholars and scientists have made breakthrough contributions in STEM, humanities, and liberals arts. Among its alums are the country’s Founding Fathers, presidents and US Supreme Court Justices, foreign heads of state, Pulitzer Prize winners, and Nobel laureates.

In 1784, the early Constitution of New York created The University of the State of New York, consisting of private institutions organized into a comprehensive and integrated system. In 1862, Cornell University was selected by New York State as its land grant institution; in it, one student was chosen from each assembly district to receive a full-tuition scholarship.

In 1956, the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU) was created. The CICU represents and promotes the public policy interests of the Chief Executive Officers of the independent colleges and universities in the State of New York. The statewide association comprises at least 100 private, not-for-profit colleges and universities, which educate more than 500,000 students annually.

Impact on Society of the Independent Sector

The independent sector in New York is the largest in the country! This isn’t surprising considering that the Empire State is the leading destination for first-time college students leaving their home state to enroll in private, non-profit colleges.

The diverse, sprawling, and spectacular landscapes of New York, from the urban jungle of New York City to the majestic Adirondack Mountains, feature an equally diverse collection of these prestigious institutions.

With massive size comes a massive impact on society and the independent sector’s culture, economy, and politics in general! The independent sector leads the way in the production of degrees in the fields of STEM, with 52% of bachelor’s degrees and 76% of post-baccalaureate degrees earned in private institutions.

In 2019, the economic impact of the independent sector in New York was $97.6 billion, a 10% increase from 2017. In the same year, there were approximately 432,600 jobs in the independent sector. These jobs included direct on-campus jobs, campus construction jobs, and spillover jobs in allied industries.

Columbia University isn’t the only prolific private college in research and development or R&D in New York State either! Of all the states, New York ranks second with $7.1 billion in total public and private R&D expenditures in higher education.

The private colleges and universities account for $5.5 billion in R&D expenditures—or a whopping 77%. Such is the commitment to R&D that 419 of 505 new patents issued in 2019 to colleges and universities in New York were awarded to private colleges and universities! The independent sector was also the birthplace of 92% of the new start-ups—or 59 start-ups of 62 companies—created by colleges and universities in New York.

Financial Aid Options Available for Students in Private Institutions

But we understand the hesitation about attending the best private colleges in New York—nine colleges in New York are in the 50 most expensive schools in the United States! Fordham University, Cornell University, University of Rochester, Barnard College, New York University, and Columbia University are among these universities—and these are part of our list of the best private schools in New York, too.

But if you’re a savvy student, you will find several financial aid options in the State of New York! Aside from the federal aid program (FAFSA), the most popular financial aid programs include the:

  • Direct Institutional Aid Program
  • Higher Education Capital Matching Grants Program
  • Higher Education Opportunity Program
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program
  • Science, Technology, Engineering, Math
  • Part-Time Tuition Assistance Program

Look into the DREAM Act and We Teach NY Grant programs, which were enacted into the New York State Budget in 2019. Private scholarships are also excellent options for significant reductions in out-of-pocket costs. Look into institutional scholarships, such as the September 11 Scholarships at New York University and the Tata Scholarship at Cornell University.

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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

What is the difference between public and private colleges?

Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.

Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.

New York's Best Private Colleges and Universities Badge
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This list is composed entirely of private colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 80 private universities in New York. To be included in the list below of the best private universities in New York, schools must be fully accredited, private, non-profit institution, and must offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.

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Best Private Colleges in New York

  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. #7

    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. #8

    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
  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. #10

    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
  10. #11

    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
  11. #12

    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
  12. #14

    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
  13. #15

    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
  14. #16

    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
  15. #17

    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
  16. 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
  17. #19

    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
  18. #20

    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

  19. #21

    Adelphi University

    Garden City , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Adelphi University

    Cost of Degree: $43,800
    Expenses: $22,456
    Starting Salary: $63,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Adelphi University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Emergency Services Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Social Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  20. #22

    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
  21. #23

    Clarkson University

    Potsdam , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $54K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1250/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Clarkson University

    Cost of Degree: $56,258
    Expenses: $20,800
    Starting Salary: $74,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  22. #24

    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
  23. #25

    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
  24. 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
  25. #28

    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
  26. 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
  27. #30

    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
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New York’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area 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. Colgate University
  13. Hamilton College
  14. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
  15. Syracuse University
  16. Fordham University
  17. Union College, New York
  18. Hofstra University
  19. Skidmore College
  20. Wagner College
  21. Hobart and William Smith Colleges
  22. Manhattan College
  23. Clarkson University
  24. Marist College
  25. St. Lawrence University

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

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