Best Public Colleges in New York 2023

Best Public Colleges in New York 2023

Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in New York provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.

10 Best Public Colleges in New York

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Key Takeaways

  • New York has some of the country’s top-rated colleges, including two of the eight Ivy League Schools—Cornell University and Columbia University.
  • New York University, one of the state’s most popular, is also one renowned globally.
  • Public colleges in New York offer students an affordable, accessible, rigorous, and quality education.

Discovering New York’s Public Colleges

The state of New York is very large and diverse, which is why it is one of the most exciting places to study and live. Each year, thousands of students from neighboring states and across the world move to New York to enjoy the state’s quality of life and, of course, enjoy the advantages of obtaining a first-rate college education.

New York is home to different schools—from the top-rated private schools like New York University, Columbia University, Fordham, Syracuse, Cornell, and Barnard College, down to the best public colleges like Binghamton University, Stony Brook University, the University of Buffalo, the United States Military Academy, to name few.

With the hundreds of colleges and universities in New York, it’s safe to say that this state is indeed one of the best places to study.

Why New York is a Good Place to Study

Broadway, Wall Street, the Central Park—these are just some of the biggest names in New York that make the state famous worldwide. But there is so much more to New York than just the Big Apple.

Tourists are drawn to the beautiful beaches of Long Island and the forests and lakes of upstate New York. In 2019, the state recorded a staggering 265.5 million tourists, making it one of the most favorite destinations worldwide.

Like tourists, college students also flock to New York, not for pleasure but for the top-rated institutions in the state. So why is New York a good place to study?

Cultural Diversity

In a 2020 US Census, New York ranked eighth among all states with the greatest ethnic and racial diversity, and much of this is found in this most populated city.

New York City is home to people from 180 countries and over 800 languages. When you wander through the boroughs, meeting people from different places and learning about their beliefs, culture, and customs is common.

Employment and Internship Opportunities: More than 50 Fortune 500 companies are based in New York. These companies represent roughly 2/3 of the US economy.

Because of Wall Street, New York is dubbed as the world’s financial capital, not to mention the home of some of the biggest names in fashion, publishing, retail, advertising, and high-tech industries.

This global business and commerce hub offers students many opportunities, including internships and employment after graduation.

Networking Opportunities

Building your networking skills in college can significantly increase career opportunities and develop relationships in the professional and academic world. When you meet the right network of people, the results can bring about life-changing opportunities.

What’s great about studying in New York is that networking opportunities always abound. Networking events happen in every industry, including public administration, human services, and finance.

Networking with fellow students and other professionals can lead to meaningful opportunities and connections nationally and globally.

Entertainment

Entertainment opportunities abound in New York City. You can enjoy concerts or Broadway shows in amazing venues like the Central Park SummerStage, Carnegie Hall, or Madison Square Garden.

You can join art or jazz festivals, contribute to WorldPride events in Long Island, and participate in concerts in the Catskill Mountains. The amount of entertainment in New York is incomparable—perfect to while away your time while a student in this incomparable state.

Sports

New York is also home to globally recognized sports teams. Students have the chance to see the Yankees and the Mets, two of the most prominent names in major league baseball. The Nets in Brooklyn or the Knicks in Manhattan might be around the corner for basketball fans. Students receive discounted tickets for different sporting events with all these amazing options.

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.

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This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 41 public universities in New York. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in New York, shcools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degress.

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Best Public Colleges in New York 2022

  1. #1

    Stony Brook University

    Stony Brook , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1335/29

    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
  2. #3

    University at Buffalo

    Buffalo , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    28K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/26

    University at Buffalo’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  3. Other Rankings

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1325/30

  4. Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1170/25

    University at Albany, SUNY’s Online Degrees

    BS in Informatics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  5. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    8K

    What is Fashion Institute of Technology known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  6. Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    45%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1090/23

    John Jay College of Criminal Justice’s Online Degrees

    BS in Security Management
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  7. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1190/27

    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

  8. Tuition + fees

    $1K

    Acceptance

    25%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1290/27

    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

  9. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    46%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1165/26

  10. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1105/23

    State University of New York at Oswego’s Online Degrees

    BA in Public Relations
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business and Marketing Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Wellness Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Agricultural Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Family and Consumer Sciences Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Careers Education 7-12
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Technical Education 7-12
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Trade Education 7-12
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  11. #18

    College of Staten Island

    Staten Island , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    11K

  12. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1215/27

    What is State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry known for?

    State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry’s Online Degrees

    BS in Sustainability Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  13. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1015/22

    What is State University of New York at Oneonta known for?

    State University of New York at Oneonta’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  14. #21

    Buffalo State College

    Buffalo , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    7K

  15. #22

    Alfred State College

    Alfred , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    3K

    What is Alfred State College known for?

    Alfred State College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Alfred State College’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Technology Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Services Management
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Management Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  16. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/26

  17. #24

    Farmingdale State College

    Farmingdale , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1070/21

  18. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1075/21

    What is State University of New York at Plattsburgh known for?

    State University of New York at Plattsburgh’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    State University of New York at Plattsburgh’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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New York’s Best Public College 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. United States Military Academy
  2. Brooklyn College
  3. Stony Brook University
  4. State University of New York at Purchase
  5. University at Buffalo
  6. Hunter College
  7. United States Merchant Marine Academy
  8. Binghamton University
  9. Queens College, City University of New York
  10. University at Albany, SUNY
  11. State University of New York Maritime College
  12. State University of New York at Oswego
  13. Baruch College
  14. State University of New York at New Paltz
  15. State University of New York at Fredonia
  16. State University of New York at Plattsburgh
  17. State University of New York at Oneonta
  18. State University of New York at Geneseo
  19. State University of New York College at Cortland
  20. State University of New York at Potsdam
  21. Buffalo State College
  22. Farmingdale State College
  23. SUNY Brockport
  24. Alfred State College
  25. State University of New York at Cobleskill

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

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