Best Public Colleges in New York 2024

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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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  1. Stony Brook University
  2. City College of New York
  3. University at Buffalo
  4. Brooklyn College
  5. United States Military Academy
  6. Binghamton University
  7. Hunter College
  8. University at Albany, SUNY
  9. Baruch College
  10. Queens College, City University of New York
  1. City College of New York
  2. United States Military Academy
  3. Brooklyn College
  4. Stony Brook University
  5. University at Buffalo
  6. Hunter College
  7. Binghamton University
  8. Baruch College
  9. Queens College, City University of New York
  10. University at Albany, SUNY
  1. Buffalo State University 86%
  2. State University of New York at Oswego 83%
  3. Alfred State College 82%
  4. State University of New York at Purchase 75%
  5. State University of New York at Geneseo 75%
  6. State University of New York at Oneonta 73%
  7. Farmingdale State College 73%
  8. State University of New York at Plattsburgh 70%
  9. State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry 70%
  10. Queens College, City University of New York 69%
  1. Stony Brook University 19 to 1
  2. Baruch College 19 to 1
  3. Binghamton University 19 to 1
  4. Farmingdale State College 18 to 1
  5. Fashion Institute of Technology 17 to 1
  6. University at Albany, SUNY 17 to 1
  7. John Jay College of Criminal Justice 16 to 1
  8. Alfred State College 16 to 1
  9. State University of New York at Geneseo 16 to 1
  10. State University of New York at New Paltz 16 to 1
  1. Fashion Institute of Technology $7,170
  2. Stony Brook University $7,070
  3. University at Buffalo $7,070
  4. State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry $7,070
  5. Buffalo State University $7,070
  6. Alfred State College $7,070
  7. State University of New York at Plattsburgh $7,070
  8. Farmingdale State College $7,070
  9. State University of New York at Geneseo $7,070
  10. State University of New York at New Paltz $7,070
  1. Fashion Institute of Technology $11,542
  2. Stony Brook University $11,310
  3. University at Buffalo $11,310
  4. State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry $11,310
  5. Buffalo State University $11,310
  6. State University of New York at Plattsburgh $11,310
  7. State University of New York at Geneseo $11,310
  8. State University of New York at New Paltz $11,310
  9. State University of New York at Purchase $11,310
  10. Binghamton University $11,310
  1. State University of New York at Plattsburgh
  2. Farmingdale State College
  3. State University of New York at Geneseo
  4. Alfred State College
  5. Buffalo State University
  6. State University of New York at Oneonta
  7. State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
  8. College of Staten Island
  9. State University of New York at Oswego
  10. State University of New York at New Paltz
  1. Alfred State College
  2. State University of New York at Oneonta
  3. Farmingdale State College
  4. State University of New York at Plattsburgh
  5. State University of New York at Geneseo
  6. State University of New York at New Paltz
  7. College of Staten Island
  8. Buffalo State University
  9. State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
  10. State University of New York at Oswego
  1. United States Military Academy 12%
  2. United States Merchant Marine Academy 27%
  3. Binghamton University 42%
  4. Hunter College 48%
  5. Stony Brook University 49%
  6. Baruch College 50%
  7. John Jay College of Criminal Justice 51%
  8. Fashion Institute of Technology 53%
  9. Brooklyn College 55%
  10. Lehman College 55%
  1. United States Military Academy 7 to 1
  2. State University of New York at Purchase 11 to 1
  3. University at Buffalo 12 to 1
  4. State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry 13 to 1
  5. Buffalo State University 13 to 1
  6. United States Merchant Marine Academy 13 to 1
  7. Brooklyn College 13 to 1
  8. Queens College, City University of New York 14 to 1
  9. City College of New York 14 to 1
  10. Hunter College 14 to 1
  1. United States Merchant Marine Academy $1,008
  2. John Jay College of Criminal Justice $6,930
  3. Queens College, City University of New York $6,930
  4. City College of New York $6,930
  5. Baruch College $6,930
  6. Hunter College $6,930
  7. Lehman College $6,930
  8. College of Staten Island $6,930
  9. Brooklyn College $6,930
  10. Stony Brook University $7,070
  1. Farmingdale State College $8,553
  2. John Jay College of Criminal Justice $11,090
  3. Queens College, City University of New York $11,090
  4. City College of New York $11,090
  5. Baruch College $11,090
  6. Hunter College $11,090
  7. Lehman College $11,090
  8. College of Staten Island $11,090
  9. Brooklyn College $11,090
  10. Stony Brook University $11,310

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.

New York's Best Public Colleges Badge
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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 2023

  1. #1

    Stony Brook University

    Stony Brook , NY
    Other Rankings

    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: $19,958
    Starting Salary: $62,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
    Other Rankings

    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: $20,484
    Starting Salary: $62,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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

    12%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1335/30

  4. 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: $19,506
    Starting Salary: $68,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. Other Rankings

    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: $18,698
    Starting Salary: $57,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University at Albany, SUNY’s Online Degrees

    BS in Informatics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  6. 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: $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

  7. 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: $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

  8. Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    51%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    19K

    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
  9. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1270/30

    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

  10. #14

    Lehman College

    Bronx , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    55%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    18K

    Career Outlook for degree at Lehman College

    Cost of Degree: $7,410
    Starting Salary: $47,500
  11. Tuition + fees

    $1K

    Acceptance

    27%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/24

    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

  12. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1250/27

    Career Outlook for degree at State University of New York at New Paltz

    Cost of Degree: $8,524
    Expenses: $19,264
    Starting Salary: $48,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is State University of New York at New Paltz known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  13. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1165/24

    Career Outlook for degree at State University of New York at Oswego

    Cost of Degree: $8,769
    Expenses: $18,740
    Starting Salary: $47,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  14. #18

    College of Staten Island

    Staten Island , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    14K

    Career Outlook for degree at College of Staten Island

    Cost of Degree: $7,490
    Expenses: $27,323
    Starting Salary: $47,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is College of Staten Island known for?

    College of Staten Island’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  15. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry

    Cost of Degree: $9,242
    Expenses: $19,550
    Starting Salary: $49,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
  16. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1170/26

    Career Outlook for degree at State University of New York at Oneonta

    Cost of Degree: $8,775
    Expenses: $18,770
    Starting Salary: $46,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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

  17. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Buffalo State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,486
    Expenses: $19,212
    Starting Salary: $42,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  18. #22

    Alfred State College

    Alfred , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1070/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Alfred State College

    Cost of Degree: $8,862
    Expenses: $17,166
    Starting Salary: $45,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
  19. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/28

    Career Outlook for degree at State University of New York at Geneseo

    Cost of Degree: $8,966
    Expenses: $17,666
    Starting Salary: $53,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is State University of New York at Geneseo known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  20. #24

    Farmingdale State College

    Farmingdale , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1089/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Farmingdale State College

    Cost of Degree: $8,576
    Expenses: $17,448
    Starting Salary: $55,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Farmingdale State College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  21. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/25

    Career Outlook for degree at State University of New York at Plattsburgh

    Cost of Degree: $8,881
    Expenses: $19,450
    Starting Salary: $46,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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 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. 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 at Cortland
  20. State University of New York at Potsdam
  21. Buffalo State University
  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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