Best Research Universities in New York 2025
Interested in attending a STEM school in New York? Our ranking of top research universities for bachelor’s degrees displays schools that will best prepare you for STEM careers.
Key Takeaways
- The best research universities in New York are a mix of public and private institutions. Columbia University, New York University, and Cornell University are prestigious private research universities in New York. Stony Brook University and University at Buffalo, both part of the State University of New York system, and City College of New York are among the best public research universities, too.
- Both public and private research universities play a wide range of crucial roles in society, from introducing new knowledge and skills to stimulating economic growth.
- Prospective students must carefully consider their suitability for research universities—their alternative choices are liberal arts universities and online colleges.
10 Best Research Universities in New York 2025
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
The top ten best research universities in New York remained fairly stable. However, The New School was able to enter the top ten as the university has expanded its innovative programs in design, social justice, and sustainability, offering more interdisciplinary opportunities to address global challenges. The campus has seen upgrades with enhanced studio spaces, cutting-edge technology, and modernized collaborative learning environments. The New School has also strengthened its student support services, particularly in mental health and career development, providing more resources for student well-being and post-graduation success.
Best Research Universities in New York
- #2 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #2 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #2 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #3 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
Tuition + fees
$66K
Acceptance
4%
Graduation
95%
Student body
37K
Median SAT/ACT
1535/34
Career Outlook for degree at Columbia University
Cost of Degree: $68,171Expenses: $20,542Starting Salary: $115,600Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Columbia University known for?
Columbia University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #8 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #10 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #10 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
Tuition + fees
$58K
Acceptance
12%
Graduation
87%
Student body
65K
Median SAT/ACT
1520/34
Career Outlook for degree at New York University
Cost of Degree: $60,438Expenses: $27,314Starting Salary: $78,600Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is New York University known for?
New York University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #6 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #9 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #9 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
Tuition + fees
$63K
Acceptance
7%
Graduation
95%
Student body
26K
Median SAT/ACT
1520/34
Career Outlook for degree at Cornell University
Cost of Degree: $66,014Expenses: $22,126Starting Salary: $101,200Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Cornell University known for?
Cornell University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #11 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #11 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in New York 2024
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
67%
Graduation
59%
Student body
17K
Career Outlook for degree at City College of New York
Cost of Degree: $7,340Expenses: $23,438Starting Salary: $50,900Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is City College of New York known for?
City College of New York’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #22 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #24 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #25 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #4 Best Colleges in New York 2024
Tuition + fees
$62K
Acceptance
39%
Graduation
90%
Student body
13K
Median SAT/ACT
1465/32
Career Outlook for degree at University of Rochester
Cost of Degree: $64,348Expenses: $21,614Starting Salary: $74,300Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Rochester known for?
University of Rochester’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
University of Rochester’s Online Degrees
BSN in RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #4 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #5 Best Colleges in New York 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024
Tuition + fees
$60K
Acceptance
52%
Graduation
83%
Student body
37K
Median SAT/ACT
1345/30
Career Outlook for degree at Syracuse University
Cost of Degree: $63,061Expenses: $22,086Starting Salary: $69,200Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Syracuse University known for?
Syracuse University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Political Science
- Communications
- Business
- Literature
- Earth Sciences
- Social Work
- Education
- Mathematics
- Sociology
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
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
- #7 Best Grad Schools in New York 2025 #8 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024 #3 Best Online Colleges in New York 2025 #4 Best Online Master's Programs in New York 2025
Tuition + fees
$54K
Acceptance
57%
Graduation
69%
Student body
12K
Career Outlook for degree at The New School
Cost of Degree: $56,311Expenses: $34,014Starting Salary: $55,200Cost Recoup Time: 21 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is The New School known for?
The New School’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Anthropology
- Communications
- Literature
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Education
- History
Most Influential Alumni
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
- #1 Best Public Colleges in New York 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2025 #6 Best Colleges in New York 2024 #8 Best Grad Schools in New York 2025
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: $10,560Expenses: $21,810Starting Salary: $62,600Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Stony Brook University known for?
Stony Brook University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Sociology
- Earth Sciences
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Chemistry
- Anthropology
- Philosophy
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
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 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #5 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #8 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in New York 2024
Tuition + fees
$58K
Acceptance
54%
Graduation
83%
Student body
19K
Median SAT/ACT
1400/31
Career Outlook for degree at Fordham University
Cost of Degree: $61,567Expenses: $27,583Starting Salary: $67,000Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Fordham University known for?
Fordham University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Law
- Philosophy
- Business
- Social Work
- Literature
- History
- Communications
- Education
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #20 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges in New York 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024
Tuition + fees
$49K
Acceptance
63%
Graduation
85%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1375/29
Career Outlook for degree at Yeshiva University
Cost of Degree: $49,900Expenses: $21,650Starting Salary: $78,800Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Yeshiva University known for?
Yeshiva University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Public Colleges in New York 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2025 #10 Best Colleges in New York 2024 #4 Best Online Master’s in Counseling 2025
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: $10,782Expenses: $23,006Starting Salary: $62,100Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University at Buffalo known for?
University at Buffalo’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Philosophy
- Social Work
- Economics
- Earth Sciences
- Mathematics
- Medical
- Chemistry
- Engineering
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
University at Buffalo’s Online Degrees
BSN in Nursing
Degree Concentrations
- Degree Completion
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$60K
Acceptance
65%
Graduation
84%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
1440/32
Career Outlook for degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Cost of Degree: $61,884Expenses: $20,520Starting Salary: $86,000Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute known for?
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Earth Sciences
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Business
- Philosophy
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
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: $10,363Expenses: $20,294Starting Salary: $68,100Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Binghamton University known for?
Binghamton University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Literature
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Earth Sciences
- History
- Computer Science
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 Best Public Colleges in New York 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2025 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in New York #5 Best Online Colleges in New York 2025
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: $10,408Expenses: $19,382Starting Salary: $57,600Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University at Albany, SUNY known for?
University at Albany, SUNY’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Earth Sciences
- Criminal Justice
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- Communications
- Literature
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
University at Albany, SUNY’s Online Degrees
BS in Informatics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$53K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
68%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1280/28
Career Outlook for degree at Hofstra University
Cost of Degree: $55,450Expenses: $20,770Starting Salary: $59,900Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Hofstra University known for?
Hofstra University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Business
- Law
- Communications
- Anthropology
- Political Science
- Literature
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- Nursing
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
24%
Student body
11K
Career Outlook for degree at CUNY Graduate Center
Cost of Degree: $7,410Starting Salary: $61,600What is CUNY Graduate Center known for?
CUNY Graduate Center’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Anthropology
- Psychology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Communications
- Political Science
- History
Most Influential Alumni
CUNY Graduate Center’s Online Degrees
BS in Business
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Information Systems
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Disability Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Communication and Media
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Health Information Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Health Services Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
MSN in RN to BSN and MSN
Degree Concentrations
- Accelerated Nursing Education
- Accelerated Nursing Informatics
- Accelerated Nursing Organizational Leadership
- Accelerated Nursing Education
- AcceleratedNursing Informatics
- Accelerated Nursing Organizational Leadership
- Required Credits: 150
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing
Degree Concentrations
- Queensborough Community College Fast Track
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
Degree Concentrations
- Dual Program with Queensbourough College
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #1 Best Online Master’s in Executive MBA #1 Best Online Associate's in General Science 2025 #2 Best Online MBA Programs in New York 2025 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in New York 2025
Tuition + fees
$55K
Acceptance
67%
Graduation
72%
Student body
19K
Median SAT/ACT
1360/31
Career Outlook for degree at Rochester Institute of Technology
Cost of Degree: $56,664Expenses: $18,316Starting Salary: $67,800Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Rochester Institute of Technology known for?
Rochester Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Education
- Communications
- Physics
- Business
- Mathematics
- Literature
- Chemistry
- History
Most Influential Alumni
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
- #1 Best Online Colleges for Students Who Work Part-Time 2025 #1 Best Online Associate in Emergency Management 2025 #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in New York 2025 #7 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management 2025
Tuition + fees
$44K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
67%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
1210/25
Career Outlook for degree at Adelphi University
Cost of Degree: $47,290Expenses: $24,544Starting Salary: $63,000Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Adelphi University known for?
Adelphi University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
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
- #12 Best Online Master's Programs in New York 2025 #18 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting 2025
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
48%
Student body
17K
Median SAT/ACT
1215/26
Career Outlook for degree at Long Island University
Cost of Degree: $41,642Expenses: $21,854Starting Salary: $58,400Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Long Island University known for?
Long Island University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Business
- Anthropology
- Education
- Literature
- Biology
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 Best Online Associate in General Studies #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in New York 2025 #5 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s of Computer Science 2025 #7 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Information Technology 2025
Tuition + fees
$50K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
61%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1210/26
Career Outlook for degree at Pace University
Cost of Degree: $51,424Expenses: $24,642Starting Salary: $66,800Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Pace University known for?
Pace University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Law
- Business
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Political Science
- Nursing
- Criminal Justice
- Communications
- History
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
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
- #8 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #23 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in New York 2024 #10 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$48K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
69%
Student body
21K
Median SAT/ACT
1210/26
Career Outlook for degree at St. John's University
Cost of Degree: $49,911Expenses: $23,677Starting Salary: $62,400Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is St. John's University known for?
St. John's University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Law
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Economics
- Philosophy
- History
- Education
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #12 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #8 Best Online PhD of Computer Science Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025 #15 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs 2025 #15 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2025
Tuition + fees
$56K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
73%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1280/27
Career Outlook for degree at Clarkson University
Cost of Degree: $57,950Expenses: $21,072Starting Salary: $74,200Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Clarkson University known for?
Clarkson University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
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: $9,206Expenses: $20,070Starting Salary: $49,800Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
69%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Russell Sage College
Cost of Degree: $36,756Expenses: $17,566Starting Salary: $47,100Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Russell Sage College known for?
Russell Sage College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$21K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
68%
Student body
14K
Median SAT/ACT
1324/28
Career Outlook for degree at Touro University
Cost of Degree: $19,528Expenses: $23,546Starting Salary: $41,400Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Touro University known for?
Touro University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
48%
Student body
17K
Median SAT/ACT
1215/26
Career Outlook for degree at LIU Post
Cost of Degree: $41,642Expenses: $21,854Starting Salary: $58,400Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is LIU Post known for?
LIU Post’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Anthropology
- Education
- Computer Science
- Communications
- Business
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
LIU Post’s Online Degrees
BS in Health Information Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
Tuition + fees
$31K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
66%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1145/22
Career Outlook for degree at D'Youville University
Cost of Degree: $33,560Expenses: $16,000Starting Salary: $51,700Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is D'Youville University known for?
D'Youville University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
D'Youville University’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 122
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
72%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1175/26
Career Outlook for degree at St. John Fisher University
Cost of Degree: $39,666Expenses: $16,842Starting Salary: $52,500Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is St. John Fisher University known for?
St. John Fisher University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
55%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Daemen University
Cost of Degree: $33,724Expenses: $16,440Starting Salary: $48,200Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Daemen University known for?
Daemen University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Social Work
- Nursing
- Mathematics
- Education
- Literature
- Psychology
- Medical
- Religious Studies
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
Daemen University’s Online Degrees
BSN in RN to BSN
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
Exploring New York’s Research Universities
The core elements of the best research universities in New York are teaching and learning, public service and community outreach, and research and discovery. While the teaching and learning elements are given in a city university, the research and discovery elements are also of crucial importance!
But research and discovery, which includes scientific and scholarly research, applied research, and creative activities, are also the most misunderstood elements of research universities! Public research universities are experiencing a decline in research funding with emphasis on resources being focused on the teaching and learning elements.
Research and discovery, however, matter in modern society—and, thus, public and private research universities matter, too! Here, we will take a brief look at the funding sources of research universities and the benefits that come with their research-related initiatives.
Common Funding Sources of Research Universities
More than a few of the schools with the highest research funding from the National Institutes of Health (HIH) are in the State of New York. Cornell University, Columbia University, and New York University are among the leaders in research funding for medical sciences.
Of course, theoretical and applied research in diverse disciplines also receive funding from public and private sources. The federal government is the largest funding source for research and development in public and private research universities in New York State.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Department of Defense (DoD), and Department of Energy (DOE) are among the primary funding agencies.
Institutional support is the second-most largest funding source for research and development programs in research universities in the state of New York. Public and private research universities source these funds from tuition and other fees, royalties from inventions and patents, and endowments, among other revenue sources.
Other primary sources of support for research and development programs in research universities include:
- Non-profit organizations
- Industry including corporations (e.g., Carnegie Corporation)
- State and local governments (e.g., New York State Department of Health, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and Empire State Development)
Foreign government funding and designated gifts are also funding sources for research universities across New York state.
In terms of comparative costs, medical research and STEM research are the most expensive because of the imperative need for specialized facilities with state-of-the-art equipment and materials. Social sciences research is generally less expensive but researchers are also requesting larger grants due to the increasing complexity of issues under study. Arts and humanities research typically requires less funding, and the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts are among the fund sources.
Benefits that Research Universities Bring to Society
Of course, teaching and learning are the core focus of research universities—as they should be considering that these are institutions of higher education. But research universities also bring numerous benefits to students, faculty members, and the university community in particular and society in general!
Serve the national interest. Research universities are the birthplace of discoveries and innovations that fuel the United States’ economic development and, thus, promote its national interests. The biotech industry, for one thing, is a product of research universities while countless innovations and discoveries came from university-based research.
Many research universities in New York are responsible for the greatest advances in science—Columbia University, City College of New York, and Cornell University. Columbia University is known for its world-class, life-changing research in diverse areas, too, from neurology to astronomy.
- Contribute to the growth of the innovation economy. Research universities are not just among the largest employers in their communities, but these institutions are also among the largest contributors to the innovation economy! In their main roles they serve as hubs of innovations and entrepreneurship, protectors of intellectual property, and engines of innovation competitions. Indeed, their emphasis on research, discovery, and development make research universities a hotbed for economic activities.
A research university is a great option for students interested in obtaining STEM degrees. Research universities invest heavily in research, which consequently provides meaningful and extensive opportunities for its students and faculty to participate in research. We’ve identified 29 research universities in New York. To be included in our ranking, schools must be a fully accredited universities and must must offer doctoral degrees across the range of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).
Find the Best Research Universities in New York for Your Area of Interest
Check out our directory of research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.