Best Research Universities in New York 2025

Badge for BEST IN NEW YORK RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

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

  1. Columbia University
  2. New York University
  3. Cornell University
  4. City College of New York
    +3
  5. University of Rochester
    –1
  6. Syracuse University
    –1
  7. The New School
    +4
  8. Stony Brook University
    –2
  9. Fordham University
  10. Yeshiva University
    –2

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

  1. #1

    Columbia University

    New York , NY
    #2 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #2 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #2 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #3 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    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: $68,171
    Expenses: $20,542
    Starting Salary: $115,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Columbia University known for?

    Columbia University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    New York University

    New York , NY
    #8 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #8 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #10 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025 #10 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    Other Rankings

    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: $60,438
    Expenses: $27,314
    Starting Salary: $78,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is New York University known for?

    New York University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Cornell University

    Ithaca , NY
    #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
    Other Rankings

    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: $66,014
    Expenses: $22,126
    Starting Salary: $101,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Cornell University known for?

    Cornell University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Syracuse University

    Syracuse , NY
    #2 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #4 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #5 Best Colleges in New York 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $63,061
    Expenses: $22,086
    Starting Salary: $69,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Syracuse University known for?

    Syracuse University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
    Compare school
  8. #7

    The New School

    New York , NY
    #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
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $54K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    12K

    Career Outlook for degree at The New School

    Cost of Degree: $56,311
    Expenses: $34,014
    Starting Salary: $55,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is The New School known for?

    The New School’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Stony Brook University

    Stony Brook , NY
    #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
    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: $21,810
    Starting Salary: $62,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Stony Brook University known for?

    Stony Brook University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
    Compare school
  10. #9

    Fordham University

    Bronx , NY
    #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
    Other Rankings

    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: $61,567
    Expenses: $27,583
    Starting Salary: $67,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Fordham University known for?

    Fordham University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  13. #11

    University at Buffalo

    Buffalo , NY
    #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
    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: $23,006
    Starting Salary: $62,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University at Buffalo known for?

    University at Buffalo’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
    Compare school
  14. #12

    Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

    Troy , NY
    #9 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024 #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Connecticut

    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: $61,884
    Expenses: $20,520
    Starting Salary: $86,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute known for?

    Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  15. #13

    Binghamton University

    Vestal , NY
    #6 Best Public Colleges in New York 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2025

    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: $20,294
    Starting Salary: $68,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Binghamton University known for?

    Binghamton University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  16. #14

    University at Albany, SUNY

    Albany , NY
    #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
    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: $19,382
    Starting Salary: $57,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University at Albany, SUNY known for?

    University at Albany, SUNY’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University at Albany, SUNY’s Online Degrees

    BS in Informatics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  18. #15

    Hofstra University

    Hempstead , NY

    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: $55,450
    Expenses: $20,770
    Starting Salary: $59,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Hofstra University known for?

    Hofstra University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  19. #16

    CUNY Graduate Center

    New York , NY
    #19 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    24%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for degree at CUNY Graduate Center

    Cost of Degree: $7,410
    Starting Salary: $61,600
    What is CUNY Graduate Center known for?

    CUNY Graduate Center’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
    Compare school
  20. #17

    Rochester Institute of Technology

    Rochester , NY
    #1 Best Online Associate's in General Science 2025 #1 Best Online Master’s in Executive MBA #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in New York 2025 #2 Best Online MBA Programs in New York 2025
    Other Rankings

    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: $56,664
    Expenses: $18,316
    Starting Salary: $67,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Rochester Institute of Technology known for?

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

    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
    Compare school
  21. #18

    Adelphi University

    Garden City , NY
    #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 Sports Management 2025
    Other Rankings

    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: $47,290
    Expenses: $24,544
    Starting Salary: $63,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
    Compare school
  22. #19

    Long Island University

    Brookville , NY
    #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: $41,642
    Expenses: $21,854
    Starting Salary: $58,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Long Island University known for?

    Long Island University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  24. #20

    Pace University

    New York , NY
    #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
    Other Rankings

    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: $51,424
    Expenses: $24,642
    Starting Salary: $66,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Pace University known for?

    Pace University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
    Compare school
  26. #22

    Clarkson University

    Potsdam , NY
    #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: $57,950
    Expenses: $21,072
    Starting Salary: $74,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Clarkson University known for?

    Clarkson University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  27. #23

    State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry

    Syracuse , NY
    #11 Best Online Colleges in New York 2025

    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: $9,206
    Expenses: $20,070
    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
    Compare school
  28. #24

    Russell Sage College

    Troy , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Russell Sage College

    Cost of Degree: $36,756
    Expenses: $17,566
    Starting Salary: $47,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Russell Sage College known for?

    Russell Sage College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  30. #25

    Touro University

    New York , NY
    #8 Best Accredited Online Juris Doctorate (JD) Law Programs

    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: $19,528
    Expenses: $23,546
    Starting Salary: $41,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Touro University known for?

    Touro University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  31. #26

    LIU Post

    Brookville , NY

    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: $41,642
    Expenses: $21,854
    Starting Salary: $58,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is LIU Post known for?

    LIU Post’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    LIU Post’s Online Degrees

    BS in Health Information Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    Compare school
  32. #27

    D'Youville University

    Buffalo , NY

    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: $33,560
    Expenses: $16,000
    Starting Salary: $51,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
    Compare school
  33. #28

    St. John Fisher University

    Rochester , NY
    #9 Best Christian Colleges in New York 2024

    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: $39,666
    Expenses: $16,842
    Starting Salary: $52,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is St. John Fisher University known for?

    St. John Fisher University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  34. #29

    Daemen University

    Amherst , NY
    #19 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Daemen University

    Cost of Degree: $33,724
    Expenses: $16,440
    Starting Salary: $48,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Daemen University known for?

    Daemen University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Daemen University’s Online Degrees

    BSN in RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

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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).

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Find the Best Research Universities in New York for Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology

Check out our directory of research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.

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