Best Small Colleges in New York 2025
Key Takeaways
- New York’s small colleges offer a large range of degrees so that every student can find a topic of interest to study.
- The best small colleges in New York offer students a more intimate campus experience, resulting in more personal attention from professors.
- Small colleges in New York offer immediate access to support services for their students.
10 Best Small Colleges 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 3 positions in our 2025 ranking of the best small colleges in New York remain unchanged from last year. Bard College moved up 1 position to number 4, while Sarah Lawrence gained 2 spots to move into the top 5.
Yeshiva University has launched over 25 cutting-edge graduate programs in fields such as Artificial Intelligence and Biotechnology. The school has also revamped its Career Center to integrate a vast network of active alumni and friends, creating exciting professional opportunities for students.
Bard College has introduced the BardBac program, which are full-tuition scholarships for adult students aged 24 or older pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Additionally, the Master of Arts in Global Studies program now features two distinct tracks: one in collaboration with Central European University in Vienna and another based entirely in New York City, providing students with flexible and globally oriented educational pathways.
Sarah Lawrence College has expanded its academic offerings, including new courses in the Theatre program such as “Directing in the Contemporary Theatre” and “Queering Stages With Trans and Non-Binary Pages,” reflecting a commitment to diverse and inclusive education.
Additionally, the Filmmaking and Moving Image Arts program now provides access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a 4K digital cinema projector and a 1,400-square-foot soundstage, enhancing hands-on learning experiences.
The following list of the best small colleges and universities in New York is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 73 small colleges in New York. The list below of the 30 best small colleges in New York. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.
Best Small Colleges in New York 2025
- #8 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #20 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024 #8 Best 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
- #10 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #10 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2025 #10 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024
Tuition + fees
$63K
Acceptance
9%
Graduation
92%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1495/33
Career Outlook for degree at Barnard College
Cost of Degree: $66,246Expenses: $23,562Starting Salary: $69,700Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Barnard College known for?
Barnard College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Economics
- Education
- Political Science
- History
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- Physics
Most Influential Alumni
- #11 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #13 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$65K
Acceptance
19%
Graduation
92%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1482/33
Career Outlook for degree at Vassar College
Cost of Degree: $67,805Expenses: $19,665Starting Salary: $61,500Cost Recoup Time: 20 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Vassar College known for?
Vassar College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Computer Science
- Education
- Communications
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Physics
- Philosophy
- History
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
- #13 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #14 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2025
Tuition + fees
$61K
Acceptance
46%
Graduation
72%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Bard College
Cost of Degree: $63,612Expenses: $21,240Starting Salary: $43,700Cost Recoup Time: 23 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bard College known for?
Bard College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #19 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2025
Tuition + fees
$61K
Acceptance
50%
Graduation
72%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1355/31
Career Outlook for degree at Sarah Lawrence College
Cost of Degree: $63,678Expenses: $18,946Starting Salary: $48,000Cost Recoup Time: 22 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Sarah Lawrence College known for?
Sarah Lawrence College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$64K
Acceptance
47%
Graduation
85%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1400/31
Career Outlook for degree at Union College, New York
Cost of Degree: $66,456Expenses: $18,414Starting Salary: $80,200Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Union College, New York known for?
Union College, New York’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Physics
- History
- Mathematics
- Literature
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Political Science
- Computer Science
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$64K
Acceptance
12%
Graduation
91%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1470/33
Career Outlook for degree at Colgate University
Cost of Degree: $67,024Expenses: $20,046Starting Salary: $81,100Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Colgate University known for?
Colgate University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Anthropology
- Political Science
- Economics
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Education
- History
- Earth Sciences
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$47K
Acceptance
22%
Graduation
83%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1460/33
Career Outlook for degree at Cooper Union
Cost of Degree: $46,820Expenses: $22,726Starting Salary: $68,600Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Cooper Union known for?
Cooper Union’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$62K
Acceptance
68%
Graduation
74%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1305/29
Career Outlook for degree at Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Cost of Degree: $63,268Expenses: $19,334Starting Salary: $62,700Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Hobart and William Smith Colleges known for?
Hobart and William Smith Colleges’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Communications
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Literature
- Education
- Earth Sciences
- Biology
- History
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #10 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #3 Best Christian Colleges in New York 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025
Tuition + fees
$49K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
72%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1235/26
Career Outlook for degree at Manhattan College
Cost of Degree: $50,850Expenses: $21,740Starting Salary: $70,800Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Manhattan College known for?
Manhattan College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Literature
- Business
- Religious Studies
- Physics
- History
- Chemistry
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025 #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$63K
Acceptance
12%
Graduation
92%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1480/33
Career Outlook for degree at Hamilton College
Cost of Degree: $62,740Expenses: $18,490Starting Salary: $74,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Hamilton College known for?
Hamilton College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Literature
- Economics
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Physics
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
- #1 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2025 #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025 #1 The Most Affordable Traditional MBA Degree Programs for 2024
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: $945Starting Salary: $98,600What is United States Merchant Marine Academy known for?
United States Merchant Marine Academy’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$62K
Acceptance
63%
Graduation
83%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1325/30
Career Outlook for degree at St. Lawrence University
Cost of Degree: $63,870Expenses: $18,130Starting Salary: $60,100Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is St. Lawrence University known for?
St. Lawrence University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Communications
- Literature
- Sociology
- Biology
- Education
- Earth Sciences
- Political Science
- History
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
Tuition + fees
$62K
Acceptance
26%
Graduation
84%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1380/31
Career Outlook for degree at Skidmore College
Cost of Degree: $64,880Expenses: $20,240Starting Salary: $57,000Cost Recoup Time: 20 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Skidmore College known for?
Skidmore College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
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: $8,953Expenses: $20,090Starting Salary: $41,300Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #18 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #7 Best Christian Colleges in New York 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees
Tuition + fees
$51K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
62%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1190/26
Career Outlook for degree at Wagner College
Cost of Degree: $52,000Expenses: $19,574Starting Salary: $64,700Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Wagner College known for?
Wagner College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
51%
Graduation
53%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1187/27
Career Outlook for degree at Alfred University
Cost of Degree: $39,530Expenses: $18,370Starting Salary: $47,300Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Alfred University known for?
Alfred University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #25 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #4 Best Christian Colleges in New York 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees
Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
72%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1135/26
Career Outlook for degree at Niagara University
Cost of Degree: $38,135Expenses: $15,950Starting Salary: $45,300Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Niagara University known for?
Niagara University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Business
- Nursing
- History
- Communications
- Political Science
- Mathematics
- Education
- Economics
- Computer Science
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
$51K
Acceptance
60%
Graduation
53%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1115/18
Career Outlook for degree at Hartwick College
Cost of Degree: $52,849Expenses: $16,047Starting Salary: $49,500Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Hartwick College known for?
Hartwick College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Anthropology
- Nursing
- Literature
- Chemistry
- Earth Sciences
- Physics
- History
- Religious Studies
- Computer Science
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
72%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1210/28
Career Outlook for degree at Le Moyne College
Cost of Degree: $38,970Expenses: $18,350Starting Salary: $55,600Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Le Moyne College known for?
Le Moyne College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Economics
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Communications
- Literature
- Law
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$42K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
76%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1157/26
Career Outlook for degree at Siena College
Cost of Degree: $43,630Expenses: $20,465Starting Salary: $62,300Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Siena College known for?
Siena College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Law
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Physics
- History
- Philosophy
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
- #20 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #20 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #3 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry #9 Best Online MBA Programs in New York 2025
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
77%
Graduation
60%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Houghton University
Cost of Degree: $17,290Expenses: $14,310Starting Salary: $42,400Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Houghton University known for?
Houghton University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Literature
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
Houghton University’s Online Degrees
BS/BBA in Human Resource Management
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS/BBA in Integrated Marketing Communication
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS/BBA in Leadership Development
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS/BBA in Organizational Management
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$41K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
61%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Manhattanville College
Cost of Degree: $42,950Expenses: $18,010Starting Salary: $50,700Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Manhattanville College known for?
Manhattanville College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #11 Best Online Associate Degrees in New York 2025 #18 Best Online Associate in Health Information Technology & Informatics #21 Best Online Colleges in New York 2025
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: $8,862Expenses: $17,726Starting Salary: $45,500Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #6 Best Christian Colleges in New York 2024 #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
66%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1185/25
Career Outlook for degree at Canisius University
Cost of Degree: $32,720Expenses: $15,860Starting Salary: $51,100Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Canisius University known for?
Canisius University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Sociology
- Social Work
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- History
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$44K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
57%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1120/27
Career Outlook for degree at Iona University
Cost of Degree: $45,880Expenses: $21,120Starting Salary: $60,900Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Iona University known for?
Iona University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Physics
- Psychology
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Chemistry
- History
- Philosophy
- Social Work
Most Influential Alumni
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: