Best Small Colleges in New York 2026

Badge for BEST IN NEW YORK SMALL COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Updated:

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 2026

  1. Yeshiva University
  2. Barnard College
  3. Vassar College
  4. Bard College
  5. Sarah Lawrence College
  6. Colgate University
    +1
  7. Union College
    –1
  8. Cooper Union
  9. Hobart and William Smith Colleges
  10. Hamilton College
    +1

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

  1. #1

    Yeshiva University

    New York , NY
    #8 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #8 Best Private Colleges in New York 2026 #2 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW #6 Best Online Master’s in Education

    Tuition + fees

    $53K

    Acceptance

    56%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1425/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Yeshiva University

    Cost of Degree: $49,900
    Expenses: $21,650
    Starting Salary: $77,098
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Yeshiva University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Barnard College

    New York , NY
    #10 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #10 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2026 #9 Best Private Colleges in New York 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $73K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1515/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Barnard College

    Cost of Degree: $66,246
    Expenses: $23,562
    Starting Salary: $98,280
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Barnard College known for?

    Barnard College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Vassar College

    Poughkeepsie , NY
    #11 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #13 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2026 #10 Best Private Colleges in New York 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $74K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Vassar College

    Cost of Degree: $67,805
    Expenses: $19,665
    Starting Salary: $75,532
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Vassar College known for?

    Vassar College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Bard College

    Annandale-On-Hudson , NY
    #13 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #14 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $70K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1360/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Bard College

    Cost of Degree: $63,612
    Expenses: $21,240
    Starting Salary: $54,555
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bard College known for?

    Bard College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  6. #5

    Sarah Lawrence College

    Bronxville , NY
    #20 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $70K

    Acceptance

    62%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1335/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Sarah Lawrence College

    Cost of Degree: $63,678
    Expenses: $18,946
    Starting Salary: $55,075
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Sarah Lawrence College known for?

    Sarah Lawrence College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Colgate University

    Hamilton , NY
    #25 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2026 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees

    Tuition + fees

    $74K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1485/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Colgate University

    Cost of Degree: $67,024
    Expenses: $20,046
    Starting Salary: $96,328
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Colgate University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Union College, New York

    Schenectady , NY
    #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2026 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $72K

    Acceptance

    44%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1395/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Union College, New York

    Cost of Degree: $66,456
    Expenses: $18,414
    Starting Salary: $95,269
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Union College, New York known for?

    Union College, New York’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Cooper Union

    New York , NY
    #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $47K

    Acceptance

    21%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1398/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Cooper Union

    Cost of Degree: $46,820
    Expenses: $22,726
    Starting Salary: $76,895
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Cooper Union known for?

    Cooper Union’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Hobart and William Smith Colleges

    Geneva , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $67K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1287/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Hobart and William Smith Colleges

    Cost of Degree: $63,268
    Expenses: $19,334
    Starting Salary: $80,471
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Hobart and William Smith Colleges known for?

    Hobart and William Smith Colleges’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  12. #10

    Hamilton College

    Clinton , NY
    #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2026 #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $73K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Hamilton College

    Cost of Degree: $62,740
    Expenses: $18,490
    Starting Salary: $84,956
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Hamilton College known for?

    Hamilton College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Clarkson University

    Potsdam , NY
    #11 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2026 #8 Best Online PhD of Computer Science Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2026 #14 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs 2026 #14 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1295/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Clarkson University

    Cost of Degree: $57,950
    Expenses: $21,072
    Starting Salary: $92,494
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
  14. #12

    United States Merchant Marine Academy

    Kings Point , NY
    #16 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2026 #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2026 #6 The Most Affordable Traditional MBA Degree Programs for 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $1K

    Acceptance

    34%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1205/25

    Career Outlook for degree at United States Merchant Marine Academy

    Cost of Degree: $945
    Starting Salary: $103,283
    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

    Compare school
  15. #13

    State University of New York at Purchase

    Purchase , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1282/28

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

    Cost of Degree: $8,953
    Expenses: $20,090
    Starting Salary: $53,737
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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

    Compare school
  16. #14

    Wagner College

    Staten Island , NY
    #20 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2026 #3 Best Christian Colleges in New York 2026 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Wagner College

    Cost of Degree: $52,000
    Expenses: $19,574
    Starting Salary: $84,179
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Wagner College known for?

    Wagner College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  18. #15

    St. Lawrence University

    Canton , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $68K

    Acceptance

    54%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1337/31

    Career Outlook for degree at St. Lawrence University

    Cost of Degree: $63,870
    Expenses: $18,130
    Starting Salary: $74,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is St. Lawrence University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  19. #16

    Skidmore College

    Saratoga Springs , NY
    #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees

    Tuition + fees

    $71K

    Acceptance

    21%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1410/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Skidmore College

    Cost of Degree: $64,880
    Expenses: $20,240
    Starting Salary: $79,268
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Skidmore College known for?

    Skidmore College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  20. #17

    Alfred University

    Alfred , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1202/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Alfred University

    Cost of Degree: $39,530
    Expenses: $18,370
    Starting Salary: $57,978
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Alfred University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  21. #18

    Hartwick College

    Oneonta , NY
    #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees

    Tuition + fees

    $22K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Hartwick College

    Cost of Degree: $52,849
    Expenses: $16,047
    Starting Salary: $66,557
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Hartwick College known for?

    Hartwick College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  22. #19

    Niagara University

    Niagara University , NY
    #24 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2026 #4 Best Christian Colleges in New York 2026 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1147/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Niagara University

    Cost of Degree: $38,135
    Expenses: $15,950
    Starting Salary: $60,491
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Niagara University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  24. #20

    Le Moyne College

    Syracuse , NY
    #5 Best Christian Colleges in New York 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1245/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Le Moyne College

    Cost of Degree: $38,970
    Expenses: $18,350
    Starting Salary: $67,320
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Le Moyne College known for?

    Le Moyne College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  25. #21

    State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry

    Syracuse , NY
    #11 Best Online Colleges in New York 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    3K

    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: $64,530
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  26. #22

    St. Bonaventure University

    Saint Bonaventure , NY
    #6 Best Christian Colleges in New York 2026 #5 Best Online MBA Programs in New York 2026 #19 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees 2026 #21 Best Online Master's Programs in New York 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1177/27

    Career Outlook for degree at St. Bonaventure University

    Cost of Degree: $40,150
    Expenses: $17,200
    Starting Salary: $66,448
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is St. Bonaventure University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  27. #23

    Manhattan College

    Riverdale , NY
    #25 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2026 #7 Best Christian Colleges in New York 2026 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1269/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Manhattan College

    Cost of Degree: $50,850
    Expenses: $21,740
    Starting Salary: $92,904
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Manhattan College known for?

    Manhattan College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  28. #24

    Houghton University

    Houghton , NY
    #20 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #8 Best Christian Colleges in New York 2026 #3 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry #8 Best Online MBA Programs in New York 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1272/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Houghton University

    Cost of Degree: $17,290
    Expenses: $14,310
    Starting Salary: $52,730
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Houghton University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Houghton University’s Online Degrees

    BS/BBA in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS/BBA in Integrated Marketing Communication
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS/BBA in Leadership Development
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS/BBA in Organizational Management
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  30. #25

    Manhattanville College

    Purchase , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Manhattanville College

    Cost of Degree: $42,950
    Expenses: $18,010
    Starting Salary: $64,812
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Manhattanville College known for?

    Manhattanville College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  31. #26

    Alfred State College

    Alfred , NY
    #11 Best Online Associate Degrees in New York 2026 #18 Best Online Associate in Health Information Technology & Informatics #21 Best Online Colleges in New York 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Alfred State College

    Cost of Degree: $8,862
    Expenses: $17,726
    Starting Salary: $56,988
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Human Services Management
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Healthcare Management Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  32. #27

    Iona University

    New Rochelle , NY
    #9 Best Christian Colleges in New York 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1205/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Iona University

    Cost of Degree: $45,880
    Expenses: $21,120
    Starting Salary: $76,994
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Iona University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  33. #28

    Canisius University

    Buffalo , NY
    #10 Best Christian Colleges in New York 2026 #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Canisius University

    Cost of Degree: $32,720
    Expenses: $15,860
    Starting Salary: $63,820
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Canisius University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  34. #29

    St. John Fisher University

    Rochester , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1210/25

    Career Outlook for degree at St. John Fisher University

    Cost of Degree: $39,666
    Expenses: $16,842
    Starting Salary: $76,156
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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
  36. #30

    Siena College

    Loudonville , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1235/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Siena College

    Cost of Degree: $43,630
    Expenses: $20,465
    Starting Salary: $80,879
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Siena College known for?

    Siena College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
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