Best Small Colleges in New York 2025

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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.

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

  1. #1

    Yeshiva University

    New York , NY

    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: $49,900
    Expenses: $21,650
    Starting Salary: $78,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #2

    Barnard College

    New York , NY

    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: $66,246
    Expenses: $23,562
    Starting Salary: $69,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #3

    Vassar College

    Poughkeepsie , NY

    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: $67,805
    Expenses: $19,665
    Starting Salary: $61,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. #4

    Bard College

    Annandale-On-Hudson , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    46%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bard College

    Cost of Degree: $63,612
    Expenses: $21,240
    Starting Salary: $43,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 23 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. #5

    Sarah Lawrence College

    Bronxville , NY

    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: $63,678
    Expenses: $18,946
    Starting Salary: $48,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 22 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

  6. #6

    Union College, New York

    Schenectady , NY

    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: $66,456
    Expenses: $18,414
    Starting Salary: $80,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. #7

    Colgate University

    Hamilton , NY

    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: $67,024
    Expenses: $20,046
    Starting Salary: $81,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #8

    Cooper Union

    New York , NY

    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: $46,820
    Expenses: $22,726
    Starting Salary: $68,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. 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: $63,268
    Expenses: $19,334
    Starting Salary: $62,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  10. #10

    Manhattan College

    Riverdale , NY

    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: $50,850
    Expenses: $21,740
    Starting Salary: $70,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  11. #11

    Hamilton College

    Clinton , NY

    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: $62,740
    Expenses: $18,490
    Starting Salary: $74,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  12. #12

    Clarkson University

    Potsdam , NY

    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
  13. 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: $945
    Starting Salary: $98,600
    What is United States Merchant Marine Academy known for?

    United States Merchant Marine Academy’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  14. 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: $63,870
    Expenses: $18,130
    Starting Salary: $60,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  15. #15

    Skidmore College

    Saratoga Springs , NY

    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: $64,880
    Expenses: $20,240
    Starting Salary: $57,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  16. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1270/30

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

    Cost of Degree: $8,953
    Expenses: $20,090
    Starting Salary: $41,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is State University of New York at Purchase known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  17. #17

    Wagner College

    Staten Island , NY

    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: $52,000
    Expenses: $19,574
    Starting Salary: $64,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  18. #18

    Alfred University

    Alfred , NY

    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: $39,530
    Expenses: $18,370
    Starting Salary: $47,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  19. #19

    Niagara University

    Niagara University , NY

    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: $38,135
    Expenses: $15,950
    Starting Salary: $45,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  20. 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
  21. #21

    Hartwick College

    Oneonta , NY

    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: $52,849
    Expenses: $16,047
    Starting Salary: $49,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  22. #22

    Le Moyne College

    Syracuse , NY

    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: $38,970
    Expenses: $18,350
    Starting Salary: $55,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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

  23. #23

    St. Bonaventure University

    Saint Bonaventure , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/28

    Career Outlook for degree at St. Bonaventure University

    Cost of Degree: $40,150
    Expenses: $17,200
    Starting Salary: $52,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  24. #24

    Siena College

    Loudonville , NY

    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: $43,630
    Expenses: $20,465
    Starting Salary: $62,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  25. #25

    Houghton University

    Houghton , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Houghton University

    Cost of Degree: $17,290
    Expenses: $14,310
    Starting Salary: $42,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  26. #26

    Manhattanville College

    Purchase , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Manhattanville College

    Cost of Degree: $42,950
    Expenses: $18,010
    Starting Salary: $50,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  27. #27

    Alfred State College

    Alfred , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1070/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Alfred State College

    Cost of Degree: $8,862
    Expenses: $17,726
    Starting Salary: $45,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Alfred State College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Alfred State College’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Technology Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Services Management
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Management Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  28. #28

    Canisius University

    Buffalo , NY

    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: $32,720
    Expenses: $15,860
    Starting Salary: $51,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  29. #29

    Iona University

    New Rochelle , NY

    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: $45,880
    Expenses: $21,120
    Starting Salary: $60,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  30. 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:

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