Best Small Colleges in New York 2024

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Small colleges in New York are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.

10 Best Small Colleges in New York 2024

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  1. Yeshiva University
  2. Barnard College
  3. Vassar College
  4. Colgate University
  5. Bard College
  6. Union College, New York
  7. Sarah Lawrence College
  8. Clarkson University
  9. Manhattan College
  10. Cooper Union
  1. Vassar College
  2. Barnard College
  3. Yeshiva University
  4. Bard College
  5. Union College, New York
  6. Sarah Lawrence College
  7. Cooper Union
  8. Colgate University
  9. Hamilton College
  10. Hobart and William Smith Colleges
  1. Hartwick College 96%
  2. Iona University 93%
  3. Niagara University 92%
  4. Siena College 83%
  5. Manhattanville College 83%
  6. Alfred State College 82%
  7. Wagner College 82%
  8. Canisius University 81%
  9. Houghton University 79%
  10. St. Bonaventure University 78%
  1. Alfred State College 17 to 1
  2. Iona University 15 to 1
  3. Wagner College 15 to 1
  4. State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry 14 to 1
  5. Clarkson University 13 to 1
  6. Siena College 13 to 1
  7. United States Merchant Marine Academy 13 to 1
  8. Le Moyne College 13 to 1
  9. St. Bonaventure University 12 to 1
  10. State University of New York at Purchase 12 to 1
  1. Vassar College $62,870
  2. Colgate University $61,966
  3. Union College, New York $61,659
  4. Skidmore College $60,302
  5. Hobart and William Smith Colleges $60,240
  6. St. Lawrence University $60,220
  7. Hamilton College $59,970
  8. Barnard College $59,687
  9. Sarah Lawrence College $59,470
  10. Bard College $57,968
  1. Vassar College $61,940
  2. Colgate University $61,594
  3. Cooper Union $38,038
  4. Bard College $37,549
  5. Clarkson University $35,712
  6. Yeshiva University $34,800
  7. Sarah Lawrence College $32,284
  8. Siena College $28,000
  9. Iona University $22,752
  10. Wagner College $22,590
  1. Alfred State College
  2. Houghton University
  3. State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
  4. St. Bonaventure University
  5. Hartwick College
  6. Alfred University
  7. Siena College
  8. St. John Fisher University
  9. United States Merchant Marine Academy
  10. Le Moyne College
  1. Canisius University
  2. St. John Fisher University
  3. Iona University
  4. Alfred State College
  5. Houghton University
  6. Siena College
  7. Hartwick College
  8. Le Moyne College
  9. State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry
  10. St. Bonaventure University
  1. Barnard College 11%
  2. Hamilton College 14%
  3. Cooper Union 15%
  4. Colgate University 17%
  5. Vassar College 20%
  6. United States Merchant Marine Academy 25%
  7. Skidmore College 31%
  8. Union College, New York 47%
  9. St. Lawrence University 57%
  10. Sarah Lawrence College 58%
  1. Yeshiva University 7 to 1
  2. Cooper Union 8 to 1
  3. Vassar College 8 to 1
  4. Skidmore College 8 to 1
  5. Hamilton College 9 to 1
  6. Hobart and William Smith Colleges 9 to 1
  7. Colgate University 9 to 1
  8. Union College, New York 9 to 1
  9. Bard College 9 to 1
  10. Barnard College 9 to 1
  1. United States Merchant Marine Academy $780
  2. State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry $7,070
  3. State University of New York at Purchase $7,070
  4. Alfred State College $7,070
  5. Houghton University $16,446
  6. Canisius University $30,910
  7. Alfred University $32,664
  8. Niagara University $35,980
  9. St. John Fisher University $36,352
  10. Le Moyne College $36,610
  1. State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry $11,310
  2. State University of New York at Purchase $11,310
  3. Niagara University $13,950
  4. Houghton University $14,125
  5. St. Bonaventure University $14,382
  6. Hobart and William Smith Colleges $14,748
  7. Canisius University $15,120
  8. Le Moyne College $17,220
  9. Manhattanville College $17,550
  10. St. John Fisher University $18,054

Colleges and Universities in New York

On average, tuition at New York’s higher education institutes comes in well-below the national average at about $7,900. Students have nearly 80 public school options to choose from, ranging in fees from $1,000 at the United States Merchant Marine Academy up to $10,000 at the University at Buffalo, the largest public university. However, some of the state’s private schools, such as New York University (NYU), charge tuition fees at a much higher cost.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

Although tuition fees at NYU average $52,000, students who attend this school have access to some of the best programs in fields like literature, business, medicine, communications, and law. The school also boasts famous alumni like Whoopi Goldberg and Jonas Salk. New York also offers close to 40 religiously affiliated schools. Students can expect to pay a wide range of tuition costs at these schools, but have the option to major in fields like social work, law, religious studies, business, and nursing.

They say New York is a place where dreams come true. Here, fashion, culture, food, business, art, and many languages comfortably coexist. While The Empire State’s metropolitan landmarks, like the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, are noteworthy, many forget New York also offers access to the Great Lakes, the Atlantic Ocean, and countless cozy cabins tucked away in the verdant Catskills Mountains. Additionally, New York is home to over 200 colleges and universities, making it easy for students to dream big while earning their degrees.

Explore some of the top programs New York higher education institutes have to offer, and make your educational and personal dreams come true.


What are New York’s Colleges & Universities?

New York’s Best Overall

New York's Best Small Colleges and Universities Badge
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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.

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Best Small Colleges in New York 2023

  1. #2

    Barnard College

    New York , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1434/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Barnard College

    Cost of Degree: $62,525
    Expenses: $21,884
    Starting Salary: $69,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #3

    Vassar College

    Poughkeepsie , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    20%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Vassar College

    Cost of Degree: $64,800
    Expenses: $18,810
    Starting Salary: $61,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #4

    Colgate University

    Hamilton , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1385/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Colgate University

    Cost of Degree: $64,290
    Expenses: $19,360
    Starting Salary: $81,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. #5

    Bard College

    Annandale-On-Hudson , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    60%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bard College

    Cost of Degree: $60,622
    Expenses: $20,080
    Starting Salary: $43,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 23 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. #6

    Union College, New York

    Schenectady , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    47%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1305/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Union College, New York

    Cost of Degree: $63,954
    Expenses: $17,766
    Starting Salary: $80,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. #7

    Sarah Lawrence College

    Bronxville , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1315/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Sarah Lawrence College

    Cost of Degree: $61,234
    Expenses: $18,180
    Starting Salary: $48,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 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

  7. #8

    Clarkson University

    Potsdam , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $54K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1250/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Clarkson University

    Cost of Degree: $56,258
    Expenses: $20,800
    Starting Salary: $74,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #10

    Cooper Union

    New York , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $47K

    Acceptance

    15%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1415/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Cooper Union

    Cost of Degree: $46,820
    Expenses: $22,302
    Starting Salary: $68,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. #12

    Iona University

    New Rochelle , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Iona University

    Cost of Degree: $44,328
    Expenses: $21,090
    Starting Salary: $60,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  10. Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1260/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Hobart and William Smith Colleges

    Cost of Degree: $61,725
    Expenses: $18,910
    Starting Salary: $62,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  11. #14

    Skidmore College

    Saratoga Springs , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    31%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1311/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Skidmore College

    Cost of Degree: $62,248
    Expenses: $19,492
    Starting Salary: $57,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  12. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1190/27

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

    Cost of Degree: $8,953
    Expenses: $19,588
    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

  13. Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1270/30

    Career Outlook for degree at St. Lawrence University

    Cost of Degree: $62,020
    Expenses: $17,645
    Starting Salary: $60,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  14. #17

    Hamilton College

    Clinton , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1445/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Hamilton College

    Cost of Degree: $62,670
    Expenses: $17,710
    Starting Salary: $74,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  15. #18

    Canisius University

    Buffalo , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Canisius University

    Cost of Degree: $31,800
    Expenses: $14,658
    Starting Salary: $51,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  16. #19

    Manhattanville College

    Purchase , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Manhattanville College

    Cost of Degree: $41,210
    Expenses: $17,468
    Starting Salary: $50,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  17. #20

    Wagner College

    Staten Island , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Wagner College

    Cost of Degree: $51,260
    Expenses: $18,854
    Starting Salary: $64,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  18. #21

    Le Moyne College

    Syracuse , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Le Moyne College

    Cost of Degree: $37,450
    Expenses: $17,740
    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

  19. Tuition + fees

    $1K

    Acceptance

    25%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1290/27

    Career Outlook for degree at United States Merchant Marine Academy

    Cost of Degree: $1,008
    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

  20. Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1150/24

    Career Outlook for degree at St. John Fisher University

    Cost of Degree: $37,748
    Expenses: $16,166
    Starting Salary: $52,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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:

  21. #24

    Siena College

    Loudonville , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Siena College

    Cost of Degree: $41,245
    Expenses: $20,349
    Starting Salary: $62,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  22. #25

    Alfred University

    Alfred , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Alfred University

    Cost of Degree: $37,644
    Expenses: $16,960
    Starting Salary: $47,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  23. #26

    Hartwick College

    Oneonta , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1100/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Hartwick College

    Cost of Degree: $51,309
    Expenses: $15,428
    Starting Salary: $49,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  24. #27

    St. Bonaventure University

    Saint Bonaventure , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1129/25

    Career Outlook for degree at St. Bonaventure University

    Cost of Degree: $38,770
    Expenses: $16,650
    Starting Salary: $52,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  25. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1215/27

    Career Outlook for degree at State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry

    Cost of Degree: $9,242
    Expenses: $19,550
    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
  26. #29

    Houghton University

    Houghton , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Houghton University

    Cost of Degree: $16,446
    Expenses: $14,186
    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
  27. #30

    Alfred State College

    Alfred , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Alfred State College

    Cost of Degree: $8,862
    Expenses: $17,166
    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
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New York’s Best Small College in Your Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. Sarah Lawrence College
  2. Barnard College
  3. Vassar College
  4. Cooper Union
  5. Yeshiva University
  6. Bard College
  7. Colgate University
  8. Hamilton College
  9. Union College, New York
  10. State University of New York at Purchase
  11. Skidmore College
  12. Wagner College
  13. Hobart and William Smith Colleges
  14. Manhattan College
  15. Clarkson University
  16. St. Lawrence University
  17. Alfred University
  18. St. Bonaventure University
  19. Houghton University
  20. Iona University
  21. Le Moyne College
  22. Siena College
  23. College of Saint Rose
  24. Canisius University
  25. Niagara University
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