Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2026

Badge for MOST AFFORDABLE COLLEGES IN NEW-YORK
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • Many of the schools in our ranking of the most affordable colleges in New York have tuition of less than $10,000.
  • Public universities in New York are typically more affordable than private colleges.
  • Even though public universities in New York are typically more affordable, private colleges may award more financial aid, scholarships, and grants, lowering the overall cost of tuition.

10 Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2026

  1. City College of New York
  2. Brooklyn College
  3. Stony Brook University
    +1
  4. United States Military Academy
    –1
  5. University at Buffalo
  6. Hunter College
  7. Binghamton University
  8. Baruch College
  9. Queens College, City University of New York
  10. University at Albany, SUNY

There are 47 affordable colleges and universities in New York with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. The following list of the most affordable colleges and universities in New York is composed entirely of schools offering bachelor’s degree programs, have stated tuition and fees near or under the national average of $16,000/year, and are fully accredited colleges.

If affordability and budgeting throughout your college journey is a priority to you, check out our guide to budgeting for college students.

Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2025

These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.

  1. #1

    City College of New York

    New York , NY
    #11 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #11 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2026 #1 Best Public Colleges in New York 2026 #4 Best Colleges in New York 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    60%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    18K

    Career Outlook for degree at City College of New York

    Cost of Degree: $7,340
    Expenses: $23,438
    Starting Salary: $69,594
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is City College of New York known for?

    City College of New York’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Stony Brook University

    Stony Brook , NY
    #3 Best Public Colleges in New York 2026 #8 Best Grad Schools in New York 2026 #8 Best Research Universities in New York 2026 #9 Best Colleges in New York 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    49%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1415/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Stony Brook University

    Cost of Degree: $10,560
    Expenses: $21,810
    Starting Salary: $83,232
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 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: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Electrical Engineering
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  6. #5

    University at Buffalo

    Buffalo , NY
    #5 Best Public Colleges in New York 2026 #10 Best Research Universities in New York 2026 #3 Best Online Master’s in Counseling 2026 #5 10 Best Online Master's of Music Education Degree Programs 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    35K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1295/29

    Career Outlook for degree at University at Buffalo

    Cost of Degree: $10,782
    Expenses: $23,006
    Starting Salary: $75,679
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 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: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Hunter College

    New York , NY
    #11 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2026 #6 Best Public Colleges in New York 2026 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    54%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    27K

    Career Outlook for degree at Hunter College

    Cost of Degree: $7,382
    Expenses: $16,658
    Starting Salary: $70,502
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Hunter College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Binghamton University

    Vestal , NY
    #7 Best Public Colleges in New York 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    39%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1420/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Binghamton University

    Cost of Degree: $10,363
    Expenses: $20,294
    Starting Salary: $89,136
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 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
  9. #8

    Baruch College

    New York , NY
    #4 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2026 #21 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2026 #8 Best Public Colleges in New York 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    23K

    Career Outlook for degree at Baruch College

    Cost of Degree: $7,464
    Expenses: $24,018
    Starting Salary: $83,742
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Baruch College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Queens College, City University of New York

    Queens , NY
    #24 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2026 #9 Best Public Colleges in New York 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    20K

    Career Outlook for degree at Queens College, City University of New York

    Cost of Degree: $7,538
    Expenses: $21,798
    Starting Salary: $68,324
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Queens College, City University of New York known for?

    Queens College, City University of New York’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  12. #10

    University at Albany, SUNY

    Albany , NY
    #10 Best Public Colleges in New York 2026 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in New York #5 Best Online Colleges in New York 2026 #9 Best Online Master's Programs in New York 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    27K

    Career Outlook for degree at University at Albany, SUNY

    Cost of Degree: $10,408
    Expenses: $19,382
    Starting Salary: $72,751
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 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: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  13. #11

    John Jay College of Criminal Justice

    New York , NY
    #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees #8 Best Colleges and Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees 2026 #7 Best Online Colleges in New York 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    17K

    Career Outlook for degree at John Jay College of Criminal Justice

    Cost of Degree: $7,470
    Starting Salary: $65,870
    What is John Jay College of Criminal Justice known for?

    John Jay College of Criminal Justice’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    John Jay College of Criminal Justice’s Online Degrees

    BS in Security Management
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  14. #12

    Lehman College

    Bronx , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    17K

    Career Outlook for degree at Lehman College

    Cost of Degree: $7,410
    Starting Salary: $65,181
    What is Lehman College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  15. #13

    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
  16. #14

    Fashion Institute of Technology

    New York , NY
    #17 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    60%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at Fashion Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $8,050
    Expenses: $29,773
    Starting Salary: $72,055
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Fashion Institute of Technology known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  18. #15

    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
  19. #16

    State University of New York at Oswego

    Oswego , NY
    #1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Agribusiness and Agriculture Degree Programs #3 Best Online MBA Programs in New York 2026 #9 Best Online Master's in Agriculture and Agribusiness Degree Programs #10 Best Online Colleges in New York 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1170/26

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

    Cost of Degree: $8,769
    Expenses: $18,740
    Starting Salary: $63,727
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is State University of New York at Oswego known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    State University of New York at Oswego’s Online Degrees

    BA in Public Relations
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Business and Marketing Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Wellness Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Agricultural Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Family and Consumer Sciences Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Health Careers Education 7-12
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Technical Education 7-12
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Trade Education 7-12
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Communication Studies Broadcast and Mass Communication
    Degree Concentrations
    • Degree Completion
    • Required Credits: 122
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
  20. #17

    College of Staten Island

    Staten Island , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for degree at College of Staten Island

    Cost of Degree: $7,490
    Expenses: $25,869
    Starting Salary: $59,992
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is College of Staten Island known for?

    College of Staten Island’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  21. #18

    Buffalo State University

    Buffalo , NY
    #18 Best Online Master's Programs in New York 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Buffalo State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,486
    Expenses: $20,582
    Starting Salary: $55,028
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Buffalo State University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  22. #19

    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
  24. #20

    State University of New York at New Paltz

    New Paltz , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    62%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1255/27

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

    Cost of Degree: $8,524
    Expenses: $20,836
    Starting Salary: $65,774
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is State University of New York at New Paltz known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  25. #21

    State University of New York at Geneseo

    Geneseo , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1265/28

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

    Cost of Degree: $8,966
    Expenses: $18,880
    Starting Salary: $70,405
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is State University of New York at Geneseo known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  26. #22

    State University of New York at Oneonta

    Oneonta , NY
    #25 Best Online Master's Programs in New York 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1215/27

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

    Cost of Degree: $8,812
    Expenses: $20,110
    Starting Salary: $66,840
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is State University of New York at Oneonta known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  27. #23

    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
  28. #24

    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
  30. #25

    Excelsior University

    Albany , NY
    #3 Best Online Associate in Health Science Degree Programs #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in New York #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Biology 2026 #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Electrical and Computer Engineering Degree Programs for 2026

    Student body

    19K

    Career Outlook for degree at Excelsior University

    Starting Salary: $81,471
    What is Excelsior University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Excelsior University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business and Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Technology Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BPS in Business and Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Business
    Degree Concentrations
    • General Accounting
    • General
    • Logistics Management
    • Management of Human Resources
    • Marketing
    • Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Information Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Cybersecurity Technology
    • Network Operations
    • General
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    Degree Concentrations
    • Homeland Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Military Leadership
    Degree Concentrations
    • Intelligence and Security Analysis
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in National Security
    Degree Concentrations
    • Topics in National Security
    • General
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    Degree Concentrations
    • Cyber Operations
    • Electronics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BA in Liberal Arts
    Degree Concentrations
    • General
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Liberal Arts
    Degree Concentrations
    • Logistics Operations Management
    • Population Health
    • Professional and Technical Writing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in History
    Degree Concentrations
    • General
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Social Sciences
    Degree Concentrations
    • Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Health Care Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • General
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Health Sciences
    Degree Concentrations
    • Health and Wellness
    • Management
    • Public Health
    • General
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BSN in RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Psychology
    Degree Concentrations
    • General
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BPS in Technology Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Information Technology
    • Nuclear Technology
    • Renewable Energy Technology
    • General
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Natural Sciences
    Degree Concentrations
    • Biology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Electrical Engineering Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Nanotechnology
    • Power Systems
    • General
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    BS in Nuclear Engineering Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Nuclear Cybersecurity
    • Nuclear Leadership
    • General
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Fully online
    Compare school
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