Cheapest Colleges in New York
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Editor & Writer
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Nothing in New York comes cheap. Which is why the Empire State — the fifth most costly state in the country — has a reputation as an expensive place to live. Even so, you can find affordable colleges in New York. The state boasts 252 four-year private and public schools.
Here, you can explore the cheapest colleges in New York — institutions that offer tuition cheaper than the national average. And don't miss our roundup of the best colleges in New York.
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Popular Affordable Colleges in New York
The following three accredited colleges have tuition prices lower than the national average. In New York, affordable colleges include large, medium-sized, and smaller schools with student enrollments of 943 to 22,970.
1. CUNY Queens College
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $6,434
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Total Student Enrollment: 17,001
From its 80-acre campus in Flushing, Queens College features a wide range of educational opportunities that include 78 undergraduate degrees and 100 master's programs. This City University of New York (CUNY) college boasts notable alumni like Jerry Seinfeld, Jon Favreau, and Joy Behar.
Today, some 17,001 students attend Queens College, paying an average annual net price of $6,434. Sixty percent of full-time undergraduates at Queens College get need-based aid. And Queens College reports that roughly 95% of graduates have no student loan debt.
2. CUNY Hunter College
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $4,848
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- Total Student Enrollment: 22,970
Hunter College, another CUNY institution, has been educating New Yorkers for more than 150 years. This public college, located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, features more than 170 undergraduate and graduate programs. For every CUNY core requirement, you can opt for an online course.
Hunter students pay an average annual net price of $4,848, far below the 2020-2021 average net price of $14,700 at public colleges. The affordable tuition allows some 75% of graduates to leave without any debt, according to Hunter.
3. United States Merchant Marine Academy
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $4,891
- Acceptance Rate: 27%
- Total Student Enrollment: 943
The USMMA has since 1943 trained merchant marine officers from its campus in Kings Point on Long Island. Degrees such as marine transportation, marine transportation, maritime logistics and security, and maritime engineering shipyard management require 164-177 credits.
During junior and senior years, you complete a Sea Year on a flag merchant vessel. Enrolling comes with a service obligation of five years in the maritime service and eight years in the reserves or five years in active duty. The federal government covers most USMMA expenses, except midshipman fees and the price of supplies such as the required tablet.
Most Affordable Colleges in New York
We've created a complete list of all affordable four-year nonprofit universities in New York. You can use the table below to compare data on student population, average net cost, acceptance rate, and number of applicants.
The following school data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). All data is from 2022. Schools with fewer than 500 undergraduates were not included in this list.
| School | Total Student Enrollment | Avg. Annual Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Number of Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CUNY York College | 6,446 | $6,670 | 59% | 16,112 |
| CUNY Queens College | 17,001 | $6,434 | 69% | 22,324 |
| CUNY New York City College of Technology | 13,087 | $6,406 | 82% | 21,335 |
| CUNY Brooklyn College | 14,195 | $5,972 | 55% | 28,890 |
| CUNY City College | 14,489 | $5,181 | 67% | 33,648 |
| CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice | 13,921 | $5,001 | 51% | 18,807 |
| CUNY Bernard M. Baruch College | 19,854 | $4,991 | 50% | 25,693 |
| CUNY Lehman College | 13,015 | $4,974 | 55% | 22,455 |
| United States Merchant Marine Academy | 943 | $4,891 | 27% | 1,532 |
| CUNY Hunter College | 22,970 | $4,848 | 48% | 33,944 |
What Is the Cost of College in New York?
New York offers Ivy Leagues, private schools, and public colleges. As you can imagine, the tuition for each institution varies. At all accredited schools, payment options usually include federal financial loans and grants, private loans, or grants offered through the state. Schools also offer scholarships that may include a partial award or a full ride.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
|---|---|
| Public 4-Year (In-State) | $8,416 |
| Public 4-Year (Out-of-State) | $20,113 |
| Private 4-Year | $42,631 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Colleges in New York
Do I qualify for in-state tuition in New York?
After 12 consecutive months of residency in the state, you can qualify for in-state college tuition in New York. Veterans and their spouses and children are exceptions to this rule. Also, online learners can often get in-state tuition regardless of residency status.
Can you get free tuition in New York?
New York offers the Excelsior Scholarship that gives eligible students a free ride to the City University of New York and State University of New York schools. This scholarship offers up to $5,500 if you attend a full-time associate's program or bachelor's degree.
Is it expensive to go to college in New York?
In comparison to the national averages, New York charges less for college. In-state students at public colleges in New York paid $8,416 in the 2020-2021 school year. Nationally, public colleges charged in-state students $9,375.
Your status as a resident and where you go to college determines the total cost of tuition and fees. For instance, private four-year colleges in New York charged $42,631 for tuition and fees in 2020-2021.
What's the cost of living in New York?
New York is expensive compared to most other states. Certain cities like New York City and Brooklyn have a cost of living index far above the national average. The Empire State has a cost-of-living index of 126.6, with the average cost of living index in the United States being 100. Cost of living is a measurement of what it costs for housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation in a particular area.
