Best Colleges in New York + Full List of Schools

Want to go to college in New York? Learn more about the best colleges in New York State and NYC, and see a full list of four-year schools in the state.
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It's the only state with two Ivy League universities, plus a network of city and state public colleges. That's right — New York has some of the best colleges in the country.

If you want to join over a million college students who choose to study in New York, you're in the right place. Earning your degree from one of the top colleges in New York can launch your career.

We'll cover the best colleges in New York State and New York City, provide a full list of colleges in New York, and introduce a few scholarships you can apply for today.

Featured Online Programs

Top 10 Accredited Colleges in New York

Methodology

It's no secret that New York has many exceptional colleges. So what makes these the best colleges in New York?

Our ranking considers factors like academic excellence, institutional reputation, and return on investment. We also evaluated the student experience and online learning opportunities. Every school holds regional accreditation and offers four-year degrees.

We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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#1 Best Colleges in New York + Full List of Schools Best Value

Columbia University

  • New York, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Once known as King's College, this Ivy League university changed its name after the American Revolution. Today, Columbia University is a world-renowned research and academic institution. You can earn a degree at the historic Morningside Heights campus while taking advantage of everything New York City has to offer. Columbia also boasts 25 libraries and over 100 research centers and institutes.

The annual tuition for undergraduates is $62,570. However, keep in mind that Columbia promises tuition-free enrollment to admitted students with an annual family income of less than $150,000. Almost half of students receive grants from Columbia, with an average award of nearly $64,000. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$59,450
Out-of-state
$59,450
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$50,496
Out-of-state
$50,496
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: High

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
High
Retention Rate
99%
Acceptance Rate
4%
Students Enrolled
33,776
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
23% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Best Colleges in New York + Full List of Schools Best Value

Cornell University

  • Ithaca, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The picturesque Finger Lakes region is home to one of New York's two Ivy League institutions. Cornell University has called Ithaca home since 1865. The school also boasts a Medical College and a tech campus in New York City. Around 25,000 students enroll in Cornell's 80 undergraduate majors and 100 graduate programs.

The private research university also partners with the SUNY system to offer agriculture, life sciences, human ecology, and labor relations programs. In these programs, New York residents get a significant discount off the typical $65,000 tuition rate. Cornell also provides need-based financial aid. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$60,286
Out-of-state
$60,286
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$29,500
Out-of-state
$29,500
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: High

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
High
Retention Rate
97%
Acceptance Rate
9%
Students Enrolled
25,582
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
12% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Best Colleges in New York + Full List of Schools

New York University

  • New York, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

One of the top-ranked colleges in New York City, New York University oversees 20 schools and colleges. You can also attend the school's Abu Dhabi, Shanghai, or online campus. NYU enrolls over 65,000 students, including learners from more than 130 countries around the world. 

Curious about the ROI of an NYU degree? The private university reports that 96% of recent grads are working or in grad school, and they report an average salary of nearly $65,000. While costs vary depending on the program, the yearly tuition for undergraduates is typically around $60,000. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$53,770
Out-of-state
$53,770
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$35,982
Out-of-state
$35,982
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
94%
Acceptance Rate
13%
Students Enrolled
58,226
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
45% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Best Colleges in New York + Full List of Schools Best Value

Stony Brook University

  • Stony Brook, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Long Island is home to Stony Brook University — one of New York's flagship public universities. The school welcomes over 25,000 students to its scenic campus. 

With more than 200 majors, 100 master's programs, and 50 doctoral programs, you can find the right fit at Stony Brook. Biology, psychology, business, computer science, and economics all rank as popular picks at Stony Brook. 

The university's affordable tuition rates help it stand out. New Yorkers pay around $7,000 in tuition and fees annually, and over 62% of full-time, first-time students receive financial aid. More than half also receive scholarships and grants, with an average award of $11,000. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,070
Out-of-state
$24,990
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,310
Out-of-state
$23,100
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: High

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
High
Retention Rate
89%
Acceptance Rate
48%
Students Enrolled
26,608
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
66% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Best Colleges in New York + Full List of Schools

Vassar College

  • Poughkeepsie, NY
  • 4 years
  • Campus

Earn your degree at a liberal arts college in the scenic Hudson Valley. Vassar College began as a women's college in 1861 before becoming a coed institution in 1969. The private college enrolls about 2,500 students and awards an average financial aid package of $54,000.

Classes at Vassar take a multidisciplinary approach. You can choose from 50 majors or design your own pathway with the school's interdisciplinary independent program. This top-ranked liberal arts college charges nearly $67,000 per year in tuition, but two-thirds of students receive financial aid. Vassar meets 100% of the financial need of accepted students.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$61,940
Out-of-state
$61,940
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$61,940
Out-of-state
$61,940
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Low

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Low
Retention Rate
95%
Acceptance Rate
20%
Students Enrolled
2,516
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#6 Best Colleges in New York + Full List of Schools

Syracuse University

  • Syracuse, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Syracuse University lets you modify many of its 200 majors based on your interests. For example, you can design your own artificial intelligence major or investigate the environment from a social justice perspective. You also have the option to earn your degree online from Syracuse. 

The private university enrolls nearly 22,000 students at its hilltop campus and through learning centers in New York City; Washington, D.C.; and Los Angeles. Syracuse also runs study abroad programs in roughly 60 countries.

While the tuition rate is around $61,000 per year, nearly 85% of students receive financial aid — largely in the form of grants and scholarships. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$55,920
Out-of-state
$55,920
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$41,616
Out-of-state
$41,616
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
90%
Acceptance Rate
59%
Students Enrolled
21,772
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
25% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#7 Best Colleges in New York + Full List of Schools

University of Rochester

  • Rochester, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Founded in 1850, the University of Rochester enrolls over 12,000 students annually. At Rochester, you can choose from more than 200 academic programs. 

And over 75% of undergrads conduct research as part of their degree, adding in-demand skills and experience to help set themselves apart on the job market. 

The university charges a tuition rate of $63,150. If you're interested in attending this school in upstate New York, contact the financial aid office for information about funding packages.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$58,276
Out-of-state
$58,276
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$46,779
Out-of-state
$46,779
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
91%
Acceptance Rate
41%
Students Enrolled
12,039
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
14% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#8 Best Colleges in New York + Full List of Schools Best Value

Binghamton University

  • Vestal, NY
  • 4 years
  • Campus

Nearly 92% of first-year students return for their second year at Binghamton University — a remarkable retention rate for a public university that highlights the positive student experience. Plus, if you're a New York resident, you'll pay only $7,000 per year on tuition and fees.

At Binghamton, you can take interdisciplinary classes, participate in clubs, and connect with 18,000 other students. Choose from more than 130 majors or 80 graduate programs. Or enroll in an accelerated program to earn a bachelor's and master's in five years. 

Binghamton's 4+1 accelerated programs in public affairs, arts and sciences, engineering, and management can help students save time and money. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,070
Out-of-state
$24,910
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,310
Out-of-state
$23,100
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: High

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
High
Retention Rate
91%
Acceptance Rate
44%
Students Enrolled
18,055
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
9% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#9 Best Colleges in New York + Full List of Schools

Barnard College

  • New York, NY
  • 4 years
  • Campus

Get the benefits of a small, women's liberal arts college while accessing everything Columbia University has to offer. Barnard College welcomes a student body of roughly 3,000 to New York City, where engaged learners choose from over 50 majors. Plus, a majority of Barnard professors are women.

Barnard's commitment to equity and access extends to its financial aid policies. The college charges around $62,500 in tuition and fees but meets 100% of students' demonstrated financial need through grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Incoming students work with the financial aid office to determine their unmet need. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$57,734
Out-of-state
$57,734
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: Medium

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
Medium
Retention Rate
97%
Acceptance Rate
11%
Students Enrolled
3,043
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
6% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#10 Best Colleges in New York + Full List of Schools Best Value

University at Buffalo

  • Buffalo, NY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

This flagship public institution sits between Niagara Falls and Lake Erie. The University at Buffalo boasts nearly 200 buildings, and over 30,000 students enroll in more than 450 degree-granting programs. And if you want a break from Buffalo, you can choose from over 700 study abroad programs.

One of the benefits of a University at Buffalo education is the relatively affordable price tag. New Yorkers can expect to spend around $7,000 per year on tuition, while out-of-state students pay about $25,000.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,070
Out-of-state
$24,990
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,310
Out-of-state
$23,100
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: High

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
High
Retention Rate
83%
Acceptance Rate
70%
Students Enrolled
32,332
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
61% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

List of All Colleges in New York

We've compiled a list of all four-year nonprofit schools in New York. You can search for specific schools and view information on student enrollment numbers, average net cost, acceptance rate, and number of applicants.

Note that schools enrolling fewer than 500 undergraduates were not considered for this list. All data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

All Colleges in New York
School Total Student Enrollment Avg. Annual Net Price Acceptance Rate Number of Applicants
Adelphi University 7,252 $26,953 73% 17,301
Alfred University 1,813 $26,183 51% 7,091
Alliance University 1,595 $22,184 100% 285
Bard College 2,706 $25,214 46% 6,482
Barnard College 3,442 $26,009 9% 12,009
Binghamton University 18,312 $19,535 42% 41,642
Canisius College 2,492 $19,635 78% 4,131
Cazenovia College 745 $17,238 75% 1,490
Clarkson University 3,719 $32,450 78% 6,594
Colgate University 3,141 $27,074 12% 21,109
College of Mount Saint Vincent 2,877 $17,084 89% 3,465
College of Staten Island CUNY 10,248 $7,217 100% N/A
Columbia University in the City of New York 34,782 $22,058 4% 60,879
Cornell University 25,898 $26,060 7% 69,195
Culinary Institute of America 3,124 $33,499 95% 1,887
CUNY Bernard M. Baruch College 19,854 $4,991 50% 25,693
CUNY Brooklyn College 14,195 $5,972 55% 28,890
CUNY City College 14,489 $5,181 67% 33,648
CUNY Hunter College 22,970 $4,848 48% 33,944
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice 13,921 $5,001 51% 18,807
CUNY Lehman College 13,015 $4,974 55% 22,455
CUNY Medgar Evers College 3,640 $8,250 88% 11,553
CUNY New York City College of Technology 13,087 $6,406 82% 21,335
CUNY Queens College 17,001 $6,434 69% 22,324
CUNY York College 6,446 $6,670 59% 16,112
D'Youville University 2,518 $21,755 84% 3,115
Daemen University 2,642 $20,273 80% 2,752
Dominican University New York 1,407 $23,747 89% 1,614
Elmira College 657 $24,040 96% 1,456
Empire State University 9,407 $9,704 100% N/A
Excelsior University 15,833 N/A 100% N/A
Farmingdale State College 9,314 $8,111 73% 6,426
Fashion Institute of Technology 8,125 $20,900 53% 4,669
Fordham University 16,556 $43,943 54% 47,203
Hamilton College 2,072 $24,503 12% 9,899
Hartwick College 1,103 $22,396 60% 3,553
Hilbert College 877 $16,930 95% 1,354
Hobart and William Smith Colleges 1,607 $34,259 68% 5,082
Hofstra University 10,238 $35,036 69% 23,577
Houghton University 833 $21,550 77% 974
Iona University 3,621 $28,827 96% 6,228
Ithaca College 5,054 $35,858 75% 12,446
Keuka College 1,250 $28,397 93% 1,734
Le Moyne College 3,203 $23,309 78% 7,066
Long Island University 15,737 $25,802 93% 14,332
Manhattan College 3,575 $29,535 82% 9,930
Manhattan School of Music 1,115 $51,278 55% 1,027
Manhattanville College 2,240 $24,702 84% 3,338
Marist College 6,464 $39,364 63% 10,966
Marymount Manhattan College 1,608 $39,442 72% 7,636
Medaille University 1,727 $14,992 69% 1,689
Mercy University 8,615 $15,879 86% 7,891
Molloy University 4,807 $27,243 77% 5,412
Mount Saint Mary College 1,918 $23,439 88% 2,604
Nazareth College 2,522 $31,620 84% 3,911
New York Institute of Technology 6,906 $22,494 76% 11,537
New York University 59,144 $29,499 12% 100,662
Niagara University 3,858 $18,165 90% 3,836
Pace University 13,609 $33,363 83% 26,613
Pratt Institute 5,494 $47,326 50% 10,129
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 6,968 $39,127 65% 16,863
Roberts Wesleyan University 1,573 $23,341 100% 1,006
Rochester Institute of Technology 16,615 $39,600 67% 23,976
Russell Sage College 2,159 $22,456 74% 1,737
Sarah Lawrence College 1,696 $42,781 50% 5,186
Siena College 3,648 $30,842 80% 8,344
Skidmore College 2,758 $33,389 26% 13,183
St. Bonaventure University 2,602 $26,004 81% 3,774
St. Francis College 2,661 $18,602 84% 4,272
St. John Fisher University 3,621 $28,312 73% 4,200
St. John's University 19,663 $26,052 85% 24,607
St. Joseph's University, New York 4,348 $18,001 77% 4,306
St. Lawrence University 2,175 $33,283 63% 5,172
St. Thomas Aquinas College 2,033 $21,745 89% 1,861
Stony Brook University 25,710 $17,213 49% 40,513
SUNY at Albany 16,658 $17,714 68% 25,976
SUNY at Fredonia 3,491 $15,795 85% 4,597
SUNY at Purchase College 3,182 $19,434 75% 5,747
SUNY Brockport 6,424 $16,261 68% 7,683
SUNY Buffalo State University 6,445 $13,812 86% 12,292
SUNY College at Geneseo 4,184 $19,557 75% 9,069
SUNY College at Old Westbury 4,270 $12,329 92% 3,825
SUNY College at Plattsburgh 4,474 $17,625 70% 6,872
SUNY College at Potsdam 2,427 $15,310 83% 3,170
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry 1,976 $20,928 70% 2,466
SUNY College of Technology at Canton 2,836 $14,049 95% 2,280
SUNY College of Technology at Delhi 2,612 $16,314 83% 3,621
SUNY Cortland 6,690 $18,304 60% 11,711
SUNY Maritime College 1,427 $19,712 80% 1,337
SUNY New Paltz 6,964 $19,592 58% 13,228
SUNY Oneonta 5,430 $18,129 73% 9,895
SUNY Oswego 6,906 $17,376 83% 12,555
SUNY Polytechnic Institute 2,842 $13,799 82% 2,919
Syracuse University 22,698 $43,651 52% 41,489
The College of Saint Rose 2,786 $23,294 78% 2,456
The Juilliard School 986 $43,151 11% 2,083
The New School 10,108 $55,480 57% 9,524
Touro University 11,111 $23,960 71% 1,530
Union College 2,107 $41,136 47% 8,458
United States Merchant Marine Academy 943 $4,891 27% 1,532
United States Military Academy 4,393 N/A 12% 12,559
University at Buffalo 32,099 $18,524 68% 30,939
University of Rochester 12,197 $39,775 39% 19,966
Utica University 3,861 $22,372 81% 3,367
Vassar College 2,459 $30,603 19% 11,412
Wagner College 1,949 $29,710 69% 2,645
Yeshiva University 6,056 $35,912 63% 1,615
Source: NCES

Accreditation for Colleges in New York

Accredited New York colleges and universities meet the highest standards for academic quality. That matters when earning a degree. Choose an accredited school or program to make sure you'll get the most out of your education.

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredits the best colleges in New York. Considering an online college? Look for accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.

The Council for Higher Education Accreditation provides additional information on accreditation, including databases of accredited schools and programs.

How Much Does It Cost to Attend College in New York?

Considering New York's cost of living, college can be surprisingly affordable. New Yorkers can expect to spend under $10,000 per year in tuition at public colleges. And while private college tuition generally costs more, many private New York colleges offer financial aid.

The table below breaks down the cost of college in New York by school type.

Cost of College in New York in 2020-2021
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
Public 2-Year (In-State) $5,576
Public 2-Year (Out-of-State) $8,874
Source: NCES

Featured Online Programs

Scholarships for New York Students

Attending college in New York? There are many scholarships for New York students. Check out the following programs, and make sure to contact your school's financial aid office to learn about more opportunities.

  • New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) Tuition Assistance Program: New York offers a tuition assistance program for residents attending college in New York. You can receive up to $5,665 per year in grant money. The program sets income eligibility limits and awards funds to both part- and full-time students.
  • First Responders Children's Foundation General Scholarship: The children of police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics may qualify for this scholarship. Awards are based on need, merit, and achievements. You must be a full-time student with a minimum 2.7 GPA.
  • NYS Aid for Part-Time Study: Part-time students qualify for grants through the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation. You must be a New York resident enrolled part time at an approved New York college. This grant also sets income eligibility limitations.

Highest-Paying Jobs in New York

It's no secret that New York is an expensive state. But if you choose the right field, working in New York can pay off. After all, the state's salaries are generally higher to compensate for the higher cost of living.

Learn more about the most in-demand careers in New York, and then check out the highest-paying career paths. The 10 jobs listed below earn the largest salaries in New York.

10 Highest-Paying Jobs in New York
Job Annual Median Wage (2023)
Nurse Anesthetists $235,040
Chief Executives $233,777
Oral Surgeons $227,863
Ophthalmologists $227,613
Physicians, All Other $220,532
Neurologists $218,119
Psychiatrists $217,230
Financial Managers $216,135
Sales Managers $211,564
Computer and Information Systems Managers $201,791
Source: DOL

Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges in New York

How many colleges are in New York?

When you include all public and private colleges, community colleges, and trade schools, there are almost 300 schools in New York, according to NCES data. The state houses two major university networks: the State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY).

New York has many public and private four-year universities, including New York University and Syracuse University. The state is also home to two Ivy League schools, Columbia University and Cornell University.

What qualifies you for free college in New York?

Through the Excelsior Scholarship, students enrolled full time in an associate degree or bachelor's degree program at a CUNY or SUNY college are eligible for free tuition. You must be able to show proof of New York residency for at least 12 consecutive months before your starting term.

Interested students must also earn less than $125,000 in gross adjusted household income, submit the FAFSA, and apply for a tuition assistance program. After you graduate, you must live in New York for the same amount of time that you accepted the scholarship money for. Otherwise, the scholarship converts into a loan.

What is the cheapest college in New York?

In terms of tuition, the cheapest colleges in New York are all part of the CUNY or SUNY network, with the CUNY colleges being slightly cheaper. For in-state students, the cost of tuition at a CUNY school is about $6,930, while the tuition cost at a SUNY school is about $7,070.

Because the cost of living can vary between cities in New York, you should also consider the cost of living in each area when determining the cheapest college for you. While the cost of living in New York City is well above the national average, several areas in New York, like Buffalo, have a cost of living below the national average.

Do I need to live in New York to attend an online college in New York?

No, you don't need to live in New York to attend New York colleges and universities online. Many of the state's public and private colleges offer online classes and 100% online degrees.

You can enroll in online colleges in New York City or across the state. Some online colleges in New York even offer tuition discounts for out-of-state students.

What is the biggest college in New York?

The biggest college in New York is New York University. Located in the Greenwich Village neighborhood, NYU enrolls 59,144 students. Columbia ranks next, with around 35,000 students.

Other large colleges in New York include Stony Brook, the University at Buffalo, and Cornell, each of which enrolls over 25,000 students.