Which SUNY college is the easiest to get into?

Empire State University (SUNY Empire) is the easiest to get into with an acceptance rate of 100. The college has an open admissions policy, which means the institution accepts all applicants who meet their basic education requirements.

What GPA do you need for SUNY?

The GPA requirements for SUNY colleges range from 80 to 96, depending on the specific campus you wish to attend. Typically, SUNY Colleges of Technology, such as SUNY Morrisville and Alfred State College, maintain slightly lower GPA requirements, while university centers and specialized degree-granting institutions, including the University at Buffalo and Stony Brook University, demand higher GPAs.

What is the hardest college to get into in New York?

With a mere 4% acceptance rate, Columbia University is New York's most competitive college, leading to around 55,000 rejections each year. Institutions like Columbia often reject many qualified candidates due to capacity constraints. Out of 57,129 applications for the Class of 2027, only 2,246 were offered admission.

What is the #1 college in New York?

Columbia University is ranked as the top college in New York and is renowned worldwide for its research and academic offerings. As one of the state's two Ivy League institutions, Columbia is home to over 100 research centers and institutes and has an acceptance rate of just under 4%.

Easy Colleges to Get Into in New York

Updated on August 19, 2024

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New York is home to some of the most popular and well-known colleges in the country. Learn more about the easiest colleges to get into in New York.

While New York is home to many prestigious, highly selective institutions like Columbia and Cornell University, the Empire State also offers many accessible schools.

The City University of New York (CUNY) and State University of New York (SUNY) systems, with a combined 89 campuses, include some of the best and easiest schools to get into in the state.

These institutions can potentially save you both time and money on your degree, letting you graduate early or transfer to a more competitive four-year university.

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List of the Easiest New York Colleges to Get Into

The easiest colleges to get into in New York boast acceptance rates of over 80%. We compiled a list of the easiest colleges in New York to get into. The data in the table below comes from the National Council for Education Statistics (NCES).

Easiest New York Colleges to Get Into
School	Avg. Annual Net Price	Acceptance Rate	Number of Applicants
College of Staten Island CUNY	$6,355	100%	N/A
Empire State University	$11,065	100%	N/A
Excelsior University	N/A	100%	N/A
St. Francis College	$22,766	100%	N/A
Hilbert College	$22,224	98%	1,310
Keuka College	$26,153	94%	1,780
Houghton University	$22,358	93%	1,068
Culinary Institute of America	$36,015	92%	2,161
Elmira College	$24,551	91%	2,109
Iona University	$28,557	91%	7,289
Long Island University	$22,620	90%	12,398
Utica University	$22,510	87%	3,826
Manhattanville College	$25,017	85%	3,943
Mercy University	$16,776	85%	8,581
Niagara University	$17,495	85%	4,148
SUNY Old Westbury	$10,495	85%	6,511
SUNY College at Potsdam	$14,574	85%	3,905
CUNY Medgar Evers College	$6,207	83%	11,239
Wagner College	$28,109	83%	2,328
D’Youville University	$20,268	82%	2,295
Mount Saint Mary College	$24,588	82%	2,229
St. Bonaventure University	$27,659	82%	4,299
St. Thomas Aquinas College	$21,257	82%	2,251
CUNY New York City College of Technology	$5,417	81%	21,007
St. John’s University	$28,206	80%	25,223
SUNY Oswego	$16,923	80%	14,465

Source: NCES

5 Colleges in New York With the Highest Acceptance Rates

The top five easiest colleges to get into in New York feature a mix of public, private, and online institutions, with four out of five having a 100% acceptance rate.

1. College of Staten Island CUNY

Acceptance Rate: 100%

The College of Staten Island (CSI) is one of 25 institutions in the CUNY system. CSI is home to five schools and offers dozens of online and on-campus associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.

First-time applicants are required to have a high school diploma or high school equivalency and pay a $65 application fee. The CUNY system is test-optional through spring 2025.

2. Empire State University

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Empire State University, part of the SUNY system, offers undergraduate programs in subjects including business, education, nursing, and science. Prospective students are required to submit proof of high school completion and pay a $50 orientation fee.

Certain programs, including the bachelor’s in early childhood education and combined/dual bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, have additional admissions requirements.

3. Excelsior University

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Excelsior University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields including business, liberal arts, nursing, and technology. Some programs, like the associate in nursing program, have state-specific limitations.

Applicants are required to submit their high school or GED diploma. The school’s generous transfer credit policy can facilitate graduation in as little as 12 months.

4. St. Francis College

Acceptance Rate: 100%

St. Francis College provides over 72 degree options in areas such as accounting, political science, psychology, communications, biology, and nursing. Prospective students need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, an official transcript, and a minimum GPA of 71.

The nursing program is competitive, requiring higher GPA and SAT/ACT scores for admission consideration.

5. Hilbert College

Acceptance Rate: 98%

Hilbert College offers more than a dozen undergraduate degrees in subjects including accounting, biology, political science, and psychology. Several programs allow you to earn a master’s with only one extra year of study.

The college follows a test-optional policy, with applicants needing just an official high school transcript or GED diploma to apply. Advanced Placement (AP) test scores and letters of recommendation are recommended but not required to apply.

What Is an Open Admissions College?

Open admissions colleges enroll all learners who meet basic application requirements. These requirements may include a high school or GED diploma. However, unlike other four-year colleges, they do not require or recommend standardized test scores, interviews, or recommendation letters.

Many of New York’s easiest colleges to get into utilize an open admissions policy, but not all colleges advertising a 100% acceptance rate use an open admissions policy. Always check schools’ application requirements closely and contact admissions advisors to answer your questions.

Your local community or junior college may also offer open admissions. Starting your education at one of these schools can help you save money on a four-year degree.

Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges in New York

Colleges with open admissions are reputable and can provide accessible educational opportunities to students who may not meet other schools’ admission requirements. However, you should always check a school’s accreditation, credit transfer policies, and reputation before enrolling.

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