Best Online Colleges in New York of 2025

New York is one of the most popular destinations for college students. In fact, as of 2025, the Empire State ranks third nationwide in enrollment, with over 5% of all postsecondary students in the U.S. attending a university there.

If you’re interested in a degree from one of New York’s many excellent schools — but prefer not to relocate or pay big-city living prices — an online program might be the right choice for you.

To help you pick a school, we compared online colleges in New York based on factors such as admission rate, net price, graduation rate, and more.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), in 2023-2024, the average cost for a four-year public college in New York was $8,260 for in-state students and over $18,200 for out-of-state students. That cost was even higher for students attending private institutions — about $30,000, which is almost four times the in-state rate at public colleges.

However, many students qualify for financial aid, such as grants and scholarships, which lower the overall cost of attendance.

New York residents can access federal aid opportunities by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Additionally, there are state-specific programs like the NYS Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Incentive Program, which provides tuition awards for students who graduate in the top 10% of their class who plan to pursue STEM fields at SUNY or CUNY. Students can visit the Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) website for more New York state scholarship offerings.

Still, the cost of living is high in New York — the sixth highest in the country. This is particularly true if you attend a school in higher-cost areas of the state, like New York City, where median monthly rent exceeds $2,600.

Enrolling in an online degree program is one way to avoid the additional expenses often tied to traditional, on-campus education. For instance, studying online can save you money on housing and transportation.

Additionally, many online colleges offer scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for online students. Some online universities also offer flat-rate tuition prices regardless of where you live.

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a college in New York (or anywhere) is institutional accreditation. When a school is properly accredited, it meets certain academic standards. It also guarantees your degree will be recognized by employers and other universities.

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) are the primary accreditors for four-year colleges and universities in New York. You can verify if a school is accredited through the Department of Education’s accreditation database.

Healthcare occupations in New York — like physician, psychiatrist, and radiologist — are among the highest paying in the state. These professionals earn median annual salaries exceeding $215,000. However, these roles require additional education beyond a bachelor’s degree as well as training.

For example, aspiring psychiatrists need to earn a bachelor of science in psychology, chemistry, biology, or a related field. Then, they need to take and pass the MCAT before attending medical school. In med school students earn either a doctor of medicine (MD) or a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) degree and participate in clinical rotations. Afterward, they enter a residency program in psychiatry and obtain the necessary licenses and certifications to practice.