Best Online Colleges in New York
Contributing Writer
Editor & Writer
Contributing Writer
Editor & Writer
www.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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New York has one of the most expansive state economies in the United States, in addition to boasting a growing job market and higher-than-average wages. It's no surprise, then, that online college is a popular option in the Empire State.
Whether you're looking for an online college in New York City or curious about the best colleges in New York, we've got you covered. In this article, we spotlight the best online colleges in New York while touching on some essential job market data and student resources that will come in handy once you graduate.
Featured Online Programs
Best Online Programs in New York
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and 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.
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New York University
New York, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
Undergrad | $1,688
Graduate | $2,101
Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, master's, doctorate
New York's largest private research institution also offers online degrees. Enroll at New York University from anywhere to earn a degree designed by the same faculty who create in-person programs.
In the online social sciences program, you can earn a concentration in history, politics, psychology, or many other social science disciplines.
NYU's online professional degrees can help you launch a career in public health, journalism, cybersecurity, or project management. The private institution also offers several education and counseling programs online.
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.
St. Joseph's University-New York
Brooklyn, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
Undergrad | $740
Graduate | $815
Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, master's
St. Joseph's College New York provides courses both on its campuses in Brooklyn and Long Island and online. Students can enroll in one of seven bachelor's and nine master's degree programs, which offer self-paced learning. Dual online degrees in organizational management, health administration, human resources, and human services offer a faster and more affordable path to graduation. SJCNY has a six-year graduation rate of 69%.
Online learners receive a discounted tuition rate. In the 2021-2022 school year, SJCNY awarded 85% of financial aid to New York students.
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.
D'Youville College
Buffalo, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
Undergrad | $395-$425
Graduate | $750-$1,030
Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, master's, doctorate
Nearly 3,000 students attend this private institution in Buffalo, New York, both on campus and online. D'Youville College emphasizes services and character in its programs, including its online programs.
Students can earn their bachelor's in psychology, dental hygiene, or nursing. They can also pursue an MBA, nurse practitioner degree, or master's in health services administration.
As an online learner, you can make your own schedule thanks to the college's flexible course options. You can also save on tuition by transferring up to 90 credits toward a bachelor's degree.
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.
SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Utica, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
Undergrad | $295-$353
Graduate | $471-$1,281
Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, master's
SUNY Poly enrolls 2,200 students across four colleges from its campus in Utica. The public institution also offers online programs, including bachelor's programs in finance, health information management, and nursing.
You can choose from an accelerated nursing education program at SUNY Poly or earn your master's in accounting, technology management, or cybersecurity.
Students can choose from asynchronous, synchronous, or hybrid courses. And if you choose to attend classes on the 400-acre campus, you can also participate in hybrid classes that integrate online instruction.
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.
State University of New York at New Paltz
New Paltz, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
Undergrad | $471-$525
Graduate | $471-$750
Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, master's
Located in a historic village in the Hudson Valley, SUNY New Paltz ranks as one of the best online colleges in New York. The public institution offers online and hybrid programs that use asynchronous and synchronous delivery modes.
Undergraduate students can major in marketing, management, or international business. Or, they can earn a general studies degree to design an interdisciplinary major that maximizes their transfer credits. Students can also earn their MBA or master's in education at SUNY New Paltz.
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.
SUNY College at Oswego
Oswego, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
Undergrad | $295-$353
Graduate | $471-$565
Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, master's
You can take classes online or in person on SUNY Oswego's 700-acre campus near Lake Ontario. You can choose from undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificates.
As an undergrad, you can major in broadcasting and mass communication, business administration, criminal justice, integrative professional studies, public relations, or wellness management.
According to 2022 graduate data, Oswego boasts a high return on investment, with 99% of graduates employed or pursuing higher degrees and 91% working in their field of interest after graduation.
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.
Roberts Wesleyan College
Rochester, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
Undergrad | $299-$617
Graduate | $759-$922
Degrees Offered: Associate, bachelor's, master's
Based in Rochester, Roberts Wesleyan College provides 20 online degrees focused on a Christian-centered education. Accelerated pathways and a generous transfer policy allow you to earn an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree faster than average. Many of Roberts' online programs take 12-24 months to complete.
You can earn an associate degree in arts and culture or biblical studies. Roberts also offers bachelor's programs in business marketing, nursing, social work, health administration, and business management.
Graduate students can pursue a major in early childhood and special education, health administration, or social work.
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.
Utica University
Utica, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
Undergrad | $395-$475
Graduate | $690-$895
Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, master's
Based in central New York, Utica University is a private university dating back to 1946. The university's online programs include undergraduate and graduate options, as well as certificate programs. Explore business, criminal justice, cybersecurity, or more in Utica's online programs.
Utica's online bachelor's programs are designed with working professionals in mind and require 120 credits to complete. While earning your degree, you'll receive success coaching and financial aid coaching through the Center for Student Success. Distance learners also benefit from tutoring and learning services.
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.
SUNY Brockport
Brockport, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
Undergrad | $295-$353
Graduate | $471-$565
Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, master's
At SUNY Brockport, you can save on a college degree thanks to low tuition rates. The public university offers online undergraduate and graduate degrees, including in popular fields like business, the social sciences, or healthcare.
You can earn your MBA online or enroll in one of many nursing programs, including fast-track RN-to-BSN and nurse practitioner programs.
The public institution also offers several degree completion tracks for students with prior college credits. Distance learners benefit from online concierge services and technical support.
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.
Pace University
New York, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
Undergrad | $600
Graduate | $820-$1,150
Degrees Offered: Associate, bachelor's, master's
Pace University, a private college with a campus near the Brooklyn Bridge, has provided online degrees for 20 years. Eight undergraduate degrees offer fully online courses in subjects such as business studies, liberal studies, nursing, and professional technology studies. There are also 20 online master's degrees.
To help you graduate quicker, Pace accepts 68 credits from a community college and 90 credits from a four-year college. It also provides credits for life and career experience.
According to Pace's graduation data from 2022, bachelor's degree holders made an average annual salary of $67,185, and graduate degree holders earned $82,202 a year.
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.
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
Ranking Methodology Summary
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges. For this list, we only considered colleges that offer a minimum of five online bachelor's programs and three online master's programs.
How Much Are NYU Online Degrees?
| Institution Type | Avg. Tuition & Required Fees |
|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $8,541 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $20,304 |
| Private Four-Year | $44,149 |
New York is home to a long list of public and private institutions, many of which offer relatively affordable online programs that can fit your budget. Earning your degree online at a public college in New York is often more cost-effective than campus-based and private options.
In addition to being more cost-effective, online programs offer enhanced flexibility, making them ideal academic options if you're juggling personal and professional obligations. Many programs also waive out-of-state charges for online learners.
10 Fastest-Growing Jobs in New York
Maybe you're considering moving to the Empire State after earning your degree. Or maybe you're choosing your major based on occupations that are expected to see major growth in the state. Whatever the case, you can find a variety of high-paying jobs across many different fields in New York.
Some in-demand career opportunities include arts management, fundraising, clergy, logistics, and healthcare management.
Check out the chart below to see the fastest-growing careers in New York. We've only included careers that require a bachelor's degree and had at least 2,500 professionals in 2020.
| Job | Projected Growth Rate | Median Annual Wage (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes | 87.3% | $82,997 |
| Religious Activity or Education Directors | 66.6% | $51,483 |
| Fundraisers | 60.3% | $77,434 |
| Clergy | 59.9% | $58,773 |
| Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners | 53.9% | $66,159 |
| Music Directors and Composers | 52.1% | N/A |
| Coaches and Scouts | 49.9% | $51,945 |
| Logisticians | 49.2% | $81,744 |
| Data Scientists and Mathematical Science Occupations | 42.6% | N/A |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 42.1% | $140,752 |
New York Scholarships
There's no doubt that college can get expensive. Thankfully, you'll have numerous scholarship options as a student in New York. Check out the New York scholarships below to get you started as you try to find scholarships for college.
New York State Scholarships for Academic Excellence
Award Amount: Up to $1,500
The state of New York offers an annual scholarship that provides financial assistance to thousands of students annually, specifically those with strong academic performance.
You must have graduated from a New York State high school and enrolled in an approved program at an approved college or university in the state to qualify.
NYS Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Incentive Program
Award Amount: In-state tuition at SUNY school
Another state-backed scholarship, this award is a solid option if you're pursuing a two- or four-year degree in an approved STEM field. You must be a high school senior or recent graduate from a New York State high school and graduating in the top 10% of your class.
With this scholarship, you must agree to work a STEM job in the state for five years after graduation.
Peter F. Vallone Academic Scholarship
Award Amount: Up to $700 per year
The Peter F. Vallone Academic Scholarship is reserved for New York City residents. You must demonstrate strong academic performance in high school and enroll as a full-time student at a SUNY school. Award winners must also maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.
World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship
Award Amount: Up to $13,415 per semester
The State of New York's World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship offers generous funding at approved colleges and universities in the state.
This scholarship is available to 9/11 survivors, families of victims, and those who directly worked in the recovery and rescue operations following the attack.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in New York
What is the easiest online college to get into in New York?
While the easiest online college to get into in New York might not be your dream school, it's always good to have a backup plan. According to NCES, the SUNY College of Technology at Canton has a 95% acceptance rate.
When searching for the right program for you, be sure to prioritize programs that align with your academic and career goals. Additionally, other factors like cost, reputation, student services, and location can also impact whether or not you decide to enroll.
Do I need to live in New York to attend an online college in New York?
In most cases, you do not need to live in New York to attend a New York-based online college. However, some schools offer different tuition rates to in-state versus out-of-state students. Additionally, some online programs do require periodic in-person requirements. Be sure to check out any in-person requirements before enrolling.
What is the cheapest online college in New York?
Tuition is often a significant factor when choosing a school that's right for you. As a general rule, resident students attending public colleges and universities pay the least. The most inexpensive online college in New York is CUNY Hunter College, with an average annual net price of under $5,000.
But even if you attend a relatively inexpensive school, tuition and fees can add up quickly over the semesters. Thankfully, you have access to a long list of state, federal, and private financial aid options. Work-study programs, loans, scholarships, and grants can help cut the cost of college, allowing you to focus on school without stressing too much about your investment.
