Best Colleges in Syracuse
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Syracuse is a convenient place to live in Central New York, with I-90, I-81, buses, railways, and an airport. There are 18 colleges near Syracuse, NY in the Central New York region, with over 63,000 students enrolled. Many of these NY colleges offer online programs from associate to graduate levels.
Syracuse University's arts and sciences and engineering and computer science branches provide some of the best online colleges statewide. The region's top industries vary from healthcare, transportation, and advanced manufacturing, to financial services, information technology, and education. In addition, the area is an emerging leader in cleantech and renewable energy, including biofuels, water resources, and sustainable design.
Top Online Degree Programs in Syracuse
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Syracuse Employment Outlook
Career Outlook
Central New York offers diverse high-demand occupations across industries compared to other parts of the state. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that there were 21,070 healthcare practitioners and technical occupation jobs in May 2021. In addition, the BLS recorded 6,100 jobs in computer and mathematical occupations and another 13,460 roles in management occupations.
Job demand and wages vary with the industry and the role. In general, management occupations paid an average of $122,750 per year, but finance managers earned an average of $156,020 in 2021. In healthcare and technical occupations, registered nurses averaged $75,440, while nurse anesthetists earned an average of $212,830 per year.
5 In-Demand Syracuse Jobs
Registered Nurse
Registered nurses (RNs) work with doctors and other healthcare professionals and may oversee licensed practical nurses or nursing assistants. They coordinate patient care, record patients' medical histories, and administer patients' medicines and treatments. An RN may also specialize in critical care, oncology, geriatrics, or pediatrics. Other specializations include addiction rehabilitation, cardiovascular care, or psychiatric mental health.
Annual Median Salary (May 2021): $77,600
Job Outlook (2020-2030): 9% growth
Postsecondary Teacher
Postsecondary teachers, or professors and faculty, develop class syllabi, plan lessons and assignments, and teach courses in their subject area. They assess students' progress and advise them on how to achieve their goals. Professors typically work in specific departments, such as math, and may teach more than one class within the department.
Annaul Median Salary: $79,640
Job Outlook (2020-2030): 12% growth
Financial Manager
Financial managers analyze a company's financial data and monitor finances for an organization. They also prepare financial statements, reports, and forecasts. These managers supervise financial reporting, work on teams as advisors, and help upper management make budgetary decisions. Additionally, these professionals need industry-specific knowledge of tax laws and regulations.
Annual Median Salary: $ Salary Here
Operations Research Analyst
Operations research analysts gather and interpret information from databases, customer feedback, and sales history to help organizations make informed decisions. They identify problems to help managers allocate resources, develop production schedules, and set prices for products and services. These professionals provide alternatives and often assist in determining how to proceed.
Annual Median Salary (May 2021): $82,360
Job Outlook (2020-2030): 25% growth
Information Security Analyst
Information security analysts develop security standards, monitor an organization's network security, and investigate when a breach occurs. They help create disaster recovery plans and continuously test the steps in the plan to ensure the system is up to date. These professionals must stay current on IT security and the methods cyber-criminals use.
Median Annual Salary: $102,600
Job Outlook (2020-2030): 33% growth
Popular Career Paths in Syracuse
Best Accredited Online Colleges in Syracuse
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Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $695
Undergrad, out of state | $695
Graduate, in state | $1,802
Graduate, out of state | $1,802
Syracuse University is an elite private institution that was established in 1870. This private research university is home to more than 21,000 students and boasts a sizable list of notable alumni that includes Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and current United States President Joe Biden. Syracuse students can choose from hundreds of majors and advanced degrees.
Prospective students can apply through the Common Application. They must include official high school transcripts, a senior year grade report, and two academic recommendation letters. Syracuse is a standardized test-optional institution through at least Spring 2024.
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.
Upstate Medical University
Syracuse, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $295
Undergrad, out of state | $708
Graduate, in state | $471
Graduate, out of state | $963
Established in 1834, Upstate Medical University is one of the oldest medical schools in the United States. Also known as SUNY Upstate, this school is part of New York's State University System. SUNY Upstate has a student population of over 1,500 students and offers various health-related bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.
SUNY Upstate is a transfer and graduate college, so undergraduate applicants must complete their first 60 credits at another institution. Undergraduate transfer students must submit an application with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
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.
Le Moyne College
Syracuse, NY - 4 years
- Campus
Avg. Cost per Semester
Undergrad, in state | $18,160
Undergrad, out of state | $18,160
Graduate, in state | Varies
Graduate, out of state | Varies
Le Moyne College is a private Jesuit institution located in suburban Syracuse and is home to about 2,500 full-time undergraduate students. Le Moyne offers students specialized training while maintaining its roots in liberal arts. Some of the school's popular majors include business, biomedical sciences, and professional health disciplines.
Prospective Le Moyne students must submit an application and supply official high school transcripts. They must also submit one academic recommendation letter from a high school counselor or teacher. Le Moyne is a test-optional school, so applicants can use ACT or SAT scores to supplement required admission materials.
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 of Environmental Science and Forestry
Syracuse, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $295
Undergrad, out of state | $743
Graduate, in state | $471
Graduate, out of state | $963
The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry is a part of New York's State University System and is home to about 2,200 students. This Syracuse-based public institution offers undergraduate and graduate programs in specialized areas. Examples include environmental biology, natural resources conservation, and forest ecosystem science. Ranked as one of the most environmentally friendly schools, SUNY ESF has a worldwide alumni network of more than 20,000 graduates.
Prospective SUNY ESF students must submit an application with official high school transcripts and an admission essay. Along with other SUNY schools, SUNY ESF is currently standardized test-optional.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Syracuse
How many colleges are there in Syracuse, NY?
There are ten four-year institutions and eight two-year colleges near Syracuse, NY, including well-known research institutions. The State University of New York (SUNY) College of Environmental Science and Forestry is a recognized top research institution. SUNY Upstate Medical University offers undergraduate and graduate programs for biomedical research and healthcare professionals.
Syracuse University is known for research in various disciplines, including multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research. Bryant Stratton is another four-year college in Syracuse, NY, offering associate and bachelor's degrees. Onondaga Community College is a two-year institution providing associate degree programs such as computing and applied technologies, education, and health.
Does Syracuse have good online colleges?
Syracuse University offers online courses in many disciplines, such as business, communication, computer science, and engineering. While many Syracuse University degrees are entirely online, some require in-person residencies. An academic advisor is assigned to each student to help plan their program, track their progress, and provide necessary resources.
Online classes may be live, real-time synchronous classes, asynchronous classes, or a mix of the two. Bryant Stratton classes are asynchronous and entirely online, giving students 24/7 access to lectures, assignments, and discussions. Learners must complete their work by the due dates, but they can set a schedule that works best for them.
How much does it cost to go to college in Syracuse?
Syracuse University is the most expensive of the colleges in Syracuse, NY, with an annual tuition of $58,440 for the 2022-2023 year. The cost of attendance varies depending on your program of study, and online programs often have additional technology fees. Onondaga Community College's tuition and fees amount to $5,890 per year for state residents and $11,080 per year for non-residents as of 2022-2023.
Private colleges and universities are typically more expensive than public universities and community colleges. Consider your goals before you apply to a college in the city or one of the colleges near Syracuse, NY. Attending community college might be a good way to save money.
What major is Syracuse University known for?
Syracuse University is most well-known as a private research university, with 13 schools and over 40 research centers. This 152-year-old institution is known for its investment in professional programs, research, and innovation. Top programs include disciplines from performance, fine arts, and humanities to social sciences, physical sciences, and communication. They also have programs in technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The Syracuse campus features group meeting rooms, quiet study spaces, and 24/7 assistance. In addition, over half of the university's undergraduate classes have less than 20 students. Syracuse University also offers some of the best online programs in the country, including an AACSB-accredited business management degree.
Is Syracuse University a Tier 1 school?
Syracuse University ranked 58 among the best national universities by U.S News World Report, and it's a gold-tier top 10 military-friendly school. In 2021, U.S. News World Report ranked the institution as number one in public management and leadership. The 2020 Princeton Review ranked Syracuse University as having the best college newspaper.
In addition, in 2021, College Factual rated the school second in information science and third in entrepreneurial studies. College Factual also ranked the university fifth for best degrees in communication and journalism. What's more, Payscale recognized Syracuse University as number 16 for education majors by salary potential in 2020.
