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.
By
Contributing Writer
An award-winning historian and writer, Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D., has published multiple scholarly articles and a book with the University of Chicago Press. She currently works as a writer and consultant. She holds a Ph.D. in history from Northwestern...
Updated on November 20, 2023
Edited by
Editor & Writer
Tyler Epps is an editor for BestColleges. He writes and edits content about higher education, specializing in degree planning and college rankings. He is passionate about helping students prepare for college and navigate their educational journey. He...
Learn more about our editorial process
By
Contributing Writer
An award-winning historian and writer, Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D., has published multiple scholarly articles and a book with the University of Chicago Press. She currently works as a writer and consultant. She holds a Ph.D. in history from Northwestern...
Edited by
Editor & Writer
Tyler Epps is an editor for BestColleges. He writes and edits content about higher education, specializing in degree planning and college rankings. He is passionate about helping students prepare for college and navigate their educational journey. He...
Updated on November 20, 2023
Learn more about our editorial process
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
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 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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#1 Best Colleges in New York + Full List of Schools
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%
Accreditation
Yes
#2 Best Colleges in New York + Full List of Schools
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%
Accreditation
Yes
#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%
Accreditation
Yes
#4 Best Colleges in New York + Full List of Schools
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%
Accreditation
Yes
#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
Acceptance Rate
20%
Students Enrolled
2,516
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
#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%
Accreditation
Yes
#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%
Accreditation
Yes
#8 Best Colleges in New York + Full List of Schools
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%
Accreditation
Yes
#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%
Accreditation
Yes
#10 Best Colleges in New York + Full List of Schools
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%
Accreditation
Yes
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).
| 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 |
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.
| 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 |
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.
| 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 |
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.
