#1 in Political Science
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY
Acceptance
4%
Total Cost
$79,569
SAT
1510–1580
Manhattan's urban Ivy where first-years debate Plato amid skyscrapers and subway rhythms.
Explore New York Colleges
Colleges in New York
Explore 207 colleges and universities in New York, including 43 public institutions and 164 private schools. Compare tuition costs, acceptance rates, and find your perfect fit.
207
Colleges
43
Public
164
Private
New York at a Glance
Avg Acceptance Rate
70%
Average acceptance rate for New York colleges
Avg Net Price
$19,597
After financial aid
Avg In-State Tuition
$23,942
For public universities
New York College Systems
New York has several major public university systems that serve students across the state. Understanding these systems can help you find the right fit.
CUNY serves over 275,000 students across New York City with 25 institutions, offering affordable education in the heart of the city.
Explore New York by Region
New York is a diverse state with distinct college regions. Explore schools by area to find the campus environment that fits your lifestyle.
Popular Comparisons
See how New York colleges compare head-to-head on acceptance rates, costs, and outcomes.
Barnard vs The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
Colgate vs Hamilton
Colgate vs Vassar
Rochester vs Vassar
Hamilton vs Vassar
Cornell vs New York
Colgate vs Rochester
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art vs Rochester
Barnard vs Rochester
Hamilton vs Rochester
Columbia in the City of New York vs Cornell
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art vs Vassar
Barnard vs Vassar
Colgate vs The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
Hamilton vs New York
Barnard vs Colgate
Hamilton vs The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
Colgate vs New York
Columbia in the City of New York vs New York
Barnard vs Hamilton
New York Colleges Directory
Browse 207 colleges in New York, sorted by ranking and selectivity.
#4 in Nursing
New York University
New York, NY
Acceptance
9%
Total Cost
$78,914
SAT
1480–1560
NYU catapults you into New York's electric chaos, where aspiring artists, financiers, and global thinkers hustle amid skyscrapers and street performers.
#5 in Nursing
University of Rochester
Rochester, NY
Acceptance
40%
Total Cost
$80,342
SAT
1410–1540
Pioneering optics whizzes and symphony savants flock to Rochester's brainy, snowy river campus.
#7 in Business
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
Acceptance
9%
Total Cost
$81,884
SAT
1500–1570
Gorge-framed Ivy League land-grant university where hoteliers train alongside engineers amid upstate New York's steep hills.
#11 in Liberal Arts
Barnard College
New York, NY
Acceptance
9%
Total Cost
$82,192
SAT
1470–1560
Barnard's fierce, all-women undergrad haven in NYC lets you earn a Columbia degree while forging unapologetic leadership in a city that never sleeps.
#12 in Liberal Arts
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, NY
Acceptance
19%
Total Cost
$82,080
SAT
1450–1550
Vassar College: the quirky Hudson Valley liberal arts haven where eccentric intellectuals and artists debate philosophy over farm-fresh ice cream.
#13 in Public Universities
Binghamton University
Vestal, NY
Acceptance
39%
Total Cost
$26,420
SAT
1340–1500
Binghamton University delivers Ivy-level ambition and outcomes at a fraction of the price, turning Tri-State grinders into global achievers.
#17 in Liberal Arts
Colgate University
Hamilton, NY
Acceptance
14%
Total Cost
$81,514
SAT
1430–1540
Colgate molds ambitious, outdoorsy overachievers into finance titans and policymakers amid upstate New York's endless trails and blizzards.
#18 in Liberal Arts
Hamilton College
Clinton, NY
Acceptance
14%
Total Cost
$79,560
SAT
1450–1550
In a quiet upstate New York village, Hamilton equips fiercely independent thinkers with an open curriculum that lets you design your own intellectual adventure amid rolling hills and brutal winters.
#19 in Communications
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY
Acceptance
46%
Total Cost
$77,628
SAT
1270–1440
Snow-blanketed powerhouse where communications wizards sharpen skills amid rabid basketball fandom and Greek life energy.
FAQs about New York Colleges
Columbia University in the City of New York is the highest-ranked university in New York, ranked #7 nationally. The state is home to several prestigious institutions offering world-class education across various fields.
The average tuition at New York colleges varies by institution type. For public universities, the average in-state tuition is $23,942 per year. Out-of-state students pay an average of $25,971. After financial aid, the average net price is $19,597.
The average acceptance rate for colleges in New York is 70%. However, acceptance rates vary significantly by institution, with some highly selective universities accepting less than 10% of applicants while others maintain open enrollment policies.
New York has several major public university systems: State University of New York (SUNY), City University of New York (CUNY). Together, these systems include 89 campuses serving hundreds of thousands of students. SUNY is the largest comprehensive public university system in the US, with 64 campuses ranging from community colleges to flagship research universities.
The State University of New York (SUNY) has 64 campuses and suny is the largest comprehensive public university system in the us, with 64 campuses ranging from community colleges to flagship research universities. The City University of New York (CUNY) has 25 campuses and cuny serves over 275,000 students across new york city with 25 institutions, offering affordable education in the heart of the city.
To qualify for in-state tuition at New York public universities, you typically need to establish residency for at least 12 months before enrolling. Requirements usually include living in the state, having a New York driver's license, registering to vote in the state, and demonstrating intent to remain. Specific requirements vary by institution, so check with your chosen school's admissions office.
New York is located in the Northeast region of the United States. Home to the Ivy League and some of America's oldest universities, the Northeast offers a rich academic tradition with diverse urban and rural campuses.
New York offers a range of affordable college options. The average net price after financial aid is $19,597. Public universities in New York provide particularly strong value for in-state residents, with lower tuition rates and access to state financial aid programs.