Best Colleges in New York (2024)

Bill Townsend
11/12/2024 | 6 Min Read

Table of Contents

Who doesn't love New York? You truly have it all - a big city, natural beauty, and colleges in all shapes and sizes! Whether you're looking to go in-state or out-of-state, there's a college for you that will meet your needs for your post-high school education.

We'll share all the details on the best colleges in New York and help you choose the best one for your higher education.

10 Best colleges in New York

Read on to see our rankings for the top colleges in New York and what you can expect from each one.

Columbia University

Location: New York, NY

Tuition: $63,530

Fast facts:

8,832 undergraduate students
4% admission rate
97% graduation rate

Let's start our list off with an Ivy League university!

Columbia University is a competitive, private university with rigorous academics, top-tier professors, and a prestigious reputation.

Columbia is also there for their students. They help many with financial aid, campus initiatives, and securing great internships.

And did we mention that it's in the heart of New York City? Not just that, but the Upper West Side of Manhattan - yes, please!

Cornell University

Location: Ithaca, NY

Tuition: $61,015

Fast facts:

15,503 undergraduate students
9% admission rate
94% graduation rate

Next, we travel upstate to another Ivy League university, this time in the gorgeous Finger Lakes region. Do yourself a favor and Google this Instagram-worthy campus, for sure.

With 14,743 undergraduate students, many students report that the large Cornell campus has plenty of breathing room.

Cornell has an "any study" motto, which they live up to. Their 4,000 classes, 100+ academic departments, and 80+ degree programs leave students with many options.

New York University

Location: New York, NY

Tuition: $56,500

Fast facts:

28,772 undergraduate students
13% admission rate
87% graduation rate

New York University (NYU) is a true mix of cultures and ideas. Not only does their extensive international program lend true diversity to the campus and student body, but their study abroad programs encourage students to experience different parts of the globe and also bring in international students.

From arts to a school of business, NYU has a variety of programs to choose from. Also, let's take a moment to name-drop - on their list of past alumni, NYU has some big names, like Lady Gaga, Anne Hathaway, and Alan Greenspan!

University of Rochester

Location: Rochester, NY

Tuition: $59,378

Fast facts:

6,568 undergraduate students
41% admission rate
86% graduation rate

You'll find the University of Rochester in a small city on the scenic shores of Lake Ontario.

As part of their methodology, they offer small class sizes and a "flexible" curriculum. This means that aside from one writing requirement, students can build an individual program of study based on their major and interests.

This private college also offers a Take Five Scholars Program. In this program, students who complete a four-year bachelor's degree can take an extra, tuition-free year to pursue any studies that light their fire - they had us at "tuition free" with this one.

Barnard College

Location: New York, NY

Tuition: $59,687

Fast facts:

3,043 undergraduate students
11% admission rate
93% graduation rate

Are you a woman looking for a school where you can thrive and concentrate?

Enter Barnard College, an all-female liberal arts college located in Manhattan. Their competitive acceptance rate - part of the Seven Sisters Ivy League - means that class sizes remain small and students get a more personal experience.

Barnard's philosophy is centered around empowering women. Their slogan, "There's nothing a Barnard woman can't do," says it all. This atmosphere, combined with its top-tier academic programs and award-winning professors, makes Barnard an excellent choice.

Colgate University

Location: Hamilton, NY

Tuition: $61,966

Fast facts:

3,164 undergraduate students
17% admission rate
90% graduation rate

The Colgate University campus is gorgeous, with stunning architecture. Then you have Hamilton - a poster child for the classic college town for student life - where students can play and explore.

With just over 3,000 students in enrollment, Colgate is admittedly small. But this can be a good thing because it leads to smaller class sizes, closer friendships, and a sense of comradery among past and present alumni.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Location: Troy, NY

Tuition: $58,526

Fast facts:

5,614 undergraduate students
53% admission rate
84% graduation rate

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is all about STEM -. and is pretty famous in engineering circles.

RPI also has a long list of famous inventors and innovators. Technology like email and digital cameras were invented by RPI alumni. Impressed? We sure were.

At its core, RPI is a research university, giving students great research opportunities and internships that they won't find anywhere else.

Syracuse University

Location: Syracuse, NY

Tuition: $57,591

Fast facts:

14,778 undergraduate students
59% admission rate
82% graduation rate

Between academics and athletics - not to mention a school spirit where everyone bleeds orange - Syracuse University has the full college experience.

The university's beautiful campus is home to 40 research centers and 300 student organizations - plus, multiple study abroad programs for when you're ready to spread your wings.

The university also offers impressive financial aid packages.

Fordham University

Location: Bronx, NY

Tuition: $56,161

Fast facts:

9,904 undergraduate students
58% admission rate
83% graduation rate

Fordham is a Jesuit university, with Jesuit values. This means that it's more than just an institute of higher learning.

At Fordham, they pride themselves in caring for the whole student, including their mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being.

But you don't have to be religious to go to Fordham - they welcome people of all backgrounds and faiths. Their emphasis is on academic excellence and social justice - values we can all get behind.

Hamilton College

Location: Clinton, NY

Tuition: $59,970

Fast facts:

2,055 undergraduate students
14% admission rate
92% graduation rate

Hamilton is a small liberal arts college in a New York village. In fact, it's the smallest private college on our list.

Their small size means a more personalized experience, with professors who know each student's name and work with them to reach their goals.

In addition to academics, Hamilton College offers a vibrant campus life with over 200 student organizations catering to various interests and passions.

For those seeking global experiences, Hamilton College provides numerous study abroad programs to broaden horizons and explore different cultures.

Honorable mentions

Vassar College, Poughkeepsie
Clarkson University, NYC
Union College, Schenectady

Looking for a public university?

Public universities are great options, with substantially lower in-state tuition.

The State University of New York (SUNY) system has several public universities under its umbrella, including…

What is the No. 1 college in New York?

The reality is that "No. 1" isn't a one-size-fits-all. The best college for you will depend on your preferences, priorities, and goals. Consider whether you'd rather be at a school with a great performing arts program or if you'd prefer to be able to get your fill of the arts on Broadway.

That said, some universities have a definite reputation for excellence. For example, both Columbia and Cornell University boast national recognition and top spots on multiple college ranking lists.

Is New York City a good city for college?

No doubt about it, NYC is one of the most vibrant and bustling cities in the world.

From late-night Chinese food delivery to a front-row seat at Madison Square Garden, New York has a lot to offer! With your choice of living in Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island, the Bronx, or even Long Island, you'll be just a train ride away from some of the top American schools.

Let's just say, if you're a city person, then New York City is for you!

Looking for more options in the city? Here are a few…

How to choose the best New York college for you

With so many options… How do you choose?

The trick is to figure out what your priorities are and use them to find the best fit.

Academic programs. If you know what you want to study, whether it's in the sciences or humanities, find out which universities offer those degree programs.
Price. It's best to be realistic about money and look honestly at tuition, fees, and financial aid packages.
Location. Urban, rural, residential, small town… Where do you see yourself living for the next four years?
School size. Smaller schools often mean smaller class sizes. Larger schools, on the other hand, can provide more diversity and campus activities.
Campus life. What will life be like when you're not studying? Find out all you can about student organizations, activities, and places to socialize.

College Rover helps you find your ideal school

The right college can make a big difference in your future, whether work, graduate school, or a doctoral degree is in your future!

Take the extra time now to make sure you're making the best choice.

Need some help in your college search? College Rover's college search and comparison tool can help you make your college decisions with confidence.

College Rover gets the majority of its data directly from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The DOE publishing schedule "lags" the most current data which some colleges post on their official websites. This may cause there to be a difference in the data you see on College Rover and an individual college website. College Rover's website is updated as the DOE data becomes available and is configured for the College Rover website.