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Top Colleges in New York

Written by Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman

Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman is a content editor and writer at Scholarships360. He has managed communications and written content for a diverse array of organizations, including a farmer’s market, a concert venue, a student farm, an environmental NGO, and a PR agency. Gabriel graduated from Kenyon College with a degree in sociology.

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Updated: December 6th, 2023

New York has earned its reputation as one of the most famous states in the US. It’s also earned its reputation as a great state to pursue a higher education. With schools like Columbia and Fordham in the Big Apple, and schools like Cornell and Syracuse in the rest of the state, there are great options for anyone in New York. Check out our list below to find the option for you.

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72 colleges
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Top College Top College
Top College Top College: Affordability

Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private, Non-Profit, City, Need-Blind

New York, NY

Private, Non-Profit, City, Need-Blind

4% acceptance rate
8,832 undergraduate students
97% graduation rate
$12,836 average per year after aid
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Top College Top College

United States Merchant Marine Academy

Kings Point, NY • Public, Suburb

Kings Point, NY

Public, Suburb

25% acceptance rate
1,006 undergraduate students
81% graduation rate
$6,627 average per year after aid
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Cornell University

Ithaca, NY • Private, Non-Profit, City, Need-Blind

Ithaca, NY

Private, Non-Profit, City, Need-Blind

9% acceptance rate
15,451 undergraduate students
94% graduation rate
$29,011 average per year after aid
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Top College Top College: Affordability

The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art

New York, NY • Private, Non-Profit, City, Need-Blind

New York, NY

Private, Non-Profit, City, Need-Blind

15% acceptance rate
869 undergraduate students
83% graduation rate
$10,698 average per year after aid
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Top College Top College: Affordability

Colgate University

Hamilton, NY • Private, Non-Profit, Town

Hamilton, NY

Private, Non-Profit, Town

17% acceptance rate
3,152 undergraduate students
90% graduation rate
$24,489 average per year after aid
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CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

New York, NY • Public, City

New York, NY

Public, City

51% acceptance rate
15,483 undergraduate students
74% graduation rate
$1,936 average per year after aid
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Hamilton College

Clinton, NY • Private, Non-Profit, Suburb, Need-Blind

Clinton, NY

Private, Non-Profit, Suburb, Need-Blind

14% acceptance rate
2,049 undergraduate students
92% graduation rate
$26,296 average per year after aid
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Fashion Institute of Technology

New York, NY • Public, City

New York, NY

Public, City

52% acceptance rate
7,660 undergraduate students
82% graduation rate
$8,985 average per year after aid
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Binghamton University

Vestal, NY • Public, Suburb

Vestal, NY

Public, Suburb

44% acceptance rate
14,303 undergraduate students
84% graduation rate
$19,307 average per year after aid
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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Troy, NY • Private, Non-Profit, City

Troy, NY

Private, Non-Profit, City

53% acceptance rate
5,579 undergraduate students
84% graduation rate
$31,456 average per year after aid
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Boricua College

New York, NY • Private, Non-Profit, City

New York, NY

Private, Non-Profit, City

--% acceptance rate
377 undergraduate students
94% graduation rate
$13,499 average per year after aid
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Barnard College

New York, NY • Private, Non-Profit, City, Need-Blind

New York, NY

Private, Non-Profit, City, Need-Blind

11% acceptance rate
3,007 undergraduate students
93% graduation rate
$32,514 average per year after aid
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Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, NY • Public, Suburb

Stony Brook, NY

Public, Suburb

48% acceptance rate
17,900 undergraduate students
78% graduation rate
$16,357 average per year after aid
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Manhattan College

Riverdale, NY • Private, Non-Profit, City

Riverdale, NY

Private, Non-Profit, City

75% acceptance rate
3,166 undergraduate students
77% graduation rate
$25,427 average per year after aid
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SUNY Maritime College

Throggs Neck, NY • Public, City

Throggs Neck, NY

Public, City

74% acceptance rate
1,399 undergraduate students
74% graduation rate
$21,828 average per year after aid
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University of Rochester

Rochester, NY • Private, Non-Profit, City

Rochester, NY

Private, Non-Profit, City

41% acceptance rate
6,417 undergraduate students
86% graduation rate
$31,171 average per year after aid
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Vassar College

Poughkeepsie, NY • Private, Non-Profit, Suburb, Need-Blind

Poughkeepsie, NY

Private, Non-Profit, Suburb, Need-Blind

20% acceptance rate
2,500 undergraduate students
93% graduation rate
$35,236 average per year after aid
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University at Buffalo

Buffalo, NY • Public, Suburb

Buffalo, NY

Public, Suburb

70% acceptance rate
21,303 undergraduate students
74% graduation rate
$19,344 average per year after aid
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Union College

Schenectady, NY • Private, Non-Profit, City

Schenectady, NY

Private, Non-Profit, City

47% acceptance rate
2,072 undergraduate students
85% graduation rate
$34,163 average per year after aid
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SUNY College at Geneseo

Geneseo, NY • Public, Town

Geneseo, NY

Public, Town

74% acceptance rate
4,450 undergraduate students
76% graduation rate
$19,345 average per year after aid
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About the Data

We sort colleges on our lists according to their Scholarships360 Top Colleges Index Score. This score is calculated using up-to-date information taken directly from the College Scorecard. Additional information is sourced from the colleges themselves, as well as other publicly available information. If you see an error, feel free to contact us.

State Grants in New York

Most states offer their own state-wide grants to help residents obtain an affordable education. Here are some of the most prominent state-wide grants in New York:

New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

TAP is a need-based grant for New York students attending a college in New York state. As of 2023, the award could be up to $5,665 every year. The program has specific requirements for fields of study and approved schools, so be sure to check in with your school’s financial aid office to see if you qualify. Both part-time and full-time students can take advantage of this program.

New York State Excelsior Scholarship

The Excelsior Scholarship is a need-based program that allows New York students to attend CUNY or SUNY schools for free. Be sure to check in with your school’s financial aid office for eligibility information; as of 2023, the income cap for a family was $125,000 per year.

New York Tuition Reciprocity Agreements

Unfortunately, New York State does not participate in any tuition reciprocity programs. That means New York residents will not be able to get in-state tuition at public schools in any other state. However, New York has so many different educational opportunities, most students are able to find a good fit without leaving the state.

Other college lists to explore

Frequently asked questions

What is the hardest New York college to get into?

Columbia University has the lowest admissions rate in the state of New York, with 4% of applicants admitted in 2023. However, it’s important not to be discouraged by a low acceptance rate. Every college application is reviewed differently, and students should be sure to apply to several schools they don’t feel confident about getting into.

Why should I study in New York?

New York is home to some of the country’s best universities. What’s more, New York City itself is a cultural and economic hub for the world. In addition to experiencing one of the world’s best-known cities, students get opportunities for jobs and internships that are unrivaled in most other cities.

Are CUNY schools free?

New York residents with a high demonstrated financial need can attend CUNY schools tuition-free through the Excelsior Scholarship. The grant requires that students complete high school or obtain a GED or other relevant credential, but has no other academic eligibility requirements.

It’s important to note that this scholarship covers tuition, but students will have to apply to additional grants to make college free. Expenses such as room and board, textbooks, fees, and other miscellaneous costs can add up. Although scholarships such as Excelsior can be a huge help for students, it’s important to budget these other expenses into your college plan as well.

Are SUNY schools free?

New York residents with a high demonstrated financial need can attend SUNY schools tuition-free through the Excelsior Scholarship. The grant requires that students complete high school or obtain a GED or other relevant credential, but has no other academic eligibility requirements.

It’s important to note that this scholarship covers tuition, but students will have to apply to additional grants to make college free. Expenses such as room and board, textbooks, fees, and other miscellaneous costs can add up.

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