Best Colleges in New York
New York, the Empire State, with the motto “Ever Upward,” is a Northeastern state that’s home to the Statue of Liberty, the US symbol of freedom, democracy, and opportunity. New York City, The Big Apple, has, likewise, become known as a place of entrepreneurship, social tolerance, cinemas, and Broadway, and claims more than 40% of the state’s population. There are more than 200 colleges in New York, dozens of which are a part of either the State University of New York (SUNY) or the City University of New York (CUNY) systems. The oldest institution in the state is Columbia University, which was originally chartered as King’s College, and it’s also the most selective. New York has two federal service academies, Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Judaism institutions. Financial services claims the top industry spot in NY, but its closely followed by health care, professional and technical services, and retail trade. Standard attractions for New York include the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the Empire State Building, as well as Watkins Glen State Park, Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, and the Enchanted Mountain region.
How Were the Top Schools in New York Chosen?
Cappex determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.
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Founded in response to neighboring Columbia University’s all-male admission policy, Barnard College is one of the oldest women’s colleges in the United States and a member of the Seven Sisters colleges. Located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Barnard...
Barnard college is one of the most unique college experiences that exist- partly because of it's location in NYC, partly because of the affiliation with Columbia, and partly because of its existence as a women's college. Being a part of Columbia is...
” – Cassie
Named for Alexander Hamilton and founded in 1812, Hamilton College is a 4-year liberal arts college in central New York State. Hamilton confers undergraduate degrees in 43 academic concentrations and features an open curriculum policy. To provide...
I have been extremely pleased with my academic experience at Hamilton. My professors have challenged me intellectually and really pushed me to new levels, while remaining friendly, professional, and passionate about their subject. They have...
” – from MA
Originally founded in 1861 as a school for women, Vassar College is a 4-year coeducational liberal arts college in southern New York State. Vassar grants bachelor’s degrees in 51 academic majors and was one of the first schools in the United States...
Vassar's zero core curriculum approach to academics allows any student to explore their academic interests to the fullest degree. The professors are wonderful and the majority have the highest degree possible in their field. They are open to...
” – Erin from Boston, MA
Established in 1819, Colgate University is a selective 4-year private liberal arts institution in central New York State and one of the oldest universities in the northeast. Colgate confers bachelor’s degrees in 56 academic majors and the campus is...
I came to Colgate with a pretty narrow idea of what I wanted to study and what I wanted out of my collegiate career. Colgate has, however, reshaped my ideas about the potential of a college education. I thought that both the core program and the...
” – Peter from Hamilton, NY
On 1,000 acres of Saratoga Springs, New York, is Skidmore College, a liberal arts institution that offers students 43 majors and more than 120 study abroad programs. Considered a "Hidden Ivy," Skidmore routinely makes national lists, including as one...
One can learn a great deal at Skidmore College because the classes are designed to enhance critical thinking and social awareness. Students are encouraged to ask many questions in class discussions and in lectures. Most professors assign research...
” – Rasheed from Brooklyn, NY
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, founded in 1859 in the East Village of Manhattan by Peter Cooper, is a top-ranked, all-honors college committed to making education fair and accessible to all. Every admitted undergraduate...
I think the small class sizes will ensure maximum teacher/student interactions
” – Suhaibu from St.thomas, VI
Founded in 1754, Columbia University is a private research university located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The urban Ivy League campus houses 17 libraries and 20 schools, which offer upwards of 350 majors, as well as the Cathedral of St. John...
The amount of learning that takes place in one semester at Columbia is truly amazing. I have learned more in such a short period of time than I would have ever thought possible. As much as we may all complain about how extensive the Core Curriculum...
” – Nina from Baldwin, NY
The University of Rochester is private, research university highly ranked in the National Universities list by U.S. News & World Report. It operates under the mission "Learn, Discover, Heal, Create—and Make the World Ever Better" and students can...
The curriculum at the University of Rochester is what really makes it special. There are no general education requirements. The only required course for all majors is a writing class, which is offered in many subject areas to allow you to explore a...
” – Eloise from Rochester, NY
As an Ivy League, a research institution, and one of three private land-grant universities in the US, Cornell University admissions are highly competitive. Since Cornell was founded in 1865 in Ithaca, NY, it has been a co-educational, nonsectarian...
With the exorbitant amount of majors offered, it is extremely easy to find your niche at Cornell. As an engineer, I was worried about immediately being funneled into classes filled to the brim with only math and science majors and engineers. I was...
” – Samantha from Ithaca, NY
Founded in 1795 as the first college chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, Union College is a 4-year liberal arts institution located in upstate New York. The first liberal arts college to offer a degree program in engineering, Union...
Overall students generally feel like they're learning quite a bit. The professors are great and help you to really understand things. Still, sometimes things are being taught that you MAY have already learned in high school (especially if you took...
” – Victoria from Athens, NY
New York University, more commonly referred to as NYU, is a private university with campuses and academic centers all over the world, including Abu Dhabi, Shanghai, Africa, and Europe. As one of the largest private universities in the US, it’s...
The learning portion is inevitable, isn’t it? NYU has various schools underneath its purple umbrella – College of Arts and Science, Tisch School of the Arts, Stern School of Business, Steinhardt School of Culture/Education/Human Development, College...
” – Lana from Tenafly, NJ
St. Lawrence University is a liberal arts college on the border of New York State and Canada. The Canton, NY, campus consist of 94 buildings on 1,000 acres that provide students with 69 majors and the option to design a program through St. Lawrence’s...
There’s no doubt that St. Lawrence offers plenty of opportunities and experiences that get students learning, growing, and living to their best potential. The administration, advisors, and all professors are extremely accessible and willing to help...
” – Marilyn from Huntington Park, CA
Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is the oldest continuously operating technological research university in the United States. On top of the usual academic offerings, RPI has programs in current and emerging issues, including in...
RPI is a wonderful place to learn. The academics are rigorous here, but the hard work pays off. Although it's a technological institute, there are lots of fields you can pursue, including biology, architechture, management, information technology...
” – DS from Troy, NY
Syracuse University is a private, research institution located in the New York town of the same name. SU’s 13 academic divisions offer 200 majors and 100 minors for undergraduate students, as well as multiple international study programs in 60...
The selection of classes is amazing -- it is impossible to be disinterested in each and every one. Even in the required courses (generally speaking, there's only one, all the rest are options) you will be able to learn and stay interested...
” – Angela from Syracuse, NY
Manhattan School of Music is a music conservatory based in the Upper West Side of New York City offering degrees in musical theatre, jazz, and classical music. Students study with recording artists, opera companies, jazz musicians, and professional...
All of the faculty are extremely learned and passionate, eager to pass their knowledge on to students, even if you're not so interested. There are classes in pretty much every musical subject you might want - theory, aural skills, composition, injury...
” – Mariya from New Paltz, NY
Binghamton University is a 4-year research institution located on a 930-acre campus in New York state and is ranked #32 in Top Public Schools by US News & World Report. The university’s six schools offer 130 academic programs that provide research...
The professors here are great! If you need help they are there for you. Often times students don't go to them so they really do want you to come to them or else they won't have anything to do during office hours.
” – Wendy from Brooklyn, NYWebb Institute is a private, 4-year institution established in Glen Cove, New York. Academics at Webb Institute are engineering-based, and students at the college learn in the fields of both Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. Students are...
At Fordham, the Jesuit University of New York, you’ll receive a rigorous education in one of the world’s greatest cities. Fordham students choose from three undergraduate colleges—Fordham College at Rose Hill, Fordham College at Lincoln Center, and...
With the benefits of the most culturally diverse and intellectually-stimulating city in the world at your fingertips, as well as a curriculum following the Jesuit tradition of educating the whole person, Fordham University offers the best education...
” – Taylor from Girard, KS
Founded in 1905, the Juilliard School is a performing arts conservatory in New York City. Juilliard offers undergraduate degrees in Dance, Drama, and Music as well as concentrations in several theatrical and musical fields of study. Located on the...
This school seems like the perfect place to immerse yourself in the performing arts and step up to a professional level.
” – Rebekah from Wheaton, IL
Originally founded as a seminary for training future Marist Brothers, Marist College is a Roman Catholic school in southeast New York State. Marist grants bachelor’s degrees in 47 academic programs. Outside of the classroom, Marist maintains...
The classes tend to be small, I've never been in a class with more than 25 students. This is so beneficial because each student gets as much individual attention as they need. Most teachers are quite dedicated and have real passion for their subjects...
” – Emily from Alamo, CA
Yeshiva University is a private, Jewish institution established in New York City. The college consists of four campuses throughout Manhattan and the Bronx, with an additional campus located in Israel. All of YU’s campuses are home to facilities...
With Judaic studies in the morning and secular courses in the afternoon, your day is filled with inspiring and useful information.
” – Adam from Brooklyn, NY
Originally founded as a school for math and science teachers, Stony Brook University is a 4-year public university on Long Island and part of the State University of New York system. Stony Brook is home to 12 schools and colleges conferring degrees...
Stony Brook offers a great, quality education for a state school price, however, getting a quality education depends primarily on the student. Many of the science and math based classes are quite large and are often held in huge lecture halls. Due...
” – Amamah from Huntington, NY
With a campus overlooking Seneca Lake, Hobart & William Smith Colleges are liberal arts colleges in the Finger Lakes region of New York State that operate in a coordinate college system. Originally founded as separate colleges for women and men...
I am currently taking a wide variety of classes, being a current first year. HWS has 8 required goals that must be completed for graduation. These goals help to broaden your horizon, while meeting your Major/Minor requirements. This school has...
” – Abigail M. W.
Located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, CUNY Hunter College is a public college and the largest school in the City University of New York System. Hunter is home to six colleges and schools conferring degrees in over 170 fields of study. In addition...
The professors here at Hunter are very knowledgeable and are also very diverse. Most of the professors that I have had so far are very fair and are also very helpful. Just make sure you read your syllabus before hand so that you are never behind...
” – Oluwadara from Brentwood, NY
Ithaca College is a private, liberal arts college located midway between Manhattan and Toronto. IC offers more than 100 programs across five schools, including an Exploratory Program, which allows freshmen to take up to four semesters to try out...
Ithaca College offers many opportunities to pursue any subject that you may desire to study. You can be a communication major and still have the chance to take art history or any other class that may catch your eye. As a cinema major, I have taken...
” – Courtney from Yorktown Heights, NY
Discover a new kind of university in New York City, one where scholars, artists, and designers come together to challenge convention and create positive change. Our university takes full advantage of its location in one of the most vibrant and...
I am currently a student at the Parsons division of The New School, and my major is Fashion Design. The thing that sets me apart from my section (during the first semester you will be a part of a section that you have almost all of your classes with...
” – Briana from Corpus Christi, TX
Founded in 1896, Clarkson University is a 4-year private school in northern New York State. Clarkson confers undergraduate degrees in over 60 academic fields of study. Additionally, the university hosts the SPEED program providing the opportunity to...
This college is very demanding when it comes to some subjects and very laid back when it comes to others. The big 3 courses, physics, chemistry, and calculus, serve as a filter for the students. If you can't keep up and learn the material, you...
” – Dylan from Fort Edward, NYAffiliated with the Jewish Theological Seminary, List College is a Conservative Jewish college in New York City. All List College students enroll in a Jewish Studies curriculum and choose from eleven Jewish theological majors such as Talmud &...
List College of The Jewish Theological Seminary is a dynamic, Jewish learning environment. With its dual-degree program with Columbia University's School of General Studies or its Double Degree Program with Barnard College, List College provides a...
” – Nicole from Golden Beach, FL
Originally founded as a school for women, Sarah Lawrence College is a coed liberal arts college in the New York City metro area. Sarah Lawrence is home to over 50 academic disciplines and all students design their own courses of study. Within each...
Sarah Lawrence is all about learning. It is sort of the Juliard for writers. You get in based on your writing, and you do well acedemically because of it. There are very few tests, since most of the curriculum is based on essays. It is unlike any...
” – Elizabeth from Cincinnati, OH
The Rochester Institute of Technology is a 4-year private university of technology, arts, and design in northwest New York State. RIT is home to 11 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees. Additionally, RIT offers a co-op program that...
Part of being a Software Engineering major means spending a year with Computer Science students learning the basics of computer programming. When I first came to RIT, I knew nothing about writing code but the classes challenged and taught me well and...
” – Geoff from Avon, NY
Originally founded as the Cortland Normal School, SUNY Cortland is a 4-year public university in central New York State and part of the State University of New York system. SUNY Cortland offers bachelor’s degrees in 65 academic majors and 38 minors...
I wanted to attend a school that has a strong education program. I did my research, applied to SUNY Cortland and was accepted. This is my first semester and I thoroughly enjoy being at SUNY Cortland with the Red Dragons.
” – Zhane from Springfield Gardens, NY
Baruch College is a member of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, the nation’s largest urban public university with over 24 campuses. Located in New York City, the college offers 30 undergraduate degrees along with 60 minors for its...
As a Baruch student, I have been learning non-stop since I first started attending last Fall. Baruch Professors set the class environment and give you the push you need to challenge yourself.
” – Prinita from Queens Village, NY
St. John Fisher College is an independent instution located in Pittsford, NY, that run on the Catholic tradition. St. John's 164-acres of campus house five colleges, has both a Math and Writing Center, and is within 7 miles of Rochester. The "College...
As an upcoming senior, I've realized just how much I've learned in the past few years. Knowledge goes beyond the classroom though and I was able to attend Macquarie University in Australia during my junior year. All my financial aid transferred which...
” – Josue from Rochester, NY
The United States Merchant Marine Academy is a service academy based in the suburban town of Kings Point, New York. All students enter the school as “plebe candidates” and must complete an intense regimen of physical training, customs, drills, and...
Is a very rigorous school that will prepare students for their role in the military or maritime service. There is no other school like this, with regards to traditions and experiences. Even though your time here will be rough and studious it is...
” – Neil from Kings Point, NY
The State University of New York at New Paltz is 4-year public liberal arts institution in the Hudson Valley region of New York State and the area’s only residential public university. SUNY New Paltz is home to seven degree-granting colleges and...
This is my first semester at New Paltz and I do feel like I am learning a lot. It's a liberal arts college, so there is a great variety of choices of classes to suit you. My professors are all very intelligent and have great styles of teaching, so it...
” – Brianna from Wappingers Falls, NY
The University at Buffalo is a 4-year research institution offering more than 140 undergraduate degree programs. UB is the largest university in the State University of New York system by enrollment, but maintains a student-faculty ratio of 14:1...
This school has great programs for several different disciplines: Pharmacy, Architecture, Dentistry, Law, Nursing, Anthropology, etc. Spend some time really considering which one you would most like to pursue and then really immerse yourself in it.
” – Matthew from Stockbridge, GA
The New York School of Interior Design is a private institution offering concentrations in interior design. The school offers certifications, associate, bachelor, and master programs, including fine arts degrees. NYSID offers joint programs working...
The City College of New York is a public senior college in upper Manhattan and the oldest institution of higher learning in the City University of New York system. CCNY is home to 10 academic divisions and schools conferring undergraduate degrees as...
There will always be hard to understand professors wherever you go, but there are lots of places at the college that offer help, and in my experience, many fellow students are willing to group together to ace a class.
” – Denise from New York, NY
Bard College is a liberal arts institution with a main location surrounded by the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains. The 1,000-acre Annandale campus provides 48 undergraduate programs and concentrations in five divisions, as well as a number of 3+2...
Bard College is not only a beautiful college, but is also on a beautiful mission to help college student learn and cultivate their ambitions and talents. Bard College has just the right balance of peace on campus to study and adventure in the city...
” – Briana from Alpharetta, GA
Founded by The Society of Jesus, Le Moyne College is a Jesuit institution in Syracuse, NY. The first co-ed Jesuit college in the United States, Le Moyne offers degrees in over 100 majors, minors and special programs. For students interested in the...
At Le Moyne since it is a small school all the teachers know you on a personal level, and are very understanding. Teachers make sure that you are understanding the lessons and if you need extra help most of the time they are available for help during...
” – Kristin from Putnam Valley, NY
Hofstra University boasts small classes, dedicated faculty, and an energized campus within reach of New York City. Students can choose from about 160 undergraduate programs and about 165 graduate programs, in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Business...
Hofstra has been everything I wanted in a school and more! Literally it's a fairly small sized school, but the resources and connections are endless. Their programs are very well established and it's easy to study diverse subjects.
” – Mary from Murfreesboro, TN
Ask any Saint: there is a lot to love about Siena. Our idyllic campus in New York’s Capital Region; our strong Franciscan values; faculty who draw out the best in their students; the connected alumni network, our robust program offerings; and the...
I love learning in classes where there are 20 to 30 students in each class, opposed to being a lecture hall that seems overwhelming.
” – Janet from Port Jefferson station, NY
The University at Albany is a 4-year public research institution in New York State’s capital city and part of the State University of New York system. UAlbany is home to nine colleges and schools offering over 50 bachelor’s degree-granting programs...
Classes are a bit more difficult than high school, but you always learn something new in at least one class along with meeting new people.
” – Daina from Monroe, NY
CUNY Brooklyn College is a public liberal arts college and part of the City University of New York system. Brooklyn College is home to schools of Business, Arts, Education, Humanities, and Sciences conferring degrees in over 175 fields of study. Most...
Brooklyn college has great professors and provides an incredible learning experience.
The tuition is very affordable and the quality of education I have received so far is very good.
Sometimes there are issues with finding help, mostly because most...
SUNY Oneonta is 4-year, public university and a member of the State University of New York. Offering more than 100 majors, minors, and cooperative programs, this mid-size university also offers 1,000+ study abroad programs through SUNY and is...
To start, I am a sophomore at SUNY Oneonta double majoring in Geology and Anthropology and also perusing a double minor in Biology and Water Resources. After just two semesters at Oneonta, I can already say that I have learned an immense amount of...
” – Christopher from Wynantskill, NY
Queens College, City University of New York is a 4-year liberal arts college in New York City and part of the CUNY system. Queens College hosts four academic divisions of Arts & Humanities, Mathematics, Social Sciences, and Education conferring...
Queens definitely does not get the rep for being an amazing school because it is part of the CUNY system... but believe me, you will not be disappointed in the quality of education here. Being a second generation Queens College student, I've only...
” – Julie from Garden City, NY
Founded in 1871, the State University of New York at Geneseo is a public liberal arts college in western New York State and a campus of the SUNY system. Geneseo grants bachelor’s degrees in 50 academic majors and 27 interdisciplinary minors. With...
Despite the frigid weather, the atmosphere at SUNY Geneseo is unparalleled with attention grabbing sunsets, rolling hills and a picturesque college town vibe. The academic program at Geneseo provides a diverse array of classes with professors who...
” – Danielle from Coram, NYSUNY Polytechnic Institute is a 4-year public technology-focused university with two primary locations in upstate New York and a campus of the State University of New York system. SUNY Poly hosts six colleges conferring undergrad degrees in 54 fields...
It has a new nursing program, a partnership with st. elizabeths hospital.
” – Lauren from Clifton Park, NY
The United States Military Academy is located in West Point, NY, with a "mission to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets for a career of professional excellence and sevice to the Nation as an officer in the United States Army." West Point...
the best military and leadership education you can get...
” – Josiah from O'Fallon, IL
Founded in 1870, Canisius College is a private, Jesuit institution located in Buffalo, New York. Admissions are rated as “selective.” Biology, psychology, finance, accounting and Animal Behavior, Ecology and Conservation are among the most popular...
Canisius has great programs for the majors and minors that they offer. The science programs are very demanding, but will prepare you for medical, dental, and vet schools.
” – Lauren from NY