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?
Appily 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.
Explore the Best Universities in New York with Appily!
Create a Appily account to start saving schools to your personal list. Wondering where you stand when applying to the best universities in the USA? You can also see your chances of acceptance and get insights into your target, reach, and likely schools.
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, NY
SUNY 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
Farmingdale State College is a public institution offering a technology-focused education. It is part of the State University of New York system and has a “selective” admissions process. It is home to several research centers, including the Solar...
Farmingdale is a great school. There are so many activities on campus and clubs to join. Farmingdale was the best decision I've made.
” – Rachael from Centereach, NYWagner College is a private liberal arts institution located in Staten Island, New York City. The school provides personalized academic programs for undergraduates under the “Wagner Plan.” Wagner requires that students complete internships and/or...
The professors are great at Wagner. They are really dedicated to learning more in their specific field of study and to teaching their students what they have learned as a result of their research. Of course, there will be professors that you will and...
” – Amy from Morrisville, PA
The Pratt Institute is a private college based in Brooklyn, NY. Pratt offers more than 25 undergraduate degree programs and concentrations, more than 26 graduate degree programs, and six programs leading to an Advanced Certificate award. The 25-acre...
I am a freshman foundation student; most students are required to take the same foundation classes except if you're an architecture, photo or fashion major. Although that might sound boring and unnecessary, it really is. I've learnt more about art...
” – Kanisorn from BROOKLYN, NY
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry is an environmental studies institution in Syracuse and the oldest forestry-related college in the United States. SUNY ESF grants bachelor’s and associate degrees in 27 ecological fields of study and...
I am learning tons about the things I care about. SUNY-ESF offers only classes which concern almost any environmental field. In English we read books all about the environment, in History we learn the history of the environmental movement, in...
” – Samamtha from White Hall, MD
Founded by the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity, Daemen College is a 4-year, now nonsectarian, private school in the Buffalo-Niagara region of New York State. Daemen grants undergraduate degrees in 23 academic majors and all...
All of the teachers I have had so far are very knowledgeable and helpful
” – Thomas from Buffalo, NY
With campus along the banks of the Saranac River, SUNY Plattsburgh is a 4-year liberal arts college in northeast New York State’s Champlain Valley. Part of the State University of New York system, SUNY Plattsburgh offers bachelor’s degrees in over 70...
I have met some of the most unique, peculiar, and interesting professors during my time at Plattsburgh, and I can say with full honesty that I have never regretted my choice to attend college at PSU. I learned an incredible amount of vital material...
” – Adrian from Saranac, NY
Originally founded as the only liberal arts college in the United States with a focus on Criminal Justice and Forensic Science, the CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice is a senior college of the City University of New York system in Manhattan...
I learn a lot from this school because the professors are willing to help if you ask. We also are given a lot of readings and if that is not done, the professors provide class discussions to encourage me and my fellow classmates to learn.
” – Jsmilez from Brooklyn, NY
Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph, St. Joseph’s College is a Catholic liberal arts college with campuses in Brooklyn and Long Island. St. Joseph’s offers undergraduate degrees in 28 academic fields of study. In addition, all new students are...
This college is in an urban area and well-suited for students seeking a smaller sized school. Current enrollment is estimated to be 2,000 students on the Brooklyn campus (there is also a Long Island campus). BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) offers...
” – Christopher from Brooklyn, NYSt. Bonaventure University is a small, private institution located in the rural town of Allegany, New York. It is associated with the Roman Catholic Church and provides a “values-based” curriculum. Journalism, accounting, and marketing are the most...
I know one thing students hate are mandatory classes; but honestly these classes, at Bonaventure called CLARE courses, give you a wider range of knowledge. I'm learning things I wouldn't in my major and I find it really interesting. Granted some...
” – Heather from Penn Yan, NY
With campus situated on the shores of Lake Ontario, SUNY College at Oswego is a public university in northern New York State. SUNY Oswego is home to schools of Education, Liberal Arts, Communication, and Business conferring degrees in over 60 fields...
Most of my classes, were very enjoyable. I took a public speaking class and learned such a huge amount of material, without realizing it. I did so well in the class and learned so much that the teacher asked me to be his Peer Educator for the next...
” – Sarah