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.

Fashion Institute of Technology

The Fashion Institute of Technology is a public college of design, fashion, and art in New York City and part of the State University of New York system. FIT offers undergraduate programs in 29 fashion and artistic disciplines such as Menswear...

“…

The teachers are all well experienced and have been in the industry for a minimum of ten years before teaching. They all held high positions related to the fashion industry so they bring their knowledge into the classroom. They give hands-on...

” – Tina from Quincy, MA
Hilbert College

Named for Mother Colette Hilbert of the founding Franciscan Sisters of St Joseph, Hilbert College is a Franciscan college in the Buffalo metro area. Hilbert grants undergraduate degrees in 18 academic majors including one of the only Computer...

“…

Hilbert College is a great school and I recommend the college to all students. My professors sent me an email on my first day of classes welcoming me into their school. Hilbert College provides small class sizes, which help to assist students...

” – Elizabeth from Blasdell, NY
Iona University

Founded by The Congregation of Christian Brothers, Iona College is a Catholic school in the New York City metro area. Iona confers bachelor’s degrees in over 40 academic fields of study and the college also offers 5-year dual degree majors. As a...

“…

Small classes so it makes it easier to learn. Professors are always willing to help.

” – Michelle from Saint James, NY
Marymount Manhattan College

Marymount Manhattan College is a private institution located in New York, New York, that offers a liberal arts and sciences curriculum. Marymount features 30 majors, including its industry-noted performance program, in its three academic buildingers...

“…

Marymount Manhattan College is in an ideal location for students interested in all kinds of studies. The college is incredibly helpful in ensuring students get everything they need from tutoring to finding an internship in the city. The professors...

” – Brittany from Leonardo, NJ
SUNY College at Old Westbury

SUNY College at Old Westbury is a public liberal arts college on Long Island and part of State University of New York System. SUNY Old Westbury is home to colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, and Professional Studies offering...

“…

-Professors teach way differently from high school teachers.
-Professors tend to go at a quick pace, but as long as you do your work, you'll be fine.
-NEVER PROCRASTINATE!!

” – BHS
Touro University

Touro College is a private institution under Jewish sponsorship based in New York City with selective admissions. The school operates multiple programs in Chicago, Nevada, California, Israel, Berlin, and Moscow. TC houses the Lander College of Arts...

LIU Brooklyn

LIU Brooklyn is a 4-year private university in the New York City borough of Brooklyn and the original campus of Long Island University. LIU Brooklyn confers undergrad degrees in over 125 academic programs in liberal arts, business, fine arts, and...

“…

I was in the Global College of Long Island University, a school/program that is affiliated with Long Island University. At this school, students go to a different country every year -- the first year to Costa Rica, and the following years places like...

” – Jordyn from Denver, CO
College placeholder image

Five Towns College is a for-profit college on Long Island and the only residential private school in its county. Five Towns offers eight majors in the fields of business and the arts. Outside of the classroom, Five Towns orchestrates a number of on...

LIM College

Originally founded as the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising, LIM College is a private school in New York City with a focus on the business of fashion. LIM confers undergraduate degrees in seven fields of study such as Fashion Media and Fashion...

“…

Choosing to attend LIM College has been the best decision I have ever made. I love the tight-knit community and industry experience that LIM offers. Every one is a familiar face to me, and I like that!

” – Maura from Maspeth , NY
Eugene Lang College at The New School

Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts is an academic space that defies tradition. Our approach to liberal arts education was born out of The New School’s vision to transcend intellectual boundaries and reimagine academic norms. At Lang, we challenge...

“…

I absolutely adore the open-mindedness of the courses offered here, as well as the candor of the professors. All students have advisors that are ready and willing to meet and help students meet their academic goals. The dorms are awesome.

” – Meg from Stamford, CT
Mercy College

With campus overlooking the Hudson River, Mercy Univeristy is a 4-year private school in the New York City metro area and a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution. Mercy hosts schools of Business, Education, Health Sciences, Liberal Arts, and Social...

“…

Ive talked to a lot of professors, fellow students and even sat in on a couple classes. It was wonderful they are small in number this allows you the opportunity to get to know your teachers and your fellow classmates and obtain the one on one help...

” – SHAUNTE from SAINT ALBANS, NY
Utica University

Utica College is a 4-year private institution founded in 1946 and located in central New York, in the town of the same name. Utica offers 38 undergraduate majors on its 128-acre campus along with 31 minors and 21 graduate programs. UC students can...

“…

Very big campus with a lot of resources available to you.

So many student organizations, it's pretty easy to join one and very rewarding.

The shuttles let you access the mall and the shopping center so you may get whatever you need without...

” – Charity from Indianapolis, IN
American Musical and Dramatic Academy

Founded in 1964, the American Musical and Dramatic Academy is a conservatory of the performing arts in New York City. AMDA is the only such school to offer bachelor’s degrees and conservatory programs in Acting, Music Theatre, Dance Theatre, and...

“…

AMDA is a great school for performers of all types; acting, musical theater, or dancing. It's a small school and classes are small sized which is all the better for you due to many performance activities. AMDA students care about one another and the...

” – Haley from Los Angeles, CA
Parsons School of Design at The New School

For more than a century, Parsons has been inspired by the transformative potential of design. Today, the school’s groundbreaking academic programs carry forward that mission, making Parsons the number one U.S. design school and top ranked globally...

“…

I attend the summer intensive course this year (2011), I worked hard,long hours, but loved every second . My drawings from day one to the last day improved 1000%, recieved a B+

” – Brittany from Boca Raton, FL
CUNY Bronx Community College

CUNY Bronx Community College is a public institution situated in University Heights. The school has an open admissions policy and administers the SUNY Bronx Educational Opportunity Center. BCC is a Hispanic-Serving Institution and the first community...

“…

Bronx Community College is a great option for a two year college, wide variety of mayors, mix ethnicity and very flexible hours schedule.

” – Rosa from Bronx, NY
Keuka College

Founded in 1890, Keuka College is a liberal arts school based in Keuka Park, New York. The Field Period at Keuka College is a required program chosen by the student that explores their interests through an internship, cultural experience, artistic...

“…

Keuka College offers great diversity because of there multicultural affairs office and activities. Also, due to their programs outreaching to Chinese students, there is no limit to the amount of ne ideas and cultures you can learn.

” – Devin from Orchard Park, NY
College placeholder image

Saint Elizabeth College of Nursing is a 2-year nurse training academy in central New York State. SECON offers an associate degree in Nursing available in weekday and evening/weekend tracks as well as a 3-year track for students who wish to complete...

St. Francis College

St. Francis College is a private institution located in Brooklyn Heights, New York, and was founded in 1884. It is a Franciscan college that provides a Christ-centered curriculum focused on the theology and philosophical teachings of St. Francis. It...

“…

everyday you learn new things that are beneficial plus you have very helpful people here to inform how to achieve your goal and the college experience is challenging but great.

” – Karimah from Brooklyn, NY
New York Institute of Technology

New York Institute of Technology is a private university with campuses on Long Island and New York City. New York Tech is home to six schools and colleges conferring degrees in over 90 career-centered academic programs. Additionally, New York Tech...

“…

I was truly impressed by innovative facilities and how my questions were answered in a friendly manner. I was impressed by their well-presented computer-engineering workshop. The teachers explained everything on what to do and what not. They also...

” – Hector from Bay Shore, NY
College placeholder image

CUNY York College is a public college based in Queens, New York. It is a member of the Thurgood Marshall Fund and part of the City University of New York system. Popular areas of study include social work, business, and psychology, as well as their...

“…

this is a noble institution that provide students with excellent educational, social and moral opportunities to help them to become better citizens in our society. york is a home away from home for many international students and they are known for...

” – janell from Jamaica, NY