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!

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Finger Lakes Community College is a 2-year community college affiliated with SUNY. FLCC offers courses in over 50 departments as well as eight fully-accredited online degree programs. The Finger Lakes athletic department features men’s and women’s...

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finger lakes community college is a great place to start your education path in college and earn a degree. they have campuses in 3 different counties making it easy to find classes that fit your needs and schedule. so far, my experience has been...

” – Hannah from Williamson, NY
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Located on the campus of Geneva General Hospital, the Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing and Health Sciences is a medical training academy in central New York State. FLHCON confers associate degrees in Nursing and hosts a certificate-granting...

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With a campus overlooking the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, Fulton-Montgomery Community College is a 2-year institution and part of the State University of New York system. Fulton-Montgomery is home to over 35 academic programs granting...

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A great start to education for a career. The faculty are always ready to help and will know you on a personal level. They will get you ready for your future.

” – Reginald from Gloversville, NY
Hudson Valley Community College

Hudson Valley Community College is associated with the State University of New York (SUNY). The Troy-based campus features two science centers, a telecommunications center, library learning commons, a health technologies center, a technical building...

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This college is great. If you take the time to do your work and get involved, you can learn a lot and have fun doing so.

” – Phillip from Broadalbin, NY
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Jefferson Community College is a 2-year college in northern upstate New York and part of the State Universities of New York system. SUNY Jefferson maintains over 30 academic programs offering associate degrees and certificates as well as the chance...

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I enjoyed every single one of my classes at JCC. The professors are very knowledgeable and helpful.

” – Karissa from Shaw A F B, SC
Monroe Community College

Monroe Community College is a public, 2-year institution established in Rochester, New York. Students attending MCC can enroll in one of many 2+2 programs, in which students can earn an associate’s degree and be guaranteed consequent enrollment in...

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This is a great institution of learning where everyone is treated equally. There are three physical campuses one in the Bronx, another in New Rochelle and one in St. Lucia. They also offer on line classes for the working class.

” – Janice from Brooklyn, NY
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Orange County Community College, also known as SUNY Orange, is a 2-year community college in southern New York state. SUNY Orange grants degrees and certificates in over 35 fields of study across 19 academic departments. Students in the college’s...

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This college will challenge the mind of any intellectual student that enrolls. The Honors Program at SUNY Orange is much more difficult than many honors high school classes, testing critical thinking and analyzing skills that may have been put by the...

” – Britney from Middletown, NY
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Schenectady County Community College is a 2-year institution in upstate New York and part of the State University of New York system. SUNY Schenectady confers more than 50 degrees and certificates in six areas of study, as well hosts a number of...

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Human Resources Mgt. may be boring but I've learned extremely useful information that I'll use for the rest of my career. It applies to any job. I've found that all the classes are very useful. You may think you're definitely back of the house but...

” – Kristina from Burnt Hills, NY
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Adirondack Community College is a public, 2-year institution established in Queensbury, New York. Students attending SUNY Adirondack have access to the college’s recently-renovated library, which is home to hundreds of thousands of resources...

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This college is has a great variety of classes, clubs, and activities. Yes, it is small, but you get a lot out of it. The professors are very professional and the campus is small enough to an extent where you could find your classes very easy. I...

” – Anonymous Student
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SUNY Broome Community College is a 2-year public institution of higher education with an open admissions policy. The college offers associate degrees and 1-2 year certifications in a variety of fields. Favored fields of study include liberal arts and...

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I am learning so much here at Broome. It is alot different from highschool in the sense that I am focusing my academic skills on things that I desire to know more about, which is something I enjoy and something Broome is accomodating wonderfully. I...

” – Amanda from Owego, NY
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SUNY Westchester Community College is a 2-year public community college in upstate New York. WCC offers over 60 associate degree programs as well as the biggest Continuing Education Department in the entire SUNY system. In order to make accessing the...

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All there is to be learnt and more. The program is interesting so far. Very high expectations and faculty who go out of their way to lend a hand.

” – Dona from E-Elmhurst, NY
Tompkins Cortland Community College

Tompkins Cortland Community College is a public, 2-year institution located in Dryden, New York. Among the 40 degree programs within its catalog, Tompkins Cortland offers several unique options, such as the Digital Cinema program and the Wine...

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The professors I have had for all of my classes have been very well educated in the field of study and class they have taught. Many have brought life experiences into the room which makes me, as a student, feel more comfortable and able to...

” – Charnie from Cortland, NY
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Western Suffolk BOCES is a public, 2-year institution established in Dix Hills, New York, with campus locations in Huntington, Northport, and Farmingdale. The college offers 11 career and technical education programs, which award certificates through...

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The Rabbinical College of Long Island is an Orthodox Jewish yeshiva on southwest Long Island dedicated to training future rabbis and community leaders. The yeshiva is home to a Judaic Studies program with a foundation in Talmud scholarship. For...

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Associated Beth Rivkah Schools is a Chasidic Jewish school for women in Brooklyn dedicated to training future Jewish leaders and teachers. The Beth Rivkah Division of Higher Learning offers certificates in Intensive Teacher Training and Intensive...

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Genesee Community College is a public, 2-year institution established in Batavia, New York. Along with the rural, 240-acre main campus, GCC also maintains satellite facilities in residential hubs including Dansville, Medina, Warsaw, Albion, Arcade...

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I like that GCC is a small school. It guarantees that the professors have enough time to get to know you and your needs.

” – Danielle from Basom, NY
Word of Life Bible Institute

Word of Life Bible Institute is an evangelistic Christian ministry offering Bible study and ministry training. The school operates multiple institutions throughout the world, including in New York, Florida, Brazil, Australia, and Canada. Chapel...

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Word of Life has an extremely rigorous academic environment. The teachers and professors are very knowledgable and provide great insight during their class sessions. You will not only be able to understand what the Bible is talking about in its...

” – Laura from Connecticut
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Yeshivas Novominsk is a Chassidic Jewish yeshiva in Brooklyn dedicated to training future rabbis, Jewish educators, and community leaders. Patterned after pre-World War II Eastern European yeshivas, Yeshivas Novominsk offers a 4-year Talmudic Studies...