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.

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Manhattanville College

Manhattanville College is a liberal arts institution dedicated to academic excellence, and social and civic action. 30 minutes from New York City, Manhattanville hosts a globally diverse campus, serving 1,600 undergraduate students and 1,000 graduate...

“…

There are a lot of compelling lectures given on campus. Professors are active and promote student activism and involvement in the community. I've learned so much this past fall semester and I've made interesting connections with like-minded...

” – Karen from Yonkers, NY
Nazareth University

Located on a 150-acre wooded campus, Nazareth College is a 4-year private school in western New York State. Nazareth confers bachelor’s degrees in over 60 academic majors featuring a general education curriculum linked to internships and career...

“…

The professors at Nazareth are great. However, to be a realist, you will always run into those professors that you feel just may not know quite as much as they make it seem. Although once in a great while this happens, all of the professors are open...

” – Alyson from Newark, NY
SUNY at Purchase College

SUNY at Purchase College is a 4-year public school in the New York City metro area and part of the State University of New York system. SUNY Purchase is home to schools of The Arts, Liberal Arts & Humanities, and Liberal Studies granting bachelor’s...

“…

This is a great college for anyone studying any of the Visual Arts. There are endless resources available.

” – Kara from Purchase, NY
SUNY at Fredonia

SUNY at Fredonia is a 4-year public liberal arts college in western New York State and part of the State University of New York system. Fredonia encompasses colleges of Liberal Arts, Education, Business, Music, and Performing Arts conferring...

“…

All the teachers make themselves available for the students 24/7. If they aren't in their office, they are always reachable by e-mail or phone. They have flexible schedules so if you can't meet with them during their office hours then they schedule a...

” – Amoree from Liverpool, NY
SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

Located in the hills of western New York, Alfred State College is a 4-year SUNY College of Technology institution offering more than 70 degrees. Alfred State maintains three colleges as well as an honors program and fully online degrees in areas such...

“…

If you put yourself out there there is a limitless amount of knowledge to learn in Alfred. its a small town so its quite but there is so much to do and learn. professors are Very helpful if you put yourself in the position to bother them for...

” – Elvis from Alfred, NY
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Elmira College is a private, coeducational liberal arts school located in Elmira, New York, and nationally recognized as the “Twain Site” as the guardian to the Quarry Farm and home of the Center for Mark Twain Studies, as well as the Mark Twain...

“…

I have learned a lot through the required freshman courses. Freshman writing has taught me a lot about writing that I didn't learn in high school. Encore has helped me to broaden my view on music and performing arts. Community service has taught me...

” – Megan from Lawrenceville, NJ
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Founded in 1881, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is a private institution that operates two campuses, one in Colchester, Vermont, and and one in Albany, New York. Undergraduates can pursue bachelor and dual degree programs. The college...

“…

The teachers are great, but you have to get used to them. They make sure you understand the material and are helpful. You will need to learn but will learn.

” – Adam from Pawcatuck, CT
Long Island University

Named for breakfast cereal magnate C.W. Post, LIU Post is a private school on Long Island’s north shore and the largest campus of Long Island University. LIU Post grants bachelor’s degrees in over 50 academic majors. In addition, LIU Post is home to...

“…

LIU Post is an exquisite school equipped with a full recreational center, gourmet food, and a club for everybody. Like all schools the work is diifficult but there are upperclass tutors and teachers available to assist in any problems you may have. I...

” – Khadija from Brooklyn, NY
The College of Saint Rose

Located in Albany, the capital of New York, the College of Saint Rose is a liberal arts institution sponsored by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet. This 4-year institution is located in the Pine Hill neighborhood, which is noted for its...

“…

I have learned alot about myself and the path I want to take in the future. I think that being able to change your major with such ease is a major part of my success. There are so many different classes to choose from that it is easy to explore...

” – Rochelle from esperance, NY
St. Thomas Aquinas College

St. Thomas Aquinas College is a private, 4-year institution located in Sparkill, New York. Students enrolled at St. Thomas have access to a wide variety of modern facilities, including an HD Television Studio, a video game lounge, and the Innovation...

“…

The classes at STAC are amazing, the teachers are very welcoming especially for a student who isn't even enrolled yet.

” – Anonymous
St. Joseph's College-Long Island

Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph, St. Joseph’s College is a liberal arts college with a campus on Long Island. St Joseph’s-Long Island confers bachelor’s degrees in 40 academic majors and also offers several service learning courses and...

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The Dominican College of Blauvelt is a private, 4-year institution established in Orangeburg, New York. Dominican College is situated in a suburb just 17 miles outside of New York City, giving students the opportunity to access everything the city...

Wells College

Wells College is a coeducational 4-year liberal arts college located in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. Wells confers undergraduate degrees in a variety of academic majors and all classes feature hands-on learning components, including one...

“…

Since I came to Wells it has been a great ride. My classes have not been easy by a long shot. I have taken courses in International Studies, Politics, Philosophy, English and Science. The professors for the most part all have doctorates and...

” – Experienced
Hartwick College

Nestled in the hills of Oneonta, New York, Hartwick College is a vibrant community that makes you feel right at home. With our distinctive offer, FlightPath, you'll launch the rest of your life. Hartwick's FlightPath is a distinctive mix of on-and...

“…

The professors are extremely nice and fully knowledgeable. I spent an hour during a visit just chatting with a pre-law advisor. The staff seems close knit and able to have very personable relationships with both other professors and students. If you...

” – Sarah from Liverpool, NY
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Mount Saint Mary College is a private liberal arts college based in Newburgh, New York. The school houses The Center on Aging and Disability Policy and The Collaborative for Equity in Literature Learning, as well as several other research centers...

“…

I'm a nursing major at MSMC and the first year was SO difficult. I had to learn how to manage my time really efficiently to get everything done. The more I studied, the more I realized how much I was actually learning unlike high school. The...

” – Ashley from Washingtonville, NY
SUNY College of Technology at Delhi

SUNY College of Technology at Delhi is a technology-focused institution based in the Catskill Mountains. SUNY Delhi offers bachelor and associate degree programs as well as one-year technical certifications. Noted programs include culinary arts, golf...

“…

Most of my classes are great because my professors are knowledgeable, but you always run the risk of being in class with people who just don't want to be there in college and that kinda ruins the experience.

” – Amanda
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Houghton College is a private, Christ-centered institution established in the state of New York. The college also maintains satellite campuses in Buffalo and Utica, all three of which require full-time students to attend chapel at least twice weekly...

“…

Academics are rigorous and challenging to me. The courses are thought-provoking and insightful.

” – Joel from Flanders, NY
D'Youville University

D’Youville University is a private, independent institution located in Buffalo, New York. All classes, seminars, and labs in the more than 50 major options at DYU are instructed by expert faculty members, not teaching assistants. Students in the...

“…

PROFESSORS ARE VERY INFORMATIVE AND HELPFUL.

” – STRANGE from Liverpool, NY
CUNY Lehman College

CUNY Lehman College is a public institution affiliated with the City University of New York system and based in the Bronx neighborhood of New York City. The school offers a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum. Lehman College is part of the College...

“…

This is a truly beautiful campus that somehow makes you think you are way out of the city. And...only a street away from the #4 Subway and 3 away from the D. It offers such a wide variety of programs and degrees: the arts, sciences, humanities...

” – Ahamed from Elmhurst, NY
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SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill combines theory with practice and all students must complete an applied learning experience to graduate. Educational facilities on campus include a contiguous farm, student-run restaurant, art...

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I am planing on learning as much as I can and pass my knowledge on to others.

” – Alicia from Winsted, CT