Best Online Colleges New York 2025

New York stands out as a powerhouse in the United States economy. The state's job market is on the rise, and workers enjoy wages that surpass national averages. These factors make New York an attractive place for those seeking higher education.

Online colleges have become a sought-after choice in New York. They offer a way for students to pursue degrees while balancing other life commitments. This flexibility allows more people to access higher education and potentially boost their career prospects in the state's thriving economy.

Key Takeaways

  • New York's strong economy and job market make it an appealing place for higher education.
  • Online colleges provide flexible options for students in New York.
  • Higher education can lead to better career opportunities in the state.

Popular Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

NYU Online Degree Costs

NYU offers a range of online programs with varying costs. Tuition for these degrees can differ based on the specific program and level of study. Online learning at NYU often proves more budget-friendly than on-campus options.

Many students find online degrees a smart financial choice. They can save money on housing, transportation, and other campus-related expenses. NYU's online programs also give students the freedom to work while studying.

Here's a look at average yearly college costs in New York for 2021-2022:

School TypeAvg. Tuition & Fees
Public 4-Year (In-State)$8,541
Public 4-Year (Out-of-State)$20,304
Private 4-Year$44,149

These figures can help you compare NYU's online degree costs to other options in the state. Remember, financial aid and scholarships may lower your actual costs. 

Rankings

EDsmart provides a simple, reliable, and data-driven ranking of the best online colleges in New York.

To be considered for this ranking, schools must offer online courses.

In our analysis of the best online colleges in New York, we looked at several factors and ranked our list of schools accordingly.

  • Affordability (average net price)
  • Student Satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic Quality (4-year graduation rate)
  • Median Earnings (the median earnings of former students who received federal financial aid, 10 years after entering the school)

Each data point is ranked with equal weight. Schools received a weighted overall ranking score for each point mentioned above–100 being the highest score possible.

In the case of tie scoring, the average net price was the determining factor for which school received the higher rank–the lower the net price, the higher the ranking.

All data was gathered from College Scorecard and school websites

Best Online Colleges in New York 2025

1

Columbia University in the City of New York

Location: New York, NY

Admission Rate: 4%

Average SAT Score: 1540

Undergraduate Enrollment: 8,902

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Average Cost of Attendance: $82,617

In-state Tuition and Fees: $66,139

Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $66,139

Median Total Debt After Graduation: $21,500

Median Earnings (10 years): $102,491

Average Net Price
$23,497
Retention Rate
98%
Graduation Rate
92%
Median Earnings (6 years)
$88,535
2

Stony Brook University

Location: Stony Brook, NY

Admission Rate: 49%

Average SAT Score: 1410

Undergraduate Enrollment: 17,406

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Average Cost of Attendance: $27,617

In-state Tuition and Fees: $10,560

Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $28,480

Median Total Debt After Graduation: $18,228

Median Earnings (10 years): $74,502

Average Net Price
$17,232
Retention Rate
88%
Graduation Rate
77%
Median Earnings (6 years)
$59,492
3

New York University

Location: New York, NY

Admission Rate: 12%

Average SAT Score: 1527

Undergraduate Enrollment: 29,136

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Average Cost of Attendance: $76,563

In-state Tuition and Fees: $58,168

Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $58,168

Median Total Debt After Graduation: $20,500

Median Earnings (10 years): $82,509

Average Net Price
$32,462
Retention Rate
95%
Graduation Rate
86%
Median Earnings (6 years)
$64,543
4

SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Location: Utica, NY

Admission Rate: 82%

Average SAT Score: Data unavailable

Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,852

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Average Cost of Attendance: $21,692

In-state Tuition and Fees: $8,578

Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $19,338

Median Total Debt After Graduation: $17,250

Median Earnings (10 years): $64,355

Average Net Price
$12,949
Retention Rate
79%
Graduation Rate
62%
Median Earnings (6 years)
$58,662
5

Syracuse University

Location: Syracuse, NY

Admission Rate: 52%

Average SAT Score: 1359

Undergraduate Enrollment: 15,071

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Average Cost of Attendance: $77,494

In-state Tuition and Fees: $60,135

Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $60,135

Median Total Debt After Graduation: $26,000

Median Earnings (10 years): $79,164

Average Net Price
$36,889
Retention Rate
91%
Graduation Rate
83%
Median Earnings (6 years)
$60,459
6

Fordham University

Location: Bronx, NY

Admission Rate: 54%

Average SAT Score: 1411

Undergraduate Enrollment: 9,843

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Average Cost of Attendance: $74,795

In-state Tuition and Fees: $58,467

Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $58,467

Median Total Debt After Graduation: $24,300

Median Earnings (10 years): $85,569

Average Net Price
$41,004
Retention Rate
88%
Graduation Rate
81%
Median Earnings (6 years)
$68,008
7

Rochester Institute of Technology

Location: Rochester, NY

Admission Rate: 67%

Average SAT Score: 1370

Undergraduate Enrollment: 13,152

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Average Cost of Attendance: $68,666

In-state Tuition and Fees: $54,518

Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $54,518

Median Total Debt After Graduation: $26,778

Median Earnings (10 years): $76,571

Average Net Price
$28,776
Retention Rate
85%
Graduation Rate
72%
Median Earnings (6 years)
$65,457
8

Marist College

Location: Poughkeepsie, NY

Admission Rate: 63%

Average SAT Score: 1288

Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,069

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Average Cost of Attendance: $62,169

In-state Tuition and Fees: $44,560

Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $44,560

Median Total Debt After Graduation: $25,000

Median Earnings (10 years): $77,819

Average Net Price
$38,201
Retention Rate
86%
Graduation Rate
81%
Median Earnings (6 years)
$62,546
9

Canisius College

Location: Buffalo, NY

Admission Rate: 78%

Average SAT Score: 1200

Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,750

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Average Cost of Attendance: $40,718

In-state Tuition and Fees: $31,800

Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $31,800

Median Total Debt After Graduation: $24,250

Median Earnings (10 years): $60,681

Average Net Price
$19,208
Retention Rate
78%
Graduation Rate
72%
Median Earnings (6 years)
$46,089
10

SUNY College at Plattsburgh

Location: Plattsburgh, NY

Admission Rate: 70%

Average SAT Score: 1160

Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,925

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Average Cost of Attendance: $26,640

In-state Tuition and Fees: $8,881

Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $18,791

Median Total Debt After Graduation: $21,196

Median Earnings (10 years): $56,403

Average Net Price
$16,598
Retention Rate
73%
Graduation Rate
70%
Median Earnings (6 years)
$48,089
11

St. John's University-New York

Location: Queens, NY

Admission Rate: 85%

Average SAT Score: 1218

Undergraduate Enrollment: 10,081

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Average Cost of Attendance: $58,553

In-state Tuition and Fees: $47,830

Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $47,830

Median Total Debt After Graduation: $25,000

Median Earnings (10 years): $69,571

Average Net Price
$26,276
Retention Rate
82%
Graduation Rate
66%
Median Earnings (6 years)
$54,189
12

State University of New York at Oswego

Location: Oswego, NY

Admission Rate: 83%

Average SAT Score: 1174

Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,957

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Average Cost of Attendance: $26,135

In-state Tuition and Fees: $8,769

Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $18,679

Median Total Debt After Graduation: $20,880

Median Earnings (10 years): $57,566

Average Net Price
$16,281
Retention Rate
73%
Graduation Rate
67%
Median Earnings (6 years)
$46,358
13

Manhattanville College

Location: Purchase, NY

Admission Rate: 84%

Average SAT Score: Data unavailable

Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,276

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Average Cost of Attendance: $52,355

In-state Tuition and Fees: $41,210

Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $41,210

Median Total Debt After Graduation: $25,000

Median Earnings (10 years): $58,832

Average Net Price
$20,988
Retention Rate
80%
Graduation Rate
64%
Median Earnings (6 years)
$45,056
14

Hofstra University

Location: Hempstead, NY

Admission Rate: 69%

Average SAT Score: 1285

Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,051

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Average Cost of Attendance: $65,796

In-state Tuition and Fees: $53,330

Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $53,330

Median Total Debt After Graduation: $23,621

Median Earnings (10 years): $69,039

Average Net Price
$34,152
Retention Rate
83%
Graduation Rate
64%
Median Earnings (6 years)
$52,131
15

Utica University

Location: Utica, NY

Admission Rate: 81%

Average SAT Score: 1192

Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,526

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Average Cost of Attendance: $36,222

In-state Tuition and Fees: $24,308

Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $24,308

Median Total Debt After Graduation: $22,500

Median Earnings (10 years): $63,277

Average Net Price
$21,403
Retention Rate
73%
Graduation Rate
57%
Median Earnings (6 years)
$57,422
16

Mercy College

Location: Dobbs Ferry, NY

Admission Rate: 86%

Average SAT Score: 1124

Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,510

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Average Cost of Attendance: $30,568

In-state Tuition and Fees: $21,358

Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $21,358

Median Total Debt After Graduation: $19,637

Median Earnings (10 years): $52,055

Average Net Price
$14,940
Retention Rate
74%
Graduation Rate
54%
Median Earnings (6 years)
$44,969
17

Hilbert College

Location: Hamburg, NY

Admission Rate: 95%

Average SAT Score: Data unavailable

Undergraduate Enrollment: 827

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Average Cost of Attendance: $34,125

In-state Tuition and Fees: $29,900

Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $29,900

Median Total Debt After Graduation: $24,750

Median Earnings (10 years): $48,309

Average Net Price
$17,107
Retention Rate
66%
Graduation Rate
59%
Median Earnings (6 years)
$45,369
18

Pace University

Location: New York, NY

Admission Rate: 83%

Average SAT Score: 1220

Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,766

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Average Cost of Attendance: $66,074

In-state Tuition and Fees: $50,026

Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $50,026

Median Total Debt After Graduation: $23,250

Median Earnings (10 years): $70,378

Average Net Price
$30,759
Retention Rate
72%
Graduation Rate
61%
Median Earnings (6 years)
$52,767
19

The New School

Location: New York, NY

Admission Rate: 57%

Average SAT Score: Data unavailable

Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,136

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Average Cost of Attendance: $75,533

In-state Tuition and Fees: $54,347

Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $54,347

Median Total Debt After Graduation: $22,266

Median Earnings (10 years): $52,901

Average Net Price
$49,086
Retention Rate
83%
Graduation Rate
72%
Median Earnings (6 years)
$38,210
20

SUNY College of Technology at Delhi

Location: Delhi, NY

Admission Rate: 83%

Average SAT Score: Data unavailable

Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,459

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Average Cost of Attendance: $25,581

In-state Tuition and Fees: $8,720

Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $12,490

Median Total Debt After Graduation: $15,180

Median Earnings (10 years): $51,629

Average Net Price
$17,111
Retention Rate
67%
Graduation Rate
54%
Median Earnings (6 years)
$42,826

10 Fastest-Growing Jobs in New York

New York offers exciting career opportunities across various fields. Here's a look at the top 10 fastest-growing jobs in the state that require a bachelor's degree:

  1. Agents and Business Managers: This role is seeing the highest growth at 87.3%, with a median annual wage of $82,997.
  2. Religious Activity Directors: Growing at 66.6%, these professionals earn around $51,483 per year.
  3. Fundraisers: With a 60.3% growth rate, fundraisers make about $77,434 annually.
  4. Clergy: This profession is expanding at 59.9%, with yearly earnings of $58,773.
  5. Event Planners: Growing at 53.9%, these professionals earn $66,159 per year.
  6. Music Directors and Composers: This field is growing at 52.1%.
  7. Coaches and Scouts: With a 49.9% growth rate, they earn around $51,945 annually.
  8. Logisticians: This job is expanding at 49.2%, with a median wage of $81,744.
  9. Data Scientists: The field is growing at 42.6%.
  10. Medical and Health Services Managers: Growing at 42.1%, these professionals earn the highest at $140,752 per year.

These fast-growing occupations offer diverse options for job seekers in New York. From arts management to healthcare administration, there are chances for growth in many sectors. Job hunters should consider these fields when planning their careers.

NY Education Financial Aid Programs

Academic Excellence Awards

New York offers yearly grants to top-performing students. These awards can reach up to $1,500. To qualify, students must graduate from a NY high school and enroll in an approved program at a state college or university.

STEM Education Incentives

This program covers in-state tuition at SUNY schools for students pursuing STEM degrees. It targets high school seniors or recent graduates in the top 10% of their class. Recipients must work in a STEM job in NY for 5 years after graduating.

NYC Resident Academic Grant

This grant provides up to $700 per year for NYC residents attending SUNY schools. Students need strong high school grades and must maintain a 3.0 GPA in college. It supports full-time students throughout their studies.

9/11 Memorial Education Fund

This fund offers substantial aid of up to $13,415 per semester at approved NY colleges. It supports 9/11 survivors, victims' families, and those who helped in rescue and recovery efforts. The program aims to honor those affected by the tragedy through education.

Key features of these programs:

  • Target specific groups (top students, STEM fields, NYC residents, 9/11-affected individuals)
  • Require enrollment in NY schools
  • Offer varying amounts based on program goals
  • Some have post-graduation work requirements
  • Aim to keep talent in NY state

Eligibility criteria often include:

  • NY residency
  • Strong academic performance
  • Specific field of study
  • Full-time enrollment
  • Maintaining good grades

Students should check each program's details for exact requirements and application processes. These programs show NY's commitment to supporting education and keeping skilled graduates in the state. 

Common Questions About Online Colleges in New York

What's the easiest online college to get into in New York?

The SUNY College of Technology at Canton has a very high acceptance rate of 95%.

How do I choose the right online program?

Look for programs that fit your academic and career goals. Think about:

  • Cost
  • School reputation
  • Available student services
  • Location (if any on-campus requirements)

Is the easiest college to get into the best choice?

Not always. While it's good to have backup options, focus on finding a program that's the best overall fit for your needs and goals.

Related Programs That Might Interest You

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Take the next step toward your future with online learning.

Discover schools with the programs and courses you’re interested in, and start learning today.
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