Cheapest Online Colleges in New York

Are you considering earning an online degree but concerned about the costs? Jump-start your career without depleting your savings account - New York offers a plethora of online degree programs that won't break the bank.

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Many schools have rolling admissions, which means you can start a program in a few weeks!

By logging in from anywhere, online students can tap into a flexible education that adjusts to their pace, lifestyle, and goals. The pricey bill of higher education can quickly become a financial burden. A pocket-friendly education is within reach, thanks to the many colleges and universities offering affordable online degree programs.

Don't let the cost of education hold you back - we've got options in place to help, including tuition assistance programs designed to make your education more accessible.

Embark on a journey of lifelong learning with the best online degree programs in New York, where affordability meets excellence. Boost your career prospects without breaking the bank on tuition fees.

Popular Online Colleges

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

Methodology

EDsmart rankings are based on data provided by NCES IPEDS reports via College Scorecard. All schools must provide four data points that EDsmart relies on to rank higher education institutions:

• Average Net Price
• Graduation Rate
• Retention Rate
• Median Earnings

Any school missing any one of the data points was not considered in our ranking. Only 4-year schools were considered for this ranking.

The rankings below are based solely on their average net prices.

EDsmart ranks colleges by Net Price, not just tuition, to show real costs. Net Price includes grants and scholarships, giving a more accurate picture of affordability.

Most Affordable Online Colleges in New York 2024

1. CUNY Lehman College

Average Net Price: $4,034
Graduation Rate: 53.72%
Retention Rate: 70.61%
Median Earnings: $58,013

CUNY Lehman College has an average net price of $4,034, making it the most affordable among the listed institutions. The college has an admission rate of 55.31%, indicating a moderately selective admission process. The average cost of attendance for academic year institutions is $13,565. For in-state students, the tuition and fees are $7,410, while out-of-state students pay $15,360. The median debt for students who have completed their education at CUNY Lehman College is $10,950.

2. Monroe College

Average Net Price: $9,404
Graduation Rate: 56.17%
Retention Rate: 70.07%
Median Earnings: $41,236

Monroe College has an average net price of $9,404. The admission rate stands at 59.84%, showing a relatively open admission policy. The average cost of attendance is $24,603. In-state and out-of-state tuition and fees are both $17,442. Students who complete their studies at Monroe College have a median debt of $18,818.

3. SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Average Net Price: $12,949
Graduation Rate: 61.66%
Retention Rate: 78.95%
Median Earnings: $64,355

SUNY Polytechnic Institute offers an average net price of $12,949. The admission rate is 81.67%, indicating a high acceptance rate. The average cost of attendance is $21,692. In-state tuition and fees are $8,578, whereas out-of-state students pay $19,338. The median debt for graduates is $17,250.

4. Davis College

Average Net Price: $14,276
Graduation Rate: 42.86%
Retention Rate: 50.00%
Median Earnings: $38,450

Davis College's average net price is $14,276. The college has an admission rate of 50.00%, suggesting a balanced approach to admissions. The average cost of attendance is $22,030. Both in-state and out-of-state students face tuition and fees of $17,200. Data for median debt of students who completed their education at Davis College is unavailable.

5. SUNY College of Technology at Canton

Average Net Price: $14,559
Graduation Rate: 41.21%
Retention Rate: 69.08%
Median Earnings: $47,860

SUNY College of Technology at Canton offers an average net price of $14,559. The college boasts a high admission rate of 94.91%. The average cost of attendance is $22,789. For in-state students, tuition and fees are $8,689, while out-of-state students pay $13,119. Graduates typically have a median debt of $20,000.

6. State University of New York at Oswego

Average Net Price: $16,281
Graduation Rate: 63.96%
Retention Rate: 72.97%
Median Earnings: $57,566

The average net price at SUNY Oswego is $16,281. The admission rate is 82.56%, reflecting a relatively high acceptance rate. The average cost of attendance is $26,135. In-state tuition and fees are $8,769, whereas out-of-state tuition and fees are $18,679. The median debt for students who have completed their education at SUNY Oswego is $20,880.

7. SUNY at Albany

Average Net Price: $17,051
Graduation Rate: 65.56%
Retention Rate: 82.84%
Median Earnings: $67,979

SUNY Albany has an average net price of $17,051. The admission rate is 67.90%, indicating moderate selectivity. The average cost of attendance is $27,368. In-state students pay $10,408, while out-of-state students pay $28,248. Graduates typically face a median debt of $19,500.

8. St. Joseph's University-New York

Average Net Price: $17,141
Graduation Rate: 68.79%
Retention Rate: 82.24%
Median Earnings: $63,905

St. Joseph's University-New York has an average net price of $17,141. The admission rate is 76.71%, showing a high acceptance rate. The average cost of attendance is $37,394. Both in-state and out-of-state students pay tuition and fees of $32,370. The median debt for graduates is $22,000.

9. University at Buffalo

Average Net Price: $19,592
Graduation Rate: 73.51%
Retention Rate: 83.52%
Median Earnings: $70,814

The University at Buffalo has an average net price of $19,592. The admission rate is 67.71%, indicating a moderately selective admission process. The average cost of attendance is $27,603. In-state tuition and fees are $10,782, while out-of-state students pay $28,702. The median debt for students who have completed their education is $19,000.

10. Utica University

Average Net Price: $21,403
Graduation Rate: 57.96%
Retention Rate: 73.46%
Median Earnings: $63,277

Utica University offers an average net price of $21,403. The admission rate is 80.90%, indicating a high acceptance rate. The average cost of attendance is $36,222. Both in-state and out-of-state students pay tuition and fees of $24,308. Graduates typically face a median debt of $22,500.

Popular Online Colleges

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

Insights and Analysis - Most Affordable Online Colleges in New York

Our ranking of the most affordable online degree programs in New York provides a comprehensive overview of the costs and outcomes associated with each institution. Here's a deeper look into the data:

Lowest and Highest Net Prices

CUNY Lehman College stands out with the lowest net price at $4,034, making it an exceptional option for budget-conscious students. In stark contrast, The New School has the highest net price at $49,086, reflecting its premium offerings.

Net Prices and Graduation Rates

Interestingly, some schools with higher net prices boast impressive graduation rates. For example, Syracuse University, with a net price of $36,889, has a graduation rate of 83.43%. On the other hand, CUNY Lehman College, despite its low net price, has a graduation rate of 53.72%.

Net Price vs. Tuition

When comparing net prices to tuition fees, SUNY Polytechnic Institute and SUNY College of Technology at Canton are noteworthy. SUNY Polytechnic has a low net price of $12,949 despite its higher out-of-state tuition of $19,338. Similarly, SUNY Canton offers a net price of $14,559 with relatively low in-state tuition of $8,689.

Median Earnings Compared to Net Prices

Higher median earnings can offset the net price of education over time. For instance, University at Buffalo graduates have a median earning of $70,814 with a net price of $19,592. Comparatively, The New School graduates earn a median of $52,901, which is significantly lower given its high net price.

In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuitions

In-state vs. out-of-state tuition differences are substantial in some institutions. University at Buffalo charges in-state students $10,782, while out-of-state students pay $28,702. This disparity is common and highlights the benefits for residents of New York.

Low Median Debt

Several schools shine in terms of low median debt. CUNY Lehman College graduates have a median debt of only $10,950, making it a financially prudent choice. Similarly, SUNY Polytechnic Institute graduates have a median debt of $17,250, aligning well with its affordable net price.

Comparisons of Cheapest Online Colleges in NY

• CUNY Lehman College offers the lowest net price and median debt, making it the most cost-effective choice overall.
• Syracuse University combines a high graduation rate with higher net price and earnings, ideal for those who can afford the upfront cost.
• The New School has the highest net price but does not lead in earnings, suggesting a need to weigh its value carefully.
• SUNY Polytechnic Institute and SUNY Canton are excellent examples of institutions offering low net prices relative to their tuition and fees, particularly beneficial for in-state students.

In conclusion, these rankings highlight the diverse options available for affordable online degrees in New York. By examining net prices, graduation rates, tuition fees, and median earnings, students can make informed decisions that best suit their financial and career goals.