Best Online Colleges in New York of 2025

Discover the top online colleges in New York and see how a flexible online program can help you along your higher ed journey.
James Mielke
By
Edited by
Updated November 9, 2024
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New York has one of the most expansive state economies in the United States, in addition to boasting a growing job market and higher-than-average wages. It’s no surprise, then, that online college is a popular option in the Empire State.

Whether you’re looking for an online college in New York City or curious about the best colleges in New York, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we spotlight the best online colleges in New York while touching on some essential job market data and student resources that will come in handy once you graduate.

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2025 Best Online Colleges in New York

#1

SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Utica, NY4 yearCampus + Online

$7,070

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$17,830

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

82%

Acceptance Rate

78%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,310

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,100

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

5,605

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,070

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,830

Utica, NY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,070

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,830

Acceptance Rate

82%

Online Enrollment

78%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,310

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,100

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

5,605

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#2

Molloy College

Rockville Centre, NY4 yearCampus + Online

$34,550

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$34,550

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

77%

Acceptance Rate

59%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$23,760

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,760

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

4,807

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$34,550

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,550

Rockville Centre, NY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$34,550

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$34,550

Acceptance Rate

77%

Online Enrollment

59%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$23,760

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,760

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

4,807

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#3

St. Joseph's University-New York

Brooklyn, NY2 yearCampus + Online

$31,760

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$31,760

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

74%

Acceptance Rate

54%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,456

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,456

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

1,046

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$31,760

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,760

Brooklyn, NY2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$31,760

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,760

Acceptance Rate

74%

Online Enrollment

54%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,456

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,456

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

1,046

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#4

State University of New York at Oswego

Oswego, NY2 yearCampus + Online

$7,070

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$16,980

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

80%

Acceptance Rate

51%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,310

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,100

Retention Rate

70%

Students Enrolled

6,756

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,070

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,980

Oswego, NY2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,070

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,980

Acceptance Rate

80%

Online Enrollment

51%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,310

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,100

Retention Rate

70%

Students Enrolled

6,756

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#5

The New School

New York, NY4 yearCampus + Online

$53,105

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$53,105

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

57%

Acceptance Rate

40%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$49,966

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$49,966

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

10,108

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$53,105

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$53,105

New York, NY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$53,105

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$53,105

Acceptance Rate

57%

Online Enrollment

40%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$49,966

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$49,966

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

10,108

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

How Much Are NYU Online Degrees?

Cost of College in New York (2021-2022)
Institution TypeAvg. Tuition & Required Fees
Public Four-Year (In-State)$8,541
Public Four-Year (Out-of-State)$20,304
Private Four-Year$44,149
Source: NCES

New York is home to a long list of public and private institutions, many of which offer relatively affordable online programs that can fit your budget. Earning your degree online at a public college in New York is often more cost-effective than campus-based and private options.

In addition to being more cost-effective, online programs offer enhanced flexibility, making them ideal academic options if you’re juggling personal and professional obligations. Many programs also waive out-of-state charges for online learners.

10 Fastest-Growing Jobs in New York

Maybe you’re considering moving to the Empire State after earning your degree. Or maybe you’re choosing your major based on occupations that are expected to see major growth in the state. Whatever the case, you can find a variety of high-paying jobs across many different fields in New York.

Some in-demand career opportunities include arts management, fundraising, clergy, logistics, and healthcare management.

Check out the chart below to see the fastest-growing careers in New York. We’ve only included careers that require a bachelor’s degree and had at least 2,500 professionals in 2020.

Fastest-Growing Careers in New York 2020-2030
JobProjected Growth RateMedian Annual Wage (2022)
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes87.3%$82,997
Religious Activity or Education Directors66.6%$51,483
Fundraisers60.3%$77,434
Clergy59.9%$58,773
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners53.9%$66,159
Music Directors and Composers52.1%N/A
Coaches and Scouts49.9%$51,945
Logisticians49.2%$81,744
Data Scientists and Mathematical Science Occupations42.6%N/A
Medical and Health Services Managers42.1%$140,752
Source: New York State Department of Labor

New York Scholarships

There’s no doubt that college can get expensive. Thankfully, you’ll have numerous scholarship options as a student in New York. Check out the New York scholarships below to get you started as you try to find scholarships for college.

New York State Scholarships for Academic Excellence

Award Amount: Up to $1,500

The state of New York offers an annual scholarship that provides financial assistance to thousands of students annually, specifically those with strong academic performance.

You must have graduated from a New York State high school and enrolled in an approved program at an approved college or university in the state to qualify.

NYS Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Incentive Program

Award Amount: In-state tuition at SUNY school

Another state-backed scholarship, this award is a solid option if you’re pursuing a two- or four-year degree in an approved STEM field. You must be a high school senior or recent graduate from a New York State high school and graduating in the top 10% of your class.

With this scholarship, you must agree to work a STEM job in the state for five years after graduation.

Peter F. Vallone Academic Scholarship

Award Amount: Up to $700 per year

The Peter F. Vallone Academic Scholarship is reserved for New York City residents. You must demonstrate strong academic performance in high school and enroll as a full-time student at a SUNY school. Award winners must also maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.

World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship

Award Amount: Up to $13,415 per semester

The State of New York’s World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship offers generous funding at approved colleges and universities in the state.

This scholarship is available to 9/11 survivors, families of victims, and those who directly worked in the recovery and rescue operations following the attack.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in New York

While the easiest online college to get into in New York might not be your dream school, it’s always good to have a backup plan. According to NCES, the SUNY College of Technology at Canton has a 95% acceptance rate.

When searching for the right program for you, be sure to prioritize programs that align with your academic and career goals. Additionally, other factors like cost, reputation, student services, and location can also impact whether or not you decide to enroll.

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