Public Colleges in New York: Complete List
Public colleges in New York offer quality academics at an affordable price. You’ll find public schools throughout the state. The State University of New York (SUNY) system alone serves over 300,000 undergraduates.
But it’s not just accessibility and affordability that make public colleges in New York appealing — these schools offer standout academics while prioritizing the diversity that enriches campus cultures.
Continue reading as we showcase some popular public colleges in New York, provide a full list of public schools, and explain how much a public education costs.
5 Popular Public Colleges in New York
Here, we spotlight some popular public universities in New York you can apply to. We chose these schools based on criteria like overall academic reputation, number of applicants, and student outcomes.
1. Baruch College
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $3,989
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
- Total Student Enrollment: 19,854
Baruch College is part of the City University of New York system (CUNY) and dates back over a century when it was established as the Free Academy.
With nearly 20,000 students, Baruch is a large New York public institution that’s home to three schools: the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs, the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences, and the Zicklin School of Business.
Popular majors here include accounting, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
2. Hunter College
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $4,127
- Acceptance Rate: 54%
- Total Student Enrollment: 22,970
Established as a women’s institution in 1870, Hunter College is a public New York school based in Manhattan. Over the years, the college evolved into a co-ed institution that offers a vibrant campus and diverse student body.
Hunter provides an equally diverse roster of majors, with some of the most popular options including nursing, biology, psychology, and media studies. Additionally, Hunter places a strong emphasis on innovation, providing you with valuable opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.
3. Queens College
- Avg. Annual Net Price $5,339
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Total Student Enrollment: 17,001
Established in 1937, Queens College is another CUNY public institution that serves over 18,000 students annually. Alongside the school’s rich history of academic excellence, Queens has a deep commitment to social justice while fostering a community that values diversity and inclusivity.
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4. Stony Brook University
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $18,601
- Acceptance Rate: 49%
- Total Student Enrollment: 25,710
Based in Long Island, Stony Brook University is part of the SUNY system and has educated both undergraduate and graduate students since 1957. The public institution is recognized for its strong emphasis on science and medicine, boasting a prestigious medical center and top-notch research facilities.
Popular majors here include biology, psychology, computer science, business, and engineering. Stony Brook counts Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners among its premier faculty.
5. University at Buffalo
- Avg. Annual Net Price: $20,511
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Total Student Enrollment: 32,099
The University at Buffalo (UB) is a large public research university and flagship SUNY school. The institution is home to more than a dozen colleges and schools, including standout medical, dental, and pharmacy schools.
In addition to offering quality academics and emphasizing innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, UB boasts a diverse student body, which adds to the school’s vibrant intellectual and cultural atmosphere.
List of Public Colleges in New York
Below is a complete list of all four-year public colleges in New York. You can use the table below to compare data on student population, average net cost, acceptance rate, and number of applicants.
All data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Institutions with fewer than 500 undergrads were not included in this list.
| School | Total Student Enrollment | Avg. Annual Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Number of Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Binghamton University | 18,312 | $18,860 | 38% | 49,513 |
| College of Staten Island CUNY | 10,248 | $6,355 | 100% | N/A |
| CUNY Bernard M. Baruch College | 19,854 | $3,989 | 50% | 24,867 |
| CUNY Brooklyn College | 14,195 | $4,105 | 54% | 27,112 |
| CUNY City College | 14,489 | $4,599 | 58% | 31,988 |
| CUNY Hunter College | 22,970 | $4,127 | 54% | 31,614 |
| CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice | 13,921 | $4,141 | 57% | 17,921 |
| CUNY Lehman College | 13,015 | $4,076 | 55% | 20,954 |
| CUNY Medgar Evers College | 3,640 | $6,207 | 83% | 11,239 |
| CUNY New York City College of Technology | 13,087 | $5,417 | 81% | 21,007 |
| CUNY Queens College | 17,001 | $5,339 | 69% | 20,800 |
| CUNY York College | 6,446 | $5,631 | 59% | 14,236 |
| Empire State University | 9,407 | $11,065 | 100% | N/A |
| Farmingdale State College | 9,314 | $8,224 | 69% | 9,455 |
| Fashion Institute of Technology | 8,125 | $19,649 | 58% | 4,326 |
| Stony Brook University | 25,710 | $18,601 | 49% | 50,341 |
| SUNY at Albany | 16,658 | $19,165 | 70% | 30,740 |
| SUNY at Fredonia | 3,491 | $15,795 | 85% | 4,597 |
| SUNY at Purchase College | 3,182 | $15,830 | 79% | 5,941 |
| SUNY Brockport | 6,424 | $15,343 | 71% | 10,855 |
| SUNY Buffalo State University | 6,445 | $13,735 | 76% | 15,943 |
| SUNY College at Geneseo | 4,184 | $18,698 | 64% | 13,479 |
| SUNY College at Old Westbury | 4,270 | $10,495 | 85% | 6,511 |
| SUNY College at Plattsburgh | 4,474 | $15,982 | 75% | 8,410 |
| SUNY College at Potsdam | 2,427 | $14,574 | 85% | 3,905 |
| SUNY Cortland | 6,690 | $18,474 | 51% | 15,867 |
| SUNY Maritime College | 1,427 | $20,398 | 79% | 1,629 |
| SUNY New Paltz | 6,964 | $17,848 | 59% | 16,249 |
| SUNY Oneonta | 5,430 | $17,918 | 70% | 13,660 |
| SUNY Oswego | 6,906 | $16,923 | 80% | 14,465 |
| SUNY Polytechnic Institute | 2,842 | $14,646 | 78% | 4,936 |
| United States Merchant Marine Academy | 943 | $5,173 | 32% | 1,392 |
| United States Military Academy | 4,393 | N/A | 14% | 11,430 |
| University at Buffalo | 32,099 | $20,511 | 69% | 38,210 |
Scholarships for New York Students
Paying for college can be tricky. Fortunately, New York offers many scholarships for students. Check out some of the scholarships below and see whether you qualify.
Ascend Educational Fund Scholarship
The Ascend Educational Fund Scholarship offers a generous award to graduating high school seniors. This scholarship is open to students living in one of New York’s five boroughs. To apply, you must demonstrate academic achievement and proven dedication to your community. Additionally, you must be an immigrant or the child of two immigrants.
Deadline: February
Amount: $2,500-$20,000
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation Tuition Assistance Program
New York State’s tuition assistance program helps resident students cover the cost of college with a grant of over $5,000. Applicants must be legal residents of New York and have earned a GED certificate or high school diploma in the United States. Additionally, you must have completed at least two college semesters and maintained a “C” average.
Deadline: June
Amount: Up to $5,665
Young Women in STEM Scholarship
The Young Women in STEM award seeks to expand female representation in the historically male-dominated fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. This award is open to female high school seniors and undergraduates and pays up to $5,000. In addition to majoring in a STEM field, you must provide proof of financial hardship.
Deadline: Varies
Amount: $5,000
Highest-Paying Jobs in New York
New York is home to a multitude of high-paying jobs that are ideal for college students working toward lucrative careers. Some of the best-paying industries include business management, technology, and healthcare, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
While a college diploma doesn’t always translate into a high salary, certain degrees can greatly enhance your earning potential. Business and finance majors, for example, can work in investment banking, while future tech entrepreneurs might hone their skills through a computer science degree.
Additionally, an advanced degree in medicine, law, or business can further expand your competitiveness and earning potential.
| Job | Annual Mean Salary (May 2023) | Minimum Degree Required |
|---|---|---|
| Pediatric Surgeons | $359,700 | Doctorate |
| Chief Executives | $324,150 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $256,160 | Master’s degree |
| Sales Managers | $246,790 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Human Resources Managers | $198,830 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Public Relations Managers | $214,080 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $182,150 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Postsecondary Education Administrators | $166,550 | Master’s degree |
Frequently Asked Questions About Public Colleges in New York
There are over 40 four-year public colleges and universities in New York, including the SUNY and CUNY systems, according to NCES. These institutions offer an impressive array of programs and degrees, providing accessible and affordable higher education opportunities to students across the state.
While the best colleges in New York typically include a list of elite private institutions, the University at Buffalo regularly ranks as the best public school in the state. As the flagship institution of the SUNY system, UB is known for its strong academic programs and research opportunities.
Both the SUNY and CUNY systems offer quality academics at a reasonable price. Because both higher education systems and their schools have pluses and minuses, be sure to seek out schools that align with your academic needs and professional goals before applying.
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