2024 Best College Campuses in New York

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  1,334 reviews

Junior: As a Columbia University student, I am proud of myself and I feel very lucky. The school's name alone boasts prestige and prominence, as so many Nobel Prize winners, presidents, and successful businesspeople hail from the university. To be a part of this community, one that fosters community support as well as a push to strive for self improvement and global impact, has been incredibly motivating and exhilarating for me. I am very satisfied by the quality of my teachers and peers. The only things I would change are the tuition price and the humidity of NYC in the summer!... Read 1,334 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $12,411

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Rochester, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  596 reviews

Freshman: At Fisher there is always someone to go to, whether you need financial help, tutoring aids, or even just a shoulder to cry on every staff member and available student leaders will always help someone in need. The aura at Fisher is deemed by it's creed: Teach me Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge; being here for only a short four weeks has already helped me become a more well rounded individual than I was when I graduated high school. There are many faces of diversity here ranges from students, staff and alumni, the Fisher reputation is one to be proud of.... Read 596 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 71%

• Net price $27,325

• SAT range 1110-1270

• Ithaca, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  2,056 reviews

Sophomore: Although I have not yet graduated from Cornell University, my experience thus far has been both demanding and rewarding. The academic rigor and high standards have challenged me to push my boundaries and strive for excellence. While the workload can be overwhelming at times, I believe that the difficulties I have faced will ultimately pay off in terms of career opportunities. Cornell's prestigious reputation and strong emphasis on research and innovation provide a solid foundation for future success. With access to renowned faculty, extensive resources, and a supportive community, I am confident that my time at Cornell will pave the way for a promising professional journey.... Read 2,056 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $24,262

• SAT range 1450-1560

• Hyde Park, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  1,097 reviews

Sophomore: At the culinary institute of America, they provide many helpful courses to let their students advance into the culinary industry. Like every institution that you have their downfalls, such as pricing and the quality of their facilities, there are also very large differences in student life between different campuses, despite seemingly paying same Throughout the campuses so you’re not totally getting what you’re paying for. But overall the school is informative and has been a great experience.... Read 1,097 reviews

• grade C+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 98%

• Net price $30,521

• SAT range —

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  56 reviews

Freshman: Manhattan School of Music is an amazing experience. The professors within my major are top notch experts who encourage the growth and individualism of all students. The diversity is very poor, which is difficult for minority students. Additionally, core classes outside of my major (such as humanities) are very poorly taught and the professor has frequently made offensive remarks. The experience at Manhattan School of Music can vary vastly depending who your head of department is. However, I think we all understand that we have come to this school to train, not party. We all have a fierce desire to master our major and we all understand the privilege of getting to study under masters of our subject. It is definitely not perfect, but overall I have had a wonderful experience so far and I would highly recommend my program to anyone who can afford it. Unfortunately, people do not receive a good amount of aid from the school unless they are international.... Read 56 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 49%

• Net price $42,578

• SAT range —

• Rochester, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  846 reviews

Senior: Nazareth is my home away from home. Located in the beautiful Pittsford neighborhood of Rochester NY, Nazareth sports one of the most gorgeous campuses I’ve ever seen. You are surrounded by quaint, scholarly buildings, there’s a great fountain central to the campus, and you get all four seasons. The academics are good considering the scope and size of the campus. It is truly a liberal arts education, if that’s what you’d like. I have a major in data science with minors in math, psychology, and philosophy. I have only had an okay experience with a few professors, most are willing to meet with you often, are very personal, and create close professional relationships with their students. While not a research school, I have found a way to do some research projects through getting close with my professors, and this helped my successfully land an NSF funded REU at a D1 research school! The only complaint I have is with the food (it’s not good), but everything else is amazing!... Read 846 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $30,557

• SAT range —

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.44 out of 5  314 reviews

Senior: I visited New York one day & fell in love. I quickly began getting fueled for the idea to go back to school. Transfering my credits from community college to LIM College was extremely easy because the school counselors & administrators were very helpful. Taking online classes while living in California due to the pandemic making it costly to live in New York, was actually a breeze! I enjoyed meeting my classmates online & learning in the field I have always wanted to be in. I am close to finishing my Bachelor's degree & I am so happy I chose LIM COLLEGE.... Read 314 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $38,301

• SAT range 940-1130

• Garden City, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  1,391 reviews

Graduate Student: Beautiful campus, friendly faculty members, supportive professors and amazing classmates from all over the world. In Adelphi, we make this place as an international community, everyone is part of this big family. Studying here is the best choice I have ever made in my life and this experience has completely changed my life from so many perspectives, I am glad and proud that I become an alumni from Adelphi. Academically, professors have rich clinical experiences and conducting several research which could facilitate you with basic knowledge of research design and later on being helpful if you are planning for PhD degree or becoming a clinical workers. Environmentally, it’s a safe and friendly campus with so many goodness, students are encouraged to participate in different activities and events. Lastly, our great career center plays a key role from student’s perspective, internship, resume, interview skills etc. Adelphi can help you to achieve your career success, join us!... Read 1,391 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $28,261

• SAT range 1080-1310

• Oneonta, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  1,178 reviews

Alum: Oneonta was such an amazing experience. I had the opportunity to form with 4 other girls and it was great! We communicated and talked things out. The campus life was good too and meeting new people and talking to a lot of people. Also, having a campus job and interacting with a lot of students on campus. Loved taking acting and dance classes it’s a great way to wind down but also get credit. Always attend events and explore the campus.... Read 1,178 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $17,594

• SAT range 980-1150

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  5,671 reviews

Junior: To start, living on my own in the city has been an authentic experience that has helped me grow as a young adult, taking on new responsibilities and meeting different people! Overall, college is what you make it. There are so many resources and opportunities, some clearly offered and pushed, and some just found by research or who you know (so be friendly and make connections!). Regarding classes, my professors are very inspiring, with expertise and experience. With the educational aspect, you'll learn the concrete information (rules and details of a concept) by studying and reading; you have to put in your own effort if you want to learn, either on your own time out of class, or for an assignment. Discussions and work in class with the professor are more on the abstract side of things, regarding ideals and philosophies, making you think about the world around you and how you can make a positive impact. Content and work differs by class, but your education relies on your effort!... Read 5,671 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $50,991

• SAT range 1450-1570

• New Paltz, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  1,458 reviews

Sophomore: I like how encouraging New Paltz is to its students! It feels like they really care about the student body. A decent amount of the professors just want their students to understand material and not be in crippling debt so they’ll do things like upload free resources or not require a textbook; it’s very much appreciated. The overall campus feels pretty safe too! It truly feels like they have our best interest in mind. Although New Paltz promotes equity amongst its student body, I would like to see that further enforced. Students from certain minority groups tend to be represented. However, I would like to see students of color to get the protection and acknowledgment they deserve. The student body is fairly white, which isn’t an issue until that ushers in ignorant comments and prejudice toward POC students. New Paltz tries to avoid racial biases, and negative interactions, but they do happen, and when they do, they aren’t taken that seriously. That definitely needs to change.... Read 1,458 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 46%

• Net price $15,318

• SAT range 1150-1280

• Poughkeepsie, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  1,194 reviews

Senior: Marist College gave me an amazing education. I was able to get heavily involved on campus through clubs and activities while also managing my school work and being a D1 athlete. In addition, I was an RA on campus. The professors at Marist care deeply about students and want them to take away a variety of important skills in class and life. Like most colleges, freshman-year housing and food aren't the best, but it gets better as you get older. The campus is also beautiful and they are always working on updating buildings and adding new things!... Read 1,194 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $37,868

• SAT range —

• Rochester, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  491 reviews

Senior: I am currently in my fourth and final year at Roberts. In terms of academics, it is a small school, so you really get to know the professors. It is easy to meet with them one-on-one to help with any struggles. In terms of social life, I feel like there is always some event going on that students can get involved with. There are also a ton of groups that students can join in leadership roles to help put these events on. Sometimes these positions may come with a small scholarship! The people at Roberts are really the best part of the school. I've met some of my best friends here and have made hundreds of other connections with others across campus. In terms of faith, I can confidently say that I learned a lot more about Christ and have significantly built upon my faith since entering Roberts. The chapels, classes, and surrounding myself with believers were all beneficial. Overall, Roberts gave me the best experience I could have asked for. I would highly recommend the school to others!... Read 491 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $21,710

• SAT range 1020-1250

• Hamburg, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  240 reviews

Works Here: Indubitably, I must extol the virtues of this illustrious institution, a veritable beacon of erudition and enlightenment. To all prospective scholars and discerning families, I beseech you, grace our hallowed halls, for I, a humble pedagogue, yearn to impart knowledge and wisdom to eager minds. Your presence not only elevates our esteemed establishment but also secures my tenure in the noble profession of teaching. Your patronage, dear students, shall ensure a legacy of scholastic excellence that shall stand the test of time.... Read 240 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $17,216

• SAT range —

• Syracuse, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  3,540 reviews

Alum: Syracuse University is medium sized American university located in upstate New York with much to offer. Best known for its sports teams, such as basketball, football and lacrosse, the best part about the school was it's diversity in activities, fields of study and student body. Though the winters are cold, the School of Architecture is ranked top 5 in the country, and the hard work from students and faculty shows. With it's deeply historical roots founded in the fundamentals of architecture, the program prepares students to think critically, develop important skills, solve creatively and curates a network of alumni to set students up for career success. The five-year program offers a variety of exciting classes and allows for students to explore outside of the school of architecture - namely taking business courses at Whitman, learning about colors, spaces and psychology or dip their toes clothing design at the fashion school. Overall, the (orange) juice is worth the squeeze!... Read 3,540 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 59%

• Net price $43,545

• SAT range 1220-1400

• Saint Bonaventure, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  477 reviews

Niche User: I've committed to play ball at St Bonaventure, and everything about the recruiting process has been incredible. On my visit, everyone was so kind, and genuine, and really seemed to love this school. I'm not just talking the students, but the Uni staff, and people all over the town. I mean, people LOVE this school! On my flight home, wearing a Bonnies t-shirt at the airport/on the plane, half a dozen people called out to me "Bonnies!" The love is real.... Read 477 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $25,533

• SAT range 1070-1270

• Poughkeepsie, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  663 reviews

Sophomore: Vassar College has ample opportunities in most fields of study and well-respected/high-quality academics. Considering its student population, its opportunities for independent research alongside professors are outstanding. Help will always be provided to those who seek it in searches for internships, graduate school advising, and career development. Students have a great relationship with their professors. I would change the manner in which credit registration caps are managed and total credit hours are assessed and provide some more freedom in courses, even though the school does have the coveted open curriculum. Overall, the student body is very engaged, and there is a very active student government. There is a crowd for everyone and any preferred social and academic life.... Read 663 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 20%

• Net price $27,249

• SAT range 1420-1540

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  473 reviews

Alum: Barnard is very unique, as it’s an undergraduate college of Columbia University (yes, that makes it an Ivy League) but also a tight-knit women’s college. The Columbia Daily Spectator calls it “the only women’s college in the Ivy League.” Lots of recruited athletes at Columbia can go to Barnard instead of CC (Columbia College). A lot of friends were recruited CU athletes at Barnard. It’s also different from other women’s colleges because it feels like a women’s dorm at Columbia. It’s sooo integrated and feels co-Ed! The leaders of most Columbia clubs are Barnard women tbh. It can be annoying to constantly explain to people that Barnard is 100% integrated with the other schools at CU though. The internships at Barnard are INSANE. I was a history major and got internships at top investment banks, big tech companies, famous TV shows and more. It was so easy to get a good job, in part because Barnard alums are obsessed with hiring other Barnard students. NYC was also so fun to be in.... Read 473 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $28,366

• SAT range 1380-1550

• Saratoga Springs, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  661 reviews

Junior: I love my experience at Skidmore. My first year, I was able to take a variety of classes in different departments to figure out where I felt most at home, and many of our classes are interdisciplinary. It is easy and encouraged to have multiple majors/minors, and most professors are amazing! They truly are a great resource that I was not expecting to have, especially coming from a bigger high school. I have been fortunate to hold several campus jobs, including being a tour guide, tutor, and RA. There are also tons of opportunities for students to get involved in administrative, career-preparing work through our SGA and various campus committees--most searches and voting committees will have at least one student representative, and overall the opportunities are vast.... Read 661 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 31%

• Net price $31,553

• SAT range 1270-1440

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  281 reviews

Senior: Great professors and faculty that cares. Like any other school there are some professors that just shouldn’t be teaching - however there aren’t many and you can easily avoid getting stuck with them by doing your research! I’m on the women’s campus, which isn’t much compared to the men’s campus - more specifically when it comes to facilities. I would have liked more space and equipment for music on the women’s campus.... Read 281 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 63%

• Net price $36,807

• SAT range 1140-1410

• Rockville Centre, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  671 reviews

Sophomore: As a transfer student, the transition has been smooth with the help of advisors. It was more cost effective to attend a university within my home state and still have my independence as it changed from a commuter school to now being able to dorm on campus. Great programs to choose from, smaller class sizes, which helps you to have more interaction with your professors so you’re known by name. Campus life can give you the opportunity to participate in different activities/clubs and having a well known theatre on campus exposes you to performances from your peers as well as nationally known artists. Overall, Molloy University is very supportive and passionate about their students success!... Read 671 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $25,540

• SAT range 1110-1320

• Hempstead, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  2,349 reviews

Senior: Over my years at Hofstra I really grew to love the university. At first it was very overwhelming considering the size of the campus and the student body, but that’s what I love the most about my school. Hofstra also provides so many amazing opportunities when it comes to clubs and organizations for anyone’s interest. The faculty and community here at Hofstra is also like no other, everyone is more than willing to help and have the best attitudes when doing so!... Read 2,349 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $33,234

• SAT range 1180-1370

• Brooklyn, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  858 reviews

Freshman: I love Pratt so far. There is so much around (ITS BROOKLYN!) and the academics are rigorous without being too overwhelming. I really enjoy how much professors care about the students here. There are amazing facilities as well. One thing I will criticize is that everything costs money! Oh boy is it expensive. If you are coming here and are majoring with a schedule that allows for even a part time job you will be fine. For every cool free opportunity here there is one that costs money for no reason. The Meal plan is ridiculous. The food has a lot of good options but it makes no sense.... Read 858 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $46,486

• SAT range 1190-1410

• Syracuse, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  344 reviews

Alum: The school workload is challenging, but you will gain lots of experience, skills, and knowledge. The people are what really make the campus though. They are down to earth and some of the nicest humans on the planet. People are willing to help and give you guidance where they can. Here, earth day truly is every day!... Read 344 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 65%

• Net price $22,159

• SAT range 1130-1300

• Albany, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  958 reviews

Graduate Student: Saint rose is a pretty good school depending on your program! If you're business (finance/accounting/marketing), you'll definitely have so much flexibility in scheduling and courses! The professors are super helpful when it comes to course work and other personal matters. Some professors however are strict and pretty mean, but you'll fine that anywhere! There's always events on campus and people around, so the campus is super lively. The diversity isn't the best (it's semi better than other colleges), but in recent years has definitely gotten better! Overall I would recommend saint rose, there's always something to do on campus, people to meet and there's a whole array of clubs and committees to join. The dining is decent, but the food places on campus are definitely great! Highly recommend Camelot Room and Midnight Eats! There's Starbucks which is nice and your student ID gives you free/unlimited use for the CDTA bus! It's great if you're a commuter or a student who likes to go out!... Read 958 reviews

• grade C+

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $23,474

• SAT range —