2024 Best Colleges for Low-Income Students in the New York City Area

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  1,327 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 1,327 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $12,411

• SAT range 1470-1570

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  96 reviews

Junior: Nothing could have prepared me for how amazing Cooper Union actually was. Not only am I attending this university with a very close friend of mine from high school, I’ve been able to make life long friends with people who are just as passionate and motivated as I am. The opportunities that Cooper Union offers are seemingly endless and guaranteed fruitful. The faculty are among some of the best and most innovative practicing architects who use their own experience to validate their methodology in teaching in profound ways. Additionally, the resources they offer the students to get better connected amongst each other, the faculty, and the school as a whole. Although I have had my fair share of love-hate moments with my courses and my assignments, I am well aware that the school is teaching me things that I never thought I’d be able to be exposed to.... Read 96 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 15%

• Net price $20,757

• SAT range 1330-1500

• Piscataway, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  6,020 reviews

Junior: Rutgers University is a transformative institution that offers a world-class education. The faculty's expertise and dedication to student success are remarkable. The campus facilities are top-notch, providing an excellent environment for learning and growth. Rutgers fosters a vibrant and diverse community, promoting inclusivity and cultural exchange. The university's emphasis on research and innovation opens doors to exciting opportunities. With extensive extracurricular offerings and a robust alumni network, Rutgers, particularly the Business School, prepares students for rewarding careers. Proud to be a Scarlet Knight!... Read 6,020 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $11,803

• SAT range 1240-1470

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  1,386 reviews

Senior: John Jay is a great choice for many students. I can personally speak to my experience as a STEM student in the Forensic Science major. The class sizes are small, so students have a more meaningful relationship with their mentors. There are lots of clubs and campus activities for students to partake in, and it's not unusual to be on my way to class to randomly see goodie bags or free food for an event in hound square! John Jay does not have a traditional campus feel (most of the population is made up of commuters) but makes up for it with its facilities. The JayWalk is a gorgeous courtyard where students often relax between classes and enjoy the weather. Furthermore, there are so many hidden gems for food and recreational activities in the blocks surrounding campus, which feel very safe. In fact, a few food places (shout out to Justino's Pizza) gives student discounts for food! CUNY is fantastic with internship/externship/research programs for undergraduate students. Best of luck!... Read 1,386 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 45%

• Net price $5,077

• SAT range 1020-1160

• Newark, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  1,201 reviews

Junior: I give 5 stars based on programs that help with tuition. I was told I was eligible so when fall starts, I should be covered. However, I do think as a state school, the cost of tuition should drop. Additionally, if it stays at the cost now, there should be significant upgrades and renovations. The bathrooms are total crap, they smell like urine and all the stall hinges are broken. Just leave the door open because it won’t close. Wave when someone walks past. There are roaches crawling in hill hall in real-time. Printers always breaking. Computer labs are old. Chairs have stains. Teachers barley have supplies! my god, the amount of times my professor had to beg his colleague for chalk or a marker. Projectors never work. I could go on, but it’ll put you to sleep. Overall, 16k, I should have pride in my school. (Sometimes I tell people I go to New Brunswick because of the stare a get when I say Newark ). I could use that MacBook though. I need a computer for fall ! Help me out! :)... Read 1,201 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $11,364

• SAT range 1030-1270

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  1,644 reviews

Sophomore: The Fashion Institute of technology is very welcoming and vibrant. The campus has a palpable creative energy. So far, my journey at FIT has been an incredibly transformative one. This institution has propelled me towards personal and professional growth. The professors at FIT are not only teaching you in classes but they bring in real-world knowledge into the class. They encourage you to think creatively and critically. Since I am an international student, I believe that the campus has a rich and diverse community of students. Interacting with the students from various cultures and backgrounds and helped me broaden my perspectives. FIT offers various opportunities to develop professionally. It has abundance of resources for students even though it’s a college covered in just one block. I believe that my experience over here is extraordinary and I cannot imagine what other opportunities the college has for me ahead!... Read 1,644 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 52%

• Net price $8,637

• SAT range —

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  1,435 reviews

Alum: My overall experience at Baruch College was exceptional. I had experienced professors from corporations and media who educated me on the fundamentals of communications and interpersonal selling. In addition to this, I was educated on the importance of literature and how it applies to social interaction. According to the Greek philosopher Socrates, “To know, is to know that you know nothing.” One who claims to be always right is someone who is afraid to be corrected. Conversational intelligence can dictate the direction of the next emotion or instill a memory; hence, why communication should be taken seriously and used as an instrument to guarantee a profitable outcome. The importance of communication is not only allowing information to be exchanged but ensuring the information is received.... Read 1,435 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 51%

• Net price $3,793

• SAT range 1170-1360

• Bronx, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  1,103 reviews

Alum: Lehman was an excellent decision that I have made in my life. I have had received my BSN in 2015 and I can say the campus is great. It’s located in a quiet area! Near the buses and alll trains which was a plus point! Professors were always available and study areas were always available as well! Professors wanted you to learn and mainly understand the content instead of just reading off PowerPoints. Food is almost great there. There is a cafeteria and food trucks as well! A park in front of you want to sit in the park and study. We used blackboard at that time and it made it easier to Submit homework, take online test, contact professors. I’m pleased with this university.... Read 1,103 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 58%

• Net price $3,220

• SAT range 960-1080

• Brooklyn, NY•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  763 reviews

Graduate Student: I loved this college! I loved KBCC! Firstly, it has a great location with ample space for college events. The college organizes various events with games and food. Additionally, KBCC has its own art gallery where every student has the opportunity to showcase their artwork. The president may even purchase standout pieces for the KBCC art collection. The college also has a fantastic farming space where organizers grow vegetables for students, professors, and the cooking program. Volunteering is also encouraged. KBCC offers a diverse range of clubs, a great library with eight floors and a stunning view, as well as excellent sports facilities. The professors, advisors, and staff are supportive and understanding. I'm grateful for my positive learning experience at KBCC. I'm thankful for everything!... Read 763 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,128

• SAT range —

• Lincroft, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  1,419 reviews

Freshman: Brookdale Community College is an exceptional institution that I absolutely love. The college provides a welcoming environment for all students, with a wide variety of clubs and organizations to join. The community at Brookdale is diverse and inclusive, providing opportunities for students from all backgrounds to engage and connect with one another. In addition to its vibrant student life, Brookdale also offers an extensive range of academic programs to meet the needs and interests of its students. Whether you're looking to pursue a degree or certification, or just want to take some courses to develop new skills, Brookdale has something for everyone. Overall, I highly recommend Brookdale Community College to anyone seeking a supportive and inclusive environment, a wide range of academic programs, and opportunities to engage with a diverse community of students. Thank you, Brookdale, for providing me with an outstanding college experience!... Read 1,419 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,559

• SAT range —

• Brooklyn, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  1,262 reviews

Alum: I liked the commute to Brooklyn College and the classes I took. I wish they had more flexibility when it came to required classes that were only available at night but overall it was a good experience. Something I would recommend to them is updating their online system. At times I found it quite challenging to navigate and getting someone to help you was often tricky. My academic advisor was amazing and the most helpful person throughout my Brooklyn College experience. She was frankly the only helpful person during my Brooklyn College experience. All of the psychology classes that I took were amazing! The campus was pretty during the springtime and I often felt safe, especially when traveling for nighttime and weekend classes. I didn't utilize the campus much since I was a commuter student. An annoying thing about taking classes during Covid were the random covid test checks that would pop up on your student account but without email warning.... Read 1,262 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 51%

• Net price $4,254

• SAT range 1020-1180

• Monsey, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Freshman: Yeshivath Viznitz is place to study also good in Torah teachings with a good everoment with good management... Read 1 review

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 92%

• Net price $2,774

• SAT range —

• Farmingdale, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  649 reviews

Senior: I am a senior student at Farmingdale State College, and my major is Architectural Engineering Technology. I followed a good path after getting my Associate Degree at Suffolk County Community College, and now I am excited to receive my Bachelor Degree soon. FSC has been a great experience overall. I have improved myself for my future career in many ways. The education, class times, professor were all great. I would only change the social life status at school. There might me more common gathering places for students to make friends. Other than that, a very good school!... Read 649 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 73%

• Net price $6,007

• SAT range 1010-1190

• Bayside, NY•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  659 reviews

Sophomore: Overall I liked QCC. They have lots of free programs to help students in STEM. There are opportunities for undergraduate research, on campus jobs, and free tutoring. Some clubs are good like the robotics club, but some are also bad. We had play with 4 puppies, pizza, and a carnival like event during a club once. The social life is what you make of it. QCC really helps to create a community and the campus is beautiful. I enjoyed most of my time in college and can’t wait to graduate debt free! Some advice - take classes at QCC while in high school or use CLEP and AP exams. You can accelerate your degree and save money or time. Also, summer STEM classes have their tuition waived for one class. Whichever CUNY you choose to go to, remember that you can always “epermit” a class at another CUNY. I used an epermit for a class at Queens College. I like QCC’s smaller classes. You get more help and guidance from professors. Most are nice and lenient. Rate my professor will be a lifesaver.... Read 659 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,954

• SAT range —

• Montclair, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  3,121 reviews

Freshman: As someone who is freshly graduated from high school, I was really anxious and scared about going to college. Thankfully everyone at Montclair was super helpful, kind, and patient with me. The actual campus itself is gorgeous, and at least gets me a bit of exercise every time I have class since it's on a hill. There are so many amenities on the grounds and after a few months, everything become relatively close and easy to find. Overall, I've really enjoyed my freshman year at Montclair, and hope to have an even better Sophomore year!... Read 3,121 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $12,026

• SAT range 1010-1210

• New York, NY•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  1,784 reviews

Senior: As an international student (F1 Visa), I am very excited to be a student at BMCC because it has been a tremendous and wonderful experience for me to study for the first time at a university outside of my country, Colombia, making solid friendships. Currently enrolled in my third and final year of the Bilingual Early Childhood Education Program, I can say that I have enjoyed each of the courses and classes with excellent teachers who have designed quite exciting activities and projects, which have allowed me to improve and strengthen my academic skills. Likewise, the new knowledge acquired during my studies at BMCC has allowed me to enrich the previous knowledge I gained during my years of study at universities and my work experience in educational organizations and institutions, both public and private, in Colombia. I will always be eternally grateful to the excellent professors and all the administrative staff and academic advisors for their support and help during this time.... Read 1,784 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,361

• SAT range —

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  1,826 reviews

Alum: AMAZING education, amazing people, amazing environment. I just graduated with my bachelors and will go back for masters! If you are looking for a warm, welcoming university that emphasizes the importance of education in adults, I would recommend this college.There are various degrees and oppourtunite to succeed at CUNY CCNY. You will never feel like you are alone and you can always reach out to their amazing staff who is always there whenever you need them. The advising department as well as the financial aid department are super helpful and attentive to students. As far as student life goes, there are multiple events and clubs one can attend and become a part of. There is also a piano in the NAC building that is free for students to stop and play during their free times. Everyone I've met here are wonderful, kind hearted people and those are the ones that I will cherish forever. I have made many of my lifelong friends here and I am thankful for everything this college gave me.... Read 1,826 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $4,213

• SAT range 1050-1260

• Queens, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  1,244 reviews

Sophomore: Currently a sophomore student at Queens College and it is great so far! There are lots of clubs & activities to do on campus, internship opportunities, very fun social events from time to time. The drama program is excellent, offering plenty of performance opportunities to work with professionals in the theater world. The professors are all very passionate about what they do. But something I would like to see changed are quicker responses to emails regarding financial aid/registrar inquiries. I would also love to see more vegan food options in the cafeteria. There is not really a party scene because most people are commuters so everyone seems to be doing their own partying or fun on their own. Overall, I am having a great experience!... Read 1,244 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 61%

• Net price $4,777

• SAT range 1040-1190

• Mahwah, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.43 out of 5  1,023 reviews

Freshman: The college overall was an excellent experience. The program I was a part of, however, was new and undeveloped. I felt as though I wasn't given a path that made me feel confident in following. The offices responded in a timely manner and were always willing to help. All of the professors that I encountered in my time at this college were very pleasant. This college sold me when I saw their housing, commitment to their students' safety, diversity, and welcoming community. The small campus allows for a close community between students and professors, and aids in lessening confusion as you learn to navigate campus. This college provides unlimited extracurricular opportunities and hosts a multitude of events weekly! I was also surprised to find that the TWO dinning halls were always preparing amazing food. Both the atrium and standard dinning hall offered excellent, diverse, options; this includes those who are vegetarian and vegan. They also have Dunkin' and Starbucks as great options!... Read 1,023 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $12,251

• SAT range 1100-1280

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  2,398 reviews

Alum: CUNY Hunter College was great for me, as someone who went to college right out of high school but wasn't yet sure of what I wanted to major in. All of my professors were phenomenal and I was able to get a good overview of what options I had in the first two years; I did not declare a major until the summer before my Junior year. It's a commuter school so it's easy to not get too involved with the culture but even so, in most majors you'll be taking a lot of classes with the same people, so it's still not difficult to get to know people. If you do want to get involved though, there are so many clubs! The workload is not unreasonably rigorous. Some classes are difficult, but for the most part, professors understand you have other commitments.... Read 2,398 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 46%

• Net price $4,586

• SAT range 1170-1340

• Stamford, CT•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  232 reviews

Junior: This school can be a stepping stone to greater opportunities. I personally choose UConn for past affiliation I had back in high school where I enrolled for dual enrollment. I wouldn’t take back any recent college challenges because UConn has been nothing but graceful in my situation. Definitely give it a chance and see how you blossom in this environment! I do speak from experience of only commuting to their regional campuses so I’m not keen of their not being much opportunities for sports, however, your education achievements can be achieved regardless.... Read 232 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $9,678

• SAT range 1040-1260

• Long Island City, NY•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  1,095 reviews

Graduate Student: LaGuardia Community College has been an exceptional institution that has provided me with a well-rounded education and an enriching college experience. Its commitment to diversity, dedicated faculty, supportive student services, career-focused programs, and engaging extracurricular activities are commendable. While there are areas for improvement, such as infrastructure upgrades, enhanced communication channels, expanded scholarship opportunities, and strengthened transfer pathways, LaGuardia remains a remarkable place for personal and academic growth. I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences it has offered me, and I would highly recommend LaGuardia Community College to anyone seeking a quality education in a diverse and inclusive environment.... Read 1,095 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,344

• SAT range —

• Valhalla, NY•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  654 reviews

Alum: There are so many opportunities for growth, wonderful and knowledgeable professors, a great sense of community, and exceptional facilities and resources. The Science Tutorial was my best resource for improving my grades. All profs offered office hrs and ensured their students do well. WCC offers refunds on dropped classes before a certain date. Take advantage if the class or professor doesn’t align with them. Take time to read testimonials of your professors before signing up for their class. I am still in contact with many of my professors and they have given me support and encouragement through my current career. It’s a great feeling to know they still want to see you succeed even after you leave the classroom. Diversity on campus is lively! WCC is a large commuter school including HS grads, transfers, and grad students. Pool offered open swim hrs which were fun to go to in between classes. Student life is what you make of it. You can be as active or inactive as you’d like.... Read 654 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,536

• SAT range —

• Bronx, NY•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  1,066 reviews

Freshman: CUNY Bronx Community College is honestly better than I had expected in my viewpoint! It’s a great school with people that provides such great opportunities to us students. I can genuinely tell that the staff members and (most) professors care about students’ successions. Additionally, the college supplies students with various academically supportive resources. Overall, it’s a fairly good option if you are looking for an all around good (2 year) college.... Read 1,066 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,326

• SAT range —

• Branchburg, NJ•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  668 reviews

Alum: Small college, friendly students and staff, several clubs free to join any time, after a couple semesters you feel like family with the community. The food in the cafeteria not the greatest and also expensive in my opinion for it's quality. Shoprite is walking distance to college. Tuition costs are lower than four year college. Free parking! I had a great experience, very recommended.... Read 668 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,412

• SAT range —