2024 Best Colleges with African American Studies Degrees in the New York City Area

• 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+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $12,411

• SAT range 1470-1570

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  5,670 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 5,670 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $50,991

• SAT range 1450-1570

• Piscataway, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  6,038 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 6,038 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $11,803

• SAT range 1240-1470

• Stony Brook, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  2,848 reviews

Junior: Stony Brook University has so many intelligent, caring professors and staff who make your time as a student worthwhile. The quality of education we are able to receive for the price of a SUNY school is practically unheard of. Classes can be challenging, but I feel like those challenges have been fair and have helped me to grow and learn, both academically and as a person. Our student body is diverse in all meanings of the term, and the people here have taught me so much about the world at large. There are so many clubs with passionate e-boards who serve our campus by fostering accepting communities. I'm proud to be a Seawolf!... Read 2,848 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 48%

• Net price $16,445

• SAT range 1300-1480

• Newark, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  1,212 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 1,212 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $11,364

• SAT range 1030-1270

• Bronx, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  1,109 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 1,109 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 58%

• Net price $3,220

• SAT range 960-1080

• South Orange, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  2,149 reviews

Junior: I have loved my time here at Seton Hall! Since my first tour, I felt welcomed and a part of the campus community immediately. The sense of community at SHU is genuinely a game changer- I have met so many people from different majors, states, and even countries! One of my favorite things about Seton Hall is the academics here. Aside from having excellent and strong academic programs, the smaller class sizes and personalized attention have helped me grow and succeed as a student both in class and on campus. I have gotten to know exceptional faculty, and that personalized attention has helped me develop a strong bond with many of my professors! As a big school-spirit person, the events, Christmas tree lighting, and basketball games are so fun! It also is helpful being right outside NYC- a 30-minute train ride for internship opportunities, jobs, and entertainment is hard to beat!... Read 2,149 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $33,177

• SAT range 1200-1370

• Brooklyn, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  1,272 reviews

Freshman: The school year has just begun, but I can already say I love it! Right before school began, I got a sense of community from a peer mentor reaching out to ensure I had a smooth start to my freshman year. Getting enrolled in my classes was an easy process thanks to the staff. The campus is beautiful and has many areas available to students which is a freedom I admire. Most importantly, I feel challenged in my classes, and the professors, despite what others may think, provide a fair academic experience through informative lectures and grading. I will say, that I wish course options were more open to undergraduate freshmen. It's understandable that those who have been enrolled longer have priority over choosing courses, but it was disappointing to find out I didn't have complete freedom over my schedule.... Read 1,272 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 51%

• Net price $4,254

• SAT range 1020-1180

• Bronx, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  1,942 reviews

Alum: Fordham as a Biology major is a very different experience than that of the Business School, they did prepare us well in terms of courses required to apply to graduate medical programs. However, I recall begging professors to open more class sections for the most basic courses (human anatomy and phys) required for schools. They underestimated how many students needed to complete these basic science courses in order to be eligible for graduate programs. Further, they proposed we take Biology and Chemistry at the same time our first year so we “required less overall credits to graduate.” With labs and other courses, I ended up having way more than the amount of credits required anyways, thus negating the appeal of taking both at the same time in the first place. It was a “weeding out” process. When I asked for help, my advisor stated I was “not serious enough to pursue medicine,” but I sought out my own advisor, and here I am now! En route to PA school.... Read 1,942 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 58%

• Net price $37,583

• SAT range 1300-1480

• Wayne, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  957 reviews

Alum: Overall, I felt that William Paterson University was an exceptional institution for my undergraduate career. For a student who feels more comfortable in smaller, community-based institutions, like myself, WPU is a great choice. There are many opportunities for students to get involved in including Greek Life; D3, club, and intramural sports; musical ensembles; and a plethora of clubs. The location is about 35 minutes away from NYC and is located within the trees, making it available for many types of terrains based on what you prefer. I personally really enjoyed my time within the Psychology Department at WPU. All professors were extremely helpful and were very passionate within their fields. What I would like to see change within WPU is a more integrated and promoted campus social life. Living on campus, there was never much to do around unless you left campus. I would like to see an influx in opportunities on campus to get students of all years more involved.... Read 957 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $15,762

• SAT range 890-1090

• Queens, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  1,249 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 1,249 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 61%

• Net price $4,777

• SAT range 1040-1190

• Mahwah, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.43 out of 5  1,026 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 1,026 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $12,251

• SAT range 1100-1280

• West Long Branch, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  973 reviews

Alum: Monmouth was a great experience for me! I did so much growing as a man, a partner, an athlete, a child of God and so so much more. At Monmouth, I made some of my greatest friends, people that I will be in contact with probably for the rest of my life. The struggles, laughs, cries, triumphs and defeats were all shared with them and for that I will be forever in debt and gratitude for Monmouth and the amazing people. I was able to come in contact with. As an athlete, I learned so much about my body and others' bodies which allowed me to really take my talents to a new level athletically and help contribute to my love for my major, Exercise Science. At Monmouth, I also had the opportunity to seek God without my parents and I am so blessed for the bonds I made this way and how closer to God I have through these groups and events.... Read 973 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $29,059

• SAT range 1070-1250

• Madison, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  573 reviews

Junior: I love Drew! The campus is in a great, safe town! I’ve always felt safe walking around at night. The community here is amazing as well! I often find myself surrounded by so many friendly faces, big smiles, and people who are eager to help me in any way! Whether that be through my academic work, mental/physical health, or starting up my career. The campus really brings out the best in people and makes the experience overall amazing. I’ve even grown to love the workers who clean up campus at the crack of dawn haha. In the academics department, we have so many accredited professors. Lots of my professors have worked with professionals within my field, some even being awarded with prestigious prizes. Through them I have had the opportunity to speak to people of my interest and network. The student to faculty ratio at Drew University makes it very easy to find comfort and mentorship within your professors. overall, Drew is an amazing school! I have so much fun all the time! let’s go DREW!... Read 573 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $17,033

• SAT range 1030-1250

• Garden City, NY•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  1,109 reviews

Alum: I had a really good first semester at Nassau Community College but unfortunately, I didn't get to experience my full year at Nassau Community College as the pandemic had hit and everything was shifted to online. Most of my professors that I had were very accommodating and patient to the transition. My only complaint would be that the advisors can sometimes be rude and not in the slightest bit helpful. I have one advisor that help me with a specific issue and basically told me to go to her for any help that I needed but then turned her back on me after I came to her in regards to another issue that had to do with my financial aid. Overall, this is a great community college to get your feet wet into transferring into a senior college and I miss this school very much. I owe this school my success!... Read 1,109 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,730

• SAT range —

• Staten Island, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.47 out of 5  1,093 reviews

Freshman: The college of Staten Island offers a variety of academic programs in a modern campus environment. Students appreciate the opportunity to choose from a variety of majors and benefit from knowledgeable faculty. Located on Staten Island, the college offers a suburban setting with access to New York City resources. However, some students expressed concerns about student services, including career counseling and academic counseling, and wished for a more dynamic campus life. Improving these areas, along with strengthening communication channels, can further enhance the overall experience at the College of Staten Island.... Read 1,093 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,818

• SAT range —

• Jamaica, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.44 out of 5  777 reviews

Other: York College seems like a brilliant place for people to major into. The life, the people, everything is so wonderful. Honestly, it’s just a majestic sight! The professors are my favorite part. No matter what, they are willing to help you to largest extent possible and get you through those courses. There is no other school I would go to, honesty York College is the grail for a good college experience.... Read 777 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 67%

• Net price $5,182

• SAT range 870-1050

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  47 reviews

Senior: My school was Cuny School of Professional studies under CUNY graduate school. I love this school so much! As a working mother of 3 kids including a 7 month old, this school has given me the opportunity to finally finish my bachelors degree by taking online classes. I recommend this school to anyone that is struggling going to college. Give this school a try!... Read 47 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price —

• SAT range —