2024 Best Colleges in the Albany Area

• Troy, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  1,094 reviews

Sophomore: RPI is an esteemed technical school that offers an excellent environment for learning engineering. The faculty members at RPI are knowledgeable and provide thorough explanations of each topic, with abundant resources to aid. Many of my teachers were inspiring, such as Professor Uchida, Professor Patterson, and Professor Kiehl, fueling my passion to pursue a career in engineering. While my first year at RPI was primarily focused on academics, I also had the time to socialize with my peers. However, it would be great to see more social activities to enhance campus life and allow students to unwind from their studies. Additionally, I believe there is room for improvement in the variety of food served in RPI's dining halls. While there are always hamburgers and pizza available, incorporating a greater selection of healthier and appetizing options on a daily basis would be beneficial. Despite these suggestions for improvement, RPI remains an exceptional institution for acquiring a degree.... Read 1,094 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $40,070

• SAT range 1360-1520

• 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

• Acceptance rate 31%

• Net price $31,553

• SAT range 1270-1440

• Schenectady, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  615 reviews

Alum: I came to Union and Upstate NY from California, looking for a small liberal arts college which could support an array of my interests - from art to lacrosse, studying abroad to inner-city work. I loved the small class sizes, the driven, highly-intelligent professors, and the accessibility of everything on campus due to it being a smaller school. I was always able to find time to get work done with classmates or professors, and found Union to be a very comfortable place to be pushed academically while still feeling immensely supported. I played four years of lacrosse for a Nationally ranked NCAA program, was able to study abroad in multiple countries, and still found time to create friendships with professors and peers which Im confidant will last for my lifetime. While some knock Schenectady - the city was being fully revamped while I was there. Farmers Markets, small-businesses, restaurants, and volunteer organizations have made great use of the energy which Schenectady still has.... Read 615 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 47%

• Net price $39,101

• SAT range 1270-1450

• Albany, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.41 out of 5  410 reviews

Niche User: I went to ACPHS recently, as I attended their fall open house for 2022. It was amazing, way better than I could have ever imagined. The faculty were so helpful and passionate with their roles in the school, and the students were so welcoming to the students touring that day it was amazing. It was like they really know how to make you feel like family, and it was only an open house! I am very serious about a career as an ER doctor, and going to ACPHS seemed like the perfect fit for someone invested in medicine. The majors and curriculum were very appetizing, they sounded so interesting yet challenging (as the medical field is)! It is definitely a 10/10 college for me, due to the close knit community & the welcomeness they give to everyone coming through the doors! As a pre-med student wanting to stay close to home, I cannot think of a better college to attend. On the plus side as well, Albany Medical College and Albany Health Center are right across the street!... Read 410 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $26,961

• SAT range 1170-1390

• Albany, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  2,500 reviews

Alum: UAlbany is a very diverse SUNY 4-year college. I liked how the campus is involved with their students. Starting with providing first year students with a 1-on-1 appointment with their advisor their first two semesters. Next, highlighting the importance of attending office hours with your professor. Lastly, the culture at UAlbany is like no other, you will be able to find the perfect club that peaks your interests. One thing I would like to see change, is the exposure to more majors and studies that would attract more students. Thank you for your time!... Read 2,500 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $17,350

• SAT range 1090-1280

• Saratoga Springs, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  494 reviews

Graduate Student: I am an older student and had concerns about returning to college after many years while caring for my disabled husband. Not only did SUNY Empire make it easy for me to attend but gave me the support and encouragement I needed. I find myself recommending this college to anyone and everyone. Each step of my journey was supported by other students, professors, office staff, even the president. If it wasnt for this supportive family I wouldn't have succeeded. I am truly thankful!... Read 494 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $11,557

• SAT range —

• Troy, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  560 reviews

Junior: My college experience thus far has been incredibly impressive. I knew I was in for an extraordinary journey from the moment I stepped onto campus. I have had the opportunity to meet and learn from professors who have become passionate mentors. Their guidance and support have opened my mind to new perspectives and challenged me to reach my full potential. Additionally, being part of the soccer club has been a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded people who share my love for the sport. My college experience has been a perfect blend of academic growth, personal development, and vibrant social life, leaving me with a profound sense of gratitude and excitement for the years ahead.... Read 560 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 73%

• Net price $22,713

• SAT range —

• 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+

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $23,474

• SAT range —

• Loudonville, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  889 reviews

Sophomore: I transfered to Siena during my freshman year. The staff and professors could not have made my transition more seamless and easy. The campus is small, but it's perfect for those who wish to go to a small school. It's a Catholic school, but you wouldn't guess that by the student body. If you're looking for smaller classes for more attention from professors, Siena is exactly that. Loudonville is a small and cute little town with great food options and lots of shopping. Everyone I have met so far is extremely nice and kind, and I'm so glad I chose Siena!... Read 889 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $32,810

• SAT range 1020-1220

• Albany, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  90 reviews

Freshman: I loved the sense of community I felt every time I was on campus, and the support I felt from all staff when I was struggling with my classes. This was the best decision i’ve ever made for myself!... Read 90 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 37%

• Net price $17,215

• SAT range 727-990

• Albany, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  112 reviews

Alum: What I like about Bryant & Stratton College- Online- Albany is that we were like a tight nit family always there for one another, and help available from many different variety of resources, to answer any questions you may have from career services, financial advisor, student resources, computer lab, work study help, essay writing help, to course work help etc... Your advisor is mostly always available between certain hours or his or her schedule, from office hours, virtual or walk-in hours available. Bryant and Stratton has for life career advisor that will try to help you get a job like helping you write your resume for free or even updating your resume for a newer job always there to help Throughout Life! We all push one another when the tough gets going and the going get tough. Everyone tries to lend a hand to the best of our abilities in order to make sure we all achieve success and reach that number one goal we set out to achieve and that's to graduate! By: Martina Johnson... Read 112 reviews

• grade C minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $14,851

• SAT range —

• Albany, NY•

• 4 Year (Online)

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate —

• Net price —

• SAT range —