2024 Best Value Colleges in New York

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  1,336 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 1,336 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $12,411

• SAT range 1470-1570

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  1,441 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 1,441 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 51%

• Net price $3,793

• SAT range 1170-1360

• Ithaca, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  2,057 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 2,057 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $24,262

• SAT range 1450-1560

• Bronx, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  1,113 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 1,113 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 58%

• Net price $3,220

• SAT range 960-1080

• Clinton, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  486 reviews

Alum: Hamilton is one of the best liberal arts colleges in the country. The campus is beautiful and the facilities are impressive. I was constantly blown away by the intelligence of both my professors and classmates. I hear about people from other schools struggling to get jobs out of college, but I’ve gotten tons of interviews and received several job offers (just accepted one the other day). And from what I can tell, my classmates are finding similar success in the workforce, at grad school, or in whatever they pursue. Hamilton does a fantastic job preparing students for further education; I know several people at T14 law schools and have classmates pursuing PhDs at Ivy Leagues and other top universities. Whatever you want to do, a Hamilton education will prepare you to do it. Oh, and people LOVE Hamilton. We have amazing study abroad programs (I went to Australia) but I know multiple people who chose not to go abroad because they didn't want to leave Hamilton. It’s a truly special place.... Read 486 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 14%

• Net price $26,803

• SAT range 1410-1540

• Farmingdale, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  652 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 652 reviews

• grade B

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 73%

• Net price $6,007

• SAT range 1010-1190

• Rockville Centre, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  672 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 672 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $25,540

• SAT range 1110-1320

• 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 A

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $28,366

• SAT range 1380-1550

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.53 out of 5  2,414 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 2,414 reviews

• grade B

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 46%

• Net price $4,586

• SAT range 1170-1340

• 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

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $40,070

• SAT range 1360-1520

• Vestal, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  2,626 reviews

Senior: I have enjoyed my time at Binghamton University. I am pursuing medical degree after my undergraduate and have received a lot of support from Binghamton's academic advising to make sure that I am on track. Taking online classes during the pandemic shut down was an interesting way to start my journey at Binghamton University, but they managed to adapt to changing circumstances and deliver impeccable educational content. Binghamton offers many ways to get involved with the research and outreach that the university is engaged in. For example, I am a part of two of the psychological research labs on campus. One thing that I would like to see change at Binghamton is more work opportunities and resources offered to students who are struggling financially. I, like many of my peers, have put myself through school without contribution from family and more economically enriching opportunities would have helped me support myself through my education. Thank you!... Read 2,626 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 44%

• Net price $17,881

• SAT range 1310-1470

• Staten Island, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.31 out of 5  714 reviews

Junior: My overall experience at Wagner has been one I will need forget. I have had the opportunity to compete at a Division 1 level for softball as well as balance nursing school. There aren’t many other places that would allow you to do this. As well as competing at a high level of softball and compete in nursing school I was able to minor in Spanish and take a study abroad program this past summer in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Wagner cares about their students and how well the are set up for success in their future beyond college. The class sizes allow for one on one interactions with your professors to ensure your success in the classroom.... Read 714 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $28,365

• SAT range 1050-1270

• Throggs Neck, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.41 out of 5  137 reviews

Alum: Campus life at SUNY Maritime can be challenging to adapt too at first but it certainly was extremely rewarding, and, in the end, you will pat yourself on the back. I continuously express gratitude for the College experience I had, and all the friends, professors, and mentors I met along the way. My corresponding graduates from this college are infused with integrity, honesty, and discipline. I would advise joining ROTC program or the Regiment of Cadets Program (not Civilian) here at Maritime. I can promise you that all your arduous work will pay off overall. Also, you should experience shipping out on the TS Empire State VII to other countries and learning all the skills you need for life after college (the real world). Sometimes, you are not sure where life will take you, however at this University you will be skilled both mentally and physically for the days ahead. I currently work at a remarkably large Investment Bank doing what I love and imagined out of college.... Read 137 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 74%

• Net price $19,779

• SAT range 1100-1260

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  1,395 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 1,395 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 45%

• Net price $5,077

• SAT range 1020-1160

• Utica, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.44 out of 5  323 reviews

Alum: I liked majority of my teachers. They were all very helpful and eager to assist when needed. I also like the family like culture there, I met some of my best friends at SUNY Poly. It was very easy to schedule classes and check grades with everything online. It was easy to navigate. I was a part of a club and always felt included for the events. I was a business major and learned a lot about business from my time there. The dorms were nice and convenient to the main campus. I always felt safe and never in harms way. There were a lot of campus events to help people make friends and have fun. It is a smaller school so you get to know just about everyone on the campus. Everyone got along for the most part. The teachers took part in the activities and assisted when needed. I would definitely recommend SUNY Poly to a graduating senior. I had a great time there and would not have chosen a different school if I had to go back. You will definitely enjoy your time.... Read 323 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $10,245

• SAT range 1040-1400

• Stony Brook, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  2,849 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 2,849 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 48%

• Net price $16,445

• SAT range 1300-1480

• Niagara University, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  585 reviews

Sophomore: I've absolutely loved the community that I have found here at Niagara University. The program that I'm in is so incredibly welcoming and supportive. There are plenty of majors/minors and opportunities to explore and my advisor has made sure I can get the most out of my time here. It's a gorgeous campus and there are plenty of events put on and we're super close to Niagara Falls and Canada! The people are wonderful and I can't implore you enough, please consider Niagara University in your college search! You won't regret it!... Read 585 reviews

• grade B

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 92%

• Net price $18,118

• SAT range 1050-1220

• Hamilton, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  1,041 reviews

Sophomore: Colgate University has opened doors for me in countless ways. The rich alumni network is widely used by students through our amazing career services office. Additionally, I have been given opportunities to connect with possible employers and have even gotten a job as a result! Additionally, the school itself is very work hard play hard. I am enrolled in academically rigorous classes but I can also have so much fun here!... Read 1,041 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 17%

• Net price $24,500

• SAT range 1350-1500

• Newburgh, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  526 reviews

Alum: I loved every second of my four years at the Mount! This community is more like a family, and all of the connections I was able to make with students, faculty, and staff prepared me for everything graduate school and my career had to offer. With all of the available resources, including Tutoring, Student Engagement, and the Career Center, I can easily say that the Mount helped me grow over the years, not only preparing me for my future, but helping me discover my own interests and capabilities. There were also so many things to do on campus, and getting involved was one of the best things I could have done. There are so many clubs and activities on campus, academic groups to join, trips, and even things to explore off- campus throughout the Hudson Valley. These were truly the best 4-years, and I wouldn't have changed a things about it.... Read 526 reviews

• grade C+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $22,512

• SAT range 1000-1170

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  1,834 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 1,834 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $4,213

• SAT range 1050-1260

• 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 A minus

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $28,261

• SAT range 1080-1310

• Potsdam, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  921 reviews

Senior: My experience overall at Clarkson has been very positive! After things cleared up following the pandemic, and restrictions were loosened, Clarkson has been amazing. What sets Clarkson apart from other schools is the student body. It is such a welcoming and friendly group of students and I have truly met some of the most amazing people at Clarkson. As a member of the biology and psychology programs, I have also gotten to work with some amazing professors. If you seek it, there are ample opportunities for students!... Read 921 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $31,413

• SAT range 1180-1380

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  1,654 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 1,654 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 52%

• Net price $8,637

• SAT range —

• Bronx, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.31 out of 5  639 reviews

Graduate Student: I am extremely fascinated with my program as a graduate student at college mount saint Vincent NY, especially the professors that taught me different subjects, they assist us to become ready for the real-life work. I found that the college's mission is to provide a values-based education that promotes intellectual, moral, and spiritual growth. It aims to prepare students to become socially responsible citizens and leaders in their chosen fields. The campus offers a supportive and inclusive environment, fostering a sense of community among students.... Read 639 reviews

• grade C+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $20,317

• SAT range 1000-1230

• Queens, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  1,252 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 1,252 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 61%

• Net price $4,777

• SAT range 1040-1190