2023 Top Party Schools in New York

• Syracuse, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  3,493 reviews

Alum: My experience at Syracuse University was a mix of positives and negatives. As a film student, I had the chance to pursue my passion and gain a well-rounded education. Financial support through a scholarship and Students Support Services helped me pay for college. However, the university's mishandling of hate incidents in 2019, highlighted by the #notagainSU movement, was deeply disappointing. I believe Syracuse University should address discrimination, promote inclusivity, and engage with student concerns to create a safer environment. Despite the setbacks, I value the opportunities and education I received and hope for positive change.... Read 3,493 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 59%

• Net price $43,545

• SAT range 1220-1400

• Albany, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  2,459 reviews

Freshman: As a freshman at SUNY Albany, expect a rigorous academic environment, a diverse community, involvement in extracurricular activities, a vibrant social scene, and opportunities for personal growth. Embrace challenges, make connections, and enjoy your college experience.... Read 2,459 reviews

• grade B

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $17,350

• SAT range 1090-1280

• Vestal, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  2,576 reviews

Freshman: I am an incoming freshman at SUNY Binghamton in the Fall of 2023. My experience has been positive. The initial Open House/campus tour, the application process, the Admitted Students Open House were all wonderful. My first introduction to Binghamton precedes my initial visit. Two of my cousins are graduates of Binghamton. They speak fondly of their time at the university: their lifelong friendships, their hobbies, their classes, their professors, and their job search support. Binghamton was definitely one of my college choices. After a campus tour, I was sure that it was a perfect fit. I applied Early Action in October and eagerly waited for the acceptance response. In January, to my delight, I was accepted into the prestigious school to study graphic design. After the Admitted Students Open House, I responded “yes”. I look forward forward to all the wonderful learning and experiences that lay ahead.... Read 2,576 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 44%

• Net price $17,881

• SAT range 1310-1470

• Hamilton, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  1,039 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 1,039 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 17%

• Net price $24,500

• SAT range 1350-1500

• Cortland, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  878 reviews

Senior: The atmosphere is incredible, there are so many amazing people here. If you’re coming for anything fitness related (phys ed, fit dev, ex sci) you’ve definitely found the right place. The campus is a big home to opportunities. Only thing is that the parking at the top of the hill is atrocious… but if you’re a junior or senior (or living on campus) you should have no problems as you’ll probably be at the lower end of campus or walking everywhere. Definitely buy a heated jacket bc it gets very cold. Hope to see you here!... Read 878 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $17,703

• SAT range 1090-1240

• Oneonta, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  1,162 reviews

Junior: I am entering my first semester at Suny Oneonta as a transfer student. So far I have no experience with the school, but working with administration has been amazing. Their staff genuinely take the initiative in ensuring every student is given the aid and push to succeed, and I noticed this through just conversations and transferring. I a very excited to beginning my Junior year!... Read 1,162 reviews

• grade B

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $17,594

• SAT range 980-1150

• Oswego, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  1,492 reviews

Sophomore: I loved the scenery at Oswego. Being close to Lake Ontario, I was able to spend time with friends and even go alone to take a mental break and observe the water. However, when winter came around, the weather was pretty bad. There was a lot of snow, ice, and below freezing days. The only thing I would change is for the residence halls on Westside of Oswego, to get AC and more heat, because the campuses on Lakeside are newer and residents are able to adjust the temperatures in their rooms.... Read 1,492 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $15,078

• SAT range 1060-1280

• Saint Bonaventure, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  472 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 472 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $25,533

• SAT range 1070-1270

• Buffalo, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.48 out of 5  1,503 reviews

Sophomore: At Buffalo State it took some getting used to given that I had not visited my campus until "Move In Day", however, I came to realize that it is my home away from home. The college is diverse which is something I was eager to find when going away for school. The professors are more than happy to help you reach and surpass your academic goals and every one is very friendly.... Read 1,503 reviews

• grade C

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $9,998

• SAT range 930-1160

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  5,598 reviews

Freshman: I’m a dance major at NYU tisch and although this school is very expensive I’ve been loving the experience I’ve had so far. I can’t speak for other majors but being in the dance department it’s very easy to build community and make friends that will definitely last a life time. I will say one of the major flaws I have noticed with nyu (besides the tuition lol) is communication specifically within the financial department. As someone who genuinely cannot afford this school and is going to be in thousands of dollars in debt, I’ve been trying to reach out and appeal my financial aid in hopes to get more but they never answer any of my questions or respond to previous appeals I have sent. Also the campus is very spread out lol. Other than that, living here in NYC and going to my dream school has been nothing but surreal! My GE classes are super fun and I definitely recommended taking CAMS classes!... Read 5,598 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $50,991

• SAT range 1450-1570

• Schenectady, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  608 reviews

Alum: Truly four amazing years I am eternally grateful for. It wasn't perfect, there's more good to say than bad. The professors are amazing , they will invite you to have coffee in the office and discuss your career perspectives, interests, class topics, they will truly you grow intellectually and personally. The campus life is great, it can get a little clicky, but there's enough diversity so everyone can find their people. Schaffer Library is amazing and the research opportunities at Union are OUTSTANDING. The big downsides are food (it's terrible) and housing. Freshman year housing is tiny, but its is part of the experience of adjusting to college life, it helps you feel less lonely... Living in a minerva/theme house sophomore and junior year is ideal, living in the greek houses is really fun, despite the fact the rooms are small (kinda reminds me of freshman housing) you have a living room to hang out in. Senior year is amazing, living in the Seward houses is a 10/10 experience.... Read 608 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 47%

• Net price $39,101

• SAT range 1270-1450

• Fredonia, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  1,210 reviews

Sophomore: The college campus in not too big, surrounded by a small town, and easy to get around the campus. My major is supported and enjoy the overall atmosphere. There could be more accessible tutoring and academic support as well as more scholarship opportunities. The health center is also lacking and the closest "well-now" urgent care center is a 15-20 minute drive. For students who lack vehicles, this is a challenge. Public transportation/campus transportation should be more readily available. I also feel that campus cafes and cafeterias could serve more healthy options on a regular basis or stay open longer. Dorm rooms are outrageously priced and food packages are as well, considering the options available. I could live off of food I can purchase and easily make in my dorm and it would be cheaper and healthier.... Read 1,210 reviews

• grade B

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $15,973

• SAT range 1090-1280

• Ithaca, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  2,034 reviews

Junior: I love the classes they are challenging definitely but I learn a lot I know I will use in my future. Also, the clubs, activities, and events are so much fun. It is so nice to be in a place with like minded individuals. I am a key member of the Christian Club and my faith drives me to excellence.... Read 2,034 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $24,262

• SAT range 1450-1560

• Buffalo, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  3,048 reviews

Freshman: I've had so many great experiences at UB! I've made friends from all over the world, taken classes with amazing professors, and had the opportunity to get involved in a variety of clubs and organizations. One of my favorite experiences was studying abroad in Spain last summer. It was an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture, learn a new language, and make unforgettable memories. Overall, I'm really grateful for all the opportunities and experiences that UB has given me.... Read 3,048 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $17,954

• SAT range 1180-1360

• Albany, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  956 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 956 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $23,474

• SAT range —

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  642 reviews

Alum: I liked the educational experience of challenging yourself, and having the freedom to try explore content one might not find easily. I received my admission in February 2020, and for almost two years took part in online learning (thanks to the pandemic). My only regret or something I would like to see change is a community. This wasn't possible because of the pandemic but when students returned it seemed more cold than ever.... Read 642 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 66%

• Net price $43,547

• SAT range 1150-1380

• Plattsburgh, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  785 reviews

Senior: SUNY Plattsburgh has provided me with great academic experiences. The school has a wonderful BS/MSed Combined General and Special Education Program that exposes future educators to the content, strategies, and language they will utilize during their professional years. The program makes room for students to work in the Plattsburgh district to gain professional experience. In addition to this, the staff place us student teachers in the district schools to gain field hours for our certifications instead. SUNY Plattsburgh is filled with staff members who both encourage and challenge future student teachers to become the best educators they could be. I would like to see an improvement with the inclusion and diversity of the student body in the education department. For the younger generations to feel represented through teachers that look like them is beneficial for everyone as they feel seen, heard, and feel safe enough to learn.... Read 785 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $15,421

• SAT range 1050-1240

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  1,308 reviews

Graduate Student: Columbia's campus is great! As a graduate student, I love seeing the level of diversity within the engineering department and the opportunity to get to learn about everyone's backgrounds! I do wish that classes were taught much better since it seems like professors are just rambling for 2.5 hours and wait for students to blow up Piazza over conceptual and hw questions. I do also wish there was a greater emphasis on publicizing campus activities to graduate students. All in all the student body is incredibly intelligent and hard working!... Read 1,308 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $12,411

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Syracuse, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  332 reviews

Sophomore: The environment of SUNY ESF is just as academically intensive as it is fun and welcoming. While other schools with similar academic pressures offer a highly competitive community, ESF's students work hard and support one another along the way! Besides the environment itself, ESF boasts a lot of unique opportunities, including its relationship with Syracuse University. I definitely feel at home here and would recommend at least paying them a visit!... Read 332 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 65%

• Net price $22,159

• SAT range 1130-1300

• New Paltz, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  1,436 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 1,436 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 46%

• Net price $15,318

• SAT range 1150-1280

• Oneonta, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.43 out of 5  545 reviews

Sophomore: Hartwick College is a very good school. The nursing program that I am in is very competitive and rigorous, but it prepares you a lot for your nursing career ahead. As with every school it has its downfalls, but the upsides outweigh them completely. The campus is very welcoming and the people here are amazing. The classes are small so you get to know the teacher and others in your class one on one which is extremely helpful. The staff is very capable and willing to help you in whatever way possible. Everyone there just wants to see you succeed and are there for you any step of the way. Overall, Hartwick College is an amazing place to attend school. I have learned so much since my freshman year and it has turned me into an all around better person. The resources they offer you and opportunities you can achieve are endless and very helpful in the long run. All in all, it's an amazing school and if it is one of your options, I highly recommend looking into it for your top school!... Read 545 reviews

• grade C+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $22,523

• SAT range 1000-1220

• Alfred, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  537 reviews

Freshman: Alfred State College is a very hands on school that give students the chance to network and feel apart of the field they are interested in while they are in school before getting out into the real world. The professors are amazing, they are very accessible and always willing to help you succeed. Being a student athlete the coaches are very involved on your academic success and work with you to not only make you a better athlete but also an all around great person too!... Read 537 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $17,401

• SAT range 940-1170

• Canton, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  768 reviews

Freshman: I absolutely love SLU! It was my first college I visited as a freshman in high school. I visited 10 colleges after that, but still came back to SLU, as it felt like home. The main reason I chose this school was because of the community. I am from a fairly small town, and I was always close with my teachers. My professors are the individuals who see my potential and push me, and that is why I love learning here so much. Within the first two weeks here, I already knew my favorite professor. I am a neuroscience major, and I am a very determined individual. The neuroscience department at SLU is like a family. Not only is SLU beautiful, but so is Canton NY. I love being so close to Canada, and being around individuals my age who love winter as much as I do. Though a small school, it doesn't feel too small. I would highly recommend this school to individuals who have a determined goal, and it is very easy to get started on your career early at SLU.... Read 768 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 57%

• Net price $31,744

• SAT range 1220-1400

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.42 out of 5  308 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 308 reviews

• grade C+

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $38,301

• SAT range 940-1130

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  153 reviews

Junior: My experience at Metropolitan College has been a great one. The staff goes above and beyond, to help you achieve your goals in your courses. The administration has been helpful in food pantries, and the learning center if you need one on one assistance with assignments. The campus is a very clean, safe, and inviting environment.... Read 153 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $25,596

• SAT range —