Best Colleges in NYC in 2024 (Online & On-Campus)

A private Ivy League institution, Columbia University was established over 250 years ago as a leader in education for both the nation and the world. Columbia University seizes the opportunity as an institution in the most influential city in the world with cutting edge research and expert faculty from around the world. Columbia has earned its ranking as one of the most important research facilities in the world while still providing a distinct learning environment for both undergraduate and graduate students. Utilizing cutting edge research and seeking to mold a better future, Columbia University is always striving to educate the best minds and create a better future.

A private research institution, New York University was founded in 1831 by Albert Gallatin to provide quality higher education for all. Since its founding, NYU has grown to include a school of medicine, a college of dentistry, a school of business and more professional graduate schools. It is a premier research institution that has expanded campuses globally to meet the rising demand for the education and research provided by NYU. Currently, NYU has one of the most diverse student bodies and expert faculties in the country fulfilling its founder’s dream to provide education for all.

A private women’s liberal arts college, Barnard College is an institution built from visionary women that demanded more, to be educated. With fearless leadership from women’s suffrage to admitting the first black female in 1928 ,Barnard continues to lead and be led by fearless women. With barriers being broken down women have been able to become scholars, researchers, doctors, educators, and more with their educational foundation from Barnard College. Graduates have access to career counseling and networking that propels them toward success in their chosen fields and profession.

A public constituent of The City University of New York (CUNY) Baruch College is ranked among the region’s and nation’s top colleges with students from around the globe. The campus is a prime location for unparalleled internships and experiences, just a short walk from Wall Street and other global headquarters. Every year Baruch College enrolls one of the most diverse student bodies that speak over 100 languages. With unmatched opportunities for networking and learning among global leaders, Baruch College offers an education that is truly unique in its scope of career possibilities.

A private Roman Catholic University, St. John’s University has been educating students since 1870. St. John’s is committed to preparing students for personal and professional success in today’s global economy. Students receive a personalized education and mentoring from faculty, over 92% of the faculty hold the highest degree in their field with years of career experience. There are many unique programs designed with students in mind, accelerated 3 year bachelor programs, 5 year extended bachelor programs, graduate and doctoral programs with some hybrid options. Students have opportunities to intern at various businesses and organizations in NYC.

A public constituent of The City University of New York (CUNY), The City College of New York was the first public institution for higher education in the United States founded in 1847. With the vision of educating the whole people not just the privileged few, CCNY has proven the benefit of making higher education accessible to all people. A global leader for academic excellence, CCNY offers over 100 programs and advanced degrees in multiple fields. Students have opportunities to conduct research alongside world-renowned professional faculty.

A public constituent of the City University of New York, Queens College is recognized nationally for its liberal arts and science and professional programs. These programs include undergraduate and graduate programs. The campus is a beautiful 80-acre traditional quad campus with open green spaces, while the buildings have all been updated to include the latest technology. Queen’s offers both day and evening courses to meet he needs of a diverse student body Queen’s College is a leader in academic quality and student excellence while remaining one of the most affordable institutions in the country.

A public constituent of the City University of New York, Hunter College offers over 170 areas of study. Graduates are equipped with a global outlook and expertise to lead successful careers and fulfilling lives. Hunter draws on the unique resources of New York City where students have unparalleled internship and networking opportunities at the heart of the world’s cultural and financial districts. With a diverse student-body and career building opportunities Hunter is the crown jewel of the CUNY system.

A public constituent of the City University of New York, Brooklyn College has attracted students for over 90 years due to its extensive programs that welcome immigrants and their children. Currently Brooklyn College offers 176 programs in various fields form expert faculty. Students benefit from career guidance where they connect students with organizations like Goldman Sachs, Google, and JumpStart. With connections like these and internship opportunities graduates have the network for success upon graduation. Students have access to over 150 clubs and a variety of extra-curricular activities on campus to enrich their educational experience beyond the classroom.

A private Roman Catholic Liberal Arts College, Manhattan College was established in 1853 driven by the focus of quality education for all and service to neighbors in need. With 98 programs for students to choose from for their study, Manhattan College maintains the Lasallian Catholic heritage. Students will not only gain a reputable education with unique internship opportunities but they will also learn to serve and care for others in need through their academic experience and beyond.

A public maritime college that is a constituent of the State University of New York system, Maritime College is dedicated to educating dynamic leaders for the marine transportation industry. Maritime College is an institution that is very specialized in their program offerings employing the top faculty members that are experienced in Marine Technology and engineering. Students can choose for 11 undergraduate degrees as well as five ABET accredited engineering programs. The license program prepares graduates to operate, power, and navigate marine vessels. Students can also earn their U.S. Coast Guard license at Maritime College as well.

A private research institution, Fordham University was established in 1841 in the Jesuit tradition. Students receive a personal and engaging education form award-winning faculty with courses embedded in the inclusive Jesuit tradition. With 2,600 NYC internship based companies students will gain unique hands-on experience while increasing their network of individuals with whom they can built a successful career with. With numerous undergraduate and graduate schools, students have many academic programs to choose from. Enjoy the tight community that Fordham offers while they educate the whole person.

A private research institution, The New School was established in 1919 for Social Research and progressive thinkers. The founders of The New School had the goal where educators, students, and citizens could gather and honestly discuss, debate and research problems facing society. The New School is dedicated to ensuring an equitable, inclusive and socially just environment is provided for all students and faculty. This requires a diverse student-body and faculty that bring together their thoughts and perspectives to represent identities of society. Programs available include sociology, arts, music, media, anthropology, communications, and many, many more.

A private institution, Yeshiva University is the world’s premiere Jewish institution for higher learning. True to the Jewish heritage of spiritual, intellectual and material betterment for both those of the Jewish faith and society, Yeshiva University sits at the epicenter of New York’s Jewish heritage. With four campuses across New York City under the same leadership of one University more students can earn liberal arts degrees blended with Jewish studies. Students have the dual benefit of a smaller institution and personal learning through the small campuses while also having opportunities that only large universities can give under the Yeshiva University name and partnerships.

Founded in 1859 by Peter Cooper, Cooper Union is an institution furthering the innovations of art, architecture and engineering as well as the humanities and social sciences. Peter Cooper believed that education was key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony as well. The institution was founded on social equity where working classes were not required to pay and there was no denial to any person who desired to enter to learn. That legacy of inclusion and providing education for those who desire to learn continues today. Cooper Union has ranked among the top institutions in the nation across every program they offer.

A private performing arts institution, The Julliard School offers undergraduate and graduate programs in dance, drama, and music. The nation’s best institution for the performing arts that provides liberal arts courses for undergraduate degrees as well as major specific courses for the student’s chosen degree. Students collaborate with their primary instructor, other students and even those in other degree programs. Students have many opportunities to perform at Julliard and many other venues throughout New York during their time at Julliard.