Are you considering studying in the city that never sleeps, but you don't know which is the best university in New York City? We're here to help you! We’ve curated a list of the 7 best universities and colleges in NYC. From their ranking to their tuition fees, you’ll find out why these universities are the best in New York.

By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to apply to your university of choice and explore student-friendly accommodation in New York. Let's dive in!

Top universities in NYC

Here’s an overview of the 7 best universities and colleges in New York City: 1. Columbia University 2. New York University (NYU) 3. Baruch College 4. Cornell University 5. City College of New York 6. The New School 7. Hunter College

What's the difference between university and college in the US?

In the United States, universities are often larger institutions offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in various academic fields. They emphasize both research and teaching and may have extensive research facilities.

There are 2 types of universities: public and private.

• Public universities, funded by the state, tend to be larger and offer a broader program range with lower in-state tuition, subject to state regulations.
• Private universities, funded privately, are higher-ranked with higher tuition for all students.

Colleges, on the other hand, are typically smaller, focus primarily on undergraduate education, and may place a stronger emphasis on teaching and student engagement.

Generally, there are 3 main types of colleges: community, senior, and endowed.

• Community colleges offer 2-year programs, providing associate degrees and certificates to local communities at affordable rates.
• Senior colleges are 4-year institutions that grant bachelor's degrees and occasionally offer graduate programs.
• Endowed colleges possess substantial financial assets, which they then allocate to various college activities, including scholarships and research projects.

1. Columbia University

Part of the prestigious Ivy League, Columbia University is one of the US's highest-ranked universities. With 3 undergraduate and 13 graduate colleges and schools, their curriculum offers a wide range of studies, including architecture, engineering, law, business, dentistry, international affairs, and teaching.

• Type of university: Private university
• Ranking: 23th (QS) and 17th (THE) worldwide, and 6th (Forbes) in the US
• Number of international students: 14,088
• Undergraduate tuition fees: Between $48,336 and $62,570 annually
• Graduate tuition fees: Between $40,860 and $89,788 annually

2. New York University (NYU)

One of the top universities in NYC, New York University, commonly known as NYU, has a long-standing tradition of excellent education and leadership. The university has campuses located throughout some of the best neighborhoods in NYCand internationally in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai.

Across 15 schools and 5 institutes, some of NYU's highest-ranked degrees are in Philosophy, Law and Legal Studies, Arts and Humanities, Mathematics, Accounting, and Finance.

Graduate tuition fees are calculated on a credit basis and vary depending on your study, the number of credits you need, and the semester you’re applying for.

• Type of university: Private university
• Ranking: 38th (QS) and 27th (THE) worldwide, and 46th (Forbes) in the US
• Number of international students: 21,081 international students
• Undergraduate tuition fees: Between $62,796 and $68,978 annually
• Graduate tuition fees: Between $7,269 and $36,675 per term

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You can use NYU’s tuition calculator to estimate your undergraduate fees.

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3. Baruch College

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College is the highest-ranked City University of New York (CUNY) public school. The university is one of the cheapest in New York as it is a public university. Baruch College offers over 90 majors and minors in the fields of public and international affairs, public administration, arts, science, and business.

All CUNY universities are public and state-subsidized and offer lower tuition fees to New York state residents which helps with NYC's high cost of living. Their fees are calculated on a semester basis. Tuition fees for out-of-state residents and international students are calculated on a credit basis. Additionally, CUNY students have to pay semester fees for technology, student activity fees, and course material fees.

• Type of university: Public university
• Ranking: 4th (Princeton Review) for best-value public colleges and 2nd (US News) for top public schools
• Number of international students: Around 1,600 international students
• Full-time undergraduate fees: $3,465 per semester for NY state residents and $620 per credit for out-of-state residents and international students at senior colleges
• Graduate fees: NY state residents pay between $5,545 and $8,155 per semester. Non-NY residents and international student's tuition fees are calculated on a credit basis, between $855 and $1,010

4. Cornell University

Cornell University, while technically not in NYC but in NY state, is one of the top universities in the area and is also an Ivy League university. With a selection of 80 undergraduate and 102 graduate majors across the fields of agriculture, veterinary science, architecture, computer science, engineering, and public policy, Cornell offers a diverse selection of studies.

Tuition fees depend on whether you’re enrolled in an endowed or state contract college, with the second having lower fees as the state of New York partially funds it.

• Type of university: Private university
• Rankings: 13th (QS) and 20 (THE) worldwide and 12th (Forbes) in the US
• Number of international students: Around 24% of the student body
• Undergraduate tuition fees Between $43,888 (New York state residents) and $65,204 (non-New York state residents)
• Graduate tuition fees: Between $20,800 and $65,204, depending on the degree program

5. City College of New York

The City College of New York (CCNY) is the oldest CUNY college. CCNY has 115 graduate and undergraduate programs in the fields of architecture, medicine, engineering, humanities, education, and science. Some of their highest-ranked degrees are in economics and computer science. Like other CUNY colleges, students have to pay semester and tuition fees based on their residency status.

• Type of university: Public university
• Ranking: 2nd (US News) for top public schools and 51st (US News) for top public schools.
• Number of international students: More than 1,100
• Full-time undergraduate tuition fees: $3,456 per semester for NY state residents and $620 per credit for non-resident students
• Graduate fees: Between $5,545 and $7,510 per semester for NY state residents and $855 and $1,075 per credit for non-residents.

6. The New School

The New School is one of the most international universities in NYC. It’s one of the best universities in NYC for urban and fashion design and liberal and performing arts. The New School has 7 colleges, including the acclaimed Parsons School of Design, ranked at 4th place worldwide (QS) for art and design.

Tuition fees vary depending on the level and nature of your degree. Additionally, all students must pay application and orientation fees, between $270 for American applicants and $352 for international students.

• Type of university: Private university
• Ranking: 142nd (THE) and 201st (USNews) in the country
• Number of international students: 34% of the student body is international
• Undergraduate degrees tuition fees: Between $18,997 and $27,794 per semester
• Graduate tuition fees: are calculated based on semester or credit and depend on your chosen study.

7. Hunter College

Hunter College is another affordable CUNY college and one of the top colleges in NYC. The 44 degree programs at Hunter College specialize in education, health professions, arts & sciences, nursing, and social work. Similarly to other CUNYs, semester and tuition fees depend on NY state residency.

• Type of university: Public university
• Ranking: 38th (Princeton Review) for best-value public colleges and 6th (US News) for top public schools
• Number of international students: 1,010 international students
• Undergraduate tuition fees: $6,930 for NY state residents and $18,600 for out-of-state residents annually
• Graduate tuition fees $11,090 annually for NY state residents and $25,650 for out-of-state residents.

Requirements and how to apply for universities in New York

Applying to an American university takes time, and the competition is fierce. This is why having the necessary documents, receiving high scores on entrance exams, and being prepared for any interviews well in advance are essential to being accepted into one of the top universities in New York City.

The application requirements can vary, depending on the degree and university, but generally, these are the documents universities ask for:

• Valid ID/passport
• Valid US student visa (if applicable)
• Academic transcripts
• High school diploma (undergraduate) or Bachelor's degree (graduate)
• Standardized tests (e.g., SATs or program-specific tests)
• English language proficiency tests (if applicable)
• Letter(s) of recommendation
• Personal essay(s)
• Proof of financial means to support yourself (if applicable)
• Proof of paid application fee or a fee waiver

The easiest way to apply for a top college in NYC is with a general application online. The 2 common platforms universities accept applications from are Coalition Application via Scoir or via the Common App by choosing Common Application.

By now, you've found the best NYC university or college for you. With that done, it's time to start getting your application in order and searching for student accommodation in New York. The city awaits you!

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