Top 10 Best Universities in New York
The Best Universities in New York 2025
New York isn’t just the city that never sleeps—it’s also home to some of the best universities in the country. Whether you’re looking for Ivy League prestige, top-tier research programs, or a school with the perfect balance of academics and social life, NY has something for everyone.
From the bustling streets of Manhattan to the snowy upstate campuses, we’re breaking down the top 10 best universities in New York—so you can find the right fit without getting lost in the college application chaos.
10. Fordham University
Want a traditional college feel and easy access to NYC? Fordham gives you both. The Rose Hill campus in the Bronx is gorgeous and has that classic old-school college vibe, while the Lincoln Center campus is perfect for city lovers. Jesuit values mean a focus on social justice and ethics but don’t worry, the party scene is alive and well. Plus, you’re basically in the city that never sleeps—so your networking game will be on point.
- Where: New York, New York
- Public or Private: Private
- Setting: Urban
- Tuition & Fees: $64,470
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 10,307
- Acceptance Rate: 56%
- SAT Range: 1330-1490
- ACT Range: 30-33
9. University at Buffalo—SUNY
UB is big, both in size and opportunities. It’s a great value for the price, especially for STEM and business students, and there’s plenty of research funding to go around. The food scene in Buffalo is elite (hello, actual Buffalo wings), but the campus itself? Spread out and definitely on the colder side. If you’re looking for a well-rounded school with solid academics and a good party scene, UB delivers.
- Where: Buffalo, New York
- Public or Private: Public
- Setting: Suburban
- Tuition & Fees: $10,781
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 20,463
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- SAT Range: 1210-1380
- ACT Range: 27-32
8. Syracuse University
Two words: school spirit. If you want the full college experience—big sports, a lively Greek scene, and alumni who love their school—‘Cuse is it. The communications and business programs are especially strong, and the alumni network is clutch. Just brace yourself for the freezing winters and an “interesting” off-campus party scene.
- Where: Syracuse, New York
- Public or Private: Private
- Setting: City
- Tuition & Fees: $65,528
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 15,739
- Acceptance Rate: 42%
- SAT Range: 1260-1430
- ACT Range: 28-32
7. Binghamton University—SUNY
The “public Ivy” of New York, Binghamton is where smart kids go for a top-tier education without the Ivy League price tag. The academics are rigorous, but the social scene is very real—Greek life, house parties, and plenty of student orgs to keep things interesting. The weather isn’t great, but hey, at least your degree will be respected, and you won’t be drowning in student loans.
- Where: Binghamton, New York
- Public or Private: Public
- Setting: Suburban
- Tuition & Fees: $10,363
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 14,408
- Acceptance Rate: 38%
- SAT Range: 1320-1490
- ACT Range: 29-34
6. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
If you’re serious about engineering, tech, or anything STEM-related, RPI is a powerhouse. It’s a no-frills, work-hard kind of place where you’ll probably spend more time in the lab than at parties—but hey, the job placement rates are insane. Just know that Troy, NY, isn’t exactly a bustling metropolis, so be ready for a quieter college experience.
- Where: Troy, New York
- Public or Private: Private
- Setting: City
- Tuition & Fees: $64,081
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,945
- Acceptance Rate: 59%
- SAT Range: 1360-1520
- ACT Range: 31-34
5. Stony Brook University—SUNY
If you’re looking for a great education at an affordable price, Stony Brook is a solid bet—especially for STEM majors. The research game is strong, and it’s one of the best public schools in NY. Social life? It’s what you make of it. A lot of students commute, but if you find your people, you’ll be fine. Oh, and the Long Island location means you’re not too far from NYC, but you’ll still need a car.
- Where: Stony Brook, New York
- Public or Private: Public
- Setting: Suburban
- Tuition & Fees: $10,644
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 17,549
- Acceptance Rate: 49%
- SAT Range: 1320-1490
- ACT Range: 28-33
4. University of Rochester
If you want a smaller, tight-knit school with solid academics and a strong STEM scene, UR is a great pick. It’s got major research opportunities, a flexible curriculum (no gen eds!), and a chill, quirky student vibe. Plus, the music scene here is lowkey amazing thanks to the Eastman School of Music. Downside? Rochester winters are brutal, so pack those snow boots.
- Where: Rochester, New York
- Public or Private: Private
- Setting: Urban
- Tuition & Fees: $67,124
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,764
- Acceptance Rate: 36%
- SAT Range: 1400-1540
- ACT Range: 31-34
3. New York University (NYU)
No traditional campus, no football team, no problem. NYU is for the independent, city-loving go-getters who want their college experience to feel more like an internship at a really cool media startup. Tisch is the place for aspiring creatives, Stern pumps out future finance moguls, and everything else? It’s what you make of it. Just be ready to shell out $$$ for rent because dorms won’t save you forever.
- Where: New York, New York
- Public or Private: Private
- Setting: Urban
- Tuition & Fees: $62,796
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 29,760
- Acceptance Rate: 9%
- SAT Range: 1480-1570
- ACT Range: 33-35
2. Columbia University
If you want Ivy League prestige and a front-row seat to NYC, Columbia is the dream. Academically intense, socially competitive, and full of ridiculously ambitious people, this is the place to be if you want to network your way to the top. The Core Curriculum means you’ll study classics no matter your major, and the campus is stunning—but let’s be real, the real campus is Manhattan itself.
- Where: New York, New York
- Public or Private: Private
- Setting: Urban
- Tuition & Fees: $71,170
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 8,902
- Acceptance Rate: 4%
- SAT Range: 1490-1580
- ACT Range: 34-35
1. Cornell University
One of the best universities in New York, this is the Ivy League that actually lets you breathe (kind of). Cornell has a little bit of everything—top-tier academics, a massive campus in the middle of beautiful upstate NY, and a “work hard, play hard” student culture. Just be ready for the brutal winters and that infamous freshman hill.
- Where: Ithaca, New York
- Public or Private: Private
- Setting: Rural
- Tuition & Fees: $69,314
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 16,071
- Acceptance Rate: 8%
- SAT Range: 1480-1560
- ACT Range: 33-35
