Where should I go to college in New York City?

In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of colleges in New York City, from public universities and private schools to community colleges and specialized institutes. We will also help you figure out which one might be the best fit for your goals and budget.

Studying in New York City isn’t like going to school anywhere else. Here’s why:

• Diversity of people: Over 8.5 million residents, and no single ethnic group makes up a majority. You’ll meet classmates, professors, and neighbors from every corner of the world.
• Endless opportunities: Internships, part-time jobs, networking events, and cultural institutions. If you want to study finance, fashion, art, or tech, you’re sitting at the epicenter.
• The city lifestyle: Fast-paced, busy, and definitely not cheap. Living in New York means learning to manage money, time, and stress while still squeezing the most out of everything the city offers.

The number of colleges in New York City can feel overwhelming. Should you go to a big private university like NYU or Columbia? What about a public option like CUNY? Maybe a community college or a specialized school fits better.

This guide works like a roadmap, helping you explore the wide range of colleges in New York City, understand what makes each type unique, and figure out where you might fit best.

What Types of Colleges Are in New York City?

1. Public Universities

The backbone here is the City University of New York (CUNY) system. CUNY includes senior colleges like Hunter, Baruch, Brooklyn, Queens, and City College, plus community colleges. The system was built to serve New Yorkers, and it remains one of the most affordable ways to earn a degree in the city.

The State University of New York (SUNY) also has a small presence in NYC, such as SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn or FIT. SUNY tuition costs are similar to CUNY.

Tuition for both systems is far lower than private schools, averaging about $7,300 per year for in-state students and about $17,800 for out-of-state students.

2. Private Universities

These are the big names you’ve probably heard:

• Columbia University (Ivy League, Morningside Heights)
• New York University (NYU) (Greenwich Village, with branches in Brooklyn)
• Fordham University (Bronx and Lincoln Center campuses)
• The New School (creative and progressive programs in Greenwich Village)

Private schools often have stronger reputations globally, bigger endowments, and broader alumni networks, but they come with much higher sticker prices. On average, tuition at private universities in New York City is about $61,000 per year, before financial aid.

3. Community Colleges

Affordable, accessible, and often a stepping stone. NYC has several CUNY community colleges like Borough of Manhattan CC, LaGuardia CC, Bronx CC, and Queensborough CC.

Tuition is a fraction of what you’d pay at NYU or Columbia, averaging about $5,700 per year for in-state students and about $9,000 for out-of-state students. Many students complete two years at a community college, then transfer to a senior college to finish a bachelor’s degree.

4. Specialized Schools

This is where NYC really stands out. Want to study art? Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) or Pratt Institute. Dreaming of music? Juilliard or Manhattan School of Music. Interested in business? Baruch is well-known, but you’ve also got Pace University with strong business programs. Tech? Check out NYU Tandon or Cornell Tech on Roosevelt Island.

Costs vary widely. FIT’s in-state tuition is closer to public school levels, but schools like Pratt and Juilliard are much higher. On average, tuition at specialized schools comes out to around $46,000 per year.

What Is the Best Value College in New York City?

“Best value” doesn’t always mean “cheapest.” It’s a balance of tuition, financial aid, career opportunities, and overall experience.

Some strong best value colleges in NYC include:

• CUNY Baruch College – Known for business programs, especially accounting and finance, with tuition averaging about $7,461 per year in-state.
• Hunter College (CUNY) – Strong liberal arts, sciences, and health programs, with the same $6,930 per year in-state tuition, and a prime location right on the Upper East Side.
• City College of New York (CUNY) – A historic campus with a respected engineering program, also about $7,340 per year in-state.
• Fordham University (Lincoln Center campus) – Pricier at around $65,920 per year, but offers solid financial aid and a strong alumni network in law, business, and media.
• Pace University – Costs about $52,924 per year, but the school is known for generous scholarships and standout business and performing arts programs.

So if you’re hunting for affordable colleges in New York City that still carry a strong reputation, don’t overlook CUNY. For many students, CUNY is the best deal in the country: respected programs, a prime NYC location, and tuition under $7,500 per year for in-state students.

How Do You Pay for College in New York?

Everything in NYC adds up fast. But the good news is, there are real ways to bring down the cost if you know where to look. Here’s how to pay for college in New York.

1. FAFSA (Federal Aid)

Fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This is your golden ticket to federal grants, low-interest loans, and work-study opportunities. Even if you think your family makes too much, submit it anyway. Many schools won’t even consider you for their own aid unless you have a FAFSA on file.

• Grants: Pell Grants and FSEOG (Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants) can shave thousands off tuition if you qualify.
• Work-Study: A chance to earn money on campus or with approved employers, often in flexible, student-friendly roles.
• Loans: Not free money, but federal loans usually have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment terms than private loans.

2. State-Specific Aid

New York has one of the most generous aid systems in the country.

• TAP (Tuition Assistance Program): Available to New York residents attending in-state schools, this can add up to nearly $5,600 a year toward tuition.
• Excelsior Scholarship: This one made headlines. Families earning under $125,000 can qualify for free tuition at CUNY and SUNY schools. However, you need to complete a certain number of credits each year and commit to living and working in New York for a set time after graduation.

3. Institutional Aid

Don’t let the sticker price at private schools like NYU, Columbia, or Fordham make you run for the hills. Yes, the numbers are scary, but most students don’t actually pay that full amount.

• Merit aid: Schools award scholarships based on GPA, test scores, or special talents.
• Need-based aid: If FAFSA shows financial need, private schools often kick in with generous grants.
• Special scholarships: Many private universities have named awards funded by alumni or donors that are specific to majors, backgrounds, or achievements.

Sometimes, after aid, a private school can end up costing less than a public one.

4. Scholarships for New York City Students

This is where you can really stack up savings. Thousands of local, regional, and national scholarships for New York City students exist, and many go unclaimed because students never apply.

A few examples:

• Peter Vallone Academic Scholarship (CUNY): Automatic for incoming CUNY students with a strong GPA.
• NYC government and nonprofit scholarships: Programs like the Hispanic Federation, Posse Foundation, and NYC DOE scholarships help underrepresented and high-achieving students.
• National scholarships: Big names like Coca-Cola, Dell Scholars, and the Gates Scholarship are open to students nationwide, but can make a massive difference if you land one.

Pro tip: Apply to a mix of local and national scholarships. Local financial aid for NYC colleges usually has fewer applicants, which means better odds.

Moving to New York City for College: What to Expect

If you’re already from New York, great. You know the drill. But if you’re just moving to New York City for college, get ready.

Housing

• Dorms: Most private universities (NYU, Columbia, Fordham, The New School) have dorms, though they can be expensive.
• Off-campus: Many students live in apartments, often with roommates, in outer boroughs like Brooklyn, Queens, or the Bronx. Rent is steep. Expect $1,200–$2,000+ per month for your share.

Transportation

Forget cars. The subway and buses are your lifeline. A monthly MetroCard is about $132 (as of 2025). Many students also bike or walk.

Cost of Living

It’s high. Budget for:

• Expect to spend around $483 per month on groceries to cover basic needs. Shop at budget-friendly stores and use coupons, discounts, or free memberships to save more on groceries.
• Rent (the biggest expense).
• Entertainment (Broadway shows to free concerts in the park).

Life as a Student in New York City

What’s it actually like to be a student in the city of New York?

• Cultural opportunities: Museums (Met, MoMA, Natural History), theaters (Broadway and off-Broadway), concerts, and art galleries. You’ll never run out of things to do. Many offer student discounts or free entry days.
• Networking and career growth: You’re in the middle of one of the biggest job markets in the world. Internships in media, fashion, finance, health care, and tech are everywhere.
• Balancing city life with academics: The biggest challenge? Focus. NYC has constant distractions. You’ve got to learn discipline—when to study, when to explore.

Living in New York City as a student is like being plugged into the world’s power outlet. It’s exciting, but overwhelming if you’re not careful.

Comparing Public, Private, and Community Colleges in NYC

When people ask about private vs public colleges in NYC, what they’re really asking is: Is the price difference worth it? And honestly, the answer depends on your goals, your budget, and how much financial aid you can get.

Public Universities (CUNY / SUNY in NYC)

• Cost: About $7,300 per year (in-state), $17,800 (out-of-state)
• Pros: Extremely affordable, wide range of majors, strong commuter community, historic campuses like City College and Hunter, respected programs.
• Cons: Limited dorm options, some bureaucracy, and larger class sizes compared to private schools.

Private Universities (Columbia, NYU, Fordham, The New School)

• Cost: Around $59,000–$61,000 per year (before aid)
• Pros: Prestigious names, global alumni networks, smaller classes, incredible resources, often located in prime Manhattan neighborhoods.
• Cons: Sticker price can be overwhelming, as well as more competitive admissions. (Note: generous aid packages can bring costs closer to public schools if you qualify.)

Community Colleges (CUNY 2-year colleges: BMCC, LaGuardia, Bronx CC, Queensborough)

• Cost: About $5,700 per year (in-state), $9,000 (out-of-state)
• Pros: Community colleges in New York City are the lowest-cost option, with open admissions, flexible schedules, easy transfer pathways into CUNY senior colleges, and strong support for first-generation students.
• Cons: Mostly commuter schools, fewer specialized programs, limited on-campus “college life.”

Specialized Schools (Juilliard, Pratt, FIT, Cornell Tech, etc.)

• Cost: On average, about $46,000 per year, though schools like FIT (as part of SUNY) can be much cheaper for in-state students.
• Pros: Focused programs in arts, fashion, design, tech, or music; tight-knit communities; direct industry connections.
• Cons: Narrower range of majors, higher tuition at private specialized schools, competitive admissions (especially Juilliard).

Final Notes: Balancing Value, Fit, and Opportunity in New York City

So, where should you go to college in New York City? It depends on many factors:

• If you want affordability and a practical path, CUNY is the best deal in town.
• If you’re aiming for prestige and have strong academics (or great financial aid), Columbia or NYU might be your lane.
• If you’re a first-gen student who wants to ease in, community college can be a smart start.
• And if you’ve got a specific passion—fashion, art, music, tech—NYC has a specialized school waiting for you.

What matters most is the balance: value, fit, and opportunity.

• Value: Can you afford it, and does the cost make sense for your future career?
• Fit: Do you feel comfortable with the campus culture, class sizes, and support services?
• Opportunity: Will the school connect you to the jobs, internships, and experiences you want?

Visit campuses, talk to current students, check out financial aid, and picture yourself not just at the college.