Best Online Degree Programs Near New York City

The #1 school on our list of the best online colleges in NYC is Molloy College, followed by Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology.
Online programs allow you to balance studies with other commitments. This flexibility is crucial in a bustling city like NYC, where commuting and time management can be challenging.
NYC hosts prestigious universities and colleges offering online programs. You can access world-class education without the need to relocate or commute daily.
Despite being online, many programs facilitate networking through virtual events, alumni networks, and connections with professionals in NYC’s diverse industries.
NYC-based colleges often provide a wide range of courses and specializations, catering to various career paths and interests.
Even if studying remotely, NYC’s cultural richness and professional opportunities can influence your academic and career growth positively.

In this article, we examine the best online colleges in NYC.

Even if you live near the city, you could be a busy professional or chasing a dream and may not have time to attend a college campus in person. Hence, in this list, we examined colleges near NYC with at least one online program. If the location is important to you, but online education is as well, one of these online programs might be just the right fit!

Featured Programs

Rating Methodology for Online College in New York City
Tuition Points

Over $40,000—no points
Under $40,000—1 point
Under $35,000—2 points
Under $30,000—3 points
Under $25,000—4 points
Under $20,000—5 points
Under $15,000—6 points
Under $9,000—7 points

Student to Faculty Ratio Points

20 and under-1 point
15 and under-2 point
12 and under-3 points
10 and under-4 points

National Recognition (where applicable)

Top 100-1 point
Top 75- 2 points
Top 40-3 points
Top 30-4 points
Top 20-5 points
Top 10-6 points
Top 5-7 points

*an extra point was awarded if the school was on two or more lists

Wow Factor
New York City schools were awarded one point per wow factor, which include options like tuition discounts or variety of degrees available.

Ranking the Top Online Colleges in New York City

#16. Hofstra University

Nassau County, New York

Website

Founded in 1935, Hofstra University is among the leading private colleges in New York. It seeks to provide students enrolled online a quality education in a supportive environment. Fully online programs at Hofstra include only graduate and advanced certificate work, including the following programs offered to graduate students:

MBA
Master of Science in Computer Science
Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Higher Education Leadership
MSEd in Special Education

More options are available in a hybrid format as well. Academic advising is available to distance learners and working professionals enrolled online. Hofstra University has a long list of collegiate accolades including a Military Friendly School. The US News has voted Hofstra among the best in engineering programs, business programs, and education programs. The Princeton Review has also voted Hofstra’s MBA program in the top 25 for 2019. Hofstra University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) to offer online courses and degrees.

Tuition: $49,410

#15. Seton Hall University

South Orange, New Jersey

Website

Seton Hall University, one of the nation’s leading Catholic institutions and online colleges in New York, is home to more than 90 academic programs and over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate level students attending online and/or in-person courses. Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Higher Education, online students can expect a low 14:1 student to faculty ratio, as well as an average class size of 21. Seton Hall University’s online program offers only graduate level master’s and doctorate degrees, in addition to graduate certifications. Online degree options include the following programs offered to graduate students:

MPA in Non-Profit Management
MBA
MS in Accounting
Master of Healthcare Administration
MSN in Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

An online doctoral program in Nursing Practice is also available. SHU’s quality education is backed up by many national recognitions, including one of America’s Top Colleges by Forbes, a Best Business School by the Princeton Review, and a best National University by the US News. Seton Hall is fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Prospective students are encouraged to apply for financial aid.

Tuition: $46,880

#14. Adelphi University

Garden City, New York

Website

With a rich history rooted in Brooklyn, New York, Adelphi was founded in the late 1800s as the only liberal arts college in the area. Adelphi then continued its innovative attitude, becoming Long Island’s first co-ed private institution in 1929. Today, AU has continued to grow and evolve into one of the best colleges in New York. The university has its main campus in Garden City and other campus centers in Manhattan, Hauppauge, and Poughkeepsie, as well as an online school. Adelphi University New York is home to a variety of online programs and blended graduate degree programs offered, such as:

Master of Arts in Art Education
Master of Arts in Educational Technology
Master of Science in Nutrition
Master of Social Work
Master of Science in Sport Management

In addition to online degree opportunities, certificates in English-Spanish Translation Studies, Emergency Services, and Autism and Severe Disorders are available and can be completed online. The school offers full academic advising to students enrolled online. US News has ranked Adelphi University #86 for Best Value Schools, as one of the Best Undergraduate Business Schools, and 38th Best Graduate School for Social Work. Other recognitions came from the Princeton Review, Forbes, and College Factual. Adelphi University is among the online colleges accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition: $42,475

#13. Monmouth University

West Long Branch, New Jersey

Website

Monmouth University, located in West Long Branch, NJ, was founded in 1933. Positioned one mile from the ocean and only one hour from both New York City and Philadelphia, it has become one of the leading colleges in New York and the surrounding area. Here, students can enjoy a beautiful coastline view from campus or can opt to complete coursework online. MU has an impressive 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. While students can take many online classes through distance education, only three programs offered can be taken primarily online:

Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice
Master’s Degree in Forensic Nursing
Doctorate in Nursing

Online students can expect the use of innovative technology and access to the school’s 41,000-strong student alumni network. Monmouth University has received many national recognitions, including a spot on the Princeton Review’s top 384 Colleges for 2019. Monmouth University is among the accredited online colleges in our ranking. Specifically, it is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Online learners may be eligible for financial aid.
Tuition: $41,680

#12. New Jersey Institute of Technology

Newark, New Jersey

Website

Located near New York City, New Jersey Institute of Technology is New Jersey’s leading polytechnic university, specializing in engineering, technology, science, business, and design. Its mission is to provide a merge of liberal arts and technical education so that graduates are ready to enter the workforce confidently. Through NJIT’s 6 schools and colleges, the 11,400 current students can pick from over 125 degrees and programs. Among those programs offered is an array of online degree options at the graduate level. Sample online degrees include:

Master of Science in Transportation
Master of Science in Power and Energy Systems
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
Master of Science in Power and Energy Systems
MBA

An even longer list of online graduate certificates is available via online courses, including:

Project Management
Social Media Essentials
Data Mining
Construction Management
Pharmaceutical Technology

New Jersey Institute of Technology is one of the online colleges accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. It’s one of the most affordable colleges on our list, and financial aid is available to qualified students enrolled in online programs.
Tuition: $18,016

#11. Stony Brook University SUNY

Long Island, New York

Website

Located just 60 miles from Manhattan, New York, Stony Brook is a part of the State University of New York system. It is also one of the most affordable online universities in our ranking. One of the top colleges in New York, the school offers over 60 various degrees, many of them via online education. Online students can expect an asynchronous and flexible course load that works around their schedule, as well as support from the university. While only one online degree in nursing is available for bachelor’s degrees, students can continue their education online through the school’s many graduate-level master’s degree options. Programs offered via online learning include:

MS in Neonatal Nursing
MS in Nurse Midwifery
MS in Nutrition
MS in Physicians Assistant
MA in Higher Education Administration
MS in Human Resource Management

In addition to master’s degrees, students can also pursue advanced graduate certificates in coaching, educational leadership, mental health nurse practitioner, or nursing education. Online students can access many of the same support services as in-person students, such as career services and tutoring services. In 2018, Forbes Magazine named Stony Brook among its top 20 Best Value Public Colleges. Stony Brook University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition: $10,455

#10. St. Joseph’s College, New York

Brooklyn, New York

Website

With two campus locations and an online education division, St. Joseph’s was founded in 1916 by the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph. St. Joseph’s College of New York stands out among other colleges in New York because of its extensive online degree selections at the bachelor’s level. While most of the schools on this list are a hub for online graduate-level degrees, students pursuing a college education from St. Joseph’s can obtain their undergraduate degree from the comfort of a non-traditional format. Students can choose from many bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and advanced certificates. Online bachelor’s programs for distance learners include:

BS in Human Resources
BS in Organizational Management
BS in General Studies
BS in Health Administration
Master’s degree options include:
MS in Health Care Management, Human Resources Management, or Organizational Management
MBA

SJC offers generous tuition discounts to online learners pursuing these undergraduate degrees. SJC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition: $30,576

#9. Monroe College

Bronx, New York

Website

One of the state’s leading private universities, Monroe College offers career-oriented quality education through its on-campus programs in the Bronx, New Rochelle, St. Lucia, and online. Monroe College is a unique listing on this ranking because of its online undergraduate degree program options. While most online schools on this list focus their studies on various graduate fields, Monroe College offers a range of associate degrees and bachelor degrees via online learning. Students enrolled in online courses can choose from the following programs offered:

Associate’s Degree in Medical Administration
Sports Management
Human Services
Hospitality Management
Computer Information Systems

Bachelor’s-level online degrees in the same areas are available. In addition, master’s degrees are available online too. Unlike other online colleges in New York, students could potentially earn 3 degrees fully online in the same field. Monroe College’s online degree program is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition: $16,686

#8. CUNY John Jay College

New York, New York

Website

John Jay College of Criminal Justice is one of the public schools in the City University of New York system focused on justice education degrees. As one of the best online colleges in the state, it offers cohort-style online programs that can be helpful with post-graduation career networking. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1, the school offers online degrees ranging from online bachelor’s degree programs to master’s degrees to advanced certificates. The online bachelor’s degree in Security Management is an online degree-completion program and requires students to have an associate degree as a prerequisite. Online master’s degrees include the following programs offered:

MA in International Crime and Justice
MS in Security Management
MS in Emergency Management
Master of Public Administration in Inspection and Oversight with an optional Health Care Concentration
Master of Public Administration in Public Policy and Administration

In addition to these master’s programs, 5 advanced certifications are available online. Recognized as one of the most affordable colleges in New York, John Jay College of Criminal Justice has one of the most affordable tuition costs on this rankings list. The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition: $7,470

#7. Manhattan College

Bronx, New York

Website

Founded in 1853, Manhattan College is a Lasallian Catholic liberal arts university that provides a quality education, propelling all types of students to excel in successful careers. This includes online and on-campus students. Manhattan College is ironically located in the Bronx but originated in Manhattan before moving to accommodate more students in the 1920s. Through its six colleges, the New York university offers a variety of bachelor’s degree programs and graduate degrees, including six 5- year dual degree programs that result in a master’s degree. However, the only two fully online master’s programs offered at Manhattan College are an MBA and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership (accelerated). Impressive national rankings from US News include #15 in Regional Universities North, #6 in Best Colleges for Veterans, and #35 in Engineering Programs that don’t have doctoral programs. Manhattan College is one of several online schools accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition: $47,220

#6. University at Albany SUNY

Albany, New York

Website

As a part of the State University of New York system, the University at Albany is located in New York’s capital city of Albany and offers over 150 academic degree programs on-campus and online. Through the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity, the University at Albany offers one fully online degree program, resulting in a bachelor’s degree in Informatics. Graduates of the bachelor’s degree program will be ready to begin careers as IT project managers, computer support specialists, technical support specialists, and more. All online students are supported by academic advisors. UAlbany has many national recognitions, including a spot on Forbes Magazine ‘America’s Best Public Colleges’ list. In addition, US News ranks many of UAlbany’s graduate programs in the top 50 (clinical psychology, criminal justice, library and information studies, public affairs, public health, sociology, and social work). University at Albany is one of the online colleges accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition: $10,408

#5. Touro College

New York, New York

Website

One of the top colleges in New York, New York, Touro College is a non-profit private institution with philanthropic values. Touro College’s division of online learning is called Touro University Worldwide and offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees in three main areas: business, psychology, and health and human services. Online bachelor’s degree programs offered include:

BA in Psychology
BA in Social Work
BS in Public Health

In addition to these online bachelor’s programs, one associates degree, nine online master’s degrees, and two doctoral programs are available. Unique graduate programs for students taking online courses include:

MA in Dispute Resolution
MBA in Nonprofit Management
MA in Marriage and Family Therapy

All online degree programs offered through TU Worldwide can be completed fully online, and for those graduate students pursuing online master’s programs, no GRE or GMAT scores are necessary for admission. Touro College is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Support services like online tutoring are available, and eligible students are encouraged to apply for financial aid.
Out-of-State Tuition: $20,750

#4. Removed by Editor

#3. Rutgers University

New Brunswick, NJ

Website

Founded in 1766, Rutgers University is a public research university located near New York City and one of the best online colleges in the state. While Rutgers University operates three campuses throughout New Jersey, the school also has an impressive list of online degrees. Two of the online bachelor’s degree programs offered are a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. A larger amount of graduate degrees are offered, including:

Master of Music in Music Education
Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering
Master of Information
Master’s Degree in Liberal Studies
Master of Music in Music Education
MBA
Master of Public Administration
Master of Social Work in Clinical Social Work
Master of Education in Adult and Continuing Education
Master of Education in Learning, Cognition, and Development

Online students can expect one-on-one attention, the same curriculum, and same faculty who teach the on-campus courses, asynchronous distance education courses, and a small student-to-faculty ratio. Online tutoring may be available. Rutgers University is one of several online colleges accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Distance learners may qualify for financial aid.
Tuition: $15,804

#2. Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology

Queens, New York

Website

Located adjacent to LaGuardia airport in Queens, New York, Vaughn College Aeronautics and Technology is one of the private colleges in New York. It specializes in the fields of engineering, aviation, technology, and management. The distance learning sector at Vaughn College offers online associate degrees, online bachelor’s degrees, and online certifications for working professionals. Online college degree programs offered at the bachelor’s degree level include:

Aviation Maintenance
Aviation Maintenance Management
Airport Management

Students who desire a ‘live’ classroom setting can expect the material to be presented via video conferencing and online video streaming. Or, for students online who would rather work at their own pace and schedule, a DVD or streaming option is available as well. All coursework is housed on the SAKAI platform and is accessible 24/7. Both online classes and on-campus classes are offered in 16-week terms both in the fall and spring, as well as two 6-week summer sessions. Vaughn College has national recognition by US News as one of the Top 10 Best Regional Colleges in the North and Top 4 Best Colleges for Veterans for 2019. VC is one of only four mechatronic engineering programs in the nation that is ABET-approved. Vaughn College is among the online colleges accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition: $26,150

#1. Molloy College

Rockville Centre, New York

Website

Founded in the Catholic faith, Molloy College is located in Long Island, New York, and is home to over 5,000 students. Though the college provides over 50 degrees for students and working professionals, only one undergraduate and one graduate college degree are available fully online. Molloy College offers an online degree completion program that results in a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. Students in this online bachelor’s program will choose two concentrations from the following areas:

Accounting
Business Management
Economics
Finance
Marketing
Professional Communications
Psychology

An online Master of Business Administration is also available from the online school in the areas of:

Finance
Healthcare Management
Marketing

In addition to undergraduate and graduate programs offered, several post-bachelor’s and post-master’s certificates are available to students online as well. Molloy College is nationally recognized by entities like the US News and World Report and touts an impressive 10:1 undergraduate student-to-factually ratio. This New York school is one of the online colleges accredited by The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Higher Education. We’ve ranked Molloy #1 on our list of top online colleges in New York.
Tuition: $22,590

Sources

Accredited Online Colleges
Fast Online Degrees
Top Accelerated Online Bachelor’s Degrees

CVO Staff

Best Online Colleges in New York City (NYC) 2024