With the hustle and bustle of New York City and the natural beauty of upstate New York, the Empire State has much to offer..
But what if you're interested in online colleges in New York? The state's online colleges and universities offer an affordable path to a college degree. You can save money by enrolling at a CUNY school online and avoid the high living costs in New York City.
Discover tips about the best online colleges in NY and tips to save money in this helpful guide.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Colleges in New York for 2024
#1 Best Online Colleges in New York
New York University
- New York, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate | $236
Graduate | $2,101
New York University, based in New York City, is the largest private university in the United States. Approximately 45% of its 59,144 students are online. Admissions are extremely selective, with 12% of undergraduates being admitted in the fall of 2022.
Eleven of NYU's undergraduate and graduate schools offer online degrees, including the Tandon School of Engineering, the Stern School of Business and the School of Law. NYU provides an average scholarship amount of $37,000 to first-year students, while 20% receive Pell Grants.
Percent Online Enrollment
45%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Best Online Colleges in New York
SUNY College at Oswego
- Oswego, NY
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate In-State | $295
Undergraduate Out-of-State | $353
Graduate In-State | $565
Graduate Out-of-State | $565
SUNY College at Oswego is a medium-sized public college with a main campus in Oswego and a metro campus in Syracuse. Oswego offers six online bachelor's and eight master's degree programs, nearly all of which have rolling admissions, such as a BS in business administration and an MA in strategic communication.
Over one-third of entering undergraduate classes receive merit-based scholarships, according to the school. Oswego also provides over $500,000 in graduate funding annually through fellowships, assistantships, scholarships, and on-campus jobs.
Percent Online Enrollment
55%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Best Online Colleges in New York
Excelsior College
- Albany, NY
- 2 years
- Online
Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate | $510
Graduate | $715
Excelsior University is a private online university in Albany. The university offers a variety of degree programs across six areas of study: business, health sciences, liberal arts, nursing, public service, and technology.
Excelsior provides various programs and services to make affordability easier for students. They include financial aid, scholarships, reduced rates for active-duty military and their families, and interest-free tuition payment plans.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Best Online Colleges in New York
St. Joseph's University-New York
- Brooklyn, NY
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate | $740
Graduate | $815
St. Joseph's University-New York is a small private Catholic university with campuses in Brooklyn and Long Island. The university offers online degree programs in various subjects, including business, psychology, nursing, and religious studies. Approximately 46% of SJNY's undergraduate students take some online classes, while 43% of SJNY's graduate students study exclusively online.
Financial aid is available for both online undergraduate and graduate students who qualify. Eligible students can receive federal student aid programs, such as Pell Grants and Federal Direct Loans, to help cover the cost of their degree. However, the university does not offer any institutional scholarships or grants to online students.
Percent Online Enrollment
55%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Best Online Colleges in New York
Mercy College
- Dobbs Ferry, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate | $184
Graduate | $1,005-$1,106
Mercy University is a private university with a main campus in Dobbs Ferry. It's the largest private, non-profit Hispanic-serving and minority-serving institution in the region, with 44% of undergraduates identifying as Hispanic.
Mercy offers online programs in five different schools, including nursing, business and education. In 2023, the university joined the College Cost Transparency Initiative, a nationwide effort to help students and their families understand opportunities for financial aid offers and reducing college costs.
Percent Online Enrollment
73%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#6 Best Online Colleges in New York
Utica University
- Utica, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate| $395-$475
Out-of-State | $690-$895
Utica University is a small private university in Utica. Utica offers online degree programs in various fields, such as business administration, criminal justice, and cybersecurity. About one-third of the university's 3,800 student enrollment is online-only.
More than 95% of Utica University students receive some form of financial aid, making a private education at the university more affordable. Aid options include scholarships, grants, loans, and part-time student employment, which can reduce tuition costs by 50% or more for most families.
Percent Online Enrollment
72%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#7 Best Online Colleges in New York
Hilbert College
- Hamburg, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate | $470
Graduate | $665
Hilbert College is a small private Franciscan college. Hilbert offers seven online bachelor's degree programs in subjects such as psychology, cybersecurity and criminal justice. Two online master's degree programs are available: an MS in criminal justice administration and a master in public administration.
Online students are eligible for many scholarships and grants, including income-based and out-of-state match grants. Degree programs at Hilbert College Global embody the values of St. Francis of Assisi, emphasizing social justice, respect, and community service.
Percent Online Enrollment
11%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#8 Best Online Colleges in New York
Keuka College
- Keuka Park, NY
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
Undergraduate | $515
Graduate | $705-$824
Keuka College is a small private college in Keuka Park. Of 1,250 students, approximately 18% of undergraduates and 68% of grad students attend class exclusively online. Keuka offers online bachelor's and master's degree programs in business management, clinical social work, management, and literacy. They include both asynchronous and synchronous learning formats, as well as accelerated options.
Keuka assists more than 98% of students with paying for their education. Financial aid options for online students include scholarships, grants, military benefits, and employer benefits. Some employers in the Keuka region offer tuition reimbursement for online students enrolled in eligible degree programs.
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system to help you find the best schools for your needs. Our most important metric, affordability, accounts for 60% of our weighted formula. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rates.
You can learn more about our school ranking methodology here.
Price Check
Did you know that in-state tuition in New York is lower than the national average? You can expect to pay around $8,500 per year in tuition and fees as an in-state resident, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
10 Fast-Growing Careers in New York
The Empire State offers an incredible diversity of career opportunities, thanks to New York City's powerful influence. Its large population and long-held status as a driving economic and cultural force give it relevance as a trend-setting professional destination.
The following table, generated with data from the New York State Department of Labor, offers a snapshot of 10 careers poised for huge growth during the 2020s. It spans industries and employment settings, from entertainment and healthcare to religion and the arts.
Fast-Growing Careers in New York 2020-2030
| Job |
Projected Growth |
Median Annual Wage |
| Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes |
87% |
$123,466 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Directors |
73% |
$70,164 |
| Directors, Religious Activities and Education |
67% |
$71,521 |
| Fundraisers |
60% |
$82,951 |
| Clergy |
60% |
$72,525 |
| Religious Workers |
56% |
$46,368 |
| Nurse Practitioners |
57% |
$142,830 |
| Museum Technicians and Conservators |
56% |
$71,470 |
| Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners |
54% |
$78,168 |
| Music Directors and Composers |
52% |
N/A |
Source: New York State Department of Labor
Majors to Consider to Prepare for New York's Job Market
You'll need to choose your college major strategically to take advantage of the high-growth career paths profiled above. To that end, consider the benefits of earning a degree in the following subjects:
-
Business Management
A business management degree offers excellent flexibility. This practical major offers market relevance in virtually any set of economic conditions. It also positions you to take advantage of fast-growing career paths in event planning and managing artists, performers, and athletes.
-
Theology, Theological Studies, or Divinity
The New York State Department of Labor projects strong growth in demand for religious educators, clergy, and workers in religious organizations. College programs in theology, theological studies, and divinity offer an excellent educational background for entering these professions.
-
Nursing
New York anticipates a massive surge in demand for nurse practitioners (NPs) in the decade ahead. To become an NP, you'll need to work as a registered nurse, earn a bachelor of science in nursing, and then proceed to a graduate-level degree program.
-
Funerary Services or Mortuary Science
New York's rapidly aging population means the state will likely experience a strong demand for mortuary and funerary professionals in the near future. Morbid as it may be, the labor market will always need capable morticians and funeral directors, given the realities of the human lifespan.
Cost of Living in New York
It's no secret that New York's living cost is higher than the national average. But costs vary widely depending on location. New York City is going to be vastly different from upstate New York.
Students also have many options to save money on living expenses. Living with roommates, taking advantage of student transportation plans, and getting medical care through campus health centers can lower costs. So can researching and utilizing student discounts.
Average Cost of Living in New York
| Cost of Living Category |
Average Cost per Month |
| Housing |
$1,741 |
| Groceries & Food |
$398 |
| Transportation |
$674 |
| Medical Care |
$328 |
Source: MIT Living Wage Calculator
Scholarships & Cost Savings for Online Colleges in NY
Studying online is a great way to save money. Some schools offer discounted rates to students in 100% online programs. Many public colleges also apply uniform tuition fees to all learners in fully online degrees regardless of residency status.
Scholarships represent another valuable path to potential savings. While you should expand your search for scholarships beyond those exclusively available in New York State, the following funding opportunities can help you get started:
New York residents qualify for the tuition assistance program, which provides up to $5,665 per year for approved New York colleges.
New Yorkers can get up to $5,500 in tuition funding to attend a SUNY or CUNY college with the Excelsior Scholarship. The scholarship is open to those with a family income of $125,000 or less.
New York high schoolers in the top 10% of their classes can receive up to $7,070 per year to earn STEM degrees at public colleges in New York.
Graduates from New York high schools qualify for $500-$1,500 per year if they attend New York colleges full-time.
Want to become a math or science teacher? This grant covers up to $7,070 per year in tuition fees if you study at a New York State college.
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in New York
Tuition reciprocity agreements can help you save money if you attend a public college as an out-of-state student. These agreements extend in-state tuition rates or other discounts to nonresident students from neighboring states.
Unfortunately, New York does not directly participate in any formal tuition reciprocity agreements. Some New York public colleges may offer exceptions, but schools set their tuition policies individually.
As a New York resident, you may qualify for discounted tuition at schools in nearby states. For instance, some state colleges in Connecticut offer special tuition rates to residents of nearby states, including New York and New Jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in New York
What is the cheapest online college in New York?
The cheapest online college in NY is the CUNY system. CUNY Lehman College reports an annual net price of $4,974, according to NCES data. Lehman College offers several online programs, including bachelor's programs in accounting, nursing, sociology, and business. You can also earn a master's degree in business, education, or other fields.
What is the easiest online college to get into in New York?
Several online colleges in NY report high acceptance rates. For example, Empire State University, Roberts Wesleyan University, and Excelsior University all have a 100% acceptance rate.
How much does online college cost in New York?
The cost of online colleges in New York depends on the school. At many schools, online students pay similar prices to on-campus students. In New York, public colleges charge an average tuition rate of $8,541, while private colleges charge around $44,149, according to 2021-2022 NCES data.
Is online college free in New York?
Online college isn't free in New York, but the state offers several forms of financial aid that can deliver a tuition-free education. The Excelsior Scholarship covers tuition at a SUNY or CUNY college, including for distance learners.
Do I need to be a resident of New York to attend an online college in New York?
You don't have to be a New York resident to attend New York online colleges. You can enroll in an online program offered by a New York college from out of state. Some New York colleges offer a flat tuition rate for distance learners regardless of their residency, and others charge students the regular out-of-state tuition.
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