Online Colleges in New York

OnlineSchools.org

New York offers a world of opportunity for aspiring students looking to earn a degree. The state’s economy continues to grow, creating more high-paying jobs. Furthermore, the majority of the state’s job creation resulted from gains in highly trained and specialty skilled industries, professions that typically require postsecondary education or training for employment. As the professional opportunities increase in New York, so too do the educational opportunities. Not only do you and your fellow state residents benefit from lower-than-average tuition prices, but you also receive in-state scholarship opportunities, networking experiences, and continuing education potential when studying at New York state accredited online colleges.

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Higher Learning Initiatives in New York

Cloud-Based Storage for Course Info

Evidence of New York’s online education movement is Buffalo State’s recent decision to use a cloud-based platform for online course information. The school, along with Arizona State University and University of Illinois-Springfield, will be using CourseSites, which has innovative features like self-enrollment and peer review options. Also, it comes ready with templates and themes, making it easy to use and get started. There’s even a mobile aspect to the technology that allows students and instructors to access courses through Android, Apple, Blackberry devices and more, so students may access assignments and work on the go.

Google Apps for Education

Another New York school making waves is NYU’s Stern School of Business. The institution, along with Buffalo State’s and several other educational entities across the world are using Google Apps for Education to make learning and studying a more collective, collaborative, and connected process. With this technology, course documents, calendars, and more are available anytime, anywhere with the click of a mouse. Free to users, it’s sure to be a part of many more schools and courses in the future.

Online Courses and Degrees

Many of New York’s public and private colleges offer a host of online courses, degrees, and certificates for students to pursue from anywhere in the state, country, or world. Many of the universities also offer searchable databases for students to find the program that best suits their needs. The SUNY Learning Network, a website created by the State University of New York system, provides information on all distance learning opportunities available through the system’s more than 40 campuses. New York-based Excelsior College is a distance-only adult-centered university that provides credit for prior learning and easily accessible ways for adults nationwide to complete their higher education.

Popular Degree Programs in New York

In New York, many of the fastest-growing industries, like information, business, and hospitality and leisure, require professionals with strong communication and analytical skills. New York also hosts industries fairly unique to the state, like theater and performance arts, which also propels educational growth in those areas.

  • Psychology: Nationwide, psychology represents the fourth most popular degree. In New York, more students graduate with psychology degrees than any other major. The psychology major provides graduates with skills in communication and critical thinking, applicable skills for most of the thriving industries in New York.
  • Visual and Performing Arts: While industry typically drives what degrees students choose most often, so too does the quality of programs. For these reasons, New York hosts a disproportionate percentage of visual and performing arts majors compared to other states. Not only do graduates find more work in this industry than most other states, but New York offers some of the best performing arts schools in the country.

Paying for College in New York

When choosing between online colleges and universities in New York, several important factors should be considered. Tuition costs, understandably so, often represents one of the most important deciding factors. While the cost of living in New York comes in substantially higher than the national average, tuition fees, particularly at public four-year colleges, actually are not. The information below identifies how New York tuition prices rank nationally, and also should help students measure how their ideal program measures up to state and national averages.

Tuition Prices

The following table displays New York’s average tuition prices for two-year and four-year public college tuition prices and how those rank with the national averages. Please note that these tuition prices do not include additional costs like transportation, physical materials, and room and board.

Average Price for In-State Tuition and Fees by Institution Type, 2017-18

 Public Two YearPublic Four Year
New York$5,490$8,190
U.S. Average$4,234$9,978

Source: College Board

Employment Outlook in New York

The employment outlook for New York students paints one of the better pictures in the state’s history. Despite New York’s unemployment numbers sitting slightly higher than the national average, the 3.9% rate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), ranks the lowest ever recorded since records started in 1976. The private sector experienced growth in 82 of the last 95 months, and the workforce earns nearly $10,000 more annually than the national average. This growth looks especially promising for aspiring college students in a state that expects 69% of jobs to require a postsecondary education by 2020.

Unemployment rate, August 2018
New York3.9%
United States3.8%

Source: BLS

Annual Mean Wage, May 2017
New York$60,100
United States$50,620

Source: BLS

Accreditation for Colleges in New York

A college and program search typically involves plenty of subjective information, but accreditation remains one of more reliable methods for determining program quality. Regional accreditation comes from one of the six accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). In New York, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education provides accreditation to the schools that meet the standards set out by the organization. For students, regional accreditation provides assurances that a reputable agency investigated the school of their choice and determined its educational practices met the acceptable regional standards. The ED offers an institutional accreditation database for students to verify if their school received the proper documentation.

National accreditation, while not as common, typically appears at the program level. Some national associations or organizations set nationwide standards for an industry, particularly in healthcare or law enforcement. Programs that meet the standards of those organizations or lead to a specific national license or certification, for example, receive national accreditations. For students, these national accreditations help guide decisions based on the student’s career goals or licensure aspirations.

Since some professions and organizations make accredited programs mandatory for licensure or employment, students should determine if their intended field requires graduation from a nationally accredited program. Online schools and programs seek and require the same accreditations as their on-campus counterparts.

Scholarships for New York Online College Students

Financing a college education can challenge students from all over the country, but the various scholarships available make the process a little easier. In New York, students find scholarship opportunities in state-run programs, in-state organizations and associations, and schools. The following list highlights some of the best scholarships available to New York students.

NYS Aid for Part-Time Study

Who Can Apply: Awarded to part-time students enrolled in eligible New York postsecondary schools, this program rewards state residents with good academic standing and who demonstrate financial need.
Amount: Up to $2,000

Apply Here

Excelsior Scholarship Program

Who Can Apply: Presented to New York students who demonstrate financial need, this award provides financial support for students attending one of the program’s eligible institutions.
Amount: Up to $5,500

Apply Here

Enhanced Tuition Awards Program

Who Can Apply: This program rewards New York students attending one of the eligible in-state private institutions. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need and maintain good academic standing.
Amount: Up to $6,000

Apply Here

NYS Scholarships for Academic Excellence

Who Can Apply: Awarded to the top scholars from New York high schools, this scholarship rewards academic excellence and standing. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need.
Amount: Up to $1,500 per year

Apply Here

NYS Achievement and Investment in Merit Scholarship

Who Can Apply: This scholarship rewards New York students who graduated in the top 15% of their high school class. Applicants must also boast a 3.3 GPA or graduate with honors.
Amount: $500 annually

Apply Here

NYS Part-Time Scholarship Award

Who Can Apply: Available to part-time students from New York, this scholarship rewards students enrolled in one of the eligible state schools and those who maintained a 2.0 GPA.
Amount: Up to $1,500 per term

Apply Here

NYS Tuition Assistance Program

Who Can Apply: This program provides financial support for New York students who demonstrate financial need and boast at least a C average. Applicants must also attend or plan to attend an eligible New York school
Amount: Up to $5,165

Apply Here

Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program

Who Can Apply: Awarded to state residents looking to attend one of the eligible New York institutions, this program supports students from disadvantaged situations, financially and educationally.
Amount: Varies

Apply Here

Segal AmeriCorps Education Award

Who Can Apply: Presented by Segal AmeriCorps, this scholarship rewards students who demonstrate a commitment to community service with financial support during their educational pursuit.
Amount: Varies

Apply Here

Educational Opportunity Program

Who Can Apply: Offered through the State University of New York, this program provides funding for students who demonstrate financial need and require special admission considerations.
Amount: Varies

Apply Here

Resources for Students in New York

  • NYS Higher Education Services Corporation: Loaded with resources for students, this website offers financial aid information, applications, and advice for aspiring college students. The corporation also offers support for students in repaying their loans, finding accommodation, and even provides tips for preparing for college.
  • New York State Education Department: The office of higher education through the New York State Education Department provides students with information on the state’s schools, the different grants and financial aid programs, and statistics on higher education in New York. Students also gain access to information on different certifications in the state.
  • The State University of New York: With 64 institutions across the state, the State University of New York represents the largest university network in the country. Yet, SUNY does not only provide information about its affiliated schools, but it also offers information about the state of New York, the valuable programs, industries, and professions.
  • Open NYS: Open NYS combines the resources of SUNY and the City University of New York and offers students access to that collection. Students and faculty receive high-quality resources at lower costs, but the program also hosts workshops and events, along with scholarship opportunities.
  • The Education Trust – New York: Advocating for better educational standards in New York, the Education Trusts also fights for improved access to higher education, particularly for minorities and economically disadvantaged students. For students, the Education Trust offers access to its reports, policies, and initiatives. Visitors can read up on the Trust’s current and upcoming issues as well.

Online Schools in New York

Adelphi University

Garden City, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 66%
  • Average Net Price: $32,888

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SUNY at Albany

Albany, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 64%
  • Average Net Price: $16,884

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SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

Alfred, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 52%
  • Average Net Price: $15,886

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SUNY College at Brockport

Brockport, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Average Net Price: $14,701

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CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice

New York, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 43%
  • Average Net Price: $9,289

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CUNY New York City College of Technology

Brooklyn, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 23%
  • Average Net Price: $10,608

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Dominican College of Blauvelt

Orangeburg, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 33%
  • Average Net Price: $20,653

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SUNY College of Technology at Delhi

Delhi, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 57%
  • Average Net Price: $15,642

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Excelsior College

Albany, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 40%
  • Average Net Price: $15,500

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Hilbert College

Hamburg, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 50%
  • Average Net Price: $16,163

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Houghton College

Houghton, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Average Net Price: $21,125

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Marist College

Poughkeepsie, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 80%
  • Average Net Price: $29,506

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Medaille College

Buffalo, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 45%
  • Average Net Price: $15,820

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Mercy College

Dobbs Ferry, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 34%
  • Average Net Price: $18,048

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Molloy College

Rockville Centre, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 62%
  • Average Net Price: $23,722

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Nyack College

Nyack, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 42%
  • Average Net Price: $19,904

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New York Institute of Technology

Old Westbury, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 46%
  • Average Net Price: $25,258

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New York University

New York, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 83%
  • Average Net Price: $35,109

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SUNY College at Oswego

Oswego, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 58%
  • Average Net Price: $16,069

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Pace University-New York

New York, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 56%
  • Average Net Price: $27,412

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SUNY College at Plattsburgh

Plattsburgh, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 61%
  • Average Net Price: $14,929

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Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 63%
  • Average Net Price: $24,264

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Roberts Wesleyan College

Rochester, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 59%
  • Average Net Price: $18,755

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University of Rochester

Rochester, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 85%
  • Average Net Price: $23,043

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The Sage Colleges

Troy, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 52%
  • Average Net Price: $17,812

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Saint Joseph’s College-New York

Brooklyn, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 68%
  • Average Net Price: $15,478

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Saint John Fisher College

Rochester, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 74%
  • Average Net Price: $21,348

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Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 70%
  • Average Net Price: $14,860

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SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Utica, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 33%
  • Average Net Price: $15,300

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Utica College

Utica, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 47%
  • Average Net Price: $22,651

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Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology

Flushing, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 57%
  • Average Net Price: $28,210

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Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 82%
  • Average Net Price: $27,107

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Davis College

Johnson City, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 48%
  • Average Net Price: $13,293

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The New School

New York, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 65%
  • Average Net Price: $35,415

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St John’s University-New York

Queens, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 59%
  • Average Net Price: $27,929

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SUNY College of Technology at Canton

Canton, NY


  • Graduation Rate: 32%
  • Average Net Price: $14,313

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