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Top 25 Online Colleges in NY

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For students looking to earn an online education from a nonprofit college or university located in New York, we’ve compiled a list of our top picks for online colleges in NY. These programs have all been selected based upon their average tuition price, as well as the amount and type of programs available.

Ranking the Best Online Colleges in New York

#1. SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Established in 1966, SUNY Polytechnic Institute was originally to serve as a graduate and upper-level undergraduate institution. Without its own facilities at the outset, SUNY Polytechnic Institute offered its courses at Utica as well as extension sites. During this time, buildings were being outfitted for the newly formed school in the city of Marcy, New York. During the 1980s, the various buildings that would make up the Marcy campus of SUNY Polytechnic Institute were opened for use by the students. Still only offering graduate-level courses and upper-level undergraduate courses throughout the 1990s, SUNY Polytechnic Institute admitted its first full four-year class in 2003. Another big change came for SUNY Polytechnic Institute eleven years later. Merging with the nearby College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering in Albany, the school was renamed to its current name of SUNY Polytechnic Institute from its prior name of SUNY Insitute of Technology. Part of the State University of New York System, SUNY Polytechnic Institute now operates campuses in both Albany and Marcy, New York. Currently, SUNY Polytechnic Institute enrolls nearly 2,700 students.

Made up of six colleges, SUNY Polytechnic Institute offers many different academic programs to its students. Students at SUNY Polytechnic Institute are able to enroll in over twenty different undergraduate programs offered by the university. SUNY Polytechnic Institute also offers a similar number of graduate and doctoral programs for students to enroll in. Many of these programs are also offered to students online helping rank SUNY Polytechnic Institute among our top online universities in New York. SUNY Polytechnic Institute is a public institution and gets the #1 spot in our ranking of top online colleges in NY.

Accreditation: SUNY Polytechnic Institute is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Tuition: $278/credit

#2. SUNY at Oswego

The site of a revolution in teaching, SUNY at Oswego was founded in 1861. Established by Edward Austin Sheldon, SUNY at Oswego was originally known as the Oswego Primary Teachers Training School. Hoping to be a school that would help educate teachers from across the state to better prepare them to work with and teach children, the Oswego Primary Teachers Training School was home to the revolutionary Oswego Movement. A major influence on education methods across the world, the Oswego Movement called for the incorporation of models and objects into learning to help students gain a tangible understanding of concepts. Decades later, Oswego Primary Teachers Training School was renamed to the Oswego State Teachers College after it was granted the ability to give degrees in 1942. Six years later, the Oswego State Teachers College became one of the founding members of the State University of New York system. As part of the SUNY system, the school’s curriculum was later updated to offer a full liberal arts college program. Today, SUNY at Oswego is home to a student body of over 8,500 students.

Home of the Oswego Lakers, SUNY at Oswego offers a vast catalog of academic programs to its students. Students at SUNY at Oswego are able to choose from a selection of over 100 academic programs including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and certificate programs. A large portion of these programs and courses are also made available to students entirely online earning SUNY at Oswego a place among our list of the top online universities in New York.

Accreditation: SUNY at Oswego is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Tuition: $286/credit

#3. SUNY Stony Brook

Founded in Oyster Bay, New York, SUNY Stony Brook was established in 1957. Operating from its original campus in Oyster Bay for five years, the school quickly outgrew its initial location and was forced to relocate to Stony Brook. By moving to Stony Brook, the school was able to gain the space and resources it needed to expand. Renamed the SUNY Stony Brook, the university began to expand rapidly, taking over buildings and real estate across the Long Island city of Stony Brook. Today, SUNY Stony Brook occupies over two-hundred different buildings across the city with a total footprint of 11 million square feet. One of the largest employers on Long Island, SUNY Stony Brook has become essential to the academic community and economy of the region. Part of the State University of New York system, SUNY Stony Brook is home to the Seawolves. Currently, SUNY Stony Brook enrolls a student body of just over 25,000 students across its three different campuses.

SUNY Stony Brook offers students a wide variety of different academic programs from which to enroll in. With undergraduate and graduate offerings alike, SUNY Stony Brook has programs for all kinds of students. Currently, SUNY Stony Brook offers students over two-hundred majors and minors from their undergraduate catalog. For those looking for graduate programs, SUNY Stony Brook offers forty-eight different programs. Many of these programs are also offered online. Because of its online offerings, SUNY Stony Brook has earned a place among our top online universities in New York. SUNY Stony Brook is a public institution.

Accreditation: SUNY Stony Brook is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Tuition: $343/credit

#4. SUNY Empire State College

Another member of the State University of New York system, SUNY Empire State College was established in 1971. A newer addition to the SUNY system, SUNY Empire State College was conceived by Chancellor Ernest Boyer. Noting a lack of options for adult students who were seeking an opportunity for an education, Chancellor Ernest Boyer began designing what would eventually become Empire State College. Through a close examination of the structures that made up a typical college experience, Chancellor Boyer was able to reconstruct a new type of school that was more flexible for students who did not have typical schedules. SUNY Empire State College proved to be very popular as it was tapping into an underserved community of people who were interested in gaining a higher education. Through these efforts, SUNY Empire State College was also positioned to excel in the upcoming field of distance education. Located in Saratoga Springs, New York, SUNY Empire State College is currently home to a student body of over 18,500 students.

SUNY Empire State College has enjoyed a rich history of offering nontraditional education experiences. Through its initial offering of programs for adult students to its current online education offerings, SUNY Empire State College has remained committed to students of all types. Currently, students are able to enroll in a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs both on campus and online. Because of this variety of delivery formats, SUNY Empire State College has earned a place among our top online universities in New York. SUNY Empire State College is a public institution.

Accreditation: SUNY Empire State College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Tuition: $343/credit

#5. SUNY at Delhi

Located in the rural town of Delhi, New York, SUNY at Delhi was first established in 1913. Added into the  State University of New York system in 1913, SUNY at Delhi was originally just a small farming school. Providing students with an agricultural education, SUNY at Delhi eventually began to incorporate more and more academic programs typically found at liberal arts colleges. This change in academic offerings led to SUNY at Delhi constructing dorms on its campus in order to facilitate students who wanted to live at the University. These incremental changes slowly shaped SUNY at Delhi into a full-fledged, modern University. SUNY at Delhi continued its steady march into the future over the next few decades. In the 1960s, SUNY at Delhi overhauled many of its academic programs and added many programs into its curriculum leading to a surge in enrollment. Springboarding off of these changes, SUNY at Delhi became a prominent member of the State University of New York system. Today, SUNY at Delhi is home to a student body of approximately 3,000 students.

From very humble beginnings, SUNY at Delhi has become a remarkable institution of education in the state of New York. Today, students are able to choose from over sixty different undergraduate programs made available at SUNY at Delhi. Many of these programs are also offered to students entirely online. Due to these online offerings, SUNY at Delhi has earned its ranking among the top online colleges in NY.

Accreditation: SUNY at Delhi is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Tuition: $343/credit

#6. Alfred State College

Founded in 1908, Alfred State College was originally part of the Alfred Select School. Run by Boothe C. Davis, the Alfred Select School became the site of the New York State School of Agriculture in 1908. With this designation also came $75,000 worth of investment in the school that helped propel the Alfred Select School’s growth into the future. Decades later in 1941, the Alfred Select School was given Junior College status. It was at this point that the school was renamed the New York State Agricultural and Technical College at Alfred. Eventually, the school had grown so large that it was moved to a new location across the street from Alfred University. Part of the State University of New York system, Alfred State College has continued to grow as its entered the 21st Century. Playing a crucial role within the State University of New York System, Alfred State College is one of the eight Colleges of Technology within the system. Currently, Alfred State College enrolls a student body of 3,500 students.

Committed to the education of the people of New York, Alfred State College offers students a variety of different undergraduate education programs. Currently, Alfred State College offers students the ability to pursue Bachelor’s degrees in nineteen different areas as well as over fifty different Associate’s degrees. Students are also able to enroll in many of these programs online placing Alfred State College among our top online universities in New York. Alfred State College is a public institution.

Accreditation: Alfred State College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Tuition: $343/credit

#7. Lehman College

Officially established in 1967, Lehman College‘s history dates back thirty years prior. Prior to Lehman College occupying the campus, Hunter College in the Bronx operated out of the campus. Eventually, Hunter College in the Bronx sold the campus to the State University of New York system, laying the groundwork for what would become Lehman College. Although a separate institution, Lehman College considered much of the rich history of the campus to be part of its own history. Now with the funding of the State of New York at its back, Lehman College underwent a period of growth. New buildings and facilities were added to the campus as the school began to take on more and more students. Lehman College, named for former Governor and philanthropist Herman H. Lehman, was now beginning to thrive. Home of the Lightning, Lehman College is now a City University of New York. Currently, Lehman College enrolls a student body of approximately 13,000 students.

A senior college, Lehman College provides students with the ability to complete undergraduate programs as well as pursue graduate programs. Students at Lehman College are able to enroll in one over ninety different programs across Lehman College’s undergraduate and graduate offerings. Lehman College also puts a strong emphasis on online education and offers many of its programs online. With its online offerings, Lehman College is one of the top online universities in New York. Lehman College is a public institution.

Accreditation: Lehman College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Tuition: $445/credit

#8. Excelsior College

From its humble beginnings as an external degree program, Excelsior College has grown to become one of the premier private universities in the state of New York. Established by the New York State Board of Regents in 1971, Excelsior College began its history as The Regents External Degree Program. Made possible through grants from the Ford Foundation and Carnegie Corporation, the Regents External Degree Program was a pioneer in the phenomenon of distance education. By 1984, the Regents External Degree Program had grown large enough in size that it was renamed to Regents College. For the next fourteen years, Regents College operated in tandem with the State University of New York system to grant students degrees. In 1998, Regents College had received a charter to become an independently run entity and was now no longer a part of the State University of New York. Now operating independently, the school was renamed to Excelsior College. Named after the motto of New York, Excelsior College has continued to positively contribute to education within the state of New York. Located in Albany, New York, Excelsior College currently enrolls approximately 36,500 students.

Starting off as a primitive form of distance education, Excelsior College has nontraditional learning bred into its DNA. Students at Excelsior College are able to enroll in a variety of academic programs with the college. Excelsior College offers its students a wide array of undergraduate and graduate offerings. Because of its focus on distance education, many of the programs at Excelsior College are offered to students. By focusing on online learning, Excelsior College has earned the distinction of being one of the top online universities in New York. Excelsior College is a private institution.

Accreditation: Excelsior College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Tuition: $510/credit

#9. St. Joseph’s College at New York

Established in 1916, St. Joseph’s College at New York was originally a women-only college. Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood, St. Joseph’s College at New York was originally known as St. Joseph’s College for Women. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood founded the school in order to give local women a place that they could enroll to gain a higher education. The only historical women’s college in Brooklyn, St. Joseph’s College at New York was the first of its kind there. Receiving a charter from the Regents of the University of the State of New York, St. Joseph’ College for Women granted its first Bachelor’s degrees four years later in 1920. Founded in association with the Catholic Church, St. Joseph’s College at New York is open to people from all walks of life. Not admitting men for nearly fifty years, the school became coeducational in 1970. It was at this point that the school was renamed. Currently, St. Joseph’s College at New York operates campuses in both Brooklyn and Patchogue, Long Island. Nearly 5,000 students are enrolled at St. Joseph’s College at New York.

Students at St. Joseph’s College at New York are able to select academic programs from a wide catalog offered by the college. St. Joseph’s College at New York offers Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs to its students. Currently, over fifty different majors are offered to students at the school. Many of these programs are also offered online. St. Joseph’s College at New York’s commitment to online education has made it one of our top picks for online universities in New York. St. Joseph’s College at New York is a private institution and makes it into the top 10 of our online colleges in NY.

Accreditation: St. Joseph’s College at New York is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Tuition: $600/credit

#10. Dominican College

Located in Orangeburg, New York, Dominican College was established in 1952. Founded by the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt, Dominican College was founded in the Catholic tradition. Originally, Dominican College was a women-only institution dedicated to preparing women to enter into the teaching workforce. Open to only religious women in its first five years, Dominican College began to open its enrollment to all in 1957. Due to this expansion in student population, Dominican College was able to greatly expand its educational offerings. In 1959, Dominican College began offering its first Bachelor’s degree programs. The addition of these Bachelor’s programs attracted even more students to the school leading to increased expansion. Dominican College continued to add additional undergraduate offerings into its curriculum eventually also moving into graduate-level courses as well. Home of the Chargers, Dominican College now enrolls nearly 2,000 students at its Orangeburg, New York campus.

An independent liberal arts college, Dominican College offers students many academic programs from which to choose from. Students at Dominican College are able to enroll in over thirty different undergraduate programs made available at the college. Dominican College also offers students over a dozen different graduate programs to enroll in. Committed to online education, many of these programs are also offered online, cementing Dominican College’s place among the top online universities in New York. Dominican College is a private institution.

Accreditation: Dominican College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Tuition: $638/credit

#11. SUNY Buffalo State

Founded in 1871, the State University College at Buffalo or SUNY Buffalo State is an integral member of the State University of New York system of schools. Founded as the Buffalo Normal School, SUNY Buffalo State underwent a series of name changes over the years. In 1888, the school was renamed to the State Normal and Training School, then the State Teachers College at Buffalo in 1928, then the New York State College for Teachers at Buffalo in 1946, SUNY, New York State College for Teachers in 1950, the State University College for Teachers at Buffalo in 1951, the State University College of Education at Buffalo in 1960, and then finally the State University College at Buffalo in 1961. Starting its history as a teachers training institution, SUNY Buffalo State soon expanded its capabilities to offer many different academic programs. Located in Buffalo, New York, SUNY Buffalo State is home to a student body of just over 10,600 students.

Students at SUNY Buffalo State are able to choose from a wide variety of educational opportunities offered to students at SUNY Buffalo State. Offering both undergraduate and graduate options, SUNY Buffalo State is a comprehensive university. SUNY Buffalo State offers students seventy-nine undergraduate degree programs as well as sixty-four graduate programs. Many of these programs are also offered to students online making SUNY Buffalo State one of our top online universities in New York. SUNY Buffalo State is a public institution.

Accreditation: SUNY Buffalo State is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Tuition: $694/credit

#12. Mercy College

Located in Dobbs Ferry, New York, Mercy College was established in 1950. At the beginning of the 50s, the Sisters of Mercy collected money to found what is now known as Mercy College. Established in affiliation with the Roman Catholic church, Mercy College also borrows many educational cues from the Jesuits.  Eleven years after its founding, Mercy College began to offer students the ability to earn Bachelor’s degrees. Through the addition of Bachelor’s degree programs, Mercy College underwent a period of expansion. To continue to fuel the expansion, Mercy College started offering graduate degree programs in 1981. By adding these additional programs, Mercy College has been able to attract more students leading to further expansion. Today, Mercy College occupies four different campuses across New York. With the main campus located in Dobbs Ferry, Mercy College also operates additional campuses in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Yorktown Heights. Home of the Mavericks, Mercy College currently enrolls a student body of approximately 11,300 students.

Mercy College has grown to offer students a wide variety of academic programs from which to enroll in. Currently, students at Mercy College are able to enroll in many different academic programs including over thirty different graduate programs. Committed to online education, Mercy College offers over thirty of its undergraduate and graduate degrees online making it one of the top online universities in New York. Mercy College is a private institution.

Accreditation: Mercy College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Tuition: $774/credit

#13. Syracuse University

Officially established in 1870, Syracuse University has a history stretching back all the way to 1831. Founded in Lima, New York, Syracuse University has ties back to Genessee Wesleyan Seminary. An institution run by the Methodist Episcopal Church, Genessee Wesleyan Seminary eventually grew to become Genesee College. Following its transition to becoming Genesee College, officials at the school began to discuss moving the school to a different city in order to attract more students and accommodate for future growth. One of the main cities suggested was the nearby city of Syracuse. After much debate, it was decided that the school would be officially relocated to Syracuse. From the very outset, Syracuse University was a coeducational school as it was committed to providing higher education to all people. In 1920, Syracuse University declared itself as nonsectarian. Now a major part of the city of Syracuse, Syracuse University is now home to the Syracuse Orange. Currently, almost 22,500 students are enrolled at Syracuse University.

Syracuse University offers students a wide variety of educational opportunities for students to choose from. Growing to encompass thirteen different schools and colleges, students at Syracuse University are able to enroll in over 200 different undergraduate programs as well as a similarly large number of graduate-level programs. Syracuse University also offers many of its programs online helping to place it among our top online universities in New York. Syracuse University is a private institution.

Accreditation: Syracuse University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Tuition: $814/credit

#14. Roberts Wesleyan College

Over 150 years old, Roberts Wesleyan College was first established in 1866. Established as the Chili Seminary by Benjamin Titus Roberts, Roberts Wesleyan College was first established as an institution that would not only educate students in academia but also in character. A social activist and staunch abolitionist, Benjamin Titus Roberts hoped that the Chili Seminary would help to teach young people the value of equality. In 1885, the Chili Seminary was renamed to Chesbrough Seminary following a large donation by A.M. Chesbrough. Growing steadily over the coming years, Roberts Wesleyan University was renamed to Roberts Junior College to honor the college’s founder, Benjamin Titus Roberts. Four years later, the school’s name was adjusted to Roberts Wesleyan College to reflect the school’s adherence to the Wesleyan theological tradition. Located in Rochester, New York, Roberts Wesleyan College is currently home to a student body of 1,700 students.

Home of the Redhawks, Roberts Wesleyan College offers its students a variety of different undergraduate, graduate, and degree-completion programs. Students at Roberts Wesleyan College can currently enroll in over sixty undergraduate programs, thirteen graduate programs, and five adult degree-completion programs. Many of these programs are also offered to students online. Through its online catalog, Roberts Wesleyan College has earned a place among our top online universities in New York. Roberts Wesleyan College is a private institution.

Accreditation: Roberts Wesleyan College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Tuition: $846/credit

#15. Medaille College

A liberal arts college, Medaille College is located in the Olmsted Crescent region of Buffalo, New York. Established in 1937, Medaille College has a history dating all the way back to 1875. Officially receiving its charter from the state in 1937, Medaille College had been operating in some capacity by the Sisters of Saint Joseph since 1875. Initially founded to help train teachers, Medaille College slowly grew its curriculum until being chartered as Mount Saint Joseph College in 1937. Thirty-one years later, Medaille College expanded its plans for the future and changed its name to Medaille College. Following this name change and change in academic programming, Medaille College underwent a period of expansion. As more and more student enrolled, Medaille College was able to expand its campus and begin to offer different academic programs. In 1991, Medaille College began offering a resident program for its students. Today, home to the Mavericks, Medaille College is home to a student body of approximately 2,600 students.

Medaille College has grown over the decades to offer students a varied selection of academic programs. Students at Medaille College are able to enroll in a selection of dozens of different undergraduate programs as well as graduate programs. Many of these programs are also offered to students entirely online earning Medaille College a place among our top online universities in New York.

Accreditation: Medaille College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Tuition: $971/credit

#16. Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester Institute of Technology was established in 1891 following the merger between a literary society and a technical training school. Dating back to 1829, Colonel Nathaniel Rochester maintained a literary society within the city of Rochester. Known as the Rochester Athenæum, the literary society evolved into the Rochester Institute of Technology after merging with the Mechanics Institute. A technical training school operated by co-founder of Bausch & Lomb, Captain Henry Lomb, the Mechanics Institute was renamed to Rochester Athenæum and Mechanics Institute upon its merger in 1891. Operating under this name for over fifty years, the name of the school was changed once again to the Rochester Institute of Technology. It was at this point the school began offering a variety of research-based graduate programs. Today, Rochester Institute of Technology has grown to become one of the premier doctoral universities in the state. Currently, Rochester Institute of Technology is home to a student body of almost 19,000 students at its Henrietta, New York campus.

Students at Rochester Institute of Technology are able to enroll in many different academic programs offered at the school. Initially, a graduate school, Rochester Institute of Technology now offers students both undergraduate and graduate options. Currently, students are able to enroll in over 200 different programs offered by Rochester Institute of Technology. Rochester Institute of Technology offers many of these programs online helping it to rank among our top online universities in New York. Rochester Institute of Technology.

Accreditation: Rochester Institute of Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Tuition: $978/credit

#17. Niagara University

With its motto of “That All May Know You”, Niagara University was established in 1856. Started by the Congregation of the Mission, Niagara University was originally known as Our Lady of Angels Seminary. A year after its establishment, Our Lady of Angels Seminary relocated from Buffalo to Lewiston, New York where it is currently located. Following years of operation as the Our Lady of Angels Seminary, the school changed its name in 1883 to Niagara University. Today, Niagara University is still run by the Vincentian Fathers. Affiliated with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, Niagara University has grown to become one of the premier universities in the upper part of New York. Home of the Purple Eagles, Niagara University still operates its main campus out of Lewiston, New York. Currently, Niagara University is home to a student body of 4,200 students.

Throughout the years, Niagara University has added a large number of academic programs to its catalog. Currently, students at Niagara University can enroll in over eighty different undergraduate programs at the university. Niagara University also offers over a dozen graduate programs to its students. Many of these programs are also offered to students online making Niagara University one of our top online universities in New York. Niagara University is a private institution.

Accreditation: Niagara University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Tuition: $1,060/credit

#18. Adelphi University

Founded in Brooklyn, New York, Adelphi University was first opened in 1863. Known as the Adelphi Academy, Adelphi University originally acted as a private preparatory school. Six years later, the Adelphi Academy was officially chartered by the City of Brooklyn. Adelphi Academy received its charter from the Regents of the State of New York in 1896 which also came along with a name change to Adelphi College. In 1912, Adelphi College changed over to a women’s college. The school operated as a women’s college until the end of World War II. It was at this point that it was decided for the school to return to a coeducational model in order to attract students who were looking to attend college via the GI Bill. After years of operating as Adelphi College, the school was renamed in 1963 to Adelphi University after being chartered as such by the New York Board of Regents. Since then, Adelphi University has continued to expand to add centers across Manhattan, Hudson Valley, and Suffolk County. Currently, Adelphi University is home to a student body of nearly 8,000 students.

With its main campus in Garden City, New York, Adelphi University offers its students many different academic programs from which to enroll in. Students at Adelphi University are able to enroll in a variety of different academic programs choosing from dozens upon dozens of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Adelphi University also offers many of its programs online earning it a space among our top online universities in New York. Adelphi University is a private institution.

Accreditation: Adelphi University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Tuition: $1,080/credit

#19. Pace University

Established in 1906, Pace University is located in the heart of New York City. Founded by brothers Charles Ashford Pace and Homer St. Clair Pace, Pace University was originally known as Pace & Pace. In the beginning, Pace & Pace only offered courses in accountancy and business. Starting as a single class in a rented out room in the New York Tribune Building, Pace & Pace quickly grew until the two were forced to create the Pace Institute in order to accommodate all the people interested in enrolling in their programs. Offering their programming worldwide, people were able to follow the Pace Institute’s curriculum from YMCAs across the Northeast of the United States. Following the death of his brother Charles, Homer St. Clair Pace had Pace Institute approved for college status in the state of New York. Moving into its campus at Park Plaza, the Pace Institute was poised for expansion. Currently, Pace University operates campuses in both New York City and Westchester. Over 12,700 students are enrolled at Pace University.

Pace University offers its students a wide array of academic programs from which to enroll in. Offering both graduate and undergraduate degree programs, students have many options to choose from at Pace University. Many of these programs are also offered to students entirely online earning Pace University a place among our top online universities in New York. Pace University is a private institution.

Accreditation: Pace University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Tuition: $1,251/credit

#20. St. John’s University

A private Roman Catholic university, St. John’s University was established in 1870. After being asked by the first Bishop of Brooklyn, a group of Vincentian Fathers founded St. John’s University in order to help provide the underprivileged young people of the city with an opportunity for a higher education. Following the teachings of St. Vincent de Paul, St. John’s University was founded in Catholic traditions. Originally known as the College of St. John the Baptist, the school was eventually renamed to its current name of St. John’s University. While operating in the Roman Catholic tradition, St. John’s University is accepting of students of all backgrounds and upbringings. Today, St. John’s University has become a fixture of the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. With additional campuses operating out of Staten Island and Manhattan, St. John’s University has grown to enroll over 21,000 students. With the motto “Christian education perfects the soul”, St. John’s University has continued to provide students with a quality education for nearly 150 years.

Made up of five undergraduate schools and six graduate schools, St. John’s University is home to many different academic programs from which students can enroll. Currently, St. John’s University offers over one hundred Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctoral degree programs. St. John’s University offers many of these programs online earning it a place among our top online universities in New York. St. John’s University is a private institution.

Accreditation: St. John’s University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Tuition: $1,356/credit

#21. Columbia University

An Ivy league, institution, Columbia University is world-renowned for its research activity. The oldest college in all of New York and the fifth oldest college in the entire United States, Columbia University was founded in 1754. Known as the King’s College, Columbia University was originally directly chartered by George II of Great Britain. It wasn’t until the conclusion of the Revolutionary War that the school was renamed from King’s College to Columbia College. One of the most selective schools in the country, Columbia University currently has an acceptance rate of 5.5%. Since opening, Columbia University has been home to many notable alumni including five of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Located in New York City, New York, Columbia University is home to the Lions. Currently, Columbia University enrolls a student population of nearly 28,000 students across its Manhattan campus.

Students enrolled at Columbia University are able to enroll in many different academic programs at the university. Known for its level of research activity, Columbia University offers students hundreds of graduate and undergraduate programs. Many of the programs at Columbia University are also offered online. By offering courses online, Columbia University has earned a place among our ranking of the top online universities in New York. Columbia University is a private institution.

Accreditation: Columbia University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Tuition: $1,419/credit

#22. Canisius College

Located in Buffalo, New York, Canisius College was first founded in 1870. Founded in the Jesuit tradition, Canisius College was established by the Society of Jesus in 1851. Originally operating out of St. Michael’s Church in Buffalo, New York, Canisius College eventually grew to become the full-fledged college it is known as today. Founded in association with the Roman Catholic tradition, Canisius College is currently one of the twenty-eight Jesuit institutions throughout the entire United States. Originally established to serve the German Jesuit community, Canisius College moved into the first building on its current campus in 1913. Over the next century, Canisius College would grow to become an integral part of the city of Buffalo. Today, Canisius College is home to the Golden Griffins and Lady Griffins. Canisius College’s current student body consists of almost 3,500 students currently.

Canisius College offers students many academic programs to choose from. Today, students at Canisius College are able to enroll in both undergraduate and graduate programs. In total, Canisius College offers more than one hundred different undergraduate programs to choose from including majors and minors. Students can also choose to enroll in over thirty Master’s degree programs offered by the college. Canisius College also offers many of its programs online making it one of the top online universities in New York. Canisius College is a private institution.

Accreditation: Canisius College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Tuition: $1,500/credit

#23. Cornell University

Another one of New York’s Ivy League campuses, Cornell University was founded in 1865. Established by the New York State Senate on April 27th, 1865, Cornell University received its name to honor Senator Ezra Cornell. Offering his farm and $500,000 of his own personal wealth, Senator Ezra Cornell provided the initial funding and land that allowed for Cornell University to exist. Three years after its establishment, Cornell University was able to enroll its first class of students. From the very outset, Cornell University gained a reputation for being on the cutting-edge of technological advancement. In one of Cornell University’s early instances of technological prowess, the university installed a water-powered dynamo that provided electricity that powered all the lights on campus. Since opening, Cornell University has continued to grow and become more well-known for its level of academic activity. Having graduated over fifty Nobel Laureates, Cornell University is home to impressive alumni. Currently, Cornell University enrolls just over 23,000 students at its Ithaca, New York campus.

Students at Cornell University are afforded the opportunity to enroll in a wide variety of fantastic academic programs offered by the university. Currently, Cornell University offers hundreds of academic programs across its undergraduate and graduate degree offerings. Students are also able to enroll in many of these programs online earning Cornell University a place among our top online universities in New York. Cornell University is a private institution.

Accreditation: Cornell University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Tuition: $1,516/credit

#24. The New School

Founded in 1919, The New School was originally opened as The New School for Social Research. Founded by a group of New York educators, The New School for Social Research was born out of a desire to create an educational institution that was modern and progressive. The New School for Social Research would be a place where people could get an unbiased understanding of issues in order to gain the perspective needed to solve societal issues. One of the major tenets of The New School for Social Research would be that it was technically open to anyone. No prerequisites were required to enter into courses at The New School. This did not mean that the courses were not rigorous. In fact, the classes were quite hard in order to ensure that those who did attend were challenged in their educations. Renamed New School University in 1997, the university was renamed once again to The New School in 2005. Currently, The New School is located in New York City, New York and is home to a student body of around 10,000 students.

The New School offers students many different academic programs across its many different colleges. Offering both undergraduate and graduate degree programs, The New School offers a total of 134 different academic experiences for students to enroll in. Many of these programs are also available to students online earning The New School a place on our list of the top online universities in New York. The New School is a private institution.

Accreditation: The New School is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Tuition: $1,640/credit

#25. New York University

Established in 1831, New York University was founded out of the desire to provide the fast-growing New York City with an impressive institution of education. Secretary of Treasury to Thomas Jefferson, Albert Gallatin, called for the creation of some sort of educational institution that would be open to all within New York City. Calling together a delegation of over 100 intellectuals, plans for what would eventually become New York Universtiy were drafted up. In April of 1831, New York University was chartered by the New York State Legislature as the University of the City of New York. Shaping the landscape of education in New York City, New York University has become an integral part of the culture of the city. It main campus located in the heart of Manhattan, New York University also operates campuses throughout all of New York City as well as satellite campuses all over the globe. New York University has also graduated many notable alumni including over thirty Nobel Laureates. Today, New York University enrolls a student body of just under 60,000 students.

Home of the Violets, New York University has accumulated a large collection of academic programs for its student body. Comprised of many different colleges, students at New York University are able to enroll in hundreds of programs across New York University’s undergraduate and graduate offerings. Many of these programs are also offered to students online earning New York University a spot among our top online universities in New York. New York University is a private institution.

Accreditation: New York University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Tuition: $1,940/credit

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This concludes our listing of the best online colleges in New York.