2024 Top Public Universities in New York

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  1,422 reviews

Senior: Talking about my personal experience within my Science major, I loved to see my professors actually enjoying the subject they taught with some exceptions of course. And those who enjoyed their subject also enjoyed teaching, and that made them good at it. Instead of just having someone who is reading off some PowerPoint, they would actually explain what those words mean. Seeing how exciting the subject was for them, would also make me eager to learn. Those teachers made my learning experience much easier for the simple fact of loving what they do and loving to share that knowledge. In my latest semesters they set up a committee (?) That helps students find jobs and internship opportunities while having classes. A coach wpuld meet up with you talk about your career expectations and help you building resume and cover letters and also gathering info about internships and opportunities that are related to your major. I beleive it is an amazing resource that they have implemented.... Read 1,422 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 45%

• Net price $5,077

• SAT range 1020-1160

• Vestal, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  2,661 reviews

Alum: My campus life is incredibly vibrant, filled with diverse friends from various backgrounds. This diversity has enriched my college experience in profound ways, exposing me to different cultures, beliefs, and ideas. Each day is a chance to learn something new, whether it's sharing stories over lunch or engaging in lively debates in class. The mix of perspectives challenges my own views, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the world around me. Despite our differences, we find common ground and form bonds that transcend cultural boundaries. This vibrant tapestry of friendships has truly made my college years unforgettable.... Read 2,661 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 44%

• Net price $17,881

• SAT range 1310-1470

• Stony Brook, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  2,886 reviews

Freshman: Stony Brook has always been on my radar for potential colleges, but ever since becoming a student there, I would say it is my dream college. The students there aren't judgmental and mind their own business, but are active and willing to help; the professors there are often renowned for research and publications, but are mostly friendly and good at teaching; the campus is lively with plenty of people, but nature is prevalent - deer can be spotted once in a while! Transportation is convenient and accessible, which is great when the weather isn't good for walking outside. The only thing I want updated is the technology used for sharing and assigning class content, but that will come with time! Stony Brook University is always moving forward.... Read 2,886 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 48%

• Net price $16,445

• SAT range 1300-1480

• Buffalo, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  3,116 reviews

Alum: UB is highly underrated, especially for computer science. The professors are top-notch and helped prepare me for a career after college. UB has many clubs and activities-there is something for everyone! I made life-long friends and got an internship between my junior and senior years that turned into a full-time position after graduation.... Read 3,116 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $17,954

• SAT range 1180-1360

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  1,672 reviews

Junior: Attending FIT in NYC fulfills a long-held dream, offering an interesting and educational experience in the heart of the city. The unique student life, defined by the city itself, suits my preferences, though a more vibrant campus atmosphere and increased club involvement would be appreciated. I also see room for improvement, particularly in hiring younger professors and addressing challenges in upper division majors, such as a shortage of faculty and potential curriculum adjustments. While FIT has been a stepping stone toward my goals, enhancements in these areas could further enrich the overall experience.... Read 1,672 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 52%

• Net price $8,637

• SAT range —

• Syracuse, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  350 reviews

Sophomore: SUNY ESF is awesome!! Academics are very high quality, and ESF has a reputation for this in the professional world. I would recommend ESF to any student that knows they want a career related to the environment—not only will you receive a top of the line education, you won't be put in massive debt getting it. ESF students by and large are at least a little weird, nerdy and geeky (think DnD sessions , bug hunting and stick and poke tattoos). If this sounds like you then you'll feel at home; and if it doesn't, you might find it isn't so bad. Though, if it really isn't you, you might struggle to feel like you fit in. One potential downside: you must be comfortable with no non-environmental degrees. While there are diverse environmental majors, if at some point you decide you'd prefer, say, psychology or computer science, you'd be out of luck. As a student that fits into the ESF niche, I'm very happy with my life here at ESF. I can hardly imagine going to any other school!... Read 350 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 65%

• Net price $22,159

• SAT range 1130-1300

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  1,455 reviews

Freshman: I actually enjoy Baruch. Its diversity attracts me everyday. I enjoy everyone’s company and meeting new people. The professors are a little grouchy or annoying at times but most are very generous and understanding. Overall Baruch is a fantastic school it’s given me experiences I genuinely enjoy such as seeing clubs, going to games, going to fairs, getting free or low prices tickets to skate, the movies, theater, etc. Go Baruch!... Read 1,455 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 51%

• Net price $3,793

• SAT range 1170-1360

• Bronx, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  1,126 reviews

Freshman: They're very attentive with their students and every time I have needed help, the staff did an amazing job to help me. Although the area doesn't look like much, there is still so much culture to take in.... Read 1,126 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 58%

• Net price $3,220

• SAT range 960-1080

• New Paltz, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  1,481 reviews

Alum: Overall good experience. My critiques; Residence life could use some improvement. I had a bad roommate situation with harassment that wasn't handled well. I also feel that there needs to be more campus housing. All dorm rooms were the same price, which felt unfair to me as some were built just 4 years ago while others were built before the 60s. During my time there, several STEM buildings were built, but it's primarily an Arts & Humanities college, so I think more funding should go towards those, especially because the fine arts buildings are getting old. Food could also use improvement, in terms of quality, nutrition, variety, and hours. Many of the options regularly offered weren't necessarily friendly to dietary restrictions, and many were unhealthy junk foods. On the positive side, most of my professors were awesome; specific and thorough instructions, accommodating when I needed it, and really got me thinking. I'm still in contact with my advisor and I graduated 3 years ago!... Read 1,481 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 46%

• Net price $15,318

• SAT range 1150-1280

• Brooklyn, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  1,286 reviews

Sophomore: How I would describe Brooklyn College is like a one-and-done go. I picked only two days to go to campus because I recently moved away from Brooklyn and it's a 2-hour commute from where I live now. My day there is attending my 4 classes and with the breaks in between them, I like to study in the library or finish up work that needs to be done during the weekend, have some lunch with my classmates, etc. The student life here I would say is very inclusive, most people have their groups and just stay to themselves. What I would like to see change is the conditions of the buildings and the club & association environment. The conditions are manageable but could be better, most of the time the elevator doesn't work, very bad wifi, and not too many areas to have lunch, hang out, or study (besides the library). But what I love about Brooklyn college is the diversity and professors, you will see people from all countries here and your professors care about your grades and wellbeing.... Read 1,286 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 51%

• Net price $4,254

• SAT range 1020-1180

• Farmingdale, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  674 reviews

Junior: I’ve been going to Farmingdale State college since Fall of 2023 and I can confidently say it’s the best experience I’ve had out of every school I’ve attended. My major is Visual Communications and Graphic Design and the classes and projects that I work on really help me develop my artistic ability, as well as give me great practice for a job which I might work on in the future. The campus is always very clean and well kept, and there are a lot of events and clubs that I can be a part of while I’m taking classes. One thing I’d really like to see is more improvements and renovation in the older buildings, but other than that I really do enjoy Farmingdale.... Read 674 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 73%

• Net price $6,007

• SAT range 1010-1190

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  1,856 reviews

Alum: City College made sure to connect students to the right resources at the appropriate times. Asking an department a question either led to an answer or a transfer. I found myself with a lot of questions regarding my financial aid that was through the state. Thanks to those working in financial aid, they were able to redirect me to the coordinator of my grants which helped me finish paying off my last few semesters at City College. One thing I would like to see a change in is the bored members of the Athletics Department who do not take a lot of student led suggestions in fear of change. There should be no fear in change and ideas should be discussed not dismissed. Suggestions do not need to be implemented however a discussion with students on why a suggestion may not work would lead to better communication, better suggestions and a build in the athletics morale.... Read 1,856 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $4,213

• SAT range 1050-1260

• Albany, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  2,532 reviews

Alum: Overall, my experience with university has been highly enriching. The breadth of academic programs and resources available is impressive, allowing students to explore their interests and passions deeply. The faculty members are knowledgeable and supportive, often going the extra mile to ensure student success. Additionally, the vibrant campus life and diverse student community contribute to a dynamic learning environment. However, there are areas that could be improved. The cost of tuition and associated expenses can be prohibitive for some students, limiting access to higher education. Furthermore, while the academic curriculum is comprehensive, there could be more emphasis on practical skills and real-world applications to better prepare students for their future careers. Overall, though, the university provides a valuable and transformative experience for those who have the opportunity to attend.... Read 2,532 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $17,350

• SAT range 1090-1280

• Queens, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  1,274 reviews

Freshman: Starting my journey at CUNY Queens College, I was immediately struck by the engaging academic atmosphere, notably my first semester with Professor Figel, an English professor whose passion and dedication to teaching were truly inspirational. This initial experience set the tone for my time at the college, where each day was made significantly more enjoyable thanks to the camaraderie and fun I shared with friends. The classes were smooth and intellectually stimulating, allowing me to immerse myself in learning while enjoying the freedom and high-quality education provided. Queens College has been more than just a place of study; it's been a vibrant community where I've grown academically and personally.... Read 1,274 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 61%

• Net price $4,777

• SAT range 1040-1190

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  2,446 reviews

Senior: I have received the most rigid, captivating, amazing, and extraordinary education at Hunter College. There is no place like it. Hunter College has a plethora of innovative classes to choose from in every academic department. In its biology courses, they have a class on HIV, cancer progression, and tons of classes on the human brain. The English department has classes dedicated to the most respected and brilliant writers of America, like Tony Morrison, James Baldwin, Emily Dickinson, and Ernest Hemingway. I personally took one of the most amazing classes at Hunter, I loved my Clinical Psychology course. There is no doubt that a student will receive the best education at Hunter College. The most important entertainers and government leaders have come to Hunter College, like Hillary Clinton who came at a few commencement ceremonies. Bill de Blasio has visited a few times as well as Lin-Manuel Miranda. Dr. Martin Luther King, sadly, delivered his last speech at Hunter College.... Read 2,446 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 46%

• Net price $4,586

• SAT range 1170-1340

• Oneonta, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  1,197 reviews

Alum: I really enjoyed my time at SUNY Oneonta. I enrolled as a freshman in 2019 and graduated with a B.S. in Criminal Justice. I felt most of my professors truly cared about my success in their classes. Since the school is on the smaller side, I found it comforting and easy to make friends and become familiar with various colleagues and peers. The campus is beautiful and set in a rural area in upstate New York. Overall, I truly enjoyed my experience at SUNY Oneonta and I highly recommend any prospective student to enroll here.... Read 1,197 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $17,594

• SAT range 980-1150

• Plattsburgh, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  815 reviews

Senior: I did, in general, enjoy my time at Plattsburgh. I am proud of the person I have become, and the work I accomplished, during my time. In the 4 years here, there were only 2 members of faculty that I didn't like. Overall, I loved my professors and enjoyed my coursework. However. My largest gripe with Plattsburgh, is its blatant bias towards its athletics. Now, I am as far from athletic as I can get; I have multiple health issues which interfere with daily life. Because of these health issues, I would frequently try the campus's accessibility options. 'Try' being the operative word. The campus is plagued by useless "accessible" entrances. The automatic entrance, the main entrance, of the College Center was nonfunctional for an entire semester. The ramps for one building were far too steep, while another ramp had 90-degree turns. The wheelchair lift in one building was broken, and had been that way for years. With all of that in mind: The school just spent $35million on a new gym.... Read 815 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $15,421

• SAT range 1050-1240

• Saratoga Springs, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  497 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at SUNY Empire State College so far has been exceptionally well. I am new to the college after attending SUNY ECC and Buffalo State University, so I have not had a chance to get the full experience but so far I am pleased for making this College. All of the departments in the school have been very useful and the resources they provide are very useful. The major great experience I had with SUNY Empire State College was my experience with my advisor. He was very helpful with helping me prepare for my upcoming spring semester. I would recommend this college to anyone with a tight physical schedule and would like to advance their career.... Read 497 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $11,557

• SAT range —

• Oswego, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  1,528 reviews

Sophomore: The normal involvement of a SUNY Oswego understudy is checked by scholarly thoroughness, dynamic campus life, and differing extracurricular openings. Campus life flourishes with an cluster of understudy organizations, social occasions, and recreational exercises, cultivating a solid sense of community and social network. Numerous understudies effectively take an interest in extracurricular exercises, counting clubs, sports, and volunteer activities, which not as it were enhance their college involvement but moreover develop administration abilities and social obligation. SUNY Oswego helps the community cultivating associations between understudies and the neighborhood community. Backed by different campus assets such as scholarly exhorting and counseling administrations, understudies experience individual development and advancement, sharpening basic considering abilities and developing their understanding of themselves and the world around them.... Read 1,528 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $15,078

• SAT range 1060-1280

• Fredonia, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  1,227 reviews

Senior: I love the small campus/community of Fredonia. Having a smaller campus makes it easier to connect personally to both other students and professors. I have been able to establish personal and professional connections that will benefit me in my future endeavors. I also love the new science center building. I have spent many hours in there studying! I would like to see some better options for advisement here at Fredonia. I have heard many negative experiences with advisement, so I make sure to do everything by myself. I think the school would be better if there were more opportunities for help with graduate programs.... Read 1,227 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $15,973

• SAT range 1090-1280

• Cortland, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  906 reviews

Freshman: As of right now I have enjoyed my time here at SUNY Cortland like nothing else. I love my professors and the amazing friends I have met! This school is like my second home and I honestly enjoy being here rather than my first home. The atmosphere this place has is so bright and like no other. I wouldn't trade SUNY Cortland for anything.... Read 906 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $17,703

• SAT range 1090-1240

• Utica, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.43 out of 5  326 reviews

Junior: My time at SUNY Polytechnic Institute has been nothing short of remarkable. From the moment I stepped onto campus, I felt a strong sense of belonging. The faculty and staff have been incredibly supportive, always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that students succeed. One of the aspects that truly stands out about SUNY Poly is the dedication to cutting-edge technology and research. The institute's state-of-the-art facilities and resources have enriched my educational experience immensely. I've had the privilege of working on exciting projects and research initiatives, which has not only expanded my knowledge but also prepared me for a promising career in my chosen field.... Read 326 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $10,245

• SAT range 1040-1400

• Delhi, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  478 reviews

Senior: SUNY Delhi has helped me gain hands-on experience and connections in the veterinary field. While at SUNY Delhi, I participated as an Alternate Senator and Senator for the NYS Association of Veterinary Technicians and Co-President for the Pre-Veterinary Society. My education at SUNY Delhi has allowed me to work with all different species, ranging from large animals to small ones. With the skills I have learned through the Veterinary Science Program, I will be using them throughout my entire career. Being part of the vigorous Veterinary Science Program here at SUNY Delhi has been a great opportunity for me to be around like-minded people who also value animals and take care of them and I feel like I am part of a bigger family. After graduation, I intend to pursue a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, and SUNY Delhi has the tools and connections I need to move forward with my graduate studies and career aspirations.... Read 478 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $16,625

• SAT range 920-1120

• Brockport, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  1,254 reviews

Freshman: I like the professors that I have had at SUNY Brockport, and I am glad that there is a plethora of majors and courses there. I enjoy the student activities that are hosted on campus through the Brockport Student Government and other clubs such as the Harlequins, the CSA, HPPE, the Academic Success Center, Residential Life, and more. The diversity on campus is lacking, though. Depending on the major, you may see only one person of color in every class. If you roam around campus, you will see people of color, but sporadically. If you are coming from an urban area, prepare to be surprised. As for food, Brockport is also lacking. Harrison Dining Hall is hit-or-miss every night. Their only positive is that there are two designated ice cream days, and the ice cream is Perry's, which is the best kind of ice cream. Overall, though, I enjoy being on campus and I would tell others to consider the university.... Read 1,254 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $15,384

• SAT range 1040-1230

• Potsdam, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  764 reviews

Junior: Overall, I've had a great experience at Potsdam. In my academic department, there are great resources, professors, and overall classroom culture that expands my learning and gives me opportunities to produce research, get real experience, and build good skills! I've also interacted with the music, theater, dance, and arts management departments, and they have been nothing short of the most kind and fun people to be around.... Read 764 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $14,494

• SAT range —