20 Best Colleges & Universities in New York for International Students

List of Top Universities in New York City 

New York City is home to some of the most renowned universities in the world, attracting students from all corners of the globe.

Here are some of the top universities in NYC:

• Columbia University
• New York University
• The City University of New York
• Fordham University
• The New School
• Yeshiva University
• Pace University
• St John’s University
• Pratt Institute
• Barnard College
• Cornell University
• University of Rochester
• Stony Brook University
• University at Buffalo
• Syracuse University
• University at Albany
• Clarkson University
• Binghamton University
• Hofstra University
• Rochester Institute of Technology

Let us now tell you about these best colleges in New York State in detail: 

1. Columbia University

Columbia is an Ivy League institution located in Upper Manhattan. It is known for its strong programs in the arts, humanities, and sciences. Popular undergraduate degrees include economics, political science, and computer science, while popular graduate programs include business, law, and journalism. Columbia has a diverse student body, with international students making up over 30% of its total enrollment.

2. New York University (NYU)

NYU is a private research university with campuses throughout the city. It is known for its strong programs in business, the arts, and social sciences. Popular undergraduate degrees include business, film and television, and psychology, while popular graduate programs include law, education, and social work. NYU has a large international student population, with students from over 150 countries.

3. The City University of New York (CUNY)

CUNY is a public university system that serves over 275,000 students across 25 campuses in NYC. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs at an affordable price, including popular programs in education, business, and engineering. CUNY has a large international student population, with students from over 200 countries.

4. Fordham University

Fordham is a private Jesuit research university located in the Bronx. It is known for its strong programs in business, law, and the arts. Popular undergraduate degrees include business, communications, and psychology, while popular graduate programs include law, business, and education. Fordham has a diverse student body, with international students making up over 10% of its total enrollment.

5. The New School

The New School is a private research university located in Greenwich Village. It is known for its strong programs in the arts, social sciences, and liberal arts. Popular undergraduate degrees include design, media studies, and psychology, while popular graduate programs include design, social research, and public and urban policy. The New School has a diverse student body, with international students making up over 30% of its total enrollment.

6. Yeshiva University

Yeshiva is a private research university located in Upper Manhattan. It is known for its strong programs in Jewish studies, as well as programs in the arts, sciences, and business. Popular undergraduate degrees include biology, psychology, and finance, while popular graduate programs include law, education, and social work. Yeshiva has a small but significant international student population, with students from over 20 countries.

7. Pace University

Pace is a private university with campuses in Lower Manhattan and Westchester County. It is known for its strong programs in business, law, and the arts. Popular undergraduate degrees include business, communications, and nursing, while popular graduate programs include business, law, and education. Pace has a diverse student body, with international students making up over 10% of its total enrollment.

8. St. John's University

St. John's is a private Catholic university located in Queens. It is known for its strong programs in business, law, and education. Popular undergraduate degrees include business, communications, and criminal justice, while popular graduate programs include law, education, and accounting. St. John's has a diverse student body, with international students making up over 5% of its total enrollment.

9. Pratt Institute

Pratt is a private art and design university located in Brooklyn. It is known for its strong programs in architecture, art, and design. Popular undergraduate degrees include architecture, graphic design, and fine arts, while popular graduate programs include architecture, interior design, and industrial design. Pratt has a diverse student body, with international students making up over 25% of its total enrollment.

10. Barnard College

Barnard College is a private women's liberal arts college located in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Upper Manhattan, New York City. 

Barnard offers undergraduate programs in a variety of liberal arts fields, including social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. It is known for its strong programs in women's studies, English, psychology, and economics. The college has a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1 and an average class size of 14, allowing for personalized attention and a close-knit community.

11. Cornell University

Cornell University is a private Ivy League Research University in Ithaca, New York. Cornell offers elite Engineering, Business, Computer Science, Economics, Political Science etc. Cornell enrolls approximately a total of 26,000 students. Cornell University is highly competitive with an acceptance rate of 7%.

12. University of Rochester

The University of Rochester is a private non-sectarian institution. It is one of the USA’s 60 leading research institutions and one of the top universities globally for entrepreneurs. The University of Rochester has an acceptance rate of 39%. Rochester houses over 3,600 international students. There are more than 12,000 students including 6,780 undergraduate and 5,030 full-time graduate students here.

13. Stony Brook University

Stony Brook University was founded in 1957 in Brookhaven, USA. Stony Brook's acceptance rate is 48%, making it a selective university in terms of admissions. Stony Brook University has become one of the country's most renowned centers of learning. This university is also a public sea-grant and space-grant Research University. 

14. University at Buffalo

Established in 1846, University at Buffalo is the largest university under the umbrella of the State University of New York. It is a public university that stresses on research, academic, amd creative activity. It is a part of the renowned Association of American Universities.

15. Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private research university in Syracuse, New York, and was set up in 1870. With a rate of acceptance of 59%, the university is moderately competitive. Syracuse University offers more than 200+ majors, 100+ minors via its 13 academic schools.

16. University at Albany

Founded in 1844, the University at Albany is an open research university. Later, it became the first university in New York City to offer a bachelor's degree. In 1913, the university began offering master's degrees. Some of the prestigious research centers there are the Centre for Applied Historical Research, Biological Imaging Centre, Centre for Economic Research, Centre for Jewish Languages, Centre for Astronomical Observatory, Centre for X-Ray Optics, and the Centre for Neuroscience Research. 

17. Clarkson University

Established in 1896, Clarkson University is a private research university in Potsdam, New York. Currently, Clarkson University enrolls 4,000+ students from all over the world. Clarkson has elite programs in engineering, management, business, and multiple health sciences programs.

18. Binghamton University

Binghamton University was initially established as Triple Cities College in 1946 to cater to the World War II veterans. It offers programs in Computer Sciences, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. The university has welcomed numerous international students from over 100 countries in the world. It has an acceptance rate of around 43%.

19. Hofstra University

Founded in 1935, Hofstra University is a private university in Long Island, NY which offers small classes, reputed faculty and a vibrant campus. It offers prestigious programs at its Law School and Business School. Hofstra University has currently enrolled over 900 international students from 86 nations around the world.

20. Rochester Institute of Technology

Established in 1829, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a private research university in Rochester, USA. It offers a variety of reputed academic opportunities, including a leading research opportunity. Its schools have partnerships with several campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo.

Popular Programs Offered at Best Colleges in New York State 

There are a wide variety of programs offered in New York City, ranging from undergraduate to graduate programs, as well as professional and certificate programs. Some of the most popular programs include:

University Name	Popular Undergraduate Programs	Tuition Fees (per year)
Columbia University	Economics, Political Science, Computer Science	$61,850
New York University (NYU)	Business, Film and Television, Psychology	$54,880
The City University of New York (CUNY)	Education, Business, Engineering	$15,730 (out-of-state)
Fordham University	Business, Communications, Psychology	$56,390
The New School	Design, Media Studies, Psychology	$50,160
Yeshiva University	Biology, Psychology, Finance	$45,300
Pace University	Business, Communications, Nursing	$47,750
St. John's University	Business, Communications, Criminal Justice	$44,670
Pratt Institute	Architecture, Graphic Design, Fine Arts	$53,310
Barnard College	Women's Studies, English, Psychology	$57,479

Admission Requirements at Top Colleges in New York 

Admission requirements vary by college, but here are some general requirements for admission to top colleges in New York:

• Bachelor’s transcript: Most colleges in New York require applicants to submit their bachelor’s transcripts. These transcripts should show a strong academic record, with a focus on challenging courses.

• Standardized test scores: Many colleges in New York require applicants to submit standardized test scores, such as the GRE or GMAT. However, some colleges have become test-optional in recent years, meaning that standardized test scores are not required.

• Letters of recommendation: Many colleges in New York require applicants to submit letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or other professionals who can attest to the applicant's academic ability and personal character.

• Personal statement or essay: Most colleges in New York require applicants to submit a personal statement or essay that explains why they want to attend the college and what they hope to gain from the experience.

• Extracurricular activities: Many colleges in New York consider applicants' extracurricular activities, such as volunteer work, sports, clubs, or other activities that demonstrate leadership or community involvement.

• Application fee: Most colleges in New York require applicants to pay an application fee to cover the cost of processing their application.

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Application Process to Study at Top Universities in New York 

The application process to study at top universities in New York generally involves the following steps:

Step 1: Research

Begin by researching the universities in New York that offer programs in your field of interest. Look for information on the programs offered, admission requirements, application deadlines, and tuition fees.

Step 2: Prepare your Application Materials

Depending on the university, you may need to submit your high school transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, personal statement or essay, and other supporting documents.

Step 3: Apply Online

Most universities in New York allow applicants to apply online through their website. Follow the instructions provided on the university's website to complete the application process.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

Most universities require applicants to pay an application fee to submit their application. The fee can vary by university and program.

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

After you have submitted your application, the university will review your materials and make a decision about your admission. The time it takes to receive a decision can vary by university, but you can generally expect to receive a decision within a few weeks to a couple months.

Step 6: Accept the Offer

If you are accepted to a university, you will receive an acceptance letter outlining the terms of your admission. You will need to respond to the offer by a specific deadline and pay any required deposit to secure your spot.

Cost to Study at Top Colleges in New York

The cost to study at top colleges in New York can vary widely depending on the university and program of study. Here is an overview of the typical costs associated with studying at top colleges in New York:

• Tuition and fees: Tuition and fees can vary widely by university and program. For example, tuition and fees at Columbia University can range from approximately $61,850 for undergraduate programs to over $79,000 for some graduate programs. At NYU, tuition and fees can range from approximately $54,880 for undergraduate programs to over $71,000 for some graduate programs.

• Room and board: The cost of room and board can also vary by university and program. Some universities offer on-campus housing, while others require students to find their own accommodations. At Columbia University, the cost of on-campus housing can range from approximately $10,450 to $18,200 per academic year, depending on the type of housing. At NYU, the cost of on-campus housing can range from approximately $11,000 to $21,000 per academic year.

• Books and supplies: The cost of books and supplies can also add up, with some programs requiring expensive textbooks and equipment. The cost of books and supplies can vary widely by program, but students should budget several hundred dollars per semester.

• Other expenses: Other expenses can include transportation, health insurance, and personal expenses. These costs can vary widely depending on the student's individual circumstances and lifestyle.

Scholarships at Top Universities in New York 

Many top colleges in New York City offer financial aid to help students pay for tuition and other expenses. Here is an overview of financial aid options at some of these universities in New York with good scholarships:

Career Prospects in New York 

New York City offers a vast array of career opportunities in many different industries. Here are some of the top industries and career prospects in New York City:

From the Desk of Yocket

New York City is a hub for many industries, including finance, technology, media, healthcare, and education, offering a diverse range of career opportunities. It is at the forefront of sustainability and environmental initiatives, which has led to an increasing demand for professionals in the sustainability sector. So, if you are eyeing universities in New York with top rankings, this is your time! 

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