The best university in New York City is undoubtedly Columbia University. With a stellar reputation for academic excellence, the prestigious institution has campuses all over the city, making it easy for students to find the right fit. Columbia offers an extensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs, making it perfect for students of all interests and backgrounds. In addition to its excellent academics, Columbia is also well-known for its vibrant social scene and active sports program.
Best universities in New York 2022
New York City has a long and illustrious history when it comes to education. From the prestigious Ivy League schools to local colleges and universities, this city has something for everyone. So which of New York’s many universities is the best? To find out, WalletHub compared 100 of the city’s top institutions of higher learning. They evaluated each school based on 24 key metrics, including quality of faculty, student-to-faculty ratio, and alumni success. Here are the five best universities in New York City:
Why Choose Universities in New York?
Many people may think that universities in other states are better than those in New York, but this is not always the case. There are a number of reasons why students may prefer to attend universities in New York, and each one has its own unique benefits.
Some of the key advantages of studying at a university in New York include its large population and wealth of cultural experiences. The city is home to some of the world’s most renowned educational institutions, and this makes it an ideal place to learn and grow. In addition, the various colleges and universities here offer a great range of courses and opportunities for students to explore their interests.
Moreover, New York City is home to many businesses and industries, which means that there are always plenty of opportunities for students to find work after they finish their degrees.
- University Options: New York City is home to 270 degree-granting universities and colleges, 118,000 students, and over 1,500-degree programs. These top colleges in New York provide the best faculty and a plethora of opportunities for students. Here are some of the best universities in New York
- Placement Opportunities: According to SalaryExplorer, the average yearly salary of an individual in the US is USD 94,700 with USD 24,000 and USD 423,000 being the minimum and maximum salaries. The website also states that there are a number of best universities in New York City that offer students a higher salary than the national average. Columbia University tops the list with an annual salary of over USD 100,000, followed by Yale University and NYU.
- Networking Choice: According to research, 85% of jobs are found through networking. Universities in New York City offer fantastic networking opportunities for international students. Some of the best universities in New York for international students include Columbia, NYU, and Barnard.
Suggested: Internships in the USA for Indian Students
- Scholarships: The best universities in New York City offer various scholarships for international students, like merit-based, need-based, country-based, government-funded, and private. These scholarships can help you pay for your tuition and other expenses while studying in New York. Some of the most popular scholarships include the Fulbright Program, which offers awards to talented students from around the world to study in the United States. The Gates Millennium Scholars Program also provides funding for top students from around the world to attend universities here in the United States. Other scholarships available to international students include the American Council on Education (ACE) International Scholarship program and the National Science Foundation (NSF) International Student Research Fellowship program. There are many different types of scholarships available to international students, so be sure to research all of them before applying.
Top 5 Universities in New York for International Students
One of the many things to love about New York City is the vast number of colleges and universities available for students from around the world. In fact, there are more than 100 universities in New York for international students, but to save you from confusion, we have shared a list of the 5 best.
1. Columbia University
Columbia University is one of the most prestigious universities in America.
2. New York University (NYU)
New York University, also known as NYU, is considered one of the best universities in New York City.
3. Cornell University
Cornell University is a private Ivy League and statutory land-grant research university, based in Ithaca, New York
4. Yeshiva University
Yeshiva University is a private Orthodox Jewish university with four campuses in New York City.
5. City University of New York
The City University of New York (CUNY) is the public university system in New York City.
1. Columbia University
Columbia University is one of the most prestigious universities in America. It was founded in 1754 as King’s College by the royal charter of George II and has since educated some of the most accomplished intellectuals of our time. The university has a reputation for being the best university in New York City. It is also well known for its law and business schools, which are considered to be some of the best in the country. Columbia offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, making it suitable for students from all backgrounds. The campus is located in Manhattan, making it easy to get to and very convenient for students who want to take classes on campus.
Columbia is one of the most highly respected universities in the United States. Located in New York City, it was established by royal charter under George II of Great Britain. The university was renamed Columbia College in 1784 following the American Revolution and has since become one of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in America. Columbia is home to a number of world-renowned research institutes and programs, including its own medical school which is ranked fourth in the country. The university also boasts a number of impressive athletic programs, including Division I football and basketball teams which have achieved considerable success at the college level.
Columbia University and its scholars have played a pivotal role in scientific breakthroughs over the years. These include the development of the brain-computer interface, the laser, and the maser, as well as other groundbreaking discoveries. Columbia’s faculty is highly esteemed and researchers from around the world come to study at this renowned institution. The vibrant community that exists on campus provides support for students who are pursuing their academic dreams. With so much to offer, Columbia is surely the best university in New York City.
The University of Virginia’s endowment stands at $14.35 billion as of December 2021, making it one of the largest academic institutions in the United States. The university is home to an alumni base of over 200,000 and has a faculty consisting of over 8,000 professors and researchers. With this wealth of resources at its disposal, UVa continues to be ranked as one of the best universities in the nation.
| Former names | King’s College (1754–1784) Columbia College (1784–1896) |
|---|---|
| Motto | In lumine Tuo videbimus lumen (Latin) |
| Motto in English | “In Thy light shall we see light” |
| Type | Royal College (1754–1776) Private research university (1776–present) |
| Established | May 25, 1754; 268 years ago |
| Accreditation | MICHE |
| Academic affiliations | AAUURA568 GroupNAICUSpace-grant |
| Endowment | $14.35 billion (2021) |
| President | Lee Bollinger |
| Provost | Mary Cunningham Boyce |
| Academic staff | 4,370 |
| Students | 33,413 (Fall 2019) |
| Undergraduates | 6,398 (Fall 2019) |
| Postgraduates | 24,412 (Fall 2019) |
| Location | New York, New York, United States 40°48′27″N 73°57′43″WCoordinates: 40°48′27″N 73°57′43″W |
| Campus | Large City, 299 acres (1.21 km2) |
| Newspaper | Columbia Daily Spectator |
| Colors | Columbia blue |
| Nickname | Columbia Lions |
| Sporting affiliations | NCAA Division I FCS – Ivy LeagueEARC |
| Mascot | Roar-ee the Lion |
Programs:
| Popular Programs | B.E, B.Tech, B.Sc, BBA, M.A, M.Arch, MBA, MFA, MIM, PGDM, MS |
| Intakes | Fall Intake, Spring Intake |
| Estimated Fee Structure (per year) | Bachelor’s Degree: USD 61,850 Master’s Degree: USD 37,646 MBA: USD 77,376 MS Management: USD 62,160 Others: USD 42,280 |
| Admission Requirements | SAT: 700+ ACT: 29+ TOEFL: 600+/100+ on the paper-based test IELTS: 7.5+ DET: 120 GMAT: 700-760 GRE: 315-337 |
2. New York University (NYU)
New York University, also known as NYU, is considered as one of the best universities in New York City. It offers a wide range of programs and courses that appeal to students from all over the world. NYU’s excellent academics and top-notch facilities have made it one of the most popular schools in the city. Plus, its location right in the heart of Greenwich Village makes it a prime choice for students looking for an urban campus experience.
New York University (NYU) is a private research university in New York City. Chartered in 1831 by the New York State Legislature, NYU was founded on ideals of freedom, opportunity, and creativity. Located in the heart of Manhattan, NYU offers more than 300-degree programs to over 28,000 students from around the world. The University’s highly ranked faculty and expansive array of resources make it one of the best universities in New York City.
In 1832, the non-denominational all-male institution began its first classes near City Hall based on a curriculum focused on secular education. The school became known as The City College of New York and grew rapidly in size and reputation, becoming one of the best universities in New York. Today, City College is one of the largest colleges in the United States and maintains a strong focus on liberal arts education.
New York University is one of the most reputable and well-known universities in the United States. The university is organized into ten undergraduate schools, including the College of Arts & Science, Gallatin School, Steinhardt School, and Stern School of Business. NYU has been ranked as one of the best universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report and has consistently received high marks from other prestigious organizations. The school’s wealth of resources and abundance of opportunities make it an excellent choice for students looking to gain a comprehensive education in a premier academic institution.
| Former name | University of the City of New York (1831–1896) |
|---|---|
| Motto | Per stare et praestare (Latin) |
| Motto in English | “To persevere and to excel” |
| Type | Private research university |
| Established | April 21, 1831; 191 years ago |
| Founder | Albert Gallatin |
| Accreditation | MICHE |
| Academic affiliation | AAUNAICU Space-grantIAU |
| Endowment | $5.8 billion (2021) |
| Budget | $14.7 billion (2021) |
| Chairman | William R. Berkley |
| President | Andrew D. Hamilton |
| Provost | Katherine E. Fleming |
| Academic staff | Total: 9,835 (fall 2018) (5,723 full-time / 4,112 part-time) |
| Administrative Staff | 2,242 |
| Students | 51,848 (Fall 2018) |
| Undergraduates | 26,733 (Fall 2018) |
| Postgraduates | 25,115 (Fall 2018) |
| Location | New York City, United States40°43′48″N 73°59′42″WCoordinates: 40°43′48″N 73°59′42″W |
| Campus | Large City, 230 acres (0.93 km2) (Manhattan campus) |
| Other campuses | Brooklyn Englewood CliffsLos Angeles MineolaWashington, D.C.Abu Dhabi AccraBerlin Buenos Aires Florence Havana London Madrid Paris PragueShanghai SydneyTel Aviv |
| Newspaper | Washington Square News |
| Colors | Purple White |
| Nickname | Violets |
| Sporting affiliations | NCAA Division III – UAA |
| Mascot | Bobcat |
Programs:
| QS Ranking 2023 | 39 |
| Popular Programs | B.E, B.Tech, B.Sc, BBA, BHM, M.A, MBA, MFA, MIM, PGDM, MS |
| Intakes | Fall Intake, Spring Intake |
| Estimated Fee Structure (Complete Course) | Bachelor’s Degree: USD 53,308 Master’s Degree: USD 36,500 – USD 61,800 MBA: USD 76,780 PhD: USD 47,428 |
| Admission Requirements | IELTS: 7.5+ TOEFL: 100+ (internet-based test) PTE Academic: 70+ Cambridge English (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency): 191+ International Test of English Proficiency (iTEP): 4.5+ DET: 125+ GMAT: 700+ GRE: 326-330 |
3. Cornell University
Cornell University is a private Ivy League and statutory land-grant research university, based in Ithaca, New York. Founded in 1865 by Ezra Cornell, it is one of the few universities in the United States that was founded as a coeducational institution. Cornell ranks third among all U.S. colleges and universities in terms of endowment size and eighteenth overall according to The Chronicle of Higher Education’s 2018 rankings. The university has been ranked first for business administration and economics by Forbes magazine for four consecutive years, as well as first for engineering and computer science by U.S. News & World Report for six consecutive years. In 2018, Cornell was also ranked second for undergraduate teaching quality by The Princeton Review.
The University of Ithaca is a highly respected institution of higher education with seven undergraduate colleges and seven graduate divisions, all located on its main Ithaca campus. The undergraduate colleges are: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, the School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the Townsend College of Human Ecology, and graduate divisions include: the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Graduate School of Education, the Graduate School of Health Sciences, the Cornell Law School, and the Cornell Medical College. The University also has two satellite campuses in New York City (Ithaca Falls) and Geneva.
Cornell University is one of the few private land grant universities in the United States. The university was founded in 1768 by an act of the New York State Legislature and received its final charter from King George III in 1802. Cornell ranks first among all U.S. universities in research expenditures, second only to Harvard University, and has been ranked as one of the world’s leading universities by various organizations.[3][4] The university has seven undergraduate colleges: Agriculture, Arts and Sciences, Engineering and Humanities, Law, Medicine, Nursing and Health Related Professions, and Veterinary Medicine. Each college is autonomous within the university but shares a common library system, athletic programs, and social events.
As of September 2021, 61 Nobel laureates, four Turing Award winners, and one Fields Medalist have been affiliated with Cornell. Cornell counts more than 230,000 alumni worldwide and is consistently ranked as one of the best universities in America. Located in Ithaca, New York, Cornell offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs that are highly respected nationally and internationally.
The university’s impressive faculty research program has produced many ground-breaking discoveries that have helped shape the modern world. Some of Cornell’s most well-known alumni include Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Steven Spielberg, Jeff Bezos, Oprah Winfrey, and George Clooney. With its rich history and prestigious reputation, Cornell is an excellent choice for students looking to pursue a career in academia or pursue an exciting new field of study.
| Motto | “I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study” – Ezra Cornell |
|---|---|
| Type | Private statutory land-grant research university |
| Established | April 27, 1865; 157 years ago |
| Accreditation | MICHE |
| Academic affiliations | AAUSUNYNAICUURA568 GroupSea-grantSpace-grantSun grant |
| Endowment | $10.0 billion (2021) |
| President | Martha E. Pollack |
| Provost | Michael Kotlikoff |
| Academic staff | 1,639 – Ithaca, New York 1,235 – NYC, New York 34 – Doha, Qatar |
| Students | 25,593 (Fall 2021) |
| Undergraduates | 15,507 (Fall 2021) |
| Postgraduates | 10,086 (Fall 2021) |
| Location | Ithaca, New York, United States42°27′13″N 76°28′26″WCoordinates: 42°27′13″N 76°28′26″W |
| Campus | Small City 4,800 acres (19 km2) |
| Other campuses | Bellevue’Buffalo, Dallas Segundo Friday Harbor Geneva Houston Kamuela Kittery Point New York City Rochester SalemSan Francisco San Jose Washington, D.C. Doha Mexico City Monterrey Rome |
| Newspaper | Cornell ChronicleThe Cornell Daily Sun |
| Colors | Carnelian White |
| Nickname | Big Red |
| Sporting affiliations | NCAA Division I FCS – Ivy League |
| Mascot | Touchdown the Bear (unofficial) |
Programs:
| QS Ranking 2023 | 20 |
| Popular Programs | B.E, B.Tech, B.Sc, BBA, BHM, M.A, M.Atch, M.E, M. Tech, MBA, MFA, MIM, PGDM, MS |
| Intakes | Fall Intake, Spring Intake |
| Estimated Fee Structure (Complete Course) | Bachelors Degree: USD 40,000 – USD 60,000 MS/MA Degree: USD 21,000 – USD 82,000 MBA: USD 108,000 – USD 203,000 |
4. Yeshiva University
Yeshiva University is a private Orthodox Jewish university with four campuses in New York City. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, humanities, sciences, and business. Yeshiva is ranked number one for its undergraduate business program by Bloomberg Businessweek. The university also has a strong international presence, with students from over 40 countries studying at Yeshiva’s campuses. Yeshiva’s faculty members are some of the most accomplished educators in the Orthodox world, and many have received prestigious awards such as the Nobel Prize.
Yeshiva University is an independent institution chartered by New York State. It is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduates degrees, as well as a wide range of programs that provide students with opportunities to learn in an intensive and personalized setting. Yeshiva University provides students with the opportunity to engage with Jewish tradition and learn from world-renowned scholars.
Yeshiva University is considered one of the best universities in New York for international students. It was the first university in the nation to provide higher education to foreigners, and it continues to be a leader in international education. In addition to its top-notch programs, Yeshiva offers unique opportunities for those who want to study abroad. Students can take part in exchange programs, study at partner universities around the world, or take classes online. The university also offers a wide range of support services, such as housing and travel arrangements. So whether you’re looking for an excellent education or a challenging international experience, Yeshiva University is worth considering.
| Motto | תורה ומדע (Hebrew) |
|---|---|
| Motto in English | Torah and secular knowledge |
| Type | Private university |
| Established | 1886; 136 years ago |
| Accreditation | MICHE |
| Religious affiliation | Modern Orthodox Judaism |
| Academic affiliations | NAICU |
| Endowment | $814 million (2021) |
| President | Ari Berman |
| Academic staff | 4,714 |
| Undergraduates | 2,243 |
| Postgraduates | 2,688 |
| Location | New York, New York, U.S.40.8503°N 73.9297°WCoordinates: 40.8503°N 73.9297°W |
| Campus | Urban, 300 acres (120 ha) |
| Newspaper | The YU ObserverThe Commentator |
| Colors | Yeshiva Blue Yeshiva Black Yeshiva Gray |
| Nickname | MaccabeesTaubermans |
| Sporting affiliations | NCAA Division III – Skyline |
| Mascot | The Maccabee |
Programs:
| QS Ranking 2023 | 246 |
| Popular Programs | MIM, MS |
| Intakes | Fall Intake, Spring Intake |
| Estimated Fee Structure (Per Year) | Bachelor’s Degree: USD 44,900 MS Degree: USD 39,278 |
| Admission Requirements | TOEFL: 100 IELTS: 7 DET: 105-110 SAT: 1180 +ACT: 24 + GRE: 317 + GMAT: 550 + |
5. City University of New York
The City University of New York (CUNY) offers a beautiful campus featuring 9 buildings, academic complex houses, a 1000-seat auditorium, a gymnasium, and faculty. It is the largest public university in the United States with over 250,000 students from over 150 countries. CUNY is also one of the best universities in New York. Its academic complex houses some of the most impressive facilities in the city and its 1000-seat auditorium is one of the largest in New York.
- The City University of New York (CUNY) is the public university system in New York City. It is the largest urban university in the United States, with over 400,000 students and over 9000 faculty members. This makes it one of the most diverse and powerful institutions in the city.
- CUNY offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as various dual-degree programs that allow students to earn two degrees from CUNY at once. Knowledgeable faculty members help students to explore their interests and achieve their goals.
- The resources available at CUNY make it an excellent choice for students looking for quality education in a dynamic city setting. The city’s wealth of culture and history are integral to CUNY’s educational offerings, making it one of the best universities in New York City.
| Motto | Latin: Eruditio populi liberi spes gentium |
|---|---|
| Motto in English | The education of free people is the hope of Mankind |
| Type | Public university system |
| Established | 1961; 61 years ago |
| Budget | $3.6 billion |
| Chancellor | Félix V. Matos Rodríguez |
| Academic staff | 19,568 |
| Administrative Staff | 33,099 |
| Students | 275,000 |
| Location | New York City, New York |
| Campus | 25 campuses |
Programs:
| QS Ranking 2023 | 701-750 |
| Popular Programs | B.E, B.Tech, B.Sc, BHM |
| Intakes | Fall Intake, Summer Intake, Winter Intake |
| Estimated Fee Structure (per year) | Bachelor’s Degree: USD 16,048 – USD 17,653 |
| Admission Requirements | IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL: 80 SAT: 1240 ACT: 24 GRE: 300 |
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the best university in New York City is undoubtedly Columbia University. With top-notch academics, beautiful campus grounds, and an extensive resources library, Columbia is a perfect place for students looking for a top-tier education. If you are interested in attending one of these universities, be sure to visit their websites and get started on your application process today!
