Best Online Colleges in New York

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.
by
Updated September 26, 2023
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Online Bachelor’s Degrees in New York

Accredited online colleges meet the same high standards as on-campus schools. In fact, many top-ranked colleges in New York, including SUNY and CUNY schools, offer online degrees. For example, SUNY Online offers over 650 online degrees.

A college degree expands career opportunities and earning potential. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that professionals with a bachelor’s degree make $26,000 more per year, on average, than workers with only a high school diploma.

Our list ranks the best online colleges in New York for 2022. Prospective students can use the rankings to find the right fit for their schedule, interests, and professional goals. This article also introduces common requirements and scholarship opportunities for students at New York online colleges.

FAQ’s About Online Schools in New York

question-mark-circleDoes SUNY offer online degrees?

Yes. Distance learners can choose from over 650 programs offered through SUNY Online, including bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees.

question-mark-circleWhat is the average cost for online college?

According to EducationData.org data, an online bachelor’s degree costs an average $51,091 as of Aug. 2021. However, the cost of online college varies depending on the program and school.

question-mark-circleIs college free in New York?

New York residents who attend a CUNY or SUNY school and make less than $125,000 per year qualify for the Excelsior Scholarship, which covers the cost of in-state public education.

question-mark-circleHow many colleges does New York have?

New York hosts over 200 colleges and universities, including 64 SUNY schools and 25 CUNY schools.

Featured Online Programs

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Best Online Colleges in New York 2022

#1 Best Online Colleges in New York

Alfred University

  • Location-markerAlfred, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Tuition
  • In-State$29,635
  • Out-of-state$30,211
  • Retention Rate73%
  • Acceptance Rate62%
  • Students Enrolled2,382
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment4%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Online Colleges in New York

SUNY College of Technology at Delhi

  • Location-markerDelhi, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$7,070
  • Out-of-state$10,840
  • Retention Rate73%
  • Acceptance Rate72%
  • Students Enrolled3,086
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment42%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Online Colleges in New York

SUNY at Albany

  • Location-markerAlbany, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$7,070
  • Out-of-state$24,660
  • Retention Rate80%
  • Acceptance Rate54%
  • Students Enrolled17,544
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment19%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Online Colleges in New York

SUNY College at Oswego

  • Location-markerOswego, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$7,070
  • Out-of-state$16,980
  • Retention Rate77%
  • Acceptance Rate54%
  • Students Enrolled7,830
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment25%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Online Colleges in New York

Syracuse University

  • Location-markerSyracuse, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Tuition
  • In-State$50,616
  • Out-of-state$50,616
  • Retention Rate92%
  • Acceptance Rate44%
  • Students Enrolled22,850
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment15%
  • AccreditationYes

What Are the Goals of an Online Degree?

Earning a college degree helps professionals specialize their skills, qualify for more jobs, and increase their salaries. The online learning format also gives students the flexibility to balance their studies with personal and professional obligations.

Online colleges in New York offer degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, and graduate levels. Distance learners may pursue degrees in diverse fields to explore their interests. For example, students may earn a Ph.D. in psychology online or attend art school online.

Why Get an Online Degree?

An online college degree offers many personal and professional benefits, including flexibility and increased earning potential.

  1. 1

    Flexibility

    Online learning formats give students the flexibility to balance their studies with personal and professional responsibilities.

  2. 2

    Increased Earning Potential

    According to BLS data, people with a bachelor’s degree make a median weekly salary of $1,248. People with only a high school diploma earn median weekly salaries of $746.

  3. 3

    Major Options

    Online students can pursue degrees in fields like the liberal arts, business, and social work. They can also enroll in education and engineering programs online.

  4. 4

    Accessibility

    Distance learners can attend top programs around the country without relocating.

  5. 5

    Tuition Discounts

    New York residents qualify for tuition discounts at in-state public schools, including CUNY and SUNY schools. Additionally, many schools allow all online students to pay in-state tuition regardless of residency.

What Are the Requirements for an Online School?

Students applying to New York online colleges must meet certain requirements. Most programs require a high school diploma or the equivalent. Applicants may also need to submit SAT or ACT scores, a statement of purpose, recommendation letters, and a resume.

After gaining admission, undergraduates complete major courses, general education requirements, and electives. Some students also complete minor courses. Students may also complete internships, a capstone project, and/or a thesis.

City Spotlight

Middletown, NY

For students looking to pursue opportunities of higher education, Middletown, New York is an ideal place to be. A short distance from vibrant New York City, colleges in Middletown provide students with a unique experience when it comes to earning their undergraduate, graduate, and certificate degrees.

The largest and most popular school in Middletown is Orange County Community College, often referred to as SUNY Orange as it is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. It was the first county-sponsored community college in the SUNY system, as well as the first two-year college in the nation to offer the associate degree nursing program.

With an enrollment of about 6,160 students, SUNY Orange is one of the leading junior colleges in the area for associate’s degrees in tech programs. Students of SUNY Orange have the convenience of choosing between day and night classes, weekend classes, and even some online courses. The most common majors include Nursing, Humanities Studies, Liberal Arts & Sciences, Business Administration and Management, and Accounting Technology.

Colleges and Universities in Middletown

COLLEGESIZETUITIONTYPE
Orange County Community College9,612$3,900Public

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