Best Online Colleges in New York
New York is home to more degree-granting institutions than any other state except California. Students can benefit from a rich diversity of program options across a multitude of academic fields. With this broad spectrum of choice, you’ll be able to find learning opportunities closely aligned with your goals, no matter your interests.
Explore key details about the Empire State’s online higher education network, including average costs, employment outlook, and popular locations for recent college graduates to launch their careers.
New York at a Glance
- According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), there are 233 nonprofit four-year institutions in New York.
- Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 41% of adults in the state hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- In fall 2023, about 38% of students at New York institutions were enrolled in online courses, per NCES.
- According to NCES, in fall 2023, there were over 300,000 students aged 25 and older enrolled at New York colleges.
5 Best Online Colleges in New York
Alfred University
- Alfred, NY
- 4 year
- Campus
- Accredited
While completing Alfred University's online programs, enrollees develop field-specific knowledge and practical skills that apply to roles across industries. One of the primary benefits of online learning is that it provides flexibility for busy students and working professionals.
Through the virtual learning platform, enrollees can connect with classmates and professors to develop their professional network. Degree-seekers who complete internships or research projects can leverage their experience when pursuing jobs after graduation. Career counselors help students identify professional goals and develop a plan to achieve them. Learners can participate in mock interviews, career workshops, and job fairs.
Educational expenses can vary based on the program. Admissions counselors can provide detailed cost information and help applicants understand the amount they should budget for their education. The institution offers awards to eligible enrollees, which can lower overall program costs.
4%
$29,635
73%
$30,211
- Acceptance Rate
- 62%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,382
- Institution Type
- Private
SUNY College of Technology at Delhi
- Delhi, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Students interested in attending online classes can research remote offerings from SUNY College of Technology at Delhi. While many degree-seekers enroll in the public school's 11 online programs, others study on campus in Delhi. The institution enrolls 1,307 learners in its online programs and delivers virtual resources to foster their academic success.
Online enrollees can network with peers and receive assistance from instructors through the virtual classroom environment. Learners complete general education requirements and advanced classes to prepare for roles in their field. Before registering for classes, students consult with academic advisors to identify course options aligning with their goals. Options for gaining professional experience while enrolled include internships and research projects.
In preparing for the costs of a degree, applicants can speak with the financial aid office to explore funding opportunities. In addition to grants and scholarships, students can consider work-study programs to fund their education.
42%
$ 7,070
73%
$10,840
- Acceptance Rate
- 72%
- Students Enrolled
- 3,086
- Institution Type
- Public
SUNY at Albany
- Albany, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
The virtual classroom environment allows enrollees to connect with classmates and instructors. In addition to completing internships, degree-seekers can bolster their resume by conducting original research. Career counselors help students identify professional goals and develop a plan to achieve them. By attending job fairs and career workshops, learners can create a plan to reach their professional goals after graduation.
Depending on their program, educational expenses may include lab fees and technology fees. Before enrolling, applicants should discuss full program costs with an admissions counselor. In addition to institutional funding, enrollees can apply for private scholarships based on their field and background.
19%
$ 7,070
80%
$24,660
- Acceptance Rate
- 54%
- Students Enrolled
- 17,544
- Institution Type
- Public
SUNY College at Oswego
- Oswego, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
SUNY College at Oswego offers top-ranked online degrees for learners seeking flexible study. Students can enroll in the school's four online programs without relocating to Oswego, where its main campus is located. At the institution, 1,986 enrollees choose to complete their studies online.
The school fosters a strong online learning community, featuring collaborative opportunities. Tools such as videoconferencing and discussion boards allow participants to communicate with peers. Students can collaborate with professors on original research projects and can pursue internships with local organizations. Distance learners can communicate with academic advisors to select classes aligning with their goals. Enrollees can participate in mock interviews to prepare for the workforce.
Many students apply for financial aid to reduce the financial burden of earning a degree. To receive the most funding possible, learners can apply for scholarships, grants, fellowships, and any other awards for which they qualify. The institution's statistics indicate that 97% of enrollees receive financial aid.
25%
$ 7,070
77%
$16,980
- Acceptance Rate
- 54%
- Students Enrolled
- 7,830
- Institution Type
- Public
Syracuse University
- Syracuse, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
While attending Syracuse University, students can choose from online programs across fields. Enrollees at the school can choose from 40 online programs or take on-campus classes on campus in Syracuse. The flexibility of online programs allow many learners to work full time while earning their degree.
The institution's online learning environment features opportunities for students to receive academic support and connect with peers. Many employers prefer candidates with professional experience, which learners can gain by completing internships or research projects while in school. Academic advisors help enrollees select courses based on their personal interests and professional aspirations. As they near completion of their program, students can participate in career workshops to prepare to secure employment after graduation.
Financial aid counselors assist applicants with locating the best funding options to minimize student debt and reduce the financial burden of earning a degree. Enrollees who have demonstrated academic excellence in their previous studies may qualify for merit-based awards. Of all degree-seekers, 82% receive some form of financial aid.
15%
$50,616
92%
$50,616
- Acceptance Rate
- 44%
- Students Enrolled
- 22,850
- Institution Type
- Private
Who Accredits Online Colleges in New York?
New York colleges and universities can pursue accreditation from any accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). Most of the state’s schools hold accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Schools undergo a formal review process to qualify for institutional accreditation, which examines their structure and governance, faculty, programs, and student outcomes.
Accreditation is important because it legitimizes your degree in the eyes of employers and other accredited schools. To be eligible for federal financial aid, you must attend a school accredited by an ED-recognized agency.
How Much Does College Cost in New York?
Given that the cost of living in New York state is about 25% higher than the national average, you might assume the same trend extends to higher education. However, the data says otherwise: Except for graduate programs at private institutions, higher education costs in the Empire State are very close to nationwide tuition averages at public and private colleges.
That being said, the average cost of college is quite high. New York offers many financial aid programs through its Higher Education Services Corporation. Highlights include:
- The Tuition Assistance Program, a need-based grant for students at New York public colleges.
- The Excelsior Scholarship Program, which offers tuition-free access to students who meet eligibility requirements and attend participating public institutions.
- The Enhanced Tuition Award, which can provide up to $6,000 toward the cost of your tuition at a private college.
You can further reduce your costs by taking advantage of federal and privately offered scholarships and grants, and by applying for aid programs your school offers internally.
Career Opportunities in New York
$58,560
Median annual wage in NY (May 2024)
+11%
Projected job growth in NY (2022-2032)
4%
Unemployment rate in NY (August 2025)
New York’s large population and high density of business activity make it one of the country’s most dynamic and promising labor markets. Several major industries drive the state’s economy, including financial services, healthcare, professional services, retail trade, manufacturing, and education.
You can also target the state’s high-growth careers that require a college degree. Key examples include preschool special education teachers, lab technologists, registered nurses, recreational therapists, medical and health services managers, and dietitians and nutritionists.
Popular Cities for Recent Grads
New York City
- The Big Apple topped all cities in Jones Lang LaSalle’s 2025 Talent Hubs report.
- The report found that nearly 11% of all U.S. college students moved to NYC after graduation.
- The New York City metro area added 95,300 jobs from January to May 2025, per the BLS.
Albany
- The state’s capital is home to about 905,000 people.
- The city offers a favorable income-to-rent ratio, diverse job opportunities, and high earning potential.
- Albany boasts growing game development and clean energy industries.
Ithaca
- Ithaca is a city of about 31,000 people in upstate New York’s Finger Lakes region.
- It is home to Cornell University, an Ivy League institution.
- Ithaca is known for its stunning natural scenery, historic charm, and thriving gastronomy scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
New York is the only state that is home to two Ivy League schools: Cornell University and Columbia University. Cornell is located upstate in Ithaca. Columbia is situated on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City’s Morningside Heights neighborhood.
