Best Accredited Online Colleges in New York

Doug Wintemute
By
Updated on July 17, 2024
Edited by
Considering an online college in New York? Discover why accreditation is so important and where to find the state’s best accredited schools.

As a pioneering state in distance education, New York offers plenty of choices regarding online schools. The state has recently introduced several initiatives to improve educational access, outcomes, and equity, including the Excelsior Scholarship Program and the Every Student Succeeds Act.

In 2024, the state Governor added nearly $400 million in funding for City University of New York (CUNY) and State University of New York (SUNY) schools. The additional funding will contribute to financial aid, educational initiatives, and the maintenance and improvement of school facilities.

On this page, we’ll help you find the best online colleges in New York by highlighting key factors to consider — namely institutional and programmatic accreditation.

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What Colleges Are Accredited in New York

Accreditation is one of the most important factors in any school search. It comes in two forms: institutional and programmatic. The importance of programmatic accreditation varies by degree, but institutional accreditation determines whether a school can offer federal financial aid or accept transfer credits.

New York colleges and universities can pursue accreditation from any accrediting organization approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education (ED). Most of the state’s schools hold accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Institutional Accreditation

In 2020, ED removed the distinction between regional (typically for nonprofit schools) and national accreditation (typically for for-profit schools). Since the change, schools must hold institutional accreditation from one of the CHEA- or ED-approved accrediting organizations, such as the MSCHE.

Schools undergo a formal review process to qualify for institutional accreditation, which examines their structure and governance, faculty, programs, and student outcomes.

Subject-Specific Accreditation

Programmatic accreditation also comes from CHEA- or ED-approved organizations, but the process involves a subject-specific review. Some disciplines require programmatic accreditation to qualify for state licensure or other postgraduate credentials. Schools and employers may also require or prefer that candidates come from accredited programs.

Some common programmatic accreditors include the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

#1 Best Accredited Online Colleges in New York

Alfred University

  • Location-markerAlfred, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$29,635
  • Out-of-state$30,211
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$37,713
  • Out-of-state$37,713
  • Retention Rate73%
  • Acceptance Rate62%
  • Students Enrolled2,382
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment4%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Accredited Online Colleges in New York

SUNY College of Technology at Delhi

  • Location-markerDelhi, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,070
  • Out-of-state$10,840
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,310
  • Out-of-state$13,570
  • Retention Rate73%
  • Acceptance Rate72%
  • Students Enrolled3,086
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment42%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Accredited Online Colleges in New York

SUNY at Albany

  • Location-markerAlbany, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,070
  • Out-of-state$24,660
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,310
  • Out-of-state$23,100
  • Retention Rate80%
  • Acceptance Rate54%
  • Students Enrolled17,544
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment19%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Accredited Online Colleges in New York

SUNY College at Oswego

  • Location-markerOswego, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,070
  • Out-of-state$16,980
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,310
  • Out-of-state$23,100
  • Retention Rate77%
  • Acceptance Rate54%
  • Students Enrolled7,830
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment25%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Accredited Online Colleges in New York

Syracuse University

  • Location-markerSyracuse, NY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$50,616
  • Out-of-state$50,616
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$38,880
  • Out-of-state$38,880
  • Retention Rate92%
  • Acceptance Rate44%
  • Students Enrolled22,850
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment15%
  • AccreditationYes

How to Know if Your School or Program is Accredited

Most accredited schools and programs feature their accreditation status on their websites. Ensure that the school or program holds accreditation from an agency that is recognized by ED or CHEA. Use ED’s database and CHEA’s directory to check any prospective school’s status.

The Impact of Accreditation When Transfering Credits

Institutional accreditation streamlines the transfer credit process, as accredited schools typically only accept credits from other institutions with accreditation.

Programmatic accreditation can also affect transfer credits in some disciplines, including engineering, nursing, and education. If you plan on continuing your education at some point, consider a program that offers widely transferable credits.

Accreditation Criteria for Licensing

In fields requiring national or state licensure for professional practice, such as engineering or nursing, you may need to graduate from an accredited program. Accreditation ensures that each program meets the education and practical requirements for the field and adequately prepares graduates for the credentialing exam and any other licensure requirements.

Choosing the Right Online College in New York

To choose the right online college in New York, consider your personal needs and goals to find a program that aligns with your aspirations. To help navigate through the decision process, consider the following steps.

1. Check Accreditation Status

Start by ensuring your school and program hold the appropriate accreditation. You can usually find a school’s accreditation status on its website, but you can also search the school and program on CHEA’s databases and directories.

2. Format and Flexibility

Your program’s delivery method can have a major impact on your education. Make sure your studies fit around your work and home schedule, but also ensure that the delivery format gives you the experience you want. After all, increased flexibility may result in a more independent and less interactive learning experience.

3. Faculty Expertise

Learn more about a school’s faculty before enrolling to ensure your instructors have the appropriate expertise and credentials. A highly qualified faculty may improve your educational experience and provide valuable guidance and mentorship, particularly if they specialize in your field.

4. Financial Aid Offerings

While tuition is an important figure to consider as you research schools, these costs alone don’t always tell the whole story. You should also research available financial aid packages, as this can affect your overall financial burden.

5. Support Services

A school’s support services can improve your academic performance, mental health, and employment outcomes. Look into each school’s tutoring, academic advising, career services, and social services to find an option that gives you the help you might need.

Frequently Ask Questions About Online Colleges in New York

Does SUNY offer online degrees?

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

What is the average cost of online college?

According to EducationData.org, an online bachelor’s degree costs an average of $54,231 as of May 2024. However, online college costs vary depending on the program and school.

Is college free in New York?

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

How many colleges does New York have?

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