Best Accredited Online Colleges in New York

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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