Online Universities in New York
The Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce projects that by 2020, 69% of jobs in New York will require a postsecondary education. Earning a college degree can prepare people for a well-paying career with the potential for advancement. Prospective students, both in-state and out-of-state, should consider New York schools when researching where to earn their online degrees. Learners will find top online colleges in New York. This page includes a ranking of the best and most affordable online universities in New York.
We created this list of New York's best affordable online schools using several metrics. We considered affordability, the number of available courses and programs, and student support services. Use the rankings below to help find the best online program in New York for you.
New York's Top Affordable Online Colleges
#1 Online Colleges In New York
Mercy College
- Dobbs Ferry, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A Dobbs Ferry, New York, institution, Mercy College operates privately. The accredited school delivers many of its programs both in person and virtually. Online enrollment at the colleges totals 3,814 students. Degree-seekers can complete a bachelor's degree entirely online.
The school's academic offerings include a variety of popular majors. The flexibility of a virtual classroom space appeals to many degree-seekers. The school's programs often appeal to working professionals looking to advance their careers. The institution offers 14 online bachelor's programs and 25 online master's programs for distance learners to choose from.
Degree-seekers typically earn their bachelor's in four years. Students with prior college experience can transfer their credits toward a four-year degree to graduate in less time. The school should list admission requirements and application deadlines on its website.
Percent Online Enrollment
36%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Online Colleges In New York
Nyack College
- New York, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Nyack College enrolls students in 54 total programs from its New York City campus. The private institution features programs delivered either in person or remotely. The online programs' flexible format and 12-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio benefit degree-seekers. Working professionals and busy students often enjoy the top-ranking programs at the school, designed just for them.
Remote learners use an online classroom setting to communicate with teachers and peers during an online program. They develop key skills to help them in their future careers. General education classes teach critical thinking and problem-solving, both in-demand skills in today's workforce. Distance learners at the online school benefit from the support of academic advising, tutoring services, and career counseling. Degrees from the institution meet accreditation standards.
Nyack College Statistics:
Total Online Associate Programs: 3
Total Number of Online Bachelor's Programs: 2
Total Available Online Master's Programs: 10
Applicants Admitted: 98%
Percent Online Enrollment
51%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Online Colleges In New York
SUNY Oswego
- Oswego, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Ranking among the best online schools, SUNY Oswego's online programs are top-ranked. Business, healthcare, STEM, and social science are some of the program fields available to virtual learners at the public institution. Earning a college degree entirely virtually is possible through many programs. Instead of having to commute to the New York State campus, virtual enrollees earn their degree from the comfort of home.
Online learners interact with their peers and teachers through a virtual learning environment. Participants leave the program prepared to transition to the workforce because of the many experiential learning opportunities offered by the institution. The school supports distance learners through academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career counseling.
The accredited online institution features programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels to meet the needs of different students. The flexible format makes a college education accessible for more degree-seekers.
SUNY Oswego Numbers:
Total Online Students: 1,986
Available Online Bachelor's Programs: 3
Total Online Master's Programs: 1
Learners Awarded Financial Aid: 97%
Students Awarded Student Loans: 65%
Percent Online Enrollment
25%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#4 Online Colleges In New York
SUNY Polytechnic Institute
- Utica, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
SUNY Polytechnic Institute's 43 academic programs include bachelor's programs in many fields. The school's online certificates and degrees meet high standards for quality. The convenient online learning format is ideal for working professionals. The school offers support services for online and on-campus students. Learners can take advantage of peer and professional tutoring.
The New York school offers a comprehensive catalog of programs.
SUNY Polytechnic Institute at a Glance:
Percent of Undergrads Who Graduate: 57%
Percentage of Learners Receiving Financial Aid: 96%
Percentage of Learners Receiving Student Loans: 47%
Average Cost After Aid: $14,420
Grants Transfer Credits: No
Students can choose from multiple start dates. The school admits applicants at a rate of 69%. Admission requires school transcripts. Students can also learn about support services such as tutoring and career services. SUNY Polytechnic Institute is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, an independent accrediting body.
Percent Online Enrollment
45%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Online Colleges In New York
Stony Brook University
- Stony Brook, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Stony Brook University's online degrees provide an affordable education to distance learners. A comprehensive catalog of programs at the New York State school provides a variety of degree options. Nontraditional learners prepare for entry-level jobs and career advancement. The institution’s full- and part-time enrollment options provide learning flexibility. The school's online degrees offer a flexible asynchronous format. Hybrid programs offer the best of both worlds with in-person and online sessions. E-learners benefit from individualized instruction in small classes.
The virtual school offers 13 online master’s and three doctoral programs. Students pay for the affordable tuition with generous financial aid.
Stony Brook University at a Glance:
Status of School: Public
Online Enrollment: 5,769
Number of Online Degrees: 31
Total Bachelor’s Degrees Online: 1
Percent of Students Using Aid: 79%
Percent Online Enrollment
22%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#6 Online Colleges In New York
SUNY Canton
- Canton, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students can pursue affordable degrees at SUNY Canton. The New York State school offers comprehensive programming for undergraduates and graduate students. The institution delivers programs to prepare learners for entry-level jobs and career advancement. Online learners can pursue full-time and part-time enrollment. Degree-seekers in the school's programs arrange coursework around their schedules. The institution offers hybrid degrees with in-person and online sessions. Online degrees offer personalized learning options.
Students choose from 21 associate degrees and 29 bachelor’s programs. Nontraditional learners are able to pay for their education with affordable tuition and generous financial aid.
SUNY Canton Statistics:
Institution Status: Public
Total Online Learners: 2,072
Degrees Available Online: 18
Bachelor’s Degrees Available Online: 12
Enrollees Receiving Financial Aid: 95%
Out-of-state
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
64%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#7 Online Colleges In New York
St. Joseph’s College New York
- Patchogue, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private institution, St. Joseph’s College New York operates a campus in Patchogue. Besides its on-campus programs, the accredited school delivers many online programs. The college has 1,702 online enrollees. Fully virtual bachelor's programs are also available to degree-seekers.
Learners choose from many popular majors at the school. Remote classroom spaces often make it easier for degree-seekers to fit their studies into their lives. People looking to move up in their field may benefit from the school's many programs designed for working professionals. The institution's online program options include six bachelor's programs and three master's programs.
Most degree-seekers earn their bachelor's in about four years. Transferring previous credits into a four-year bachelor's program lets students with prior college experience graduate in less time. Contacting the school will help interested applicants learn more about admission criteria and application deadlines.
Percent Online Enrollment
43%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#8 Online Colleges In New York
Metropolitan College of New York
- New York, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Prospective students can explore affordable online programs at Metropolitan College of New York. The school offers comprehensive programming for undergraduate and graduate students. The institution, located in New York City, prepares students for entry-level jobs and career advancement. Online learning offers full-time and part-time enrollment. The school's asynchronous online degrees provide flexibility. Working students often pursue hybrid programs with online and traditional face-to-face instruction. Smaller classes help students achieve better outcomes.
Students pursuing undergraduate degrees choose from four associate degrees and five bachelor’s programs. The school offers affordable tuition and financial aid packages.
Metropolitan College of New York Facts:
School Status: Private
Online Students: 747
Online Programs Available: 1
Learners Receiving Aid: 93%
Percent Online Enrollment
76%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#9 Online Colleges In New York
SUNY Empire State College
- Saratoga Springs, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Based in Saratoga Springs, New York, SUNY Empire State College offers 73 online degrees. Degree-seekers can pursue 18 bachelor's programs and 13 master's programs online in various fields. The online options help students flexibly earn a degree. At the school, learners receive a rigorous education and top-ranked degrees. Learners can finish a four-year bachelor’s degree faster with transfer credits. Busy students can earn a master’s degree from the school’s comprehensive catalog. Some graduate programs require online learners to complete field experiences in their community.
Many students attend the school for the affordability. Degree-seekers submit school transcripts for admission. SUNY Empire State College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
SUNY Empire State College Statistics:
Total Programs: 73
Number of Online Bachelor’s Degrees: 18
Associate Degrees Available Online: 12
Number of Master’s Programs: 13
Undergrad Tuition Rates for Residents: $7,070
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
66%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#10 Online Colleges In New York
SUNY at Albany
- Albany, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A public institution, SUNY at Albany offers in-person and online degrees from its main campus in New York States. Students all around the United States enroll in the school's online programs. Remote programs in top fields like business, STEM, and healthcare help the college meet the needs of degree-seekers with diverse career goals.
Undergraduate and graduate programs are available for the school's online learners. General education classes impart foundational knowledge to undergraduate degree-seekers. Enrollees also take advanced classes in their field of study. Graduate students participate in seminars and build advanced skills in their online courses.
To learn more about admission requirements, application deadlines, and start dates, prospective students can reach out to the school. To find opportunities for financial aid, enrollees can work with the accredited institution's financial aid office.
SUNY at Albany Numbers:
Total Online Students Enrolled: 3,341
Percent of Applicants Accepted: 54%
Percent of Students who Graduate: 63%
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
Percent Online Enrollment
19%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
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Best Online Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Why Choose New York for Online Higher Education?
New York offers many fully online programs at a good value. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2020, about 51% of students enrolled exclusively in distance education courses. About 26% of students enrolled in some online classes.
The convenience and flexibility of online programs provide opportunities for diverse groups to earn college degrees, including single parents, full-time workers, and underrepresented populations. Working adults interested in a career switch can also benefit from an online program's convenience.
Cost of Attending an Online College in New York
Students can find many affordable online programs in New York. In-state students taking online and on-campus courses generally pay cheaper tuition than non-residents. However, some online programs offer tuition discounts to distance students.
Students eligible for in-state tuition must live in New York for at least one year before their first day of class. Learners can provide proof of residency with a New York state voter registration, New York state income tax returns, or New York state residential lease. They may also use a New York state driver's license as proof. Out-of-state students in neighboring states may qualify for reduced tuition rates due to reciprocity agreements.
The data below include the average in-state and out-of-state tuition rates for students in New York for the 2019-20 academic year.
In-State Tuition
Public, four-year institutions: $8,467
Public, two-year institutions: $5,476
Out-of-State Tuition
Public, four-year intstitution: $22,669
Public, two-year institution: $9,228
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
In-state and out-of-state students pay less for tuition in New York than the national average for four-year public institutions but slightly more for public two-year institutions.
Distance learners save money by not needing to commute to campus or pay some on-campus fees. They also save on housing expenses for dorms or off-campus living.
Considering a New York School as an Out-of-State Student
Nonresident students looking into attending online programs in New York should consider several factors before making their decisions. These factors include the anticipated cost of the degree and if out-of-state learners can benefit from reciprocity discounts. Whether a student's state of residence holds any state agreements or attendance restrictions for online learners is another factor.
Tuition Discounts
Many states participate in regional interstate compacts that give tuition breaks to students in qualifying neighboring states. Unfortunately, New York, along with Pennsylvania and New Jersey, does not belong to any interstate higher education compacts.
State Authorizations for Online Learning
New York is a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), which sets national standards for postsecondary distance education programs and courses. Membership in SARA is voluntary, and not all states participate. The agreement makes it easier for students to take distance education courses in other states. Students who live in a state other than New York can take distance education courses and programs from schools in New York if their state participates in SARA.
Check with an admissions or financial officer. Tuition rates are ultimately program- and institution-based.
Frequently Asked Questions for New York's Online Schools
We answered some of the most common questions students have when researching online colleges in New York. Use this FAQ to learn what to expect when earning an online degree in New York.
Do online credits cost more or less in New York?
Credit costs vary by school and program. Fully online colleges in New York may charge less per credit than traditional brick-and-mortar schools. However, schools that offer both online and in-person degrees often charge the same tuition rate to distance and on-campus learners. Some schools charge online students technology fees per class.
Which New York schools accept the most transfer credits?
Most online colleges in New York accept transfer credits from regionally accredited schools. Students transferring from one SUNY or CUNY institution to another typically find the credit transfer procedure simple. Schools in the SUNY and CUNY systems tend to accept the most transfer credits. Transferring credits from one school system to another, or from a public school to a private one, can be more difficult. Students should check with admissions departments to find out about course equivalencies and how many credits they can transfer.
Will any online colleges in New York accept a GED diploma?
Most online colleges in New York accept students who hold a high school or GED diploma. Online schools in New York that accept applicants with GED diplomas include New York University, Hunter College, and Rockland Community College. SUNY Polytechnic Institute and Alfred State College are two other examples.
How many academic terms per year do online colleges in New York offer?
Most online programs in New York follow the same semester schedule their home institutions follow for in-person courses. Purdue University Global, a 100% online, accredited school, offers new start dates every month. Walden University offers four start times per year for some programs. Other online colleges in New York offer frequent start dates.
Which online colleges in New York accept the FAFSA?
Students fill out the FAFSA to determine their federal financial aid eligibility, including for student loans, grants, scholarships, and work study. Schools use the information on the FAFSA to determine students' financial aid awards. Most accredited nonprofit colleges and universities in New York accept the FAFSA.
Are there free online classes I can take from New York colleges?
Many students find it helpful to take a free online course before committing to an online degree program. A variety of New York colleges offer free online classes. Columbia University offers free courses through edX, in topics like machine learning, corporate finance, and artificial intelligence.
How can I find online program options at New York colleges?
Students can find more than 650 online degree options at 64 different institutions by using the Open SUNY website. This searchable database lets students browse by academic subject and degree level. It also includes information about transfer credits, tuition and financial aid, and frequently asked questions. Open SUNY also offers special services to veterans and members of the military.
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