Online Colleges in New York

Considering online colleges in New York? Learn about the best online colleges in the Empire State, along with the cost of living and New York scholarships.
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Updated September 26, 2023

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Are you ready to discover your college program?

From the hustle and bustle of New York City to the natural beauty of upstate New York, the Empire State has a lot to offer. And there's a reason so many college students choose New York schools to earn their degrees.

But what if you're interested in online colleges in New York? The state's online colleges and universities offer an affordable path to a college degree. You can save money by enrolling at a CUNY school online and avoiding high living costs in New York City. And New York offers many scholarships and grants for distance learners.

Ready to get started? Keep reading to learn more about the best online colleges in New York, along with tips to save money.

AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Best Online Programs

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

Online Colleges in New York

Read About Our Methodology

#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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$18,934
Out-of-state
$18,934
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,146
Out-of-state
$16,146
Retention Rate
77%
Acceptance Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
10,557
Institution Type
Private
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%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$25,000
Out-of-state
$25,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,400
Out-of-state
$12,400
Retention Rate
64%
Acceptance Rate
98%
Students Enrolled
1,981
Institution Type
Private
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%

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 Rate
77%
Acceptance Rate
54%
Students Enrolled
7,830
Institution Type
Public
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.

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 Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
69%
Students Enrolled
3,006
Institution Type
Public
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%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,070
Out-of-state
$24,740
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,310
Out-of-state
$23,100
Retention Rate
89%
Acceptance Rate
44%
Students Enrolled
26,814
Institution Type
Public
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%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,070
Out-of-state
$13,534
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
70%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
3,223
Institution Type
Public
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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$28,590
Out-of-state
$28,590
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$19,350
Out-of-state
$19,350
Retention Rate
82%
Acceptance Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
3,959
Institution Type
Private
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%

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$18,978
Out-of-state
$18,978
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$28,740
Out-of-state
$28,740
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
32%
Students Enrolled
980
Institution Type
Private
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

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 Rate
52%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
10,440
Institution Type
Public
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

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 Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
54%
Students Enrolled
17,544
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
19% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Price Check

Did you know that in-state tuition in New York is lower than the national average? You can expect to pay around $8,400 per year in tuition and fees as an in-state resident, according to NCES data.

Cost of Living in New York

It's no secret that the cost of living in New York is higher than the national average. But costs vary widely depending on location. For example, New York City is more expensive than upstate New York.

Students also have many options to save money on living expenses. Living with roommates, taking advantage of student transportation plans, and getting medical care through campus health can lower costs. So can researching and utilizing student discounts.

Cost of Living in New York vs. National Average
Cost of Living Category Compared to National Average
Housing (Buy and Rent) 78% higher
Utilities (Monthly) 4% higher
Food 7% higher
Healthcare 6% higher
Transportation 8% higher
Goods & Services 12% higher
Source: RentCafe

New York Scholarships

New York State offers many scholarships and grants for college students — including distance learners.

Students at accredited online colleges in New York qualify for state and federal financial aid programs, including grants that cover thousands in tuition every year. We've found five scholarships to get you started.

10 Fast-Growing Jobs in New York

New York has a strong economy — and many of the fastest-growing careers require a college degree. Earning a bachelor's degree can lead to opportunities in healthcare, business, government, and many other growing industries.

You can become an agent, fundraiser, event planner, or museum conservator with a bachelor's degree from a New York college. Attending college online can help you launch careers in many of the following growing career paths.

Fast-Growing Careers in New York 2020-2030
Job Projected Growth Median Annual Wage
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes 87% $123,466
Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Directors 73% $70,164
Directors, Religious Activities and Education 67% $71,521
Fundraisers 60% $82,951
Clergy 60% $72,525
Religious Workers 56% $46,368
Nurse Practitioners 57% N/A
Museum Technicians and Conservators 56% $71,470
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners 54% $78,168
Music Directors and Composers 52% N/A
Source: New York State Department of Labor

Frequently Asked Questions About New York Online Colleges


What is the cheapest online college in New York?

The cheapest online college in New York is CUNY Lehman College. The public college reports an annual net price of $4,974, according to NCES data.

Lehman College offers several online programs, including bachelor's programs in accounting, nursing, sociology, and business. You can also earn a master's degree in business, education, or other fields.

What is the easiest online college to get into in New York?

Several online colleges in New York report high acceptance rates. For example, Empire State University, Roberts Wesleyan University, and Excelsior University all have a 100% acceptance rate. That means these schools admit all or nearly all applicants. They also offer online programs in many fields.

How much does online college cost in New York?

The cost of online colleges in New York depends on the school. At many schools, online students pay similar prices to on-campus students. In New York, public colleges charge an average tuition rate of $8,416, while private colleges charge around $42,631, according to 2020/2021 NCES data.

Is online college free in New York?

Online college isn't free in New York, but the state offers several forms of financial aid that can make college tuition-free. The Excelsior Scholarship covers tuition at a SUNY or CUNY college, including for distance learners.

Do I need to be a resident of New York to attend an online college in New York?

No, you don't have to be a New York resident to attend New York online colleges. You can enroll in an online program offered by a New York college from out of state.

Some New York colleges offer a flat tuition rate for distance learners regardless of their residency, and others charge students the regular out-of-state tuition.

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AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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