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2023 Most Popular Schools in New York

371 Schools Ranked
$44,616 Average Earnings
$19,965 Avg Student Debt

There are so many programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience. Alternatively, you may choose a trade school or bootcamp that prepares you to enter the workforce with knowledge in a specific field.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Course Advisor has created the Most Popular Schools in New York to help you in your search for the best school for you. This report analyzed 371 schools in New York to see which ones were the most popular programs for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

New York University

New York, New York
17,605 Total Awards
$59,064 Average Earnings
$21,688 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found New York University to be the most popular school for students in New York. Located in New York, New York, the large private not-for-profit school handed out 17,605 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $21,688 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $754.After graduating from NYU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $59,064 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

Read full report on New York University

13,952 Total Awards
$70,610 Average Earnings
$23,258 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Columbia University in the City of New York helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in New York. Located in New York, New York, the large private not-for-profit school handed out 13,952 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Columbia accumulate an average of $23,258 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $567, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Columbia, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $70,610 during the early years of their career. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

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#3

University at Buffalo

Buffalo, New York
9,304 Total Awards
$45,148 Average Earnings
$21,848 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University at Buffalo. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Schools in New York list. University at Buffalo is a public institution located in Buffalo, New York. The school has a large population, and it awarded 9,304 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,848 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $217 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, University at Buffalo graduates make an average of $45,148 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 49% were women.

Full University at Buffalo Report

#4

Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, New York
8,678 Total Awards
$53,237 Average Earnings
$21,235 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Stony Brook University. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in New York list. Stony Brook University is a large public school located in Stony Brook, New York that handed out 8,678 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $21,235 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $156, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, SUNY Stony Brook graduates make an average of $53,237 annually. Around 53% of those degree recipients were women.

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#5

Cornell University

Ithaca, New York
7,952 Total Awards
$65,907 Average Earnings
$14,061 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Cornell University helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in New York. This large private not-for-profit school is located in Ithaca, New York, and it awarded 7,952 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Cornell accumulate an average of $14,061 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $570, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Cornell graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $65,907 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 50% were women.

Read full report on Cornell University

#6

Syracuse University

Syracuse, New York
7,630 Total Awards
$45,338 Average Earnings
$24,031 Avg Student Debt

Syracuse University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #6 on the list. Syracuse is a large private not-for-profit school situated in Syracuse, New York. It awarded 7,630 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,031 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $512 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Syracuse graduates make an average of $45,338 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 52% were women.

Read full report on Syracuse University

#7

Hunter College

New York, New York
6,010 Total Awards
$47,839 Average Earnings
$15,892 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #7, Hunter College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Located in New York, New York, the large public school awarded 6,010 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,892 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Hunter graduates make an average of $47,839 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 73% were women.

Full Hunter College Report

#8

Excelsior College

Albany, New York
5,868 Total Awards
$58,705 Average Earnings
$20,421 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #8, Excelsior College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. This fairly large private not-for-profit school is located in Albany, New York, and it awarded 5,868 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,421 in student loans.After graduating from Excelsior College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $58,705 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 52% were women.

Full Excelsior College Report

#9

Fordham University

Bronx, New York
5,683 Total Awards
$52,826 Average Earnings
$23,315 Avg Student Debt

Fordham University came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in New York ranking. Fordham University is a fairly large private not-for-profit school located in Bronx, New York that handed out 5,683 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,315 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $702, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Fordham U graduates make an average of $52,826 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

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#10

Binghamton University

Vestal, New York
5,586 Total Awards
$46,303 Average Earnings
$20,517 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, Binghamton University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Binghamton University is a fairly large public school situated in Vestal, New York. It awarded 5,586 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $20,517 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $280.After graduating from Binghamton University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $46,303 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 52% were women.

Read full report on Binghamton University

#11

Baruch College

New York, New York
5,527 Total Awards
$53,516 Average Earnings
$15,104 Avg Student Debt

Baruch College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #11 on the list. Baruch College is a fairly large public school located in New York, New York that handed out 5,527 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,104 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Baruch graduates make an average of $53,516 annually. Around 52% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Baruch College Report

#12

University at Albany

Albany, New York
5,173 Total Awards
$41,271 Average Earnings
$22,369 Avg Student Debt

University at Albany landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. University at Albany is a fairly large public school located in Albany, New York that handed out 5,173 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,369 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $225 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UAlbany graduates make an average of $41,271 annually. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University at Albany

#13

Queens College

Queens, New York
4,883 Total Awards
$43,701 Average Earnings
$16,409 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #13, Queens College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Queens, New York is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 4,883 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,409 in student loans.After graduating from QC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,701 during the early years of their career. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Queens College Report

4,487 Total Awards
$29,068 Average Earnings
$11,961 Avg Student Debt

Borough of Manhattan Community College landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. BMCC is a public institution located in New York, New York. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 4,487 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $11,961 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, BMCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $29,068 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 65% were women.

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#15

St John's University - New York

Queens, New York
4,397 Total Awards
$53,740 Average Earnings
$23,694 Avg Student Debt

St John’s University - New York ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in New York list. STJ is a private not-for-profit institution located in Queens, New York. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 4,397 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from STJ accumulate an average of $23,694 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $674 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, STJ graduates make an average of $53,740 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

Read full report on St John’s University - New York

#16

Brooklyn College

Brooklyn, New York
4,334 Total Awards
$38,354 Average Earnings
$16,684 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #16, Brooklyn College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Brooklyn, New York is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 4,334 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Brooklyn College accumulate an average of $16,684 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Brooklyn College graduates make an average of $38,354 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

Full Brooklyn College Report

4,351 Total Awards
$40,415 Average Earnings
$15,189 Avg Student Debt

John Jay College of Criminal Justice ranked #17 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in New York list. John Jay is located in New York, New York and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 4,351 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from John Jay accumulate an average of $15,189 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $189, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, John Jay graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,415 during the early year of their career. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

Full John Jay College of Criminal Justice Report

#18

University of Rochester

Rochester, New York
4,070 Total Awards
$54,478 Average Earnings
$21,495 Avg Student Debt

University of Rochester did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #18 on the list. University of Rochester is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Rochester, New York. It awarded 4,070 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $21,495 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $403 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, University of Rochester graduates make an average of $54,478 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 55% were women.

Full University of Rochester Report

#19

Pace University - New York

New York, New York
4,063 Total Awards
$54,517 Average Earnings
$25,991 Avg Student Debt

Pace University - New York landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Pace University is located in New York, New York and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 4,063 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Pace University accumulate an average of $25,991 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $604.After graduating from Pace University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $54,517 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

Full Pace University - New York Report

#20

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester, New York
4,000 Total Awards
$58,966 Average Earnings
$25,679 Avg Student Debt

Rochester Institute of Technology came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in New York ranking. RIT is a private not-for-profit institution located in Rochester, New York. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 4,000 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $25,679 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $428.After graduating from RIT, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $58,966 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 39% were women.

Read full report on Rochester Institute of Technology

#21

Lehman College

Bronx, New York
3,900 Total Awards
$46,448 Average Earnings
$16,590 Avg Student Debt

Lehman College came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in New York ranking. Lehman College is a fairly large public school located in Bronx, New York that handed out 3,900 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $16,590 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Lehman graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $46,448 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 71% were women.

Read full report on Lehman College

#22

The City College of New York

New York, New York
3,744 Total Awards
$45,300 Average Earnings
$18,080 Avg Student Debt

The City College of New York landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. CCNY is a fairly large public school situated in New York, New York. It awarded 3,744 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from CCNY accumulate an average of $18,080 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from CCNY, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $45,300 during the early years of their career. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on The City College of New York

#23

Fashion Institute of Technology

New York, New York
3,706 Total Awards
$31,777 Average Earnings
$17,220 Avg Student Debt

Fashion Institute of Technology did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #23 on the list. FIT SUNY is a public institution located in New York, New York. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 3,706 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from FIT SUNY accumulate an average of $17,220 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $313, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, FIT SUNY graduates make an average of $31,777 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 85% were women.

Read full report on Fashion Institute of Technology

#24

Touro College

New York, New York
3,935 Total Awards
$58,965 Average Earnings
$20,597 Avg Student Debt

Touro College came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in New York ranking. Touro is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in New York, New York. It awarded 3,935 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Touro accumulate an average of $20,597 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Touro, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $58,965 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 71% were women.

Full Touro College Report

#25

LIU Post

Brookville, New York
3,674 Total Awards
$53,354 Average Earnings
$25,012 Avg Student Debt

LIU Post did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #25 on the list. Located in Brookville, New York, the fairly large private not-for-profit school handed out 3,674 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from LIU Post accumulate an average of $25,012 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $493.After graduating from LIU Post, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $53,354 during the early years of their career. Around 74% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on LIU Post

Not only did these schools make the top 50 list, but they also landed in the top 15% of this year’s ranking:

#26

Suffolk County Community College

Selden, New York
#27

Hofstra University

Hempstead, New York
#28

New York City College of Technology

Brooklyn, New York
#29

LaGuardia Community College

Long Island City, New York
#30

SUNY Empire State College

Saratoga Springs, New York
#31

The Graduate Center, CUNY

New York, New York
#32

College of Staten Island CUNY

Staten Island, New York
#33

The New School

New York, New York
#34

Mercy College

Dobbs Ferry, New York
#35

Adelphi University

Garden City, New York
#36

Nassau Community College

Garden City, New York
#37

Monroe College

Bronx, New York
#38

SUNY New Paltz

New Paltz, New York
#39

Queensborough Community College

Bayside, New York
#40

The College at Brockport

Brockport, New York
#41

Buffalo State

Buffalo, New York
#43

Farmingdale State College

Farmingdale, New York
#44

Kingsborough Community College

Brooklyn, New York
#45

Yeshiva University

New York, New York
#46

SUNY Oswego

Oswego, New York
#48

SUNY Cortland

Cortland, New York
#49

The College of Saint Rose

Albany, New York
#50

Marist College

Poughkeepsie, New York

Most Popular Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

View Most Popular Schools Nationwide >

To learn more about the schools below, just click on their names:

Rank School Location
51 Monroe Community College Rochester, NY
52 SUNY Westchester Community College Valhalla, NY
53 Relay Graduate School of Education New York, NY
54 SUNY Oneonta Oneonta, NY
55 Erie Community College Buffalo, NY
56 Hudson Valley Community College Troy, NY

Honorable Mentions

These schools also performed well in our most popular schools ranking:

Rank School Location
57 Ithaca College Ithaca, NY
58 New York Institute of Technology Old Westbury, NY
59 Utica College Utica, NY
60 SUNY Plattsburgh Plattsburgh, NY
61 Bronx Community College Bronx, NY
62 Bryant & Stratton College - Online Orchard Park, NY
63 St. Joseph’s College - New York Brooklyn, NY
64 Pratt Institute - Main Brooklyn, NY
65 York College Jamaica, NY
66 Molloy College Rockville Centre, NY
67 SUNY Geneseo Geneseo, NY
68 Medgar Evers College Brooklyn, NY
69 SUNY Old Westbury Old Westbury, NY
69 Clarkson University Potsdam, NY
71 Niagara University Niagara University, NY
72 Alfred State College Alfred, NY
73 St. John Fisher College Rochester, NY
74 Manhattan College Riverdale, NY
75 SUNY Fredonia Fredonia, NY

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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