List of Colleges in New York City

New York City, with its dynamic culture and status as a global hub for business, arts, and innovation, is home to a diverse and rich array of higher education institutions. Among these, several colleges stand out not only for their academic rigor but also for their commitment to serving diverse student populations and preparing them for success in a wide variety of fields. From private liberal arts colleges to specialized institutions in technology and business, New York City offers an impressive spectrum of educational opportunities. The following is an overview of some of the leading colleges in New York City, each recognized for its unique strengths, academic programs, and student success rates.

College of Mount Saint Vincent, located in the Bronx, is a prominent institution known for its focus on empowering underrepresented groups. It has earned national recognition for its success in supporting Latino students, ranking number one in the United States for Latino success in science fields. As a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), the College of Mount Saint Vincent serves as a leader in providing Latino students with opportunities to excel in STEM disciplines such as biology, chemistry, and nursing. This commitment to inclusion and academic excellence sets the College apart as an institution that prioritizes access and success for diverse student populations.

Manhattan College, nestled in the Riverdale neighborhood of the Bronx, is another well-regarded institution, particularly noted for its outstanding programs in engineering, business, and liberal arts. It has been ranked 30th out of 999 schools in the mid-career median salary category by CNNMoney.com, underscoring the college's success in preparing its students for high-paying and sustainable careers. Manhattan College is committed to providing a blend of academic rigor and real-world experience, ensuring its graduates are well-equipped for leadership roles in industries ranging from business and finance to engineering and technology.

Monroe College, a private institution with campuses in the Bronx and New Rochelle, is known for its practical, career-oriented programs. It has earned recognition for being one of the nation's top schools in granting associate degrees in business, according to a Community College Week analysis of U.S. Department of Education statistics. Monroe College is dedicated to providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation. With strong programs in business management, healthcare administration, and criminal justice, Monroe offers a hands-on approach to education, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the job market.

Mercy College, with campuses in Dobbs Ferry and throughout New York City, has garnered national attention for its commitment to serving military veterans. It was named a Military Friendly College for 2011 by G.I. Jobs magazine, ranking in the top 15 percent of U.S. colleges and universities for military students. Mercy College’s focus on providing a flexible and supportive learning environment for adult learners and veterans is a hallmark of its educational approach. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business, health professions, education, and public service. The college’s commitment to serving students from diverse backgrounds and offering a high return on investment makes it a popular choice among non-traditional students.

Pratt Institute, located in Brooklyn, is one of the most prestigious art and design schools in the United States. It is consistently ranked as a leader in the fields of visual arts, architecture, and design. Pratt has earned recognition as number one among colleges of art and design in national surveys of media coverage, highlighting the Institute’s influence and stature within the creative fields. The school offers a comprehensive array of programs, including architecture, industrial design, graphic design, fine arts, and more. Pratt’s location in Brooklyn, a neighborhood known for its vibrant arts scene, provides students with ample opportunities to engage with the cultural heartbeat of the city while pursuing their studies. This unique intersection of academic excellence and artistic opportunity makes Pratt a top choice for aspiring designers, artists, and architects.

St. Francis College, located in Brooklyn Heights, is known for its strong academic programs and commitment to student success. Forbes.com has recognized St. Francis College as one of America’s Best Colleges, in part due to the high number of alumni who go on to assume leadership roles in their industries. The college offers a range of programs in business, health sciences, communications, and the liberal arts, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in various professional fields. The college’s emphasis on leadership development, academic achievement, and professional networking has helped shape its reputation as a provider of quality higher education in New York City.

St. Joseph’s College, with campuses in both Brooklyn and Patchogue on Long Island, offers a value-oriented education that emphasizes critical thinking, ethical leadership, and professional development. St. Joseph’s College is committed to providing an accessible, rigorous education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, with strong programs in business, education, nursing, and liberal arts. The college’s value-oriented approach makes it an appealing option for students seeking an affordable, high-quality education that prepares them for the workforce. Its focus on ethical leadership and academic rigor ensures that its graduates are well-prepared for success in a variety of industries.

Touro College, a Jewish-sponsored institution, has earned recognition for its rigorous academic programs and its commitment to student success. Touro’s programs span a wide range of disciplines, including law, business, healthcare, and education. The college is particularly known for its Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, which has gained recognition for producing high-quality healthcare professionals. Touro College also boasts a strong track record of student success, particularly in fields such as business and law. Its commitment to community service and professional development ensures that students not only receive an education but also have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society.

Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology, located in East Elmhurst, stands out for its specialized focus on aviation and aerospace technology. Vaughn College is one of the few institutions in New York City offering an undergraduate program in mechatronics, an interdisciplinary field that combines mechanical engineering, electronics, and computer science. The college’s emphasis on preparing students for careers in the aviation, aerospace, and technology industries has made it a unique and valuable educational institution. Vaughn’s close ties with the aviation and aerospace industries also provide students with access to internships, networking opportunities, and direct career paths into these rapidly growing sectors.

Wagner College, located on Staten Island, is renowned for its picturesque campus and strong academic programs. The college has received national recognition for its beautiful campus, ranked as “Most Beautiful Campus” in The Princeton Review's Best 357 Colleges, and for its outstanding theatre program, ranked as “Best Theatre”. Wagner offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with particularly strong offerings in the arts, health sciences, business, and education. The college’s theater program has produced many successful alumni in Broadway, film, and television, and the school’s commitment to academic excellence and creative expression continues to make it a top choice for students in the performing arts.

These colleges in New York City are a testament to the diverse and thriving educational opportunities available in one of the world’s most exciting and influential cities. Whether through a commitment to diversity and inclusion, strong connections to industries, or exceptional programs in the arts and sciences, these institutions provide students with the tools they need to succeed in their academic and professional lives. From the College of Mount Saint Vincent’s focus on Latino success in science to the specialized programs offered at Vaughn College, each of these colleges plays a crucial role in shaping the future of their students and contributing to the broader educational landscape of New York City.

List of colleges with campuses in New York City:

• American Musical and Dramatic Academy
• The Art Institute of New York City
• ASA The College For Excellence
• Bank Street College of Education
• Bard College
• Barnard College
• Berkeley College
• Boricua College
• Bramson ORT College
• College of Mount Saint Vincent
• Cooper Union
• CUNY (multiple campuses)
• Globe Institute of Technology
• Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion
• Helene Fuld College of Nursing
• Institute of Design and Construction
• LIM College
• Manhattan College
• Manhattan School of Music
• Marymount Manhattan College
• Mercy College (New York)
• Metropolitan College of New York
• Monroe College
• New York Academy of Art
• New York Career Institute
• New York Law School
• New York School of Interior Design
• Pacific College of Oriental Medicine
• Parsons The New School for Design
• Pratt Institute
• School of Visual Arts
• St. Francis College
• St. Joseph's College
• SUNY (multiple campuses)
• Teachers College, Columbia University
• The Juilliard School
• The King's College (New York)
• Touro College
• Vaughn College of Aeronautics & Technology
• Wagner College
• Weill Cornell Medical College