Choosing a college in New York doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. While many colleges in New York are known for their high tuition costs, there are also plenty of affordable options available. This guide highlights the most budget-friendly colleges in New York , focusing on tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 academic year, so you can plan for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year with confidence.
In 2025, the average tuition and fees at 96 four-year New York Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees is $38,920, reflecting a 3.98% increase compared to the previous year.Among the 96 institutions analyzed, tuition rose at 79 colleges, while tuition decreased at only 2 colleges.
CUNY Graduate School and University Center ranks as the least expensive New York colleges. With tuition and fees at just $15,185, CUNY Graduate School and University Center offers an affordable education without compromising on quality. It is an excellent choice for students seeking value in their college experience.
Close behind are CUNY City College at$15,290 and CUNY Medgar Evers College at$15,302 both consistently recognized among the New York Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, providing quality education at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges.
At these Affordable New York Colleges, the average acceptance rate is 64.44%, and the average SAT score is 1,094, making them not only cost-effective but also accessible options for a wide range of students.
| School Name | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees | Graduate Tuition & Fees | Acceptance Rate | Total Population | SAT Score | Graduation Rate | Students to Faculty Ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 4 | CUNY Graduate School and University Center New York, NYPublic, 4-year | $15,185 ($7,235) $175 | $23,524 ($10,294) $116 | 68.49% | 9,536 | - | - | 13 to 1 |
| 2 1 | CUNY City College New York, NYPublic, 4-year | $15,290 ($7,340) - | $20,832 ($11,402) - | 60.02% | 15,544 | 1,260 | 57.00% | 15 to 1 |
| 3 1 | CUNY Medgar Evers College Brooklyn, NYPublic, 4-year | $15,302 ($7,352) - | - (-) | 86.05% | 3,736 | 920 | 20.00% | 13 to 1 |
| 4 1 | CUNY York College Jamaica, NYPublic, 4-year | $15,308 ($7,358) - | $20,948 ($11,518) - | 64.10% | 6,174 | 880 | 32.00% | 13 to 1 |
| 5 1 | CUNY Hunter College New York, NYPublic, 4-year | $15,332 ($7,382) - | $20,828 ($11,398) - | 53.80% | 22,538 | 1,280 | 57.00% | 14 to 1 |
| 6 1 | CUNY Lehman College Bronx, NYPublic, 4-year | $15,360 ($7,410) - | $21,000 ($11,570) - | 56.58% | 13,324 | 970 | 51.00% | 15 to 1 |
| 7 - | CUNY Brooklyn College Brooklyn, NYPublic, 4-year | $15,402 ($7,452) - | $20,954 ($11,524) - | 58.36% | 14,390 | 1,140 | 54.00% | 13 to 1 |
| 8 - | CUNY Bernard M Baruch College New York, NYPublic, 4-year | $15,414 ($7,464) - | $20,882 ($11,452) - | 47.52% | 20,081 | 1,280 | 72.00% | 19 to 1 |
| 9 - | CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice New York, NYPublic, 4-year | $15,420 ($7,470) - | $20,962 ($11,532) - | 57.11% | 13,763 | 1,080 | 56.00% | 16 to 1 |
| 10 - | College of Staten Island CUNY Staten Island, NYPublic, 4-year | $15,440 ($7,490) - | $21,080 ($11,650) - | 92.34% | 11,033 | 1,040 | 34.00% | 17 to 1 |
| Average | $15,345 ($7,395) | $21,223 ($11,371) | 64.44% | 13,012 | 1,094 | 48.11% | 15 to 1 |