2025 Best Bachelor's Degree Schools in New York
It's not easy to decide which school to attend when you have so many options available. College Factual was founded, in part, to help students make the decision as to what would be the best school for them. Our Best Bachelor's Degree Colleges in New York ranking is part of that endeavor.
What's on This Page: * Our Methodology
Your Choice of School Matters
Our analysis looked at 102 schools in New York to determine which ones have the best bachelor's degree programs. Our ranking methodology focuses on different objective factors to make this determination of the best schools. In the next few paragraphs, we'll talk a little about what we use in our analysis and why.
Early-Career Earnings
Average early-career salary of those graduating with a bachelor's degree is one indicator we use in our analysis to find the schools that offer the highest-quality education. This is because one of the main reasons people pursue a degree is to enable themselves to find better-paying positions.
Average Student Debt
In addition to average starting salaries, we also consider the average amount of student loans that students take on while pursuing their bachelor's degree.
The average debt load at a particular school may not be bad, but it's an important thing to consider in conjunction with post-graduation earnings.
Other Ranking Factors in Our Methodology
In addition to average post-graduation earnings and average student debt loads, we also look at a host of other factors to determining our Best Bachelor's Degree Schools ranking.
Several other factors - such as how much the school spends on educational resources, the demand of the school, the availability of online learning options, and the student body caliber - go into our rankings.
We go into more detail on these factors on our best schools ranking methodology page.
Check Out These Other Rankings
If you'd rather work on your bachelor's degree in a specific area of the country, you might be interested in our
rankings by place. Also, check out our other
college rankings to help you with your college decision.
Top Bachelor's Degree Schools in New York
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
4,219
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$60,802
Average Early-Career Earnings
$49,473
Average Student Debt
Cornell University tops this year’s ranking as the best school for bachelor’s degrees in New York for overall quality. Ithaca, New York is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 4,219 students in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $60,802 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $49,473.
Read full report on Cornell University
2,649
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$60,192
Average Early-Career Earnings
$52,064
Average Student Debt
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Columbia University in the City of New York. It ranked #2 on our 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in New York list. Located in New York, New York, the large private not-for-profit school handed out 2,649 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Columbia go into careers with an average salary of $60,192 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $52,064 after getting their degree.
Full Columbia University in the City of New York Report
7,444
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$48,655
Average Early-Career Earnings
$84,391
Average Student Debt
The excellent bachelor’s degree programs at New York University helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the best schools in New York. This large private not-for-profit school is located in New York, New York, and it awarded 7,444 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $48,655 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $84,391 in student loans.
Read full report on New York University
1,603
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$30,304
Average Early-Career Earnings
$36,273
Average Student Debt
The excellent bachelor’s degree programs at Fashion Institute of Technology helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best schools in New York. Fashion Institute of Technology is a medium-sized public school located in New York, New York that handed out 1,603 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $30,304 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $36,273 after getting their degree.
Full Fashion Institute of Technology Report
1,566
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$72,794
Average Early-Career Earnings
$63,369
Average Student Debt
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. It ranked #5 on our 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in New York list. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in Troy, New York that handed out 1,566 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from RPI is $72,794 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $63,369.
Learn More About Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
4,205
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$47,088
Average Early-Career Earnings
$53,582
Average Student Debt
Syracuse University did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in New York ranking, coming in at #6. Located in Syracuse, New York, the large private not-for-profit school awarded 4,205 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Syracuse make an average of $47,088 a year. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $53,582 after getting their degree.
Full Syracuse University Report
2,090
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$51,304
Average Early-Career Earnings
$34,865
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #7, University of Rochester did quite well on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in New York list. University of Rochester is located in Rochester, New York and has a fairly large student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,090 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from University of Rochester make an average of $51,304 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $34,865 in student loans.
Full University of Rochester Report
910
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$48,921
Average Early-Career Earnings
$50,489
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #8, Molloy College did quite well on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in New York list. Located in Rockville Centre, New York, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 910 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $48,921 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $50,489 in student loans.
Full Molloy College Report
2,645
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$44,602
Average Early-Career Earnings
$72,046
Average Student Debt
Fordham University ranked #9 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in New York list. Bronx, New York is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 2,645 students in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Fordham U is $44,602 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $72,046 after getting their degree.
Learn More About Fordham University
851
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$50,790
Average Early-Career Earnings
Barnard College landed the #10 spot on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in New York ranking. Barnard College is a small private not-for-profit school located in New York, New York that handed out 851 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Barnard go into careers with an average salary of $50,790 during the early years of their career.
Full Barnard College Report
2,448
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$59,828
Average Early-Career Earnings
$38,863
Average Student Debt
Rochester Institute of Technology came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in New York ranking. Rochester, New York is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 2,448 students in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from RIT is $59,828 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $38,863.
Read full report on Rochester Institute of Technology
5,679
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$42,992
Average Early-Career Earnings
$21,057
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #12, University at Buffalo did quite well on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in New York list. University at Buffalo is a large public school located in Buffalo, New York that handed out 5,679 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $42,992 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $21,057.
Learn More About University at Buffalo
5,259
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$49,507
Average Early-Career Earnings
$20,612
Average Student Debt
Stony Brook University came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in New York ranking. Stony Brook, New York is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 5,259 students in 2021-2022.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Stony Brook make an average of $49,507 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $20,612 after getting their degree.
Full Stony Brook University Report
3,899
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$44,844
Average Early-Career Earnings
$30,610
Average Student Debt
Binghamton University did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in New York ranking, coming in at #14. Located in Vestal, New York, the fairly large public school awarded 3,899 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Binghamton University make an average of $44,844 a year. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $30,610 in student loans.
Learn More About Binghamton University
943
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$52,924
Average Early-Career Earnings
Colgate University did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in New York ranking, coming in at #15. Colgate is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Hamilton, New York. It awarded 943 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Colgate make an average of $52,924 per year during the early years of their career.
Read full report on Colgate University
616
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$48,806
Average Early-Career Earnings
Hamilton College came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in New York ranking. Located in Clinton, New York, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 616 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Hamilton make an average of $48,806 per year during the early years of their career.
Learn More About Hamilton College
1,289
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$47,010
Average Early-Career Earnings
$57,821
Average Student Debt
Marist College ranked #17 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in New York list. Marist is a private not-for-profit institution located in Poughkeepsie, New York. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,289 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Marist make an average of $47,010 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $57,821 in student loans.
Read full report on Marist College
1,619
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$25,642
Average Early-Career Earnings
$69,910
Average Student Debt
The New School landed the #18 spot on the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in New York ranking. Located in New York, New York, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school awarded 1,619 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $25,642 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $69,910 after getting their degree.
Read full report on The New School
3,369
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$38,486
Average Early-Career Earnings
$18,085
Average Student Debt
John Jay College of Criminal Justice ranked #19 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in New York list. Located in New York, New York, the fairly large public school handed out 3,369 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $38,486 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $18,085.
Read full report on John Jay College of Criminal Justice
1,267
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$35,540
Average Early-Career Earnings
$51,860
Average Student Debt
Adelphi University did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in New York ranking, coming in at #20. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in Garden City, New York, and it awarded 1,267 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Adelphi make an average of $35,540 a year. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $51,860.
Full Adelphi University Report
1,461
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$41,189
Average Early-Career Earnings
$49,571
Average Student Debt
LIU Post did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in New York ranking, coming in at #21. LIU Post is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Brookville, New York. It awarded 1,461 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from LIU Post is $41,189 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $49,571 after getting their degree.
Read full report on LIU Post
1,322
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$31,538
Average Early-Career Earnings
$60,491
Average Student Debt
Ithaca College did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in New York ranking, coming in at #22. Located in Ithaca, New York, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 1,322 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Ithaca go into careers with an average salary of $31,538 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $60,491.
Learn More About Ithaca College
396
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$66,916
Average Early-Career Earnings
$53,720
Average Student Debt
Wagner College came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in New York ranking. Staten Island, New York is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 396 students in 2021-2022.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $66,916 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $53,720 after getting their degree.
Full Wagner College Report
1,479
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$33,870
Average Early-Career Earnings
$26,763
Average Student Debt
SUNY Cortland came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in New York ranking. This medium-sized public school is located in Cortland, New York, and it awarded 1,479 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from SUNY Cortland make an average of $33,870 a year. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $26,763 after getting their degree.
Full SUNY Cortland Report
314
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$65,149
Average Early-Career Earnings
$16,444
Average Student Debt
D’Youville College did quite well in the 2025 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in New York ranking, coming in at #25. Located in Buffalo, New York, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 314 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from D’Youville College make an average of $65,149 per year during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $16,444.
Read full report on D’Youville College
