Cheapest Public Policy Analysis Colleges in New York

Empire State University delivers the nation's most affordable Public Policy Analysis education at just $11,147 net cost, nearly $4,600 less than the second-cheapest option. This dramatic savings comes with trade-offs, as the program shows a 29.30% graduation rate compared to peers reaching 48-95%. New York's policy market spans Albany's state government corridors to Manhattan's think tanks, creating abundant internship and career pathways. The state's 13 programs range from $11,147 to $39,253, with public institutions offering significantly lower costs than private alternatives.

Programs

$11,147 – $39,253

Net Price Range

$51,039

Avg. Program Earnings

69.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

13 Public Policy Analysis Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Empire State University Saratoga Springs, New York	$11,147	$7,630	29.3%
2	Mercy University Dobbs Ferry, New York	$15,770	$22,106	48.1%	85.9%
3	University at Albany Albany, New York	$18,486	$10,408	63.9%	67.9%
4	University of Mount Saint Vincent Bronx, New York	$19,920	$42,740	57.1%	88.9%
5	State University of New York at Cortland Cortland, New York	$19,951	$8,815	68.2%	59.8%
6	Wagner College Staten Island, New York	$27,733	$52,000	68.1%	68.5%
7	Hamilton College Clinton, New York	$28,314	$65,740	91.3%	11.8%
8	Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester, New York	$29,694	$57,016	70.8%	67.2%
9	Hobart William Smith Colleges Geneva, New York	$31,057	$63,268	72.7%	68.4%
10	Cornell University Ithaca, New York	$32,337	$66,014	95.1%	7.5%
11	Siena College Loudonville, New York	$32,697	$44,405	75.8%	80.4%
12	Hofstra University Hempstead, New York	$35,129	$55,450	67.1%	69.3%
13	Barnard College New York, New York	$39,253	$66,246	92.9%	8.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Empire State University so much cheaper than other programs?

Empire State University charges just $7,630 in-state tuition with a $11,147 net cost, leveraging its public status and focused curriculum. However, this affordability comes with a 29.30% graduation rate, suggesting students should carefully evaluate support services and program structure.

How do public and private program costs compare in New York?

Public institutions like SUNY Albany ($18,486 net) and SUNY Cortland ($19,951 net) cost roughly half of private options. Elite private schools like Cornell ($32,337 net) and Barnard ($39,253 net) charge premium prices but offer 95.10% and 92.90% graduation rates respectively.

Where do graduates typically earn the highest salaries?

Cornell graduates earn $57,318 annually, the highest among reporting schools, while Hobart William Smith graduates start at $44,942. These earnings reflect New York's strong policy sector, spanning state government, federal agencies, and major nonprofits.

Does Hamilton College offer good value despite its $28,314 net cost?

Hamilton combines a 91.30% graduation rate with just $17,000 average debt and $50,856 graduate earnings. The 11.78% acceptance rate indicates selectivity, but strong outcomes justify the investment for admitted students.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.