Cheapest Social Sciences Colleges in New York

SUNY Old Westbury delivers the nation's most affordable Social Sciences, General degree at just $9,900 net price, while private alternatives like Mount Saint Mary College charge $23,736. This $13,836 cost gap reflects New York's dual education system, where public universities serve budget-conscious students and private colleges compete for market share. The state's massive finance sector, from Wall Street investment firms to community banks, creates steady demand for social science graduates who understand market behavior and economic trends. Buffalo emerges as a surprising education center with three affordable options, including University at Buffalo where graduates earn $29,250 starting salaries. Graduation rates vary dramatically from Empire State University's 29.30% to Binghamton University's 83.60%, suggesting that school choice significantly impacts completion odds. TAP grants reduce costs further for New York residents, making public options even more attractive. The acceptance rate spread from Binghamton's selective 41.75% to Roberts Wesleyan's open 99.50% means students can find programs matching their academic profile across all price points.

Programs

$9,900 – $42,581

Net Price Range

$39,296

Avg. Program Earnings

66.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

33 Social Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	SUNY Old Westbury Old Westbury, New York	$9,900	$8,379	46.6%	92.1%
2	Empire State University Saratoga Springs, New York	$11,147	$7,630	29.3%
3	SUNY Buffalo State University Buffalo, New York	$14,229	$8,486	36.0%	86.0%
4	Mercy University Dobbs Ferry, New York	$15,770	$22,106	48.1%	85.9%
5	St. Joseph's University-New York Brooklyn, New York	$17,622	$34,535	64.2%	76.7%
6	Daemen University Amherst, New York	$18,244	$33,724	58.4%	79.9%
7	Canisius University Buffalo, New York	$18,322	$32,720	70.7%	77.7%
8	Niagara University Niagara University, New York	$18,740	$38,135	70.2%	89.6%
9	University of Mount Saint Vincent Bronx, New York	$19,920	$42,740	57.1%	88.9%
10	University at Buffalo Buffalo, New York	$20,470	$10,782	73.4%	67.7%
11	St. Thomas Aquinas College Sparkill, New York	$21,344	$37,720	62.6%	88.6%
12	Binghamton University Vestal, New York	$21,364	$10,363	83.6%	41.8%
13	Roberts Wesleyan University Rochester, New York	$23,461	$37,504	63.9%	99.5%
14	Elmira College Elmira, New York	$23,735	$37,932	64.0%	96.0%
15	Mount Saint Mary College Newburgh, New York	$23,736	$41,370	65.7%	88.3%
16	Long Island University Brookville, New York	$23,901	$41,642	55.4%	92.7%
17	Manhattanville College Purchase, New York	$25,842	$42,950	53.7%	84.1%
18	Dominican University New York Orangeburg, New York	$26,187	$33,060	56.8%	89.0%
19	Touro University New York, New York	$26,556	$21,810	65.0%	71.3%
20	Manhattan College Riverdale, New York	$26,881	$50,850	66.0%	82.3%
21	St. John's University-New York Queens, New York	$26,985	$50,110	68.5%	84.7%
22	Adelphi University Garden City, New York	$28,348	$47,290	68.9%	72.8%
23	Colgate University Hamilton, New York	$29,107	$67,024	90.5%	12.4%
24	Nazareth University Rochester, New York	$30,521	$40,880	72.9%	83.9%
25	Hobart William Smith Colleges Geneva, New York	$31,057	$63,268	72.7%	68.4%
26	Bard College Annandale-On-Hudson, New York	$31,771	$63,612	72.7%	46.1%
27	Clarkson University Potsdam, New York	$31,955	$57,950	73.6%	78.4%
28	Siena College Loudonville, New York	$32,697	$44,405	75.8%	80.4%
29	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy, New York	$33,139	$61,884	83.2%	64.5%
30	New York University New York, New York	$35,035	$60,438	88.5%	12.5%
31	Hofstra University Hempstead, New York	$35,129	$55,450	67.1%	69.3%
32	Union College Schenectady, New York	$36,000	$66,456	85.3%	46.5%
33	Fordham University Bronx, New York	$42,581	$61,992	80.3%	54.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between SUNY Old Westbury and private colleges?

SUNY Old Westbury charges just $9,900 net price compared to $23,736 at Mount Saint Mary College, creating a $13,836 annual savings. State funding subsidizes SUNY schools, keeping costs low for residents who pay only $8,379 in-state tuition. Private colleges rely on tuition revenue and typically offer higher sticker prices before financial aid, though some like Mercy University provide substantial aid packages that bring net costs to $15,770.

How do graduation rates correlate with college costs in these programs?

Higher-priced schools generally show better completion rates, with Binghamton University leading at 83.60% despite charging $21,364 net price. Empire State University has the lowest graduation rate at 29.30% but costs only $11,147, while mid-priced options like Canisius University achieve 70.70% graduation rates at $18,322. The pattern suggests that higher investment often correlates with better support systems and student outcomes.

Is Buffalo a good location for affordable social sciences education?

Buffalo hosts three affordable programs including SUNY Buffalo State at $14,229 and University at Buffalo at $20,470 net price. The city's lower cost of living compared to NYC helps stretch education dollars further while still providing internship opportunities with local government agencies and nonprofits. University at Buffalo graduates earn $29,250 starting salaries, showing decent return on investment for the region.

Does acceptance rate indicate program quality in New York social sciences programs?

Binghamton University maintains the most selective admissions at 41.75% acceptance while achieving 83.60% graduation rates, suggesting strong correlation between selectivity and outcomes. Roberts Wesleyan accepts 99.50% of applicants yet maintains 63.90% graduation rates, proving that open access doesn't necessarily mean poor results. Most programs accept 75-90% of applicants, providing reasonable access for average students.

Where do social sciences graduates find employment in New York's job market?

New York's finance sector employs social science graduates in market research, consumer behavior analysis, and economic forecasting roles at major Wall Street firms. The state government in Albany hires policy analysts and researchers, while nonprofits throughout the state need program evaluators and grant writers. Starting salaries range from $29,250 at University at Buffalo to higher levels in NYC metro area, where cost of living adjustments typically increase compensation packages.

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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.