Skip to main content

NCAA Division I Colleges in New York

21 schools in New York. See our methodology.

Columbia University commands attention with its 3.95% acceptance rate, the most selective among New York's 21 Division I colleges, yet offers a surprisingly affordable $20,148 net price that rivals state schools. This price advantage extends across the state's educational options, where costs range from $18,322 at Canisius University to $42,581 at Fordham University. Cornell University graduates earn the highest median salary at $104,043, reflecting the strong connection between New York's elite institutions and the state's finance, media, and tech sectors. The earnings potential varies significantly across institutions, spanning from $56,196 to over $104,000, often correlating with proximity to New York City's job market. State University of New York schools like Binghamton and Stony Brook provide strong value, combining reasonable costs with solid graduation rates of 83.6% and 77.8% respectively. TAP grants help New York residents manage college expenses, particularly important given the high cost of living in the NYC metropolitan area. The acceptance rates reveal a clear divide between highly selective private institutions like Columbia and Cornell, and more accessible options like University at Buffalo with its 67.71% acceptance rate, ensuring opportunities across different academic profiles.
21
Schools
$27,174
Avg. Net Price
$74,945
Avg. Earnings
74.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

NCAA Division I Colleges in New York

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 8,899 $20,148 95.0% 4.0%
2 15,935 $32,337 95.1% 7.5%
3 14,401 $21,364 83.6% 41.8%
4 17,420 $18,430 77.8% 49.1%
5 3,122 $29,107 90.5% 12.4%
6 20,284 $20,470 73.4% 67.7%
7 12,100 $18,486 63.9% 67.9%
8 5,039 $39,660 79.8% 62.9%
9 10,239 $42,581 80.3% 54.1%
10 15,245 $41,026 81.4% 51.8%
11 3,447 $32,697 75.8% 80.4%
12 1,768 $18,322 70.7% 77.7%
13 2,928 $26,881 66.0% 82.3%
14 1,579 $27,733 68.1% 68.5%
15 2,434 $21,547 71.0% 78.3%
16 1,892 $27,151 70.4% 81.1%
17 6,155 $35,129 67.1% 69.3%
18 9,742 $26,985 68.5% 84.7%
19 2,713 $18,740 70.2% 89.6%
20 2,731 $27,951 57.4% 96.4%
21 5,478 $23,901 55.4% 92.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Columbia University stand out among New York Division I colleges?

Columbia maintains the lowest acceptance rate at just 3.95% while offering a net price of $20,148 that beats many less selective schools. Graduates earn a median salary of $102,491, second only to Cornell. The 95% graduation rate matches Cornell's performance, making Columbia both highly selective and academically successful.

How do SUNY schools compare in terms of value and outcomes?

SUNY institutions offer strong affordability with Stony Brook at $18,430 and Binghamton at $21,364 net cost. Binghamton graduates earn $80,596 median salary with an 83.6% graduation rate, while Stony Brook produces $74,502 earners with 77.8% completing degrees. Both significantly outperform their modest costs.

Is the high cost of private colleges in New York justified by earnings?

Private college graduates often see strong returns despite higher costs. Fordham charges $42,581 but graduates earn $85,569 median salary. Manhattan College costs $26,881 yet produces the highest-earning graduates at $86,316. However, some expensive options like Syracuse at $41,026 yield $79,164, showing mixed value propositions.

Does location within New York affect college costs and outcomes?

NYC area schools generally command higher prices but often deliver stronger earnings. Columbia and Fordham in the city produce graduates earning over $85,000. Upstate options like Cornell ($104,043 earnings) and Binghamton ($80,596) prove geography isn't destiny, with strong outcomes across the state's varied regions.

What acceptance rates should students expect at New York Division I colleges?

Acceptance rates span dramatically from Columbia's 3.95% to Le Moyne's 78.28%. Mid-tier options include Binghamton at 41.75% and Syracuse at 51.75%. SUNY schools like Buffalo accept 67.71% of applicants, while private colleges like Marist accept 62.85%, offering accessible pathways for various academic profiles.

How do graduation rates vary among New York's Division I institutions?

Cornell and Columbia lead with 95.1% and 95% graduation rates respectively. Colgate follows at 90.5%, while Syracuse achieves 81.4%. SUNY schools show solid performance with Binghamton at 83.6% and Stony Brook at 77.8%. The range spans from 57.4% to 95.1%, reflecting institutional resources and student preparation.

Related

NCAA Division I Colleges Nationally All Colleges in New York Cheapest Programs in New York

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.