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CUNY Queens College stands out among New York's Division II schools with an extraordinary net price of just $3,830 while maintaining a solid 60.2% graduation rate and producing graduates who earn $62,763 annually. This stark contrast to private institutions like Pace University at $31,046 reflects the state's commitment to accessible higher education through programs like TAP grants. The 11 Division II colleges across New York span from Buffalo to Staten Island, with acceptance rates ranging from 69.5% to 99.5%, making them accessible entry points into the state's finance, media, and healthcare sectors. Roberts Wesleyan University accepts nearly every applicant at 99.5%, while CUNY Queens College remains the most selective at 69.5%. Graduation rates vary significantly from Staten Island's 32.8% to Molloy College's leading 71.8%, yet even lower-performing schools connect students to New York's job market where Division II graduates earn between $52,055 and $77,789. The geographic spread from Amherst to Garden City positions students near major employment centers, with smaller colleges like St. Thomas Aquinas serving just over 1,000 students compared to Queens College's 13,060 enrollment.
11
Schools
$19,982
Avg. Net Price
$63,621
Avg. Earnings
58.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

NCAA Division II Colleges in New York

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 13,060 $3,830 60.2% 69.5%
2 3,185 $26,870 71.8% 76.6%
3 9,387 $5,115 32.8%
4 5,077 $28,348 68.9% 72.8%
5 1,299 $19,585 56.7% 84.0%
6 1,761 $18,244 58.4% 79.9%
7 1,009 $21,344 62.6% 88.6%
8 1,083 $26,187 56.8% 89.0%
9 7,725 $31,046 61.4% 82.9%
10 5,539 $15,770 48.1% 85.9%
11 1,065 $23,461 63.9% 99.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY schools so affordable compared to private Division II colleges in New York?

CUNY institutions like Queens College ($3,830) and Staten Island ($5,115) benefit from state funding and TAP grant eligibility, making them dramatically cheaper than private options like Pace University ($31,046) or Molloy College ($26,870). This price difference can save students over $100,000 across four years.

How do graduation rates vary among New York's Division II schools?

Graduation rates span nearly 40 percentage points, from Staten Island's 32.8% to Molloy College's 71.8%. Most private institutions like Adelphi (68.9%) and Roberts Wesleyan (63.9%) outperform public options, though CUNY Queens College achieves a respectable 60.2% at a fraction of the cost.

Where do Division II graduates typically find employment in New York?

Graduates earning $52,055 to $77,789 annually often enter New York's finance sector, media companies, healthcare systems, and growing tech industry. The state's high cost of living in NYC metro areas is offset by higher starting salaries, particularly for Molloy and Adelphi graduates.

Does school size affect the college experience at Division II institutions?

Enrollment varies dramatically from St. Thomas Aquinas's 1,009 students to CUNY Queens College's 13,060. Smaller schools like Roberts Wesleyan (1,065) often provide more personal attention, while larger institutions offer broader course selections and research opportunities within the Division II framework.

Is it easier to get accepted to Division II schools than Division I programs?

Most Division II schools maintain high acceptance rates, with Roberts Wesleyan accepting 99.5% of applicants and even selective Queens College accepting 69.5%. This accessibility makes them attractive alternatives to more competitive Division I programs while still offering NCAA athletics.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.