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Rural Colleges in New York

24 schools in New York. See our methodology.

Colgate University stands apart among New York's 24 rural colleges, achieving a 90.5% graduation rate while maintaining highly selective 12.4% acceptance standards in Hamilton. This small-town academic powerhouse produces graduates earning $85,139 annually, nearly double the median for rural New York institutions. The state's rural college market spans dramatically in both cost and outcomes, from $3,074 at Kehilath Yakov Rabbinical Seminary to $31,771 at premium institutions. Community colleges anchor many rural economies, with SUNY's technology campuses in Alfred and Delhi training students for New York's growing tech and healthcare sectors. TAP grants help bridge affordability gaps, though net costs still range widely from under $4,000 to over $29,000. Rural students often benefit from smaller class sizes and tight-knit campus communities while accessing the same state university system that feeds into New York City's finance and media industries. Graduation rates tell a complex story, spanning from 18.2% to Colgate's strong 90.5%, reflecting the varied missions these institutions serve across upstate communities.
24
Schools
$14,471
Avg. Net Price
$47,084
Avg. Earnings
45.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Rural Colleges in New York

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Rural-Distant 3,122 $29,107 90.5%
2 Rural-Remote 867 $21,148 64.7%
3 Rural-Distant 3,510 $14,488 52.7%
4 Rural-Fringe 900 $5,576 33.7%
5 Rural-Fringe 206 $3,074 46.9%
6 Rural-Remote 2,597 $17,387 48.0%
7 Rural-Fringe 953 $7,803 33.7%
8 Rural-Distant 1,401 $22,701 55.5%
9 Rural-Fringe 1,265 $4,586 30.8%
10 Rural-Fringe 2,859 $7,222 30.7%
11 Rural-Fringe 1,249 $8,488 32.7%
12 Rural-Fringe 2,900 $14,186 28.0%
13 Rural-Distant 1,456 $12,851 27.4%
14 Rural-Fringe 3,320 $20,709 56.0%
15 Rural-Distant 88 $14,320 38.9%
16 Rural-Fringe 2,280 $31,771 72.7%
17 Rural-Fringe 916 $9,263 22.2%
18 Rural-Distant 57 $7,784 66.7%
19 Rural-Fringe 249 $5,823 18.2%
20 Rural-Distant 1,860 $17,393 31.9%
21 Rural-Distant 582 $24,583 53.3%
22 Rural-Distant 355 $22,921 40.9%
23 Rural-Distant 94 $9,641 69.7%
24 Rural-Fringe

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Colgate University different from other rural New York colleges?

Colgate achieves a 90.5% graduation rate with only 12.4% acceptance, producing graduates earning $85,139 annually. This places it among the nation's top liberal arts colleges, despite its rural Hamilton location with just 3,122 students.

How affordable are SUNY technology campuses in rural areas?

SUNY Alfred costs $14,488 net with 52.7% graduation rates, while SUNY Delhi runs $17,387 with 48% graduation rates. Both feed graduates into New York's tech sector, with Alfred graduates earning $50,445 and Delhi $51,629 annually.

Is community college a viable path in rural New York?

Rural community colleges serve 900 to 2,900 students with net costs from $4,586 to $14,186. Graduation rates range 27.4% to 33.7%, with graduates earning $38,817 to $44,441, providing affordable workforce training for local industries.

Does attending rural college hurt job prospects in New York?

Rural graduates access the same New York job market, with earnings from $36,442 to $85,139. Many programs connect to state industries like healthcare and technology, while TAP grants help students afford education regardless of location.

What enrollment sizes can students expect at rural New York colleges?

Rural enrollments vary dramatically from 88 students at Davis College to 3,510 at SUNY Alfred. Most range 867 to 3,122 students, offering intimate learning environments while maintaining full academic programs and campus life.

How competitive are admissions at rural New York colleges?

Acceptance rates span 12.4% at Colgate to 87.2% at open-access institutions. Most rural colleges accept 50% to 83% of applicants, providing accessible higher education options while maintaining academic standards across varied student populations.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.