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Small Colleges in New York

50 schools in New York. See our methodology.

Small colleges across New York showcase remarkable earning potential, with Albany College of Pharmacy graduates averaging $131,426 annually. The state's 220 small institutions demonstrate how specialized programs can deliver outsized returns on investment. Two nursing schools achieve perfect 100% graduation rates, while the United States Merchant Marine Academy offers the lowest net price at just $7,506. These numbers reflect New York's position as a healthcare and finance powerhouse, where employers value targeted expertise over broad enrollment. Maritime training connects directly to the Port of New York, while nursing programs feed into the state's massive hospital systems. Even highly selective schools like Barnard College, with its 8.79% acceptance rate, compete alongside specialized technical institutes serving just 53 students. The Cooper Union maintains its tradition of affordable excellence at $16,478 net cost, preparing students for New York's growing tech sector. TAP grants help offset costs, though living expenses vary dramatically from rural Hamilton to Manhattan. This market rewards students who choose programs aligned with regional job markets, from Wall Street finance to upstate manufacturing.
50
Schools
$24,547
Avg. Net Price
$67,797
Avg. Earnings
71.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Small Colleges in New York

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 947 $7,506 80.6% 27.4%
2 283 $29,688 100.0% 22.2%
3 509 $26,027 68.8% 66.3%
4 273 100.0%
5 1,242 $21,781 74.9% 80.3%
6 3,219 $39,253 92.9% 8.8%
7 3,122 $29,107 90.5% 12.4%
8 891 $16,478 80.3% 22.5%
9 179 $22,322 69.2% 52.9%
10 2,045 $28,314 91.3% 11.8%
11 945 $31,766 41.5%
12 53 $21,392 76.9%
13 2,430 $38,182 89.1% 18.7%
14 3,855 $18,021 72.1% 74.9%
15 172 $29,744 86.8% 50.8%
16 2,070 $36,000 85.3% 46.5%
17 722 $37,732 12.0%
18 436 $8,943 97.1%
19 4,820 $18,833 70.2% 72.5%
20 1,725 $18,730 69.9% 69.5%
21 2,760 $34,581 81.7% 25.5%
22 661 $39,377 28.3%
23 2,729 $5,023 78.4%
24 1,773 $13,882 59.2% 81.7%
25 401 $14,187 70.6%
26 3,789 $16,547 58.8% 70.2%
27 460 $37,903 90.0% 10.6%
28 2,942 $47,560 83.7% 63.2%
29 829 $18,193 62.9% 30.0%
30 3,185 $26,870 71.8% 76.6%
31 29 $19,982 80.0% 58.8%
32 232 $10,079 61.5%
33 3,447 $32,697 75.8% 80.4%
34 2,579 $28,150 74.4% 73.1%
35 141 $15,444 40.0%
36 264 $46,892 67.7%
37 3,110 $19,067 61.6% 74.7%
38 4,004 $26,556 65.0% 71.3%
39 2,449 $31,955 73.6% 78.4%
40 25 $12,833 95.5%
41 1,157 $31,180 76.9%
42 1,768 $18,322 70.7% 77.7%
43 175 $34,530 33.3% 26.7%
44 3,067 23.8%
45 2,860 $15,644 53.5% 84.6%
46 2,928 $26,881 66.0% 82.3%
47 867 $21,148 64.7% 77.0%
48 4,439 $4,734 30.3% 59.1%
49 1,104 $39,723 39.9%
50 4,180 $8,508 29.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes New York's small colleges so expensive compared to other states?

Net prices range from $7,506 to $39,253, reflecting New York's high cost of living and premium real estate. Manhattan schools like Barnard face particularly steep operational costs, while specialized programs command higher tuition due to equipment and clinical partnerships with major medical centers.

How do graduation rates vary among New York's small colleges?

Graduation rates span from 41.5% to 100%, with nursing schools achieving perfect completion rates. St. Joseph's College of Nursing and Mount Sinai Phillips both graduate every student they enroll, while technical programs show more variation based on student preparation and program demands.

Is attending a highly selective small college worth the investment in New York?

Schools with acceptance rates below 15% like Barnard (8.79%) and Hamilton (11.78%) produce graduates earning $78,000-$85,000 annually. However, specialized programs like Albany College of Pharmacy yield higher returns at $131,426 despite accepting 66% of applicants.

Does school size affect earning potential for New York graduates?

The smallest programs often produce the highest earners. Island Drafting with just 53 students generates $62,379 median earnings, while larger schools like SUNY Geneseo with 3,855 students average $67,316. Specialized training trumps enrollment numbers.

Where do New York's most affordable small colleges provide the best value?

SUNY Maritime College at $21,781 net cost produces graduates earning $95,951, delivering strong return on investment. The state maritime academy leverages New York's shipping industry connections, while SUNY Geneseo offers quality liberal arts education at $18,021.

What role do specialized programs play in New York's small college market?

Healthcare and technical programs dominate the highest-earning categories, with pharmacy graduates topping $131,000 annually. Maritime, nursing, and engineering schools leverage New York's industry clusters, while 283-student specialized colleges often outperform larger full institutions in job placement.

Related

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.