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Suburban Colleges in New York

50 schools in New York. See our methodology.

The United States Merchant Marine Academy stands out among New York's 79 suburban colleges with an extraordinary combination of federal funding and career outcomes. Students pay just $7,506 net price while earning $90,610 after graduation, the highest return among all suburban campuses in the state. This contrasts sharply with schools like Vassar College, where students invest $38,182 annually. Graduation rates across these suburban institutions range from 29.3% to 91.3%, with Hamilton College leading at the top end and accepting only 11.8% of applicants. New York's TAP grant program helps offset costs for state residents, particularly valuable at SUNY schools like Binghamton University and Stony Brook University, which offer strong academics at $21,364 and $18,430 respectively. The state's finance and healthcare sectors create natural pathways for graduates, especially from specialized programs like Pomeroy College of Nursing, where graduates earn $83,972 despite the school's tiny 179-student enrollment. These suburban campuses serve as feeders into New York's major employment centers while avoiding the extreme living costs of Manhattan institutions.
50
Schools
$19,655
Avg. Net Price
$60,481
Avg. Earnings
58.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Suburban Colleges in New York

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Suburb-Large 947 $7,506 80.6%
2 Suburb-Midsize 14,401 $21,364 83.6%
3 Suburb-Large 17,420 $18,430 77.8%
4 Suburb-Large 179 $22,322 69.2%
5 Suburb-Midsize 2,045 $28,314 91.3%
6 Suburb-Large 20,284 $20,470 73.4%
7 Suburb-Large 53 $21,392 76.9%
8 Suburb-Large 2,430 $38,182 89.1%
9 Suburb-Large 9,117 $9,173 57.1%
10 Suburb-Small 2,760 $34,581 81.7%
11 Suburb-Large 5,039 $39,660 79.8%
12 Suburb-Midsize 1,773 $13,882 59.2%
13 Suburb-Large 3,185 $26,870 71.8%
14 Suburb-Large 3,447 $32,697 75.8%
15 Suburb-Large 2,579 $28,150 74.4%
16 Suburb-Large 141 $15,444
17 Suburb-Large 3,110 $19,067 61.6%
18 Suburb-Large 5,077 $28,348 68.9%
19 Suburb-Small 7,046 $11,147 29.3%
20 Suburb-Large 13,225 $29,694 70.8%
21 Suburb-Large 4,180 $8,508 29.3%
22 Suburb-Large 2,434 $21,547 71.0%
23 Suburb-Large 32 $42,908 54.2%
24 Suburb-Large 3,945 $9,900 46.6%
25 Suburb-Large 14,134 $4,882 24.9%
26 Suburb-Large 3,696 $8,433 29.3%
27 Suburb-Small 4,350 $32,965 74.1%
28 Suburb-Large 10,817 $5,736 23.4%
29 Suburb-Large 7,788 $9,301 23.3%
30 Suburb-Small 1,959 $10,363 29.2%
31 Suburb-Large 1,761 $18,244 58.4%
32 Suburb-Large 6,155 $35,129 67.1%
33 Suburb-Large 1,891 $30,521 72.9%
34 Suburb-Small 3,822 $7,442 23.3%
35 Suburb-Large 4,349 $7,178 24.8%
36 Suburb-Large 243 $8,002 100.0%
37 Suburb-Large 1,009 $21,344 62.6%
38 Suburb-Large 2,713 $18,740 70.2%
39 Suburb-Large 1,468 $21,132 70.0%
40 Suburb-Large 679 $4,843 53.0%
41 Suburb-Large 7,737 $6,569 22.5%
42 Suburb-Large 1,083 $26,187 56.8%
43 Suburb-Midsize 3,203 $8,035 22.9%
44 Suburb-Large 5,539 $15,770 48.1%
45 Suburb-Large 2,731 $27,951 57.4%
46 Suburb-Large 533 $20,799 49.0%
47 Suburb-Large 1,065 $23,461 63.9%
48 Suburb-Large 112
49 Suburb-Large 1,250 $25,842 53.7%
50 Suburb-Large 320 $14,664 30.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the United States Merchant Marine Academy such an strong value?

Students pay only $7,506 net price annually while graduates earn $90,610, creating the best return on investment among all 79 suburban New York colleges. The federal academy provides specialized maritime training with an 80.60% graduation rate and accepts 27.35% of applicants, leading directly to high-paying careers in shipping and logistics.

How do SUNY schools compare in suburban New York settings?

SUNY schools offer strong value with Binghamton University leading at $21,364 net price and 83.60% graduation rate, while University at Buffalo serves 20,284 students with a 73.40% graduation rate. Stony Brook University balances quality and affordability at $18,430, demonstrating how state funding creates accessible pathways to New York's job market.

Is Hamilton College worth its selective admissions process?

Hamilton College accepts only 11.78% of applicants but delivers a 91.30% graduation rate, the highest among all suburban New York colleges. Students pay $28,314 net price and earn $78,411 after graduation. The 2,045-student liberal arts college provides strong outcomes that justify its competitive admissions standards.

Does size affect graduation rates at suburban New York colleges?

Small schools often outperform larger institutions, with Island Drafting and Technical Institute achieving 76.90% graduation rates with just 53 students. Pomeroy College of Nursing graduates 69.20% of its 179 students who then earn $83,972. However, larger schools like University at Buffalo still maintain solid 73.40% rates across 20,284 students.

Where do suburban college graduates find the highest-paying jobs?

Specialized programs lead earnings, with United States Merchant Marine Academy graduates earning $90,610 and Pomeroy College nursing graduates earning $83,972. Liberal arts schools like Hamilton College ($78,411) and Marist College ($77,819) also produce high earners, reflecting New York's finance and healthcare sectors that value varied academic backgrounds.

What price range should students expect at suburban New York colleges?

Net prices span from $7,506 at the federally-funded Merchant Marine Academy to $39,660 at Marist College. Most fall between $20,000-$35,000 annually, with state schools like Farmingdale State College offering strong value at $9,173. TAP grants help New York residents reduce costs at public institutions significantly.

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