Understanding the Ranking of Educational Institutions in New York City

New York City is a vibrant and diverse hub for education, boasting a wide range of institutions that offer quality education across various fields. From world - renowned universities to specialized colleges, the educational landscape in the city is rich and complex. This article aims to explore the rankings of some of the key institutions in New York City, providing valuable insights for students, parents, and educators.

Key National Universities in New York City and Their Rankings

According to U.S. News & World Report's 2025 best colleges guide, many of the top national universities in the United States are located in New York City. These institutions are ranked based on multiple factors, including graduation rates, borrower debt, standardized tests, student - faculty ratio, and financial resources for students.

1. Columbia University

Columbia University is ranked 13th in national universities. It is an Ivy League institution located in New York, NY. Columbia has three undergraduate schools: Columbia College, the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), and the School of General Studies. This private school guarantees students housing for all four years on campus in Manhattan’s Morningside Heights neighborhood. The tuition and fees for undergraduate students in 2022 were $65,524, and the undergraduate enrollment in fall 2020 was 8,148.

2. New York University

NYU is ranked 30th in national universities. Its primary campus is located in the lively Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan. It is a true city school with no distinct campus borders. Students are guaranteed housing for all four years in many residence halls throughout Manhattan, although many upper - classmen choose to live off - campus. NYU has a small but active Greek life with more than 30 fraternity and sorority chapters and over 300 student organizations on campus. In 2022, the tuition and fees were $58,168, and the undergraduate enrollment in fall 2021 was 28,772.

3. Fordham University

Fordham University is ranked 91st in national universities. As the school’s website says, "New York is [your] campus". It has campuses throughout New York City, including the original Bronx campus, Rose Hill, which is in walking distance to the Bronx Zoo, New York Botanical Gardens, and Little Italy. Today, it also has Lincoln Center and Westchester campuses. Freshmen do not have to live on campus, but students promised housing upon admittance are guaranteed a room for four consecutive years. The Fordham Rams play in the NCAA Division I Atlantic 10 Conference. In 2022, the tuition and fees were $58,082, and the undergraduate enrollment in fall 2021 was 9,904.

4. Yeshiva University

Yeshiva University is ranked 98th in national universities. It is a Jewish institution in New York City, divided into three undergraduate colleges: Yeshiva College, the Stern College for Women, and the Sy Syms School of Business, each at different campuses throughout Manhattan. The university has a campus in Israel, and more than 600 students a year study through the S. Daniel Abraham Israel program. All freshmen are required to live on campus, and there are hundreds of student organizations on campus. The tuition and fees in 2022 were $48,800, and the undergraduate enrollment in fall 2021 was 2,045.

5. CUNY - City College

CUNY - City College is ranked 121st in national universities. It is part of the City University of New York system. As a public institution, it offers quality education at a relatively lower cost compared to some of the private universities in the area.

6. St. John’s University

St. John’s University, located in Queens, NY, is ranked 152nd in national universities. It provides a diverse range of academic programs and has an active campus life.

7. Touro University

Touro University is ranked 171st in national universities. It offers various programs in different fields and caters to a wide range of students.

8. The New School

The New School is ranked 204th in national universities. It is known for its innovative and progressive approach to education, with a focus on fields such as art, design, and social sciences.

9. Pace University

Pace University is ranked 266th in national universities. It has a presence in New York City and offers business - oriented and professional programs.

Regional Institutions and Their Rankings

In addition to national universities, New York City also has many regional institutions that are highly regarded in their respective categories.

1. Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art

Ranked 2nd in regional colleges north. It is known for its strong programs in engineering, art, and architecture. The institution offers a unique educational experience with a focus on hands - on learning and creativity.

2. CUNY - Baruch College

Ranked 11th in regional universities north. Baruch College is part of the City University of New York system and is well - known for its business and accounting programs. It provides affordable education and has a large student body.

3. St. Francis College

Ranked 18th in regional colleges north (tie). Located in Brooklyn, it offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields such as business, liberal arts, and nursing.

4. Boricua College

Ranked 18th in regional colleges north (tie). Boricua College is committed to providing education to the Puerto Rican and Latino community. It offers programs in areas like social work, education, and the arts.

5. CUNY - New York City College of Technology

Ranked 21st in regional colleges north (tie). The college focuses on technology - related fields and offers associate and bachelor's degrees in areas such as engineering technology, computer science, and fashion technology.

6. Manhattan University

Ranked 22nd in regional universities north (tie). It provides a well - rounded education with programs in business, liberal arts, and science. The campus is located in a prime area of New York City, offering students access to various opportunities.

7. CUNY - John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Ranked 22nd in regional universities north (tie). John Jay College is a leader in criminal justice education. It offers programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, preparing students for careers in law enforcement, criminal justice policy, and related fields.

8. Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology

Ranked 23rd in regional colleges north. It specializes in aeronautics and technology - related programs. Students can study fields such as aviation maintenance, airport management, and aerospace engineering.

9. CUNY - Hunter College

Ranked 27th in regional universities north (tie). Hunter College offers a wide range of academic programs in the liberal arts, sciences, and professional fields. It has a diverse student population and a strong faculty.

10. CUNY - Lehman College

Ranked 31st in regional universities north (tie). Located in the Bronx, Lehman College provides education in areas such as social sciences, natural sciences, and the humanities. It plays an important role in serving the local community.

11. Berkeley College

Ranked 38th in regional colleges north (tie). Berkeley College offers career - oriented programs in business, criminal justice, and technology. It focuses on preparing students for immediate entry into the workforce.

Specialty and Liberal Arts Institutions

New York City also has several specialty and liberal arts institutions that hold their own unique rankings.

1. Barnard College

Ranked 14th in national liberal arts colleges (tie). It is a women's college and part of the Columbia University system. Barnard offers a liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and leadership development.

2. The King’s College

Ranked 169th in national liberal arts colleges (tie). The King’s College is a Christian liberal arts college located in the heart of New York City. It integrates faith and learning in its curriculum.

3. Marymount Manhattan College

Ranked 178th in national liberal arts colleges (tie). It offers programs in areas such as dance, acting, and liberal arts, preparing students for careers in the arts and other fields.

4. Medgar Evers College - CUNY

Ranked 181st in national liberal arts colleges. It is part of the CUNY system and provides a liberal arts education with a focus on community engagement and social justice.

The New York Institute of Technology

The New York Institute of Technology is another notable institution in the region. It is a global, private institution of higher education with 13,000 students on campuses in North America, China, the Middle East, and online.

In the 2021 US universities ranking, it was ranked #191 - 200. Niche rankings also place it well in certain categories. It is ranked #42 in best value colleges in New York, #10 in most diverse colleges in New York, and #28 in best colleges for computer science in New York. By salary score, different programs at the institute have varying rankings. For example, the registered nursing program has a salary score of 99, indicating strong post - graduation earning potential.

At the graduate level, New York Institute of Technology is ranked #78 in most graduates practicing in medically underserved areas, #49 in most graduates practicing in primary care fields, and #157 in occupational therapy (tie).

Conclusion

New York City offers a plethora of educational opportunities, with institutions ranked highly in different categories. Whether a student is interested in national universities, regional colleges, specialty institutions, or liberal arts colleges, there is an option to suit various academic and career goals. The rankings provide a useful starting point for students and parents to evaluate institutions based on their reputation, academic programs, and potential for future success.

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