Many high school students dream about attending college in the Big Apple, the city that never sleeps. When narrowing down college lists, many factors such as proximity to home, degree programs, internship opportunities, financial aid, classroom size, and study abroad programs can influence the final decision. NYC provides opportunities for students to explore their interests, as there are many diverse restaurants, sporting events, and social action.

Are you looking to enroll in an NYC college, but need a kick start in your research? We’ve simplified your search by gathering helpful data from the 10 best colleges in New York City.

1) Columbia University

With a low 6% acceptance rate, Columbia University is Manhattan’s renowned Ivy League college. Columbia University is highly selective, as the admissions offices focus on building a diverse student body. This prestigious learning institution offers an abundance of extracurriculars, as well as a strong concentration on liberal arts education. Popular majors to pursue at Columbia University include:

• Social Sciences
• Biological and Biomedical Sciences
• Engineering
• Computer and Information Science
• Psychology

2) New York University

Located in the heart of the city, New York University (NYU) was founded as a private university in 1831. NYU’s admissions process is hyper selective with an acceptance rate of 20%. Moreover, tuition is pricey compared to other city schools at $53,308 per year. New York University provides an adventurous, urban lifestyle for both students that live on and off-campus, including attractions like Washington Square Park. NYU attracts talented and diverse students pursuing these top majors:

• Visual and Performing Arts
• Business
• Social Sciences
• Liberal Arts and Humanities
• Health Professions

3) Fordham University

Fordham University is a private Catholic institution located in the Bronx with has two campuses, Rose Hill and Lincoln Center. The university’s acceptance rate is 46%, with half of the incoming students with SAT scores ranging from 1320-1460 and ACT scores between 30-33. Fordham’s campuses offer great opportunities based on different majors and their experiences. Many of those studying at Lincoln Center can easily complete internships as they’re more accessible, and Rose Hill lets students appreciate the calm energy that surrounds the main campus with the historic architecture and botanical gardens. Here are some majors that are usually pursued at this historical university:

• Finance
• Economics
• Business Administration
• Communications
• Psychology

4) Fashion Institute of Technology

Surrounded by the hustle and bustle of Midtown Manhattan, the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) introduces new experiences for budding creators with opportunities to showcase their art and creativity. This public college has an acceptance rate of 53%, and the admissions office focus is to find the best, well-rounded artists to represent their community. With offering programs that are affordable and relevant, FIT provides about 50 majors and grants degrees like BS, MFA, and MPS. FIT’s innovative classes help to prepare students for success with these popular majors:

• Fashion and Apparel Merchandising
• Advertising
• Fashion and Apparel Design
• Marketing
• Illustration

5) CUNY Baruch College

The Baruch College, a lively urban setting in Manhattan, is a part of the CUNY System (City University of New York). This creates lively experiences for commuters within the city for programs and extracurriculars. Here are the top major programs students pursue:

• Finance
• Accounting
• Merchandising and Buying Operations
• Computer and Information Sciences
• Social Sciences

6) Pace University

With an acceptance rate of 76%, Pace University is a private university with campuses in Westchester and the main campus located in Lower Manhattan. With various degree programs and focus on experimental learning, Pace University is a hub for internships and provides students with unlimited opportunities in the metropolitan area. This private university also gives its students profound experiences in NYC, as the main campus holds organizations’ events that take place around the city. Those living on campus get the free will to experience the city’s unique destinations like the Brooklyn Bridge. Learn more about their great programs and how students achieve diverse experiences with these popular majors:

• Business
• Visual and Performing Arts
• Health Professions
• Psychology
• Computer and Information Sciences

7) CUNY New York City College of Technology

CUNY New York City College of Technology (City Tech) is another branch of CUNY with a particular focus on technology innovations. City Tech’s acceptance rate is now at 75% with a near equal gender split for incoming, degree-seeking students. As of recently, there are 57% of degree-seeking male students compared to 43% of degree-seeking female students. Students are constantly creating and mastering the technology that will shape the future of the healthcare, engineering, and business industries Here are some of the majors that City Tech’s creative students pursue:

• Engineering
• Health Professions
• Computer and Information Sciences
• Business
• Public Administration and Social Service Professions

8) St. John’s University

This Catholic private institution located in Queens has campuses in Staten Island and Manhattan. With an acceptance rate of 73%, St. John’s University has an active Greek Life, which emphasizes their humanitarian efforts with St. John’s Bread and Life support program for the poor. The university also houses 15 NCAA, D1 athletic teams, which includes their well-known men’s basketball team. With an almost even number of men and women in classes, here are the well-known majors at St. John’s University:

• Business
• Communications and Journalism
• Health Professions
• Biological and Biomedical Sciences
• Law Enforcement

9) CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice

As another branch of CUNY, this learning institution is affordable to most, and there are about 58% of undergraduates are female and 42% are male. With a focus on liberal studies, the students of John Jay are creative problem solvers and effective communicators in their community. This branch of CUNY is also a part of the hustle and bustle known as New York City’s streets, and this urban environment allows students to be resourceful, ambitious, and diverse. Here are some of the majors that students from John Jay pursue:

• Criminal Justice
• Forensic Psychology
• Social Sciences
• Legal Professions and Studies
• Public Administration

10) Pratt Institute

This artistic, private college located in Brooklyn is filled with plenty of scenic attractions in town and on campus. Pratt Institute embraces young visionaries and encourages them to have a balance of both practical and artistic knowledge to benefit their futures. Unlike other colleges and universities, about 91% of Pratt’s classroom sizes include fewer than 20 people. This provides many opportunities for professors and students to have stronger bonds through small group interactions. The beautifully landscaped school offers these popular majors:

• Architecture
• Graphic Design
• Interior Design
• Illustration
• Industrial and Product Design

Choosing the Best College in NYC

In hopes of preparing for their dream school, incoming students will need to be aware of SAT and ACT scores, as well as GPA requirements, letters of recommendation, and any portfolios for the art schools. Good luck with the search for the right university! Subscribe to our blog for helpful college planning tips.