New York has one of the most extensive and historic higher‑education networks in the United States. With two major public systems, world‑renowned private universities, and a large community‑college network, the state serves millions of students across urban, suburban, and rural regions.

This guide organizes New York’s colleges into clear categories.

🏛️ 1. Public Universities in New York

New York’s public system is divided into two major networks:

• SUNY (State University of New York) – 64 campuses statewide
• CUNY (City University of New York) – 25 campuses in New York City

Major SUNY Universities

• University at Buffalo – Buffalo
• Stony Brook University – Stony Brook
• Binghamton University – Binghamton
• University at Albany – Albany

Additional SUNY Four‑Year Colleges

• SUNY Geneseo – Geneseo
• SUNY New Paltz – New Paltz
• SUNY Oswego – Oswego
• SUNY Cortland – Cortland
• SUNY Oneonta – Oneonta
• SUNY Plattsburgh – Plattsburgh
• SUNY Fredonia – Fredonia

Major CUNY Universities

• Hunter College – Manhattan
• Baruch College – Manhattan
• Brooklyn College – Brooklyn
• Queens College – Queens
• City College of New York – Manhattan
• John Jay College of Criminal Justice – Manhattan

🏫 2. Public Regional & Branch Campuses

Both SUNY and CUNY operate regional campuses, satellite centers, and specialized schools, including:

• SUNY Polytechnic Institute – Utica/Albany
• SUNY Maritime College – Bronx
• CUNY Graduate Center – Manhattan
• CUNY School of Law – Queens

These campuses expand access across New York City and the state’s upstate regions.

🎓 3. Private Colleges & Universities

New York is home to some of the most prestigious private institutions in the world.

Major Private Research Universities

• Columbia University – New York City
• New York University (NYU) – New York City
• Cornell University – Ithaca
• Syracuse University – Syracuse
• University of Rochester – Rochester
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) – Troy
• Fordham University – New York City

Private Liberal Arts Colleges

• Vassar College – Poughkeepsie
• Skidmore College – Saratoga Springs
• Hamilton College – Clinton
• Colgate University – Hamilton
• Bard College – Annandale‑on‑Hudson
• Sarah Lawrence College – Bronxville

🏫 4. Community Colleges

SUNY operates 30 community colleges, serving as major transfer pipelines to SUNY and CUNY universities.

Examples

• LaGuardia Community College – Queens
• Nassau Community College – Garden City
• Monroe Community College – Rochester
• Erie Community College – Buffalo
• Hudson Valley Community College – Troy

🔧 5. Technical & Specialized Colleges

Examples

• Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) – Manhattan
• The Juilliard School – Manhattan
• Pratt Institute – Brooklyn
• Culinary Institute of America – Hyde Park
• New York Institute of Technology – Old Westbury/NYC

📚 Summary

New York’s higher‑education system includes:

• Dozens of SUNY and CUNY universities
• Hundreds of private institutions
• A large community‑college network
• Specialized arts, design, culinary, and technical schools

The state offers one of the most diverse academic landscapes in the country.