The Ultimate Guide to Universities in NYC
New York City is not just a global hub for finance and culture; it is also a premier destination for higher education. From the ivy-covered walls of Columbia University to the urban campus of NYU integrated directly into Greenwich Village, the city offers a diverse range of academic environments.
This guide highlights the best institutions for undergraduate and graduate studies, including Ivy League heavyweights, top-tier public colleges (CUNY), and specialized private universities. Whether you are pursuing arts, business, or technology, NYC is your classroom.
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Highlights of Part 1
- Ivy League Excellence: Columbia University.
- Downtown Campus: New York University (NYU).
- Public Powerhouse: City College of New York (CUNY).
- Top Queens Choice: Queens College.
World-Class Institutions & Major Campuses
Columbia University
★ 4.6 (2,648 reviews)
Address: 116th and Broadway (Morningside Heights)
An Ivy League research university founded in 1754, known for its rigorous academics and historic campus.
New York University (NYU)
★ 4.4 (1,871 reviews)
Address: 80 Washington Square E (Greenwich Village)
A prestigious private university with a campus seamlessly integrated into the vibrant life of downtown NYC.
Queens College, CUNY
★ 4.3 (976 reviews)
Address: 65-30 Kissena Blvd (Queens)
A top-tier CUNY college offering a spacious campus and high-quality education at an affordable price.
City College of New York (CCNY)
★ 4.2 (624 reviews)
Address: 160 Convent Ave (Hamilton Heights)
The founding institution of the CUNY system, known for its stunning neo-Gothic architecture.
Fordham University Lincoln Center
★ 4.3 (106 reviews)
Address: 113 W 60th St (Lincoln Square)
Jesuit university campus located steps from Central Park and the performing arts center.
Baruch College
★ 4.0 (534 reviews)
Address: 55 Lexington Ave (Gramercy)
Renowned for its business school (Zicklin), attracting students globally to the heart of Manhattan.
Hunter College
★ 3.9 (615 reviews)
Address: 695 Park Ave (Upper East Side)
A distinguished public college offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Pace University
★ 4.2 (171 reviews)
Address: One Pace Plaza (Financial District)
Private university near City Hall, known for strong business and performing arts programs.
New York Institute of Technology (NYIT)
★ 3.9 (171 reviews)
Address: 1855 Broadway (Columbus Circle)
Focuses on technology, architecture, and applied scientific research.
Manhattan College
★ 4.2 (222 reviews)
Address: 4513 Manhattan College Pkwy (The Bronx)
Private liberal arts college in the Bronx offering a traditional campus feel.
Specialized & International Institutions
The New School
★ 4.6 (36 reviews)
Address: 63 5th Ave (Greenwich Village)
Progressive university housing the famous Parsons School of Design.
CUNY Graduate Center
★ 4.6 (128 reviews)
Address: 365 5th Ave (Midtown)
The principal doctorate-granting institution of the City University of New York.
NYU Institute of Fine Arts
★ 4.6 (16 reviews)
Address: 1 E 78th St (Upper East Side)
Dedicated to graduate teaching and advanced research in the history of art and archaeology.
Empire State University
★ 4.3 (33 reviews)
Address: 4 Park Ave (Midtown)
Part of the SUNY system, focused on flexible learning for adult students.
IE University – New York
★ 4.7 (3 reviews)
Address: 1 Rockefeller Plaza (Midtown)
The NYC office of the prestigious international university, connecting students to global business.
Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC)
★ 4.0 (689 reviews)
Address: 199 Chambers St (Tribeca)
A large CUNY community college offering diverse associate degree programs.
IE New York College (IENYC)
★ 4.4 (7 reviews)
Address: 64 Wooster St (SoHo)
A specialized college focusing on business and sustainability.
St. John’s University Manhattan Campus
★ 4.3 (36 reviews)
Address: 101 Astor Pl (East Village)
The Manhattan location of the major Catholic university, focusing on business and education.
Metropolitan College of New York
★ 4.2 (63 reviews)
Address: 60 West St (Financial District)
A non-profit college emphasizing experiential learning and social justice.
Queensborough Community College
★ 4.2 (475 reviews)
Address: 222-05 56th Ave (Bayside)
A CUNY community college in Queens known for its diverse student body and academic support.
Columbia University, New York University (NYU), Queens College CUNY, City College of New York (CCNY), Fordham University Lincoln Center, Baruch College, Hunter College, Pace University, New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), Manhattan College,
The New School, CUNY Graduate Center, NYU Institute of Fine Arts, Empire State University, IE University – New York, Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), IE New York College (IENYC), St. John’s University Manhattan Campus, Metropolitan College of New York, Queensborough Community College.
