15 Free and Cheap Universities in New York for International Students

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In New York, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United States without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in New York, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 130 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in New York, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in New York for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in New York ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
United States Military Academy 0 USD 100%
United States Merchant Marine Academy 0 USD 100%
CUNY School of Professional Studies 8,400 USD - 10,500 USD 75%
SUNY New Paltz 11,400 USD 67%
Brooklyn College 14,900 USD - 18,600 USD 56%
City College of New York 14,900 USD - 18,600 USD 56%
CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies 14,900 USD - 18,600 USD 56%
Queens College, City University of New York 14,900 USD 56%
Macaulay Honors College 14,900 USD 56%
Medgar Evers College 14,900 USD 56%
College of Staten Island, CUNY 14,900 USD - 18,600 USD 56%
Monroe College 15,500 USD 54%
Houghton University 15,900 USD 53%
SUNY Delhi 17,000 USD 50%
SUNY Cobleskill 17,000 USD - 17,000 USD 50%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 33,400 USD for universities in New York.

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1. United States Military Academy

The United States Military Academy, also known simply as West Point, was established in 1802 in West Point, New York as legislated by President Thomas Jefferson. It is among the service academies in the United States dedicated to educating future soldiers. The academy currently offers 36 majors in various disciplines designed to understand and serve the needs of society.

2. United States Merchant Marine Academy

United States Merchant Marine Academy is a federal service academy that aims to train students who want to pursue a career in marine transportation, national security, and economics. It is known for its rigorous coursework with a heavy emphasis on practical learning. The academy is connected with multiple working commercial vessels abroad to allow students to gain real-world experiences during their stay.

3. CUNY School of Professional Studies

The City University of New York School of Professional Studies is known for offering highly flexible, mostly online programs designed for students and professionals who wish to enhance their skill sets and grow in their respective careers. A global frontrunner in online education, the school seeks to provide top-notch education in a way that is convenient for busy working professionals to complete at their own time and pace. Its program offerings cover a variety of disciplines, including business administration, psychology, and communication.

4. SUNY New Paltz

The State University of New York at New Paltz (SUNY New Paltz) takes pride in its affordable education, admitting students from all economic and social backgrounds. This inclusive environment leads students to a more productive and fun-filled experience. The university is considered an active contributor to the cultural life of New York.

5. Brooklyn College

Brooklyn College is a public university and is a member institution of the City University of New York University system. It is home to over 15,000 students and world-class faculty, which includes award-winning authors, playwrights, and prominent experts in various fields. There are over 100 student clubs on-campus, encouraging students to learn and grow even outside of the classrooms.

6. City College of New York

City College of New York offers excellent learning, teaching, and research on its beautiful campus. The institution aims to train students and help them achieve their career goals. It is one of the leading universities in the state due to its comprehensive and intensive curriculum.

7. CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies

The School of Labor and Urban Studies at City University of New York provides excellent academic programs that focus on serving the needs of workers and urban communities and promoting social justice. In addition to training students, it also offers various opportunities for adult workers to gain college-level education and acquire technical skills essential to their respective professions. The school also conducts research programs and organizes different activities that help raise awareness and encourage discussions on different labor-related issues and concerns.

8. Queens College, City University of New York

Queens College is a member of the 25-campus City University of New York system. It is well-ranked in the US, placing 344th in the Times Higher Education college rankings. Several programs are offered for undergrad and grad students. It has bachelor’s programs, adult collegiate education, and medical career preparation certificate for undergrads. As for grad students, Queens College provides master’s, online, and accelerated programs.

9. Macaulay Honors College

Standing among the most highly-rated public honors colleges in the United States, Macaulay Honors College is dedicated to providing academic opportunities and financial support to deserving students. It offers undergraduate and associate degrees in a diverse range of disciplines with programs designed to impart its students with professional and leadership skills. It is located in the heart of New York, a city that offers countless possibilities for educational and career growth.

10. Medgar Evers College

Medgar Evers College was founded in 1970 with a mission to provide individuals from Central Brooklyn with excellent and accessible educational opportunities and help address the social and economic needs of the community. The college was named after activist Medgar Evers, a significant figure and martyr of the civil rights movement. It caters to over 7,000 students and offers programs in different areas of business, education, health sciences, and liberal arts.

11. College of Staten Island, CUNY

College of Staten Island (CSI), CUNY is a public higher education that provides exemplary study programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It also offers associate programs, professional certifications, and continuing education programs. With a broad spectrum of programs, students of all ages are welcome to apply to continue higher education, gain skills, or advance their careers by completing a professional certificate at the university.

12. Monroe College

Monroe College is a private college in New York City. It has three campuses located in New Rochelle, Bronx, and Saint Lucia. Monroe College aims to provide students with valuable skills for a modern career and follows industry-driven curricula to do so. The college also encourages sports by providing the necessary support to its student-athletes, varsity, and club programs.

13. Houghton University

Established in 1883, Houghton College comprises diverse students and faculty members from across the globe. The university is deeply rooted in its Christian traditions, and its programs are primarily aligned with its faith and values. In addition, the university is fully committed to transforming the lives of students and preparing them to become competent leaders and experts in their chosen fields.

14. SUNY Delhi

State University of New York at Delhi, or SUNY Delhi in short, offers over 60 bachelor’s programs and 2 online master’s programs. Students from all over the United States and outside are accepted by the school, promoting its expansive reach and growth in their service. Honors Programs are also provided by the school to encourage and incentivize both excellent and upcoming scholars. Aside from recognition, those who receive the Honors Program also gain financial support through a scholarship attached in the Honors Program as well.

15. SUNY Cobleskill

SUNY Cobleskill, which is fully named State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill, is a public college founded in 1911. The college currently has 1,812 students with a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio. A little over 50 percent of their student population is female, while around 40 percent are males. The university offers 59 undergraduate and graduate level programs taught in over 75 buildings on the campus. Various varsity teams are also in the NCAA Division III level league, cementing themselves as a regional competing college.

 

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in New York for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in New York ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
United States Merchant Marine Academy 0 USD 100%
CUNY School of Professional Studies 6,780 USD - 10,200 USD 66%
Elmira College 7,200 USD - 15,300 USD 64%
Utica University 8,400 USD - 38,000 USD 58%
Le Moyne College 8,730 USD - 31,300 USD 56%
Canisius University 9,000 USD - 17,600 USD 55%
Dominican University New York 9,120 USD - 19,800 USD 54%
York College, CUNY 10,300 USD - 22,300 USD 48%
College of Staten Island, CUNY 10,300 USD - 15,400 USD 48%
Brooklyn College 10,300 USD - 15,400 USD 48%
City College of New York 10,300 USD - 19,400 USD 48%
CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies 10,300 USD - 15,400 USD 48%
Hilbert College 10,400 USD 48%
St. Francis College 10,400 USD - 16,000 USD 48%
University of Mount Saint Vincent 11,000 USD - 12,800 USD 45%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 19,700 USD for universities in New York.

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1. United States Merchant Marine Academy

United States Merchant Marine Academy is a federal service academy that aims to train students who want to pursue a career in marine transportation, national security, and economics. It is known for its rigorous coursework with a heavy emphasis on practical learning. The academy is connected with multiple working commercial vessels abroad to allow students to gain real-world experiences during their stay.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, United States Merchant Marine Academy should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 0 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. CUNY School of Professional Studies

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is CUNY School of Professional Studies. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at CUNY School of Professional Studies is 6,780 USD to 10,170 USD.

The City University of New York School of Professional Studies is known for offering highly flexible, mostly online programs designed for students and professionals who wish to enhance their skill sets and grow in their respective careers. A global frontrunner in online education, the school seeks to provide top-notch education in a way that is convenient for busy working professionals to complete at their own time and pace. Its program offerings cover a variety of disciplines, including business administration, psychology, and communication.

3. Elmira College

Situated in the state of New York, Elmira College is a private institution that was initially established to educate women. Today, it is a coeducational college that prepares students from all walks of life to become leaders and world-class citizens. The institution concentrates on offering liberal arts and science studies. Some of its programs have been nationally recognized for their high-quality education. Moreover, as it thrives to become one of the state’s leading colleges, it continuously improves its education system and develops more future-oriented programs.

The tuition fee at Elmira College for incoming international master’s students is 7,200 USD to 15,300 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Utica University

Another affordable university to consider in New York is Utica University.

Utica University is a private educational institution that already has an excellent reputation when it comes to academic offerings. The university actively supports its students when it comes to various international collaborations, allowing them to expand their career choices. It also seeks to give students ample real-work experience, which is vital in their future careers.

The tuition fee in Utica University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 8,400 USD.

5. Le Moyne College

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Le Moyne College has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 8,730 USD yearly.

Le Moyne College, a Catholic institution, is affiliated with the Society of Jesus, making it a Jesuit college. Excellent liberal arts education and training are provided at Le Moyne. They also offer undergrad and grad programs in other fields like the sciences. The institution takes pride in being a well-ranked college in and out of New York. The Times Higher Education ranking places it at 337th nationwide.

6. Canisius University

Canisius University combines academics and practical learning, helping students be enlightened about their future professional work. The institution also collaborates with multiple universities to heighten its research activities. In recent years, Canisius University has greatly succeeded in widening its international reach and is now one of the most progressive educational institutions in the state.

7. Dominican University New York

Dominican University New York is determined to train excellent professionals that will address the needs of their local communities. Although it has Catholic ties and religious values, it welcomes students from all backgrounds and faiths. It offers about 30 undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as multiple pre-professional health programs. They are known for the recent remodeling of its campus, with which they made their facilities highly sustainable and added state-of-the-art buildings, like the Health and Science center.

8. York College, CUNY

York College is part of the City University of New York system and was founded in 1966. It uses the main colors White, Red, and Black to represent the student population and the entirety of the school in various regional and national events such as NCAA Division III competitions. State-of-the-art facilities and equipment are also present in the school like an Olympic-sized swimming pool, indoor tracks, computer and science laboratories, as well as musical theaters and auditoriums. CUNY York College offers undergraduate and limited graduate-level programs for the youth.

9. College of Staten Island, CUNY

College of Staten Island (CSI), CUNY is a public higher education that provides exemplary study programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. It also offers associate programs, professional certifications, and continuing education programs. With a broad spectrum of programs, students of all ages are welcome to apply to continue higher education, gain skills, or advance their careers by completing a professional certificate at the university.

10. Brooklyn College

Brooklyn College is a public university and is a member institution of the City University of New York University system. It is home to over 15,000 students and world-class faculty, which includes award-winning authors, playwrights, and prominent experts in various fields. There are over 100 student clubs on-campus, encouraging students to learn and grow even outside of the classrooms.

11. City College of New York

City College of New York offers excellent learning, teaching, and research on its beautiful campus. The institution aims to train students and help them achieve their career goals. It is one of the leading universities in the state due to its comprehensive and intensive curriculum.

12. CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies

The School of Labor and Urban Studies at City University of New York provides excellent academic programs that focus on serving the needs of workers and urban communities and promoting social justice. In addition to training students, it also offers various opportunities for adult workers to gain college-level education and acquire technical skills essential to their respective professions. The school also conducts research programs and organizes different activities that help raise awareness and encourage discussions on different labor-related issues and concerns.

13. Hilbert College

Hilbert College was founded in 1957 in Hamburg, New York. It currently has over 800 students. Housing is available on-campus, and students can choose their accommodations from two resident halls and multiple apartment-style housing. With a small student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, students at Hilbert College get the right amount of attention and mentoring from their teachers.

14. St. Francis College

St. Francis College is a private educational institution that strives to provide excellent education and impart values founded on its Franciscan and Catholic heritage. It offers more than 70 programs in business, health sciences, and social sciences. The college shows its strong commitment to promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion by providing equal opportunities to all of its students and faculty and encouraging discussions to ensure that all members of the campus community are heard.

15. University of Mount Saint Vincent

University of Mount Saint Vincent is a 175-year-old Catholic liberal arts university located in New York City, United States. It was initially founded in 1847 as a women’s college by the Charity Sisterhood of New York and currently serves about 2,000 students through graduate programs in nursing, communication, education, and business. The University of Mount Saint Vincent has a ratio of approximately 13 to 1, and the most popular majors in the university are nursing, business, and psychology.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in New York?

Applying to cheap universities in New York requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United States for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in New York?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in New York. For example, one of the best affordable schools in New York is the Brooklyn College, which offers Accounting, Caribbean Studies, and Art History to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Brooklyn College offers Mathematics, Media Scoring, and Media Studies.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in New York, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in New York as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on free and affordable institutions in New York for international students was helpful!