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 77%
Empire State University 8,472 USD - 10,600 USD 77%
SUNY Delhi 11,100 USD - 17,200 USD 70%
SUNY Morrisville 12,200 USD - 17,500 USD 66%
State University of New York at Fredonia 14,200 USD 61%
SUNY Brockport 14,600 USD 60%
Brooklyn College 14,900 USD - 18,600 USD 59%
City College of New York 14,900 USD - 18,600 USD 59%
New York City College of Technology, CUNY 14,900 USD - 18,600 USD 59%
John Jay College of Criminal Justice 14,900 USD - 18,600 USD 59%
CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies 14,900 USD - 18,600 USD 59%
Queens College, City University of New York 14,900 USD - 18,600 USD 59%
Macaulay Honors College 14,900 USD - 18,600 USD 59%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 35,800 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. Empire State University

Empire State University, also known as the SUNY Empire State College, is another member of the SUNY system situated in Saratoga Springs, New York. It offers on-campus and distance learning for associate, undergraduate, and graduate degrees for students around the world. Empire State University focuses on the delivery of flexible and accessible education, with over 100 programs available.

5. 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.

6. SUNY Morrisville

SUNY Morrisville is a public college in Syracuse, New York. It has two locations in Morrisville and Norwich. The state university was first established in 1908 as a college of agriculture for progressive public education for farmers.

7. State University of New York at Fredonia

The State University of New York at Fredonia is a place of inclusivity, diversity, and equity. It is committed to delivering an educational curriculum that integrates practical experience into a theoretical foundation. The university highly engages in numerous community projects and national collaborations to enhance student research activity.

8. SUNY Brockport

Located in a small town in New York, SUNY Brockport offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in its 3 colleges. Education in this university focuses on giving work experience to students before graduating, which is why they have 8 programs of paid and unpaid internships, an undergraduate research program, and community service opportunities. Besides academic programs, the university has dozens of extracurricular organizations that include a theatre club, a radio station and a TV station both managed by students, and more than 20 sports teams.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. New York City College of Technology, CUNY

New York City College of Technology is a degree-granting organization devoted to providing broad access to high-quality technical and professional education for a mixed urban population. City Tech’s specific emphasis on applied skills and place-based knowledge built upon a profound general education basis equips students with problem-solving skills and an awareness of technology’s social contexts. This curriculum has made its graduates competitive and highly competent.

12. John Jay College of Criminal Justice

John Jay College of Criminal Justice is a liberal arts college that offers over 60 undergraduate and graduate level programs. The student population is highly diverse, with students from over 130 countries. The college is proud of its alumni, including three Pulitzer Prize winners and hundreds who are doing volunteer and societal work. Over fifty percent of their alumni are involved in public work through the government or non-governmental organizations.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

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%
The Juilliard School 0 USD - 55,500 USD 100%
Niagara University 5,580 USD - 16,100 USD 70%
Le Moyne College 6,360 USD - 18,400 USD 66%
Empire State University 6,780 USD - 13,800 USD 63%
CUNY School of Professional Studies 6,780 USD - 10,200 USD 63%
Houghton University 6,900 USD - 12,000 USD 63%
Elmira College 7,200 USD - 15,300 USD 61%
St. Francis College 7,800 USD - 11,700 USD 58%
Russell Sage College 8,040 USD - 17,700 USD 56%
Canisius University 9,000 USD - 17,600 USD 51%
Utica University 9,000 USD - 25,400 USD 51%
Dominican University New York 9,120 USD - 19,800 USD 51%
Paul Smith’s College 9,444 USD - 14,200 USD 49%
Hilbert College 9,480 USD - 14,300 USD 49%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 18,300 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. The Juilliard School

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is The Juilliard School. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at The Juilliard School is 0 USD to 55,500 USD.

Hailed among the world’s best performing arts universities is The Juilliard School. It features a competitive acceptance rate, with only 7% of applicants successfully getting in the prestigious university. The Juilliard School has won over 300 Emmy, Grammy, Tony, and Oscar awards through world-class performances and renowned alumni.

3. Niagara University

Niagara University is a liberal arts and Catholic institution in the state of New York. Among US universities, it is ranked 301st by QS Top Universities Rankings and 501st by Times Higher Education. The university offers several programs dedicated to the arts, sciences, business, education, hospitality, tourism, and nursing. Some programs offer online setup or certifications.

The tuition fee at Niagara University for incoming international master’s students is 5,580 USD to 16,020 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Le Moyne College

Another affordable university to consider in New York is Le Moyne College.

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.

The tuition fee in Le Moyne College for master’s program for foreign students starts from 6,360 USD.

5. Empire State University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Empire State University 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 6,780 USD yearly.

Empire State University, also known as the SUNY Empire State College, is another member of the SUNY system situated in Saratoga Springs, New York. It offers on-campus and distance learning for associate, undergraduate, and graduate degrees for students around the world. Empire State University focuses on the delivery of flexible and accessible education, with over 100 programs available.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Russell Sage College

Russell Sage College is a private institution comprising two campuses in the state of New York: the Albany campus and the Troy campus. It is well-known for being one of the top colleges of choice for transfer students. The college offers over 50 academic programs in management, arts and sciences, health sciences, and education. 

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. Paul Smith’s College

Although Paul Smith’s College is in New York, it’s relatively far from the cities and their fast-paced lives. To be specific, Paul Smith’s College is located within a forest preserve in Adirondack Park, which gives students the unique opportunity of living surrounded by nature on a campus that has a lake and docks. This college offers about 25 bachelor’s degree programs and 2 master’s degree programs, but it’s known for its environmental and hospitality degrees. Its location gives students the opportunity of working with local businesses and develop research in the environmental sciences.

15. 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.

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 Canisius University offers Anthrozoology, Business Analytics, and Applied Nutrition.

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!