15 Cheapest Universities in New York City for International Students

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In New York City, 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 City, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 42 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in New York City, make sure to read more!

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

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
CUNY School of Professional Studies 8,400 USD - 10,500 USD 76%
Medgar Evers College 14,900 USD - 18,600 USD 58%
New York City College of Technology, CUNY 14,900 USD - 18,600 USD 58%
Lehman College, CUNY 14,900 USD - 18,600 USD 58%
City College of New York 14,900 USD - 18,600 USD 58%
CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies 14,900 USD - 18,600 USD 58%
John Jay College of Criminal Justice 14,900 USD - 18,600 USD 58%
Queens College, City University of New York 14,900 USD - 18,600 USD 58%
Macaulay Honors College 14,900 USD - 18,600 USD 58%
York College, CUNY 14,900 USD - 18,600 USD 58%
Baruch College, CUNY 18,600 USD 47%
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University 19,500 USD 44%
Metropolitan College of New York 20,200 USD 42%
Fashion Institute of Technology 21,700 USD 38%
Touro University 22,300 USD - 22,300 USD 36%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 34,800 USD for universities in New York City.

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1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Lehman College, CUNY

Lehman College is a part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system and is the system’s only four-year college in the Bronx area. It provides students opportunities to pursue the sciences, liberal arts, and professional education. Lehman College is ranked 251st in the US by QS rankings.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

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. 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.

11. Baruch College, CUNY

Baruch College is named after Bernard M. Baruch, a renowned financier, and businessman. It is a constituent campus of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, with an origin tracing back to the Free Academy, the pioneering institution for free higher education in the United States. Baruch College offers over 60 degree programs through its three schools: Marxe School of Public and International Affairs, Weismann School of Arts and Sciences, and Zicklin School of Business.

12. SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University

Situated in Brooklyn, New York, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University has been providing excellent medical and health sciences education to a broader segment of the population since its establishment in 1860. It has a diverse student population, 57% of which are minorities. The university aims to produce highly qualified professionals and practitioners who are not only knowledgeable and skilled but also possess the ethical and moral commitment to improve the health and overall well-being of the community.

13. Metropolitan College of New York

Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) is a private college in New York City. It was founded in 1964 by educational visionary Audrey Cohen as the Women’s Talent Corp. The college offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and adheres to Cohen’s purpose-centered philosophy by focusing on a single educational theme each term. Community Organization, Business, Hospital Management, Public Administration, and Business Support Services are among the most popular majors at MCNY.

14. Fashion Institute of Technology

The Fashion Institute of Technology is located in one of the biggest shopping districts in the world, New York. A member of the State University of New York, it hosts undergraduate and graduate programs in fashion, marketing, design, and fashion business management. Renowned alumni include Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, and Nina Garcia.

15. Touro University

Touro University was established as a higher education provider for the Jewish community. Over the years, the university has grown to become the largest private Jewish institution of higher and professional education that offers various degrees of education, from undergraduate to graduate studies, across 4 countries. The university is serving over 19,000 students across 35 schools across the world.

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

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
The Juilliard School 0 USD - 55,500 USD 100%
CUNY School of Professional Studies 6,780 USD - 10,200 USD 65%
St. Francis College 7,800 USD - 11,700 USD 60%
John Jay College of Criminal Justice 10,300 USD - 18,200 USD 47%
York College, CUNY 10,300 USD - 15,400 USD 47%
CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies 10,300 USD - 15,400 USD 47%
Graduate Center, CUNY 10,300 USD - 17,200 USD 47%
New York City College of Technology, CUNY 10,300 USD - 20,000 USD 47%
Lehman College, CUNY 10,300 USD - 18,000 USD 47%
City College of New York 10,300 USD - 19,400 USD 47%
Metropolitan College of New York 10,500 USD - 24,300 USD 45%
University of Mount Saint Vincent 10,700 USD - 17,600 USD 45%
CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy 12,100 USD - 18,100 USD 37%
Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology 12,500 USD - 18,700 USD 35%
Baruch College, CUNY 12,900 USD - 16,700 USD 33%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 19,100 USD for universities in New York City.

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1. The Juilliard School

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.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, The Juilliard School should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 0 USD to 55,500 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. 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.

The tuition fee at St. Francis College for incoming international master’s students is 7,800 USD to 11,700 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Another affordable university to consider in New York City is 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.

The tuition fee in John Jay College of Criminal Justice for master’s program for foreign students starts from 10,260 USD.

5. York College, CUNY

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, York College, CUNY 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 10,260 USD yearly.

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.

6. 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.

7. Graduate Center, CUNY

The Graduate Center, CUNY, is a major Ph.D. institution in the New York City University (CUNY) system, located opposite the Empire State Building, in the B. Altman and Company Building. Several Ph.D. programs at the CUNY Graduate Center consistently rank in the top 30 in the United States. In particular, the Advanced Scientific Research Center has a high application rate as it strengthens STEM education and promotes a collaborative research culture of scientists in various fields, which brings practical benefits to society.

8. 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.

9. Lehman College, CUNY

Lehman College is a part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system and is the system’s only four-year college in the Bronx area. It provides students opportunities to pursue the sciences, liberal arts, and professional education. Lehman College is ranked 251st in the US by QS rankings.

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. Metropolitan College of New York

Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) is a private college in New York City. It was founded in 1964 by educational visionary Audrey Cohen as the Women’s Talent Corp. The college offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and adheres to Cohen’s purpose-centered philosophy by focusing on a single educational theme each term. Community Organization, Business, Hospital Management, Public Administration, and Business Support Services are among the most popular majors at MCNY.

12. 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.

13. CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy

City University of New York’s Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy opened in 2007 to train health professionals and leaders who will provide high-quality health care for all and help improve healthcare policies and practices in different communities. With public service, inclusivity, and health equity among its core values, the institution strongly promotes equal access to healthcare regardless of race, background, and nationality. It also collaborates with different sectors of society to conduct various fundraising activities and community service programs.

14. Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology

Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology was founded in 1932 and originally established in New Jersey before moving to New York. The school specializes in aeronautics and aviation in both undergraduate and graduate level education. In terms of population, the school is highly diverse with over 10 ethnicities from across the globe. They envision to have transformational education through the core values of integrity, diversity, collaboration, achievement-oriented, and courage.

15. Baruch College, CUNY

Baruch College is named after Bernard M. Baruch, a renowned financier, and businessman. It is a constituent campus of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, with an origin tracing back to the Free Academy, the pioneering institution for free higher education in the United States. Baruch College offers over 60 degree programs through its three schools: Marxe School of Public and International Affairs, Weismann School of Arts and Sciences, and Zicklin School of Business.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Applying to cheap universities in New York City 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 City?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in New York City. For example, one of the best affordable schools in New York City is the Baruch College, CUNY, which offers Accountancy, Business Journalism, and Communication Studies to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Baruch College, CUNY offers Business Analytics, Information Systems, and Financial Risk Management.

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 City, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

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

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