17 Best Public Universities in New York City for International Students
New York City is one of the cities in United States you should look into if you want to study in a public university. Besides providing a path towards your academic goals, studying in New York City can give you valuable insights into its people and the local culture. You can also enjoy various activities here to make your studies abroad all worth it.
There are 43 universities you can find in New York City, New York, and 17 of them are public universities. Having these many choices makes New York City a great place for international students.
In this article, you’ll find out the public universities in New York City, with some added information on programs, tuition, and how many international students you’ll be studying with. Let’s get started!
| Rank | University | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University | New York City, United States |
| 2 | City College of New York | New York City, United States |
| 3 | Lehman College, CUNY | New York City, United States |
| 4 | Fashion Institute of Technology | New York City, United States |
| 5 | Baruch College, CUNY | New York City, United States |
| 6 | Graduate Center, CUNY | New York City, United States |
| 7 | John Jay College of Criminal Justice | New York City, United States |
| 8 | Queens College, City University of New York | New York City, United States |
| 9 | New York City College of Technology, CUNY | New York City, United States |
| 10 | Medgar Evers College | New York City, United States |
| 11 | York College, CUNY | New York City, United States |
| 12 | SUNY College of Optometry | New York City, United States |
| 13 | Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism | New York City, United States |
| 14 | CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy | New York City, United States |
| 15 | CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies | New York City, United States |
| 16 | CUNY School of Professional Studies | New York City, United States |
| 17 | Macaulay Honors College | New York City, United States |
Public Universities in New York City
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
12. SUNY College of Optometry
Established in 1971, the SUNY College of Optometry is a specialized higher education school that trains students to become professional eye specialists. It is among the leading institutions that provide top-class education in vision science. With about 65 affiliated clinical training sites, students are assured of getting the best training and mentorship throughout their studies.
13. Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism
Having opened its doors to aspiring journalists in 2006, the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism is dedicated to training ethical, responsible, and highly skilled reporters and journalists passionate about seeking the truth and making a difference in society. As part of City University in New York, it provides affordable yet world-class education to graduate students from New York and all parts of the world. The college also offers a range of scholarship opportunities to assist students in financing their education.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can International Students Study in Public Universities in New York City?
Absolutely! International students in public universities in New York City can pursue different program levels, but the most popular ones are bachelor’s and master’s programs.
As for tuition fees, note that these vary across specific disciplines and program levels, with some charging significantly more than others. Specifically, public universities in New York City, New York charge up to 21,700 USD for bachelor’s and 25,800 USD for master’s studies.
I hope this article can help you in your search for public universities in New York City, New York. Feel free to check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad.