New York City is not all about skyscrapers, yellow cabs, and dollar pizza — it’s also home to some of the world’s most elite universities. The Big Apple is a draw for students from all corners of the world, owing to its rich culture and boundless career prospects. If you’re thinking of studying in one of the world’s most vibrant cities, here’s what you need to know, along with a rundown of the best universities that call NYC home.
Top universities in New York City
With the glitzy lights of Times Square on one hand and the learned stature of Ivy League buildings on the other, the city is alive with dynamism, potential, and boundless learning. For students who wish to carry out their higher studies in America, NYC presents a potent combination of world-class universities, career exposure, and multicultural experiences. Below, we have listed the top universities in New York City.
1. Columbia University
Location: Manhattan (Morningside Heights)
Founded: 1754
Most popular courses:
- Political Science
- Journalism
- Business Administration (Columbia Business School)
- Medicine
- Law
Average tuition fees:
- Domestic & international students: Approx. $67,500/year
- Living expenses: Around $21,000/year
Columbia University, a proud Ivy League member, is known for academic rigor and global influence. Founded in 1754, it boasts a historic campus and cutting-edge research facilities. Students pursue programs in journalism, international affairs, business, medicine, and more.
2. New York University (NYU)
Location: Greenwich Village, Manhattan
Founded: 1831
Most popular courses:
- Film & Television
- Business
- Psychology
- Computer Science
- International Relations
Average tuition fees:
- Domestic & international students: Around $60,000/year
- Living expenses: Approx. $25,000/year
NYU is synonymous with innovation. Its Tisch School of the Arts and the Stern School of Business are globally recognized. Studying at NYU means learning in the heart of downtown Manhattan with Wall Street, SoHo, and Times Square at your doorstep.
3. The City University of New York (CUNY)
Location: Multiple campuses across NYC
Founded: 1961 (System), individual colleges vary (e.g., City College of New York – 1847)
Most popular courses:
- Accounting
- Liberal Arts
- Computer Information Systems
- Psychology
- Public Policy
Average tuition fees:
- Domestic students: Approx. $7,500/year
- International students: Around $18,000/year
CUNY is NYC’s public university system, offering affordable, high-quality education. All five boroughs are home to 25 CUNY campuses, providing higher education to students of all backgrounds. With campuses spread across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, student housing in NYC near CUNY schools ranges from shared apartments to budget-friendly studios.
4. Fordham University
Location: Bronx (Rose Hill), Manhattan (Lincoln Center)
Founded: 1841
Most popular courses:
- Law
- Psychology
- Economics
- Journalism
- Theology
Average tuition fees:
- Domestic & international students: Around $58,000/year
- Living costs: $20,000/year
A private Jesuit university known for its strong programs in law, business, and liberal arts. Located in Manhattan with a traditional campus feel in the Bronx, Fordham University blends tradition and urbanity.
5. The New School
Location: Greenwich Village, Manhattan
Founded: 1919
Most popular courses:
- Fashion Design
- Fine Arts
- Architecture
- Strategic Design
- Sociology
Average tuition fees:
- Domestic & international students: $50,800/year
- Additional expenses: $20,000/year
The New School is perfect for creatives. In addition to its famous Parsons School of Design, it’s an ideal place for students of fashion, design, and performing arts.
6. Pace University
Location: Lower Manhattan & Westchester
Founded: 1906
Most popular courses:
- Fashion Design
- Fine Arts
- Architecture
- Strategic Design
- Sociology
Average tuition fees:
- Domestic & international students: $50,800/year
- Additional expenses: $20,000/year
The performing arts and business programs at Pace University are among its greatest strengths. The campuses are located in the heart of Manhattan, just a short walk from Wall Street and Brooklyn Bridge. Off-campus housing options in Lower Manhattan, Battery Park, or even Brooklyn Heights are popular among Pace students who want quick access to internships and campus while enjoying city living.
Why study in New York City?
New York City is a living, breathing classroom. It provides experiences beyond textbooks, full of real-world exposure, global cultures, and unparalleled diversity. Learning in NYC is not about obtaining a degree — it’s a life experience NYC provides:
- Diverse academic programs: From finance and tech to arts and fashion.
- Networking capital of the world: Countless internship and job opportunities.
- Cultural richness: Museums, Broadway, Central Park, and food from every corner of the globe.
- Global student community: Over 100,000 international students study in NYC every year.
Conclusion
It is an unforgettable experience to study in New York City. From world-famous professors to internships at global companies, every corner of this city offers a chance to grow, learn, and explore. The universities here are more than academic institutions — they’re launchpads to global careers and lifelong connections.
If you’re planning to study in New York City, these top universities offer everything you need: prestige, opportunity, culture, and community. And who knows? One day your name might be added to the list of iconic alumni that started their journey here.
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FAQs
Tuition fees vary by university, with elite institutions like Columbia and NYU charging around $60,000–$67,500 per year.
Living expenses can range from $20,000 to $25,000 annually, with the average monthly cost of living estimated between $3,500 and $5,250 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Amber offers top student apartments in NYC close to major universities. Many universities assist students in finding suitable accommodations, and living on campus can help save on commuting costs.
Yes, NYC offers many part-time job opportunities in sectors like retail, hospitality, and research. Students can also work as campus ambassadors or research assistants. For professional growth, attending networking events and using university career services can help secure internships and build industry connections.
