Online Colleges in New York

While the state may be known as a cultural, financial, and media capital of the world, the numerous online colleges in New York also make it a mecca of higher education.

The state has one of the largest higher education systems in the nation, which includes two Ivy League schools and dozens of other well-known, high-ranking colleges and universities.

Students in New York may benefit from an abundance of online learning opportunities, affordable tuition rates, and generous financial aid offerings.

Online Colleges in New York

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that approximately 21% of students in New York are enrolled in fully online degree programs. Approximately another 31% are enrolled in one or more online college courses.

These numbers continue to rise as the state’s colleges and universities increase their online offerings.

You may access numerous degree programs through New York online colleges. Like many online colleges in New Mexico and online colleges in North Carolina, some schools offer personal concierge to provide one-on-one guidance through graduation, as well as a help desk and online tutoring.

New York is home to a host of smaller private institutions and larger universities that offer online bachelor’s programs.

If you have your eye on an Ivy League school, the options in New York have plenty of online learning opportunities, certification programs, and more in a variety of fields.

Common Online Degrees in New York

There are a plethora of degree options you may be able to work toward in a dynamic state like New York, but these are some of the most common degrees people pursue in the state and what they typically entail:

• Registered Nursing: Earning this degree can help you develop various skills needed to pursue a job as a nurse, including administering medication, teaching health education, and coordinating patient care.
• Business Commerce: A program in this field typically explores all aspects of operating a business, including buying and selling products, marketing, and human resources.
• Computer and Information Systems Security: A degree program in this field typically teaches how to design, manage, and support secure information through various computer networks.
• Business Administration and Management: How to oversee and manage a business, analyze finances, and lead teams are major focuses of this degree field.
• Criminal Justice Administration: Earning this degree can help you learn how to manage and lead different parts of the criminal justice system, including corrections and juvenile justice.

While these may be some of the most popular NY online degrees, you may be able to find a program in this state in just about anything, from education to journalism to science and technology.

Overview of Higher Education in New York

For those looking for New York online degrees, the state boasts a whopping 283 degree-granting institutions, according to the NCES. Of those, 79 are public schools, 177 are non-profit private schools, and 27 are for-profit private schools. The state’s public schools are divided into two groups.

Higher education in New York is often surprisingly affordable. According to the NCES, in-state students pay an average of $8,416 per year in tuition and fees to attend one of New York’s 4 year public institutions, while out-of-state students pay about $20,113. Both are below the national average.

Employment Outlook for College Graduates in New York

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 9 million people are employed in the state of New York. The unemployment rate also hovers around 4.2%.

The leisure and hospitality industry has had one of the highest increases in its workforce, along with the construction, education, and health services industries. Healthcare support occupations are also a major field in New York.

A few of the top occupations are office and administrative jobs, sales and related occupations, and business and financial operations roles. There may be a lot of job opportunities in the educational instruction and library fields as well.

Careers & Salaries in New York

When browsing New York online universities, it may be helpful to have an idea of which careers are popular and fast-growing in the state. If you are interested in staying in New York after graduation, it may make the transition into job searching more seamless.

Office and administrative support occupations are some of the most common jobs in New York, and secretaries and administrative assistants are some of the most employed careers in the state. Sales and related occupations are also very popular in New York.

General and operations managers, registered nurses, and cashiers are also roles with high employment in the state.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are a few popular careers in New York.

New York is one of the states with the highest number of jobs for solar photovoltaic installers, home health and personal care aides, and physician assistants. In general, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that physician assistants are expected to have a much faster than average growth rate of 28% over the next 10 years.

Online Colleges in New York City Admissions Requirements

The admission requirements for NY online universities vary by school and program, but here are a few common ones you may encounter.

• High school and college transcripts (if applicable)
• SAT or ACT scores (only some schools require them)
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal essay

Some schools may want to see your high school transcripts so they can verify your GPA if they have a minimum requirement. Depending on which program you apply to, you may also need to have completed specific coursework in high school.

NYC Online Colleges Accreditation

It’s a strategic move to take accreditation into consideration when searching for online degrees in NYC or in New York State. When a school is regionally accredited, it means it has met a series of academic quality standards verified by a third-party accrediting organization.

If you’re looking into qualifying for federal financial aid, you may want to attend a regionally accredited school to help increase your chances. These schools may also help you stand out on your resume when job searching, as employers may check for accreditation.

To learn more and get more information, you can visit the U.S. Department of Education website.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Those looking to attend online universities in New York have a staggering amount of financial aid available for them to apply for. The first step to accessing this aid is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

In addition to federal aid, the FAFSA is used to determine access to state-funded financial aid.

New York residents have access to one of the most impressive and generous lists of financial aid programs. Here are a few of the programs available to apply to:

• Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): TAP is income-based and also available for part-time students.
• NYS Aid for Part-time Study: This program is income-based and available for part-time undergraduates.
• NYS Child Welfare Worker Incentive Scholarship Program: This program is for employees at licensed non-profit child welfare agencies who agree to live in New York and work at a voluntary non-profit child welfare agency for 5 years after graduation.
• NYS Scholarships for Academic Excellence: This program is based on grades that you earn on certain Regents exams.
• NYS Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Incentive Program: This program is for students who graduated in the top 10%, pursue a STEM degree, and agree to work in the STEM field in New York for 5 years after graduation.
• NYS World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship: This program is intended for the families and dependents of victims who died or were permanently disabled in the 9/11 terrorist attacks and rescue efforts.
• NYS Masters-in-Education Teacher Incentive Scholarship: This program is for undergraduate students pursuing their master’s in education.
• Senator Patricia K. McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarship: This program is for registered nurses in master’s or doctoral programs that will qualify them to work as faculty. Applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute: This merit scholarship is also known as the Military Service Recognition Scholarship (MSRS) and is for children, spouses, and dependents of members of the armed forces who have died or become permanently disabled on duty.
• NYS Memorial Scholarship for Families of Deceased Firefighters, Volunteer Firefighters, Police Officers, Peace Officers, and Emergency Medical Service Workers: For children, spouses, or dependents of firefighters, police, and other emergency workers who died while on duty.
• NYS Regents Awards for Children of Deceased and Disabled Veterans: This program is intended for those whose parents have served in the US Armed Forces during war or emergency.
• NYS Aid to Native Americans: This program is for members of New York State tribes or their children.

Many of the traditional and online universities in NY offer additional financial aid, both need-based and merit-based. To find out more about these opportunities, you can check with the financial aid office at the school of your choice.

New York students are also eligible to apply for a variety of private scholarships. Here are a few examples:

• Ascend Educational Fund: $2,500 to $20,000
• Eye Bank Young Ambassador Scholarship in Memory of Christopher Nordquist: $3,000
• New York Farm Bureau Agricultural Youth Scholarship: First Place: $1,500, Second Place: $1,200, Third Place: $1,000
• New York Water Environment Association Environmental Career Scholarship: $12,000 over 4 years

You may also want to talk to your chosen school’s admission office because they may be able to help you find some programs that fit your specific needs.

New York Online Education Resources

The following organizations and websites may help guide you through your educational journey and help you find the best online colleges in NYC for you.

• Middle States Commission on Higher Education: The MSCHE, New York’s primary regional accreditor, can help you find a regionally accredited school.
• New York State Education Department: You can find information on the department’s website about various online degrees in New York State.
• New York Financial Assistance: This organization provides information on how to apply for financial aid through the state.

To learn more, you can visit the organizations’ websites and explore the resources available.

Should I Get an Online Degree?

Online degrees offer a multitude of benefits that may appeal to you. Here are a few that may help you make your decision:

• Schedule flexibility
• Avoiding relocation
• Wide variety of degree options
• Accessibility to a bachelor’s degree program

Whether you’re looking to enroll in school full-time or alongside an already established career, online degrees may offer flexible options so you can work your classes into your schedule. A wide variety of schools now offer programs online, so you’re likely to find one that you want.

How Much Does It Cost to Go to an Online University in New York?

The cost of online schools in NYC and New York State depends on a few different factors, like if you’re an in-state student or if you’re attending a public or private university. Private universities are generally more expensive than public ones.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average undergraduate tuition for private 4 year colleges in New York is $42,631 a year. For public 4 year colleges, it is almost half that at $20,113 for out-of-state students.

Tuition Breaks for Out-of-State Students

While attending school in-state is typically the cheapest option, you may be able to find affordable tuition rates as an out-of-state student through tuition breaks. These are possible because of state reciprocity, when states pair up to offer their students cheaper tuition.

The New England Regional Student Program offers tuition breaks for a variety of states in the region, including Connecticut, Maine, and Massachusetts. New York is not part of this program, but it may be worth looking into these types of opportunities for online New York colleges.

New York participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement so it may be a strategic move to investigate any available tuition break options through this organization.

What Are the Most in Demand Jobs in New York City?

According to the New York State Department of Labor, these are some of the jobs with the highest annual projected openings in New York State:

• Home health and personal care aides
• Fast food and counter workers
• Retail salespersons
• Cashiers
• Waiters and waitresses

Janitors and cleaners, office clerks, and customer service representatives are also careers in high demand in New York. Gaming and sports book writers, restaurant cooks, and gaming dealers also show high percentages of annual growth.

What Are the Highest Paying Jobs in New York?

The salary in any role depends on a variety of factors, including the person’s education, skills, training, and more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many of the roles with the highest median salaries in New York are in the medical field.

Financial managers have some of the highest wages in the state, with an average salary of $211,930 per year. Other careers with some of the highest average salaries are psychiatrists ($209,190), sales managers ($207,440), and computer and information systems managers ($197,870).

Judges and family medicine physicians are also typically high-paying jobs in New York, making $182,890 and $177,940, on average, respectively.

List of Online Colleges in New York

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Bryant & Stratton College offers fully online programs and blended programs. Students take two courses at a time in blocks that are 7.5 weeks long, with two blocks per semester.

The school offers associate and bachelor’s degrees in fields such as legal services, healthcare, and more. Students can potentially earn a degree in just 20 months.

Bryant & Stratton College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

U.S. News & World Report ranked Canisius College among the Best Value Colleges in the country. The school provides a variety of options for students with other life commitments. Degrees can be earned fully online or in a hybrid format.

Master’s programs are offered in anthrozoology, literacy education, and sport product development.

Canisius College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Columbia University’s online programs are designed to provide nontraditional students with a prestigious education. Many programs are fully online, while others are in a hybrid format. Courses are 3 to 18 weeks long, and most have synchronous components.

Columbia offers the only Ivy League Master’s in Social Work online program. Other programs offered include an Executive LLM and statistics programs.

Columbia University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Cornell University offers online degree programs designed to fit into professionals’ busy schedules. Most programs are entirely online, and courses are asynchronous. Some programs have a short residency component.

Online students must progress through learning modules and complete a project for each course. Fields of study offered include legal studies, human resource management, and business analytics.

Cornell University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Davis College offers online degree programs that are designed for students with busy schedules. Davis provides students with a Christian-based education. Programs are fully online. Courses are 8 weeks long, and there are four start dates each year.

Areas of study offered include pastoral studies, Christian counseling, and teaching English as a second language.

Davis College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Fordham University offers online degree programs designed for students who need flexibility in their schedules. The school offers six completely online master’s degree and certificate programs, and many other degrees can be completed partially online.

The school’s online courses offer a mix of synchronous and asynchronous learning. Fields of study offered include real estate and teaching.

Fordham University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Hofstra University offers online degree programs designed for students who have other life commitments. Several of the programs are fully online, while others are offered in a hybrid format. Most course content is presented in an asynchronous format.

The school offers master’s degrees and graduate certificates that can be earned online. Fields of study offered include business administration and technology for learning.

Hofstra University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Manhattan College offers a limited number of online degrees for those who require remote learning. It offers two bachelor’s degrees online: a Bachelor’s in Allied Health and Healthcare Leadership and a Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership. Both are offered in a hybrid format.

The school’s MS in Organizational Leadership can be earned online or in a hybrid format. All programs are accelerated.

Manhattan College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Marist College offers a select number of online programs. Bachelor’s programs are offered in professional studies and management studies. Five master’s programs are offered, including studies in public administration and information systems.

These programs are fully online, and classes are offered in an 8 week, accelerated format. There are also winter and summer sessions.

Marist College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Medaille University has offered an online program for over ten years. U.S. News & World Report named the school among the Best Online Programs in the country.

The school offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees that can be earned online. The courses follow a semester schedule. Fields of study offered include criminal justice and clinical mental health counseling.

Medaille University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Mercy College’s online programs are designed to provide the same quality of education as their on-campus counterparts. Each of Mercy’s five schools offers over 30 fully online undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Courses are offered in asynchronous, synchronous, or hybrid formats.

Fields of study offered include behavioral science, early childhood education, and cybersecurity.

Mercy College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

New York University is committed to helping students fit an online education into their busy lives. NYU offers fully online and hybrid programs for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees.

The school’s online courses are developed by the same instructors as its on-campus courses. Areas of study offered include quantitative management and occupational therapy.

New York University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

U.S. News & World Report named Pace University in the Top 30 Schools for Best Online Bachelor’s Program. The school offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees that can be earned fully online. Courses feature synchronous and asynchronous learning.

Students may be able to get credit for work experience. Fields of study offered include professional technology and publishing.

Pace University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Rochester Institute of Technology offers online degree and certificate programs designed for busy students who need flexibility in their schedules.

The school offers a bachelor’s completion program and a Bachelor’s in Applied Arts and Sciences that can be completed online. RIT also offers several online graduate programs. Some of these programs require on-campus intensives. Fields of study offered include architecture and health systems management.

Rochester Institute of Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

St. Bonaventure University offers 13 graduate degree programs that are entirely online. The online program is committed to offering affordable tuition. Students can potentially finish their degree in just 12 months.

Fields of study offered include clinical mental health counseling, digital journalism, business analytics, and cybersecurity.

St. Bonaventure University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

St. Joseph’s University is committed to providing students with affordable education. While Catholic-based, SJNY is open to students of all beliefs.

St. Joseph’s offers undergraduate and graduate degrees through its fully online programs. Certificates and graduate certificates are also available. These programs are designed with working students in mind. Areas of study offered include human services and marketing.

St. Joseph’s University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

State University of New York’s online programs are designed to provide the same education as its on-campus counterparts and are taught by the same instructors.

The school offers over 800 online undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. Most programs are fully online and asynchronous. Students may be able to get credit for prior learning. Areas of study offered include accounting, history, and biomedical and health Informatics.

State University of New York is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

U.S. News & World Report named Stony Brook University the #1 Public University in New York. The school offers over 20 online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs designed for students who have other life commitments.

Courses in these programs are fully online and asynchronous. Fields of study offered include nurse-midwifery and business administration.

Stony Brook University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Syracuse University offers online bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs designed for students who need flexible scheduling. These online programs are designed to provide the same education and degrees as their on-campus counterparts.

Most of these programs are fully online, but some require a short residency. Courses in these programs may be asynchronous or synchronous. Areas of study offered include computer science and marriage and family therapy.

Syracuse University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The New School is an award-winning school that offers six online degree programs and over 20 online certificate programs. Courses in these programs are fully online. Most courses are asynchronous, but some have synchronous components.

The two bachelor’s programs are degree completion programs and require prior coursework. Fields of study offered include food studies and media management.

The New School is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The University at Buffalo offers a wide array of fully online or blended programs at various academic levels. A BA in English, an MS in Rehabilitation Counseling, or a PhD in Information Science, among many other degrees, may be pursued. Providing flexibility and accessibility, these online programs are designed to cater to learners at different stages of their academic journeys.

The University at Buffalo is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

U.S. News & World Report named Utica University one of the Top 200 Regional Universities. The school offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees that can be earned entirely online. Most courses in these programs are asynchronous.

Utica offers over 30 programs online. Fields of study offered include nursing education, physical therapy, cybersecurity operations management, and health care management.

Utica University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Getting Your Online Degree in New York

New York is home to hundreds of reputable schools with online and on-campus opportunities, often remarkably affordable tuition, and outstanding financial aid possibilities.

If you’re looking to pursue a degree in New York, you may start by researching accredited online schools in the state. Once you have a list of schools, you may start narrowing the list down based on which schools offer your preferred degree program.