# Easiest Colleges to Get Into in New York (2026)

> The 15 New York colleges with the highest acceptance rates, with graduation rate and net price for each. Verified IPEDS and College Scorecard data.

- Page: https://www.collegesref.com/blog/easiest-colleges-to-get-into-in-new-york
- Category: Admissions Advice
- Author: CollegesRef Editorial
- Published: 2026-11-03
- Updated: 2026-11-04
- Data guide: figures are built only from federal IPEDS and College Scorecard data.

The New York colleges with the highest acceptance rates are School of Visual Arts-New York, College of Staten Island CUNY, and SUNY College of Technology at Canton. New York is more selective than most states. Its 75 qualifying colleges have a median acceptance rate of 68%, 11 percentage points under the national median, so the schools below are the most accessible options in a competitive market. Graduation rates hold fairly steady across the list (median 52%) regardless of how open admission is, and average net price is shown for every school.

## New York colleges with the highest acceptance rates

| # | College | City | Acceptance rate | Graduation rate | Avg. net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [School of Visual Arts-New York](https://www.collegesref.com/college/school-of-visual-arts-new-york-2385) | New York | 93% | 78% | $59,593 |
| 2 | [College of Staten Island CUNY](https://www.collegesref.com/college/college-of-staten-island-cuny-621) | Staten Island | 92% | 36% | $3,153 |
| 3 | [SUNY College of Technology at Canton](https://www.collegesref.com/college/suny-college-of-technology-at-canton-2650) | Canton | 92% | 37% | $12,696 |
| 4 | [Utica College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/utica-college-3104) | Utica | 92% | 54% | $24,195 |
| 5 | [Culinary Institute of America-New York](https://www.collegesref.com/college/culinary-institute-of-america-new-york-729) | Hyde Park | 91% | 50% | $34,731 |
| 6 | [SUNY College of Technology at Delhi](https://www.collegesref.com/college/suny-college-of-technology-at-delhi-2651) | Delhi | 89% | 46% | $17,334 |
| 7 | [Niagara University](https://www.collegesref.com/college/niagara-university-1872) | Niagara University | 87% | 63% | $17,246 |
| 8 | [Iona College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/iona-college-1302) | New Rochelle | 87% | 59% | $26,250 |
| 9 | [Long Island University](https://www.collegesref.com/college/long-island-university-1520) | Brookville | 86% | 59% | $23,862 |
| 10 | [CUNY Medgar Evers College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/cuny-medgar-evers-college-744) | Brooklyn | 86% | 19% | $3,245 |
| 11 | [Mercy College-New York](https://www.collegesref.com/college/mercy-college-new-york-1643) | Dobbs Ferry | 86% | 45% | $15,093 |
| 12 | [College of Mount Saint Vincent](https://www.collegesref.com/college/college-of-mount-saint-vincent-613) | Bronx | 85% | 52% | $19,758 |
| 13 | [SUNY College at Old Westbury](https://www.collegesref.com/college/suny-college-at-old-westbury-2643) | Old Westbury | 84% | 43% | $8,991 |
| 14 | [St. John's University-New York](https://www.collegesref.com/college/st-john-s-university-new-york-2579) | Queens | 83% | 69% | $24,508 |
| 15 | [Le Moyne College-New York](https://www.collegesref.com/college/le-moyne-college-new-york-1462) | Syracuse | 83% | 67% | $23,835 |

## New York has higher sticker prices and is more selective than most states

75 New York colleges enroll at least 2,000 students and report both an acceptance rate and a graduation rate: 32 public colleges, 41 private nonprofit, and 2 for-profit. Before aid, the full cost of attendance has a median of $53,104, above the $31,674 nationally. The median college here admits 68% of applicants, 11 percentage points below the national median of 78%. The nonresident tuition premium at public colleges is a median $7,950, smaller than the $12,411 typical nationwide.

| Measure | New York | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Median acceptance rate | 68% | 78% |
| Colleges admitting 90% or more | 7% | 21% |
| Public share of colleges | 43% | 58% |
| In-state tuition at publics (median) | $8,742 | $10,574 |
| Out-of-state tuition at publics (median) | $17,576 | $22,276 |
| Nonresident tuition premium (median) | $7,950 | $12,411 |
| Average net price after grants (median) | $22,369 | $18,210 |
| Cost of attendance before aid (median) | $53,104 | $31,674 |
| Six-year graduation rate (median) | 68% | 61% |
| Earnings ten years after entry (median) | $70,405 | $63,391 |
| Undergraduates with Pell Grants (median) | 35% | 34% |

Among the 15 colleges in the table, six-year graduation rates run from 19% at CUNY Medgar Evers College to 78% at School of Visual Arts-New York, a wide spread of 58 percentage points. Their median of 52% trails the 68% for all New York colleges in scope, so the easiest admits here are not the strongest finishers.

On admission, public and private colleges sit at nearly the same median rate (68% and 68%). The largest public options that admit at least 75% of applicants are [CUNY New York City College of Technology](https://www.collegesref.com/college/cuny-new-york-city-college-of-technology-745) (about 13,580 students, 80% admitted), [College of Staten Island CUNY](https://www.collegesref.com/college/college-of-staten-island-cuny-621) (about 9,657 students, 92% admitted), and [SUNY College at Oswego](https://www.collegesref.com/college/suny-college-at-oswego-2644) (about 5,473 students, 81% admitted).

## Key takeaways

- Acceptance rates on the list are tightly grouped, from 83% to 93%, so small differences in rank say little about how hard each school is to get into. Even the last school admits more than the 78% national median.
- College of Staten Island CUNY, a public school, is the largest campus here at about 9,657 students and ranks 2nd, while the smallest school on the list enrolls about 2,278.
- No two schools on the list share a city; the 15 locations include Bronx, Brooklyn, and Brookville.
- The list's mix of 5 public and 10 private schools roughly mirrors the state pool.
- School of Visual Arts-New York is the only for-profit institution on the list.

## Where New York's high-admit private colleges sit on cost

Four years of average net price, a rough total for a student who receives grants and finishes on time, comes to about $12,612 at College of Staten Island CUNY, $79,032 at the median school on this list, and $238,372 at School of Visual Arts-New York; with a list median graduation rate of 52%, it is worth pricing a fifth year at the schools with weaker completion. A dependent student can borrow at most $27,000 in federal Direct Loans over four years ([studentaid.gov](https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized)); at School of Visual Arts-New York that leaves about $211,372 of the four-year net price to cover another way, nearly as much again as the federal limit, and 2 of the 15 schools in the table come in under that ceiling over four years.

| College | Four years at avg. net price | Four years of in-state tuition | Four years of out-of-state tuition | Pell Grant recipients | Median earnings (10 yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [School of Visual Arts-New York](https://www.collegesref.com/college/school-of-visual-arts-new-york-2385) | $238,372 | $213,600 | $213,600 | 19% | $52,320 |
| [College of Staten Island CUNY](https://www.collegesref.com/college/college-of-staten-island-cuny-621) | $12,612 | $29,960 | $61,760 | 52% | $59,992 |
| [SUNY College of Technology at Canton](https://www.collegesref.com/college/suny-college-of-technology-at-canton-2650) | $50,784 | $34,968 | $54,288 | 44% | $51,652 |
| [Utica College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/utica-college-3104) | $96,780 | $113,920 | $113,920 | 37% | $69,651 |
| [Culinary Institute of America-New York](https://www.collegesref.com/college/culinary-institute-of-america-new-york-729) | $138,924 | $165,700 | $165,700 | 35% | $57,608 |

CUNY Medgar Evers College has the largest share of Pell Grant recipients in the table (56% of undergraduates), so its average net price already reflects many lower-income students; the maximum Pell Grant for 2026-27 is $7,395 ([studentaid.gov](https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell)). Without grants, four years of tuition alone comes to $29,408 at CUNY Medgar Evers College and $222,560 at St. John's University-New York, before housing, food, and books; run each school's net price calculator before assuming a family gets no grants, since many middle-income households still qualify. Nonresidents pay a median of $7,950 more a year in tuition at the public schools in the table; only 5 public schools in the table are affected, and the widest gap is at SUNY College at Old Westbury, where four years of out-of-state tuition costs $43,800 more than New York residents pay. Set against earnings, College of Staten Island CUNY stands out: its former students' median earnings of $59,992 ten years after entry are 4.8 times its four-year net price.

## High sticker prices in New York hide deep grant discounts

The sticker price of a college education in New York can trigger immediate budget shock. According to CollegesRef data, the median cost of attendance before aid for qualifying colleges in the state is $53,104, which sits far above the national median of $31,674. This figure represents the full published price for one year of tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and personal expenses. For families building a balanced application list, however, this sticker price is rarely what they actually pay. Grants and scholarships from federal, state, and institutional sources cut these numbers down significantly. The median average net price after grants in New York is $22,369, compared to a national median of $18,210. While New York remains a more expensive state for higher education, the actual out-of-pocket cost is less than half of the published sticker price.

### How private colleges slash their published rates

Private institutions on the high-acceptance list show some of the largest gaps between their official cost of attendance and the final net price. These schools use institutional aid to discount their tuition, aiming to fill their classes while remaining accessible to students who cannot pay the full rate.

At St. John's University-New York, the initial cost of attendance before aid is $64,611, but the average net price after grants drops to $24,508. This means grants shave an average of $40,103 off the annual bill for an attending student. Similarly, Iona College has a published cost of attendance of $59,826, which grants reduce to an average net price of $26,250.

Other private options on the list follow this exact pattern of deep discounting:

- College of Mount Saint Vincent charges a sticker price of $56,497, but its average net price is $19,758.
- Le Moyne College-New York lists a cost of attendance of $56,017, which drops to an average net price of $23,835.
- Long Island University has a published cost of $55,604, resulting in an average net price of $23,862.
- Niagara University starts with a cost of $53,671, but the average net price after grants is $17,246.

### What these discounts mean for your college list

An applicant should never cross a New York college off their list based solely on the sticker price. A high acceptance rate combined with a high sticker price often indicates a school that is eager to recruit students and willing to offer substantial institutional discounting to secure enrollment.

To find the actual cost, families must look past the published tuition and locate the net price calculator on each college's financial aid website. This tool uses family income and asset data to estimate the specific grants a student will receive. Comparing the estimated net price rather than the sticker price allows families to build a list of safety schools that are realistic both academically and financially. Relying on the sticker price alone might cause an applicant to overlook private options like Niagara University or College of Mount Saint Vincent, where the final net price often rivals the cost of public institutions.

## Why accessible New York colleges show a massive graduation gap

An applicant looking at high-acceptance colleges in New York must look past the initial offer of admission. Getting in is simple at these fifteen campuses, but finishing the degree is not guaranteed. CollegesRef data shows that the median graduation rate for this high-admit group is 52%, which sits well below the 68% median for all New York colleges of this size. It also trails the national median of 61% for similar institutions.

A high acceptance rate does not automatically translate to a low graduation rate. Several schools on this list manage to admit nearly everyone while keeping completion rates high. School of Visual Arts-New York leads the list with a 78% graduation rate alongside its 93% acceptance rate. St. John's University-New York graduates 69% of its students while admitting 83%, and Le Moyne College-New York follows closely, graduating 67% of its class with an 83% acceptance rate. These institutions demonstrate that broad access can coexist with strong student outcomes.

### The risk of starting but not finishing

At the other end of the spectrum, several accessible campuses struggle to help students reach commencement. CUNY Medgar Evers College has the lowest completion rate on the list, graduating just 19% of its students despite admitting 86% of applicants. College of Staten Island CUNY graduates 36% of its students while admitting 92%, and SUNY College of Technology at Canton graduates 37% while admitting 92%.

For a family planning college expenses, these low percentages represent a major financial hazard. Leaving college with debt but no degree makes it incredibly difficult to pay back student loans. A dependent student who borrows the maximum federal limit of $27,000 over four years will struggle to make payments without the wage premium of a bachelor's degree.

The drop-off often happens after the very first year. College of Staten Island CUNY shows the largest gap between first-year retention and graduation on the list. While 76% of first-year students return for their second year, only 36% finish their degree within six years. This indicates that while the transition to college is successful for most, long-term persistence remains a barrier.

### Evaluating support before enrolling

Families comparing these campuses should look closely at why certain schools have low completion rates. Public urban campuses often serve a high percentage of commuter students who balance classes with full-time work or family responsibilities.

Before committing to a school with a low graduation rate, an applicant should ask the financial aid office about the availability of multi-year grant packages. They should also ask the academic advising office about tutoring, degree-mapping software, and block scheduling. These resources help commuter and working students stay on track. If a college cannot show a clear plan for student retention, the risk of dropping out increases. Choosing a school with a slightly lower acceptance rate but a much higher graduation rate is often the safer financial path.

## New York admissions require more strategy than other states

Applying to college in New York requires a more selective strategy than in most parts of the country. According to CollegesRef data, the median acceptance rate for New York colleges is 68%, which sits 11 percentage points below the national median of 78%. This gap means that a typical applicant faces stiffer competition here than they would elsewhere.

The scarcity of open-door institutions further highlights this competitive environment. Nationwide, CollegesRef data shows that 21% of colleges admit 90% or more of their applicants. In New York, only 7% of colleges meet that same threshold. An applicant looking for a near-guaranteed admission option in New York has a much shorter list of schools to choose from, making it critical to understand which campuses actually offer these high acceptance rates.

### The five New York campuses admitting over 90 percent

Only five schools on the state list cross the 90% admission mark, representing a mix of public, private nonprofit, and private for-profit institutions. School of Visual Arts-New York leads the state by admitting 93% of applicants. Three schools follow closely at a 92% acceptance rate: College of Staten Island CUNY, SUNY College of Technology at Canton, and Utica College. Culinary Institute of America-New York rounds out this highly accessible group with a 91% acceptance rate.

For families building a balanced application list, these five schools serve as reliable safety options. An applicant can secure an admission offer without navigating the highly competitive pools found at other New York institutions. However, the wide variety in school types among these five campuses means that admission chances must be weighed alongside cost and program structure.

### Public and private selectivity trends

An applicant might assume that public universities in New York offer an easier path to admission than private institutions, but the data reveals otherwise. The median acceptance rate in New York is exactly 68% at public colleges and 68% at private colleges. This identical median shows that state residency or public funding does not automatically translate to a higher chance of acceptance.

Because public and private selectivity sits at the exact same median, families cannot rely on sector type alone to gauge their admission chances. A student must look at individual campus data rather than assuming a state school will be easier to get into than a private liberal arts college. When building an application list, a student should mix public options like SUNY College of Technology at Canton with private options like Utica College to maximize both their admission odds and their potential financial aid packages.

## The public-college tuition premium for out-of-state New York applicants

New York public colleges offer a distinct pricing advantage for residents, but the cost penalty for out-of-state students is smaller than the national average. Across all qualifying public colleges in the state, CollegesRef data shows a median in-state tuition of $8,742, which sits below the national public median of $10,574. For nonresidents, the median tuition at New York public campuses is $17,576, compared to $22,276 nationwide. This means the median nonresident tuition premium in New York is $7,950, a much lighter surcharge than the $12,411 premium typical of public universities across the country.

For applicants looking at the easiest public options on this list, this premium varies by campus system. The five public institutions on the list belong either to the City University of New York (CUNY) or the State University of New York (SUNY) system, and each calculates its out-of-state surcharge differently.

### How CUNY and SUNY price their high-acceptance campuses

At the CUNY campuses on the list, the price difference for out-of-state students is identical. College of Staten Island CUNY charges New York residents $7,490 in tuition, while out-of-state students pay $15,440. This represents a nonresident premium of $7,950. CUNY Medgar Evers College has a nearly identical structure, charging $7,352 for in-state tuition and $15,302 for out-of-state tuition, which also results in a $7,950 premium.

The SUNY technology colleges on the list offer some of the lowest out-of-state premiums in the state. SUNY College of Technology at Canton charges $8,742 for in-state tuition, which matches the state median exactly. Its out-of-state tuition is $13,572, meaning nonresidents pay a premium of just $4,830 per year. SUNY College of Technology at Delhi has an in-state tuition of $8,802 and an out-of-state tuition of $12,792. This creates an even smaller nonresident premium of $3,990, making it highly competitive for out-of-state applicants who want a public college experience without the typical double-tuition penalty.

Conversely, SUNY College at Old Westbury carries the steepest nonresident premium among the public schools on this list. It charges New York residents $8,422 in tuition, but out-of-state students pay $19,372. This results in a nonresident premium of $10,950 per year.

### Weighing public premiums against flat-rate private tuition

For out-of-state applicants, comparing these public surcharges to private options is critical. Ten of the fifteen colleges on the list are private or do not report both rates, meaning they charge every student the same tuition regardless of residency.

An out-of-state student will pay $19,372 in tuition at SUNY College at Old Westbury, which is still far less than the flat-rate tuition at private schools on the list, such as Utica College or School of Visual Arts-New York. However, because private colleges often have larger institutional grant pools, the sticker price comparison can be misleading. A student must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the financial aid office at each school to see if institutional grants at a private college will offset the residency savings offered by a public CUNY or SUNY campus.

## The real cost of New York's high-acceptance colleges after grants

New York colleges that are easy to get into present a stark financial choice for families. While these schools offer a high probability of admission, their actual costs after accounting for scholarships and grants vary by tens of thousands of dollars.

According to CollegesRef data, the median average net price after grants for the 75 qualifying New York colleges is $22,369. This is significantly higher than the national median net price of $18,210. For families looking at the 15 high-acceptance schools on this list, the median net price sits at $19,758. This means a typical student at these accessible schools will still pay more than the national average for higher education.

### The massive net price spread among accessible schools

A high acceptance rate does not guarantee an affordable education. The difference between the cheapest and most expensive schools on this list is $56,440 per year.

Three public institutions offer the lowest net prices on the list:
- College of Staten Island CUNY charges an average net price of $3,153.
- CUNY Medgar Evers College follows closely at $3,245.
- SUNY College at Old Westbury costs an average of $8,991.

These low net prices make these public options highly competitive on cost, especially for students who qualify for state and federal financial aid.

Conversely, three private institutions on the list demand the highest net prices:
- School of Visual Arts-New York has an average net price of $59,593.
- Culinary Institute of America-New York charges $34,731.
- Iona College costs $26,250.

At School of Visual Arts-New York, the annual net price is nearly double the federal aggregate loan limit of $31,000 for dependent undergraduates. Families must plan to cover the remaining balance through parent loans, private loans, or personal savings.

### How to evaluate net price against graduation outcomes

When comparing these costs, families must look at what they get for their money. A low net price is only a bargain if the student actually finishes the degree. For example, CUNY Medgar Evers College has an incredibly low net price of $3,245, but its six-year graduation rate is only 19%. A student who enrolls there has a high chance of leaving without a credential.

In contrast, College of Staten Island CUNY offers a similar net price of $3,153 but has a higher graduation rate of 36%. While still low, it represents a safer bet for a budget-conscious applicant.

On the expensive side, School of Visual Arts-New York charges a premium net price of $59,593, but it also delivers the highest graduation rate on the list at 78%. Families must decide if the high probability of graduation is worth taking on significant debt.

Before applying, families should use the net price calculator on each college's financial aid website. These tools use specific family income data to estimate the actual aid package, which can look very different from the average net prices reported here.

## High-acceptance New York colleges with the strongest ten-year earnings

Former students from New York colleges outpace the country in the job market. CollegesRef data shows that the median earnings ten years after entry for New York colleges in this size group sit at $70,405, which is $7,014 higher than the national median of $63,391. Even among schools with high acceptance rates, several campuses beat the national benchmark by a wide margin. An applicant looking for an accessible admission path can still target institutions that lead to strong salaries.

### Comparing the top earners on the list

Three private institutions on the high-acceptance list lead the group in career outcomes. St. John's University-New York, which admits 83% of applicants, delivers the highest median earnings at $77,281 ten years after entry. Families must weigh this return against an average net price of $24,508 a year. Close behind is Iona College with an 87% acceptance rate, where former students earn a median of $76,994 against an average net price of $26,250. College of Mount Saint Vincent, admitting 85% of applicants, shows median earnings of $70,998 and a lower average net price of $19,758.

These three schools demonstrate that high acceptance rates do not automatically equal poor career preparation. They all exceed both the state and national median earnings. For a student building a balanced application list, these campuses serve as reliable options where admission is likely but future earnings remain high.

### Weighing low net prices against lower salary outcomes

At the other end of the spectrum, three schools show median earnings ten years after entry that fall below the national median of $63,391. CUNY Medgar Evers College has the lowest median earnings on the list at $49,242, but its average net price is also the lowest at just $3,245 a year. SUNY College of Technology at Canton leads to median earnings of $51,652 with an average net price of $12,696.

The most challenging financial scenario on the list belongs to the School of Visual Arts-New York. It reports median earnings of $52,320 ten years after entry, yet its average net price is $59,593 a year. Over four years, a student here pays far more than the typical ten-year salary.

When analyzing these numbers, families must look at the relationship between what they will pay and what they will realistically earn. A low-cost school like CUNY Medgar Evers College remains a safe financial bet despite lower average earnings because students graduate with minimal debt. Conversely, a school that pairs high net prices with low median earnings requires heavy borrowing that ten-year salaries may not easily support. Dependent students face strict federal limits of $27,000 in total Direct Loans over four years, according to studentaid.gov. Going beyond that limit requires parents to take on Parent PLUS loans, which are capped at $20,000 per year under federal rules for loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2026. Families must use the net price calculator on each college's financial aid website to estimate their actual costs before committing to these high-debt paths.

## Building a balanced New York list from high-acceptance schools

Every single one of the 15 colleges on this New York list functions as a likely admit for an applicant with typical qualifications. Because New York is more selective than most states, with a median acceptance rate of 68% compared to 78% nationwide, finding schools that admit the vast majority of applicants is crucial for securing a backup option.

Six schools on this list offer an acceptance rate of 89% or higher, making them exceptionally reliable targets for admission. These highly accessible options include School of Visual Arts-New York at 93%, College of Staten Island CUNY at 92%, SUNY College of Technology at Canton at 92%, Utica College at 92%, Culinary Institute of America-New York at 91%, and SUNY College of Technology at Delhi at 89%.

None of the schools on this specific high-acceptance list fall into the category of possible admits, which typically range from 50% to 75% acceptance, nor do any qualify as reach schools with acceptance rates under 50%. An applicant must look outside this list to find reach schools, but these 15 institutions provide the foundation of academic safety.

### Balancing admission odds against graduation rates

A high chance of getting in does not guarantee a high chance of finishing. When building an application list, families must look past the acceptance rate to see how many students actually earn a degree within six years.

Several of the easiest schools to get into in New York struggle to graduate even half of their incoming classes. For example, three institutions on the list graduate fewer than 40% of students within six years: College of Staten Island CUNY at 36%, SUNY College of Technology at Canton at 37%, and CUNY Medgar Evers College at 19%. Entering one of these campuses means joining a student body where the majority of classmates will not finish, which can impact campus resources, tutoring availability, and overall student morale.

Conversely, some high-acceptance options offer a much stronger path to graduation without sacrificing accessibility. Niagara University stands out as a balanced choice, landing below the list median on average net price at $17,246 and well above the list median on graduation rate at 63%. School of Visual Arts-New York leads the list with a 78% graduation rate, though its high net price of $59,593 presents a different kind of barrier.

### Factoring in residency and public options

New York residents can maximize their financial safety by focusing on the public options on this list. Exactly 5 of the 15 colleges on the list are public institutions, where in-state tuition rates apply to local residents.

For a New York resident, combining the high acceptance rate of College of Staten Island CUNY or SUNY College of Technology at Canton with state-level financial aid programs creates a highly stable safety option. Out-of-state applicants, however, must weigh whether the higher nonresident tuition premium at these public campuses justifies the cost, or if a private option with generous institutional aid would be more affordable. A balanced list should include at least two of these high-acceptance schools where the family is certain they can afford the net price if federal loans do not cover the entire balance.

## How this list was built

The 15 colleges here have the highest acceptance rates out of 75 published New York institutions that enroll at least 2,000 students and report both an acceptance rate and a graduation rate. Another 25 New York colleges of that size are left out because at least one figure is missing. Figures are unadjusted IPEDS and College Scorecard values ([definitions](https://www.collegesref.com/methodology#definitions), [inclusion rules](https://www.collegesref.com/methodology#inclusion)). National figures apply the same rules to 760 colleges. Four-year totals are one year's figure times four, and aid limits are 2026-27 studentaid.gov amounts.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the easiest college to get into in New York?

School of Visual Arts-New York, a private for-profit college, has the highest acceptance rate among New York colleges with at least 2,000 students, at 93%. It also graduates 78% of students, better than most schools on this list.

### Is it easier to get into college in New York than in other states?

On average, no. Qualifying New York colleges have a median acceptance rate of 68%, 11 percentage points lower than the national median of 78%.

### Do colleges with high acceptance rates in New York have low graduation rates?

Not in a consistent way. Graduation rates on the list have a median of 52% and do not rise or fall much with acceptance rate. The school at the top of the ranking, School of Visual Arts-New York, also has the strongest graduation rate on the list (78%).

### Are the easiest colleges in New York public or private?

Mostly private: only 5 of the 15 schools on this list are public. The most accessible school overall is private, School of Visual Arts-New York (93%); the top public option is College of Staten Island CUNY (92%).

## Keep researching

- [Colleges in New York](https://www.collegesref.com/state/new-york)
- [Most affordable colleges in New York](https://www.collegesref.com/blog/most-affordable-colleges-in-new-york-by-net-price)
- [Net price gap by state](https://www.collegesref.com/data/net-price-gap-by-state)
- [How CollegesRef matches similar colleges](https://www.collegesref.com/methodology)

## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
- U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard
- U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid ([studentaid.gov](https://studentaid.gov/))

---

Source: CollegesRef, https://www.collegesref.com/blog/easiest-colleges-to-get-into-in-new-york. When citing a figure, include the data year stated next to it.