# Most Affordable Colleges in New York by Net Price (2026)

> The 15 New York colleges with the lowest average net price after grants, with tuition and graduation rate. Verified federal cost data.

- Page: https://www.collegesref.com/blog/most-affordable-colleges-in-new-york-by-net-price
- Category: Financial Aid
- 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 lowest average net price are CUNY Bernard M Baruch College, CUNY Brooklyn College, and CUNY Hunter College. College in New York tends to cost more than the national norm. The median net price among its 97 qualifying colleges is $17,334, 26% above the national median, which makes the lower-cost schools below worth a close look. Lower cost does not mean weaker outcomes on this list: the cheaper half graduates a median 53% of students, compared with 22% for the rest.

## New York colleges with the lowest average net price

| # | College | City | Avg. net price | In-state tuition | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [CUNY Bernard M Baruch College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/cuny-bernard-m-baruch-college-732) | New York | $657 | $7,462 | 70% |
| 2 | [CUNY Brooklyn College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/cuny-brooklyn-college-735) | Brooklyn | $950 | $7,450 | 53% |
| 3 | [CUNY Hunter College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/cuny-hunter-college-739) | New York | $1,051 | $7,382 | 59% |
| 4 | [CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice](https://www.collegesref.com/college/cuny-john-jay-college-of-criminal-justice-740) | New York | $1,110 | $7,470 | 54% |
| 5 | [CUNY Queens College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/cuny-queens-college-746) | Queens | $1,272 | $7,538 | 53% |
| 6 | [CUNY City College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/cuny-city-college-736) | New York | $1,557 | $7,340 | 50% |
| 7 | [CUNY York College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/cuny-york-college-749) | Jamaica | $1,956 | $7,358 | 27% |
| 8 | [CUNY Queensborough Community College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/cuny-queensborough-community-college-747) | Bayside | $2,114 | $5,210 | 29% |
| 9 | [CUNY New York City College of Technology](https://www.collegesref.com/college/cuny-new-york-city-college-of-technology-745) | Brooklyn | $2,818 | $7,332 | 19% |
| 10 | [College of Staten Island CUNY](https://www.collegesref.com/college/college-of-staten-island-cuny-621) | Staten Island | $3,153 | $7,490 | 36% |
| 11 | [CUNY Lehman College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/cuny-lehman-college-743) | Bronx | $3,220 | $13,032 | 53% |
| 12 | [CUNY Medgar Evers College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/cuny-medgar-evers-college-744) | Brooklyn | $3,245 | $7,352 | 19% |
| 13 | [CUNY Hostos Community College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/cuny-hostos-community-college-738) | Bronx | $3,371 | $10,830 | 21% |
| 14 | [CUNY Bronx Community College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/cuny-bronx-community-college-734) | Bronx | $3,613 | $5,206 | 22% |
| 15 | [CUNY Kingsborough Community College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/cuny-kingsborough-community-college-741) | Brooklyn | $3,726 | $5,252 | 32% |

## New York graduates more students than most states and leads on earnings after college

97 New York colleges with at least 2,000 students report an average net price and a graduation rate: 52 public colleges, 43 private nonprofit, and 2 for-profit. The median college graduates 59% of students within six years, 15 percentage points ahead of the national 44%, so fewer students pay for years that do not end in a degree. Former students of the median college earn $66,448 ten years after starting, ahead of the $52,768 national median. Only 54% of these colleges are public, against 75% nationwide, so private aid policies shape most prices.

| Measure | New York | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Average net price after grants (median) | $17,334 | $13,715 |
| Cost of attendance before aid (median) | $28,709 | $24,202 |
| Cost of attendance minus net price (median) | $11,913 | $9,983 |
| Public share of colleges | 54% | 75% |
| Net price at public colleges (median) | $7,657 | $10,454 |
| Net price at private colleges (median) | $28,930 | $27,673 |
| In-state tuition at publics (median) | $7,490 | $6,034 |
| Out-of-state tuition at publics (median) | $15,332 | $12,515 |
| Nonresident tuition premium (median) | $7,950 | $7,950 |
| Undergraduates with Pell Grants (median) | 36% | 34% |
| Earnings ten years after entry (median) | $66,448 | $52,768 |
| Earnings as a multiple of yearly net price (median) | 3.6 times | 4.1 times |
| Six-year graduation rate (median) | 59% | 44% |

Inside New York, the median private college costs $21,274 more a year after aid than the median public one ($28,930 against $7,657). Private grants explain much of that: the median private college's net price is $36,739 under its published cost, against $9,764 at publics. For New York residents, the lowest public net prices are at [CUNY Bernard M Baruch College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/cuny-bernard-m-baruch-college-732) ($657 net price), [CUNY Brooklyn College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/cuny-brooklyn-college-735) ($950 net price), and [CUNY Hunter College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/cuny-hunter-college-739) ($1,051 net price). For students from other states, the lowest out-of-state tuition at a public college here is at [Rockland Community College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/rockland-community-college-2256) ($6,924), CUNY Bronx Community College ($8,086), and CUNY Queensborough Community College ($8,090).

## Key takeaways

- The 15 schools sit within $3,069 of each other on net price, so graduation rate and location may matter more than the order of the ranking.
- CUNY Hunter College, a public school, is the largest campus here at about 16,289 students and ranks 3rd, while the smallest school on the list enrolls about 3,233.
- The list spans 7 cities, with Brooklyn, New York, and Bronx each hosting more than one school.
- Public colleges are over-represented, filling 15 of the 15 spots (100%) while making up 54% of the state pool.

## Four years at New York's lowest-priced publics within federal loan limits

Four years of average net price, a rough total for a student who receives grants and finishes on time, comes to about $2,628 at CUNY Bernard M Baruch College, $8,456 at the median school on this list, and $14,904 at CUNY Kingsborough Community College; fewer than half of students finish within six years at the median school here (36%), so treat four years as a best case. 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 CUNY Bernard M Baruch College federal loans alone could cover the four-year net price, though borrowing the maximum is rarely the best plan, and every school in the table comes 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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [CUNY Bernard M Baruch College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/cuny-bernard-m-baruch-college-732) | $2,628 | $29,848 | $61,648 | 61% | $83,742 |
| [CUNY Brooklyn College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/cuny-brooklyn-college-735) | $3,800 | $29,800 | $61,600 | 59% | $66,519 |
| [CUNY Hunter College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/cuny-hunter-college-739) | $4,204 | $29,528 | $61,328 | 59% | $70,502 |
| [CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice](https://www.collegesref.com/college/cuny-john-jay-college-of-criminal-justice-740) | $4,440 | $29,880 | $61,680 | 64% | $65,870 |
| [CUNY Queens College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/cuny-queens-college-746) | $5,088 | $30,152 | $61,952 | 51% | $68,324 |

CUNY Hostos Community College has the largest share of Pell Grant recipients in the table (77% 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 $20,824 at CUNY Bronx Community College and $52,128 at CUNY Lehman College, 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; most schools in the table are public, so this affects nearly every option, and the widest gap is at CUNY Bernard M Baruch College, where four years of out-of-state tuition costs $31,800 more than New York residents pay. Set against earnings, CUNY Bernard M Baruch College stands out: its former students' median earnings of $83,742 ten years after entry are 31.9 times its four-year net price.

## Graduation rates at low-cost New York colleges

A low price tag loses its value if a student leaves college without a degree. While New York colleges overall perform well, the cheapest options in the state show a wide split in completion rates. Families must look beyond the yearly net price to see how many students actually finish.

According to CollegesRef data, the median graduation rate across all 97 qualifying New York colleges is 59%, which sits well ahead of the 44% national median. However, when looking only at the 15 lowest-priced schools in the state, the median graduation rate drops to 36%. This means several of the most affordable campuses struggle to get students across the finish line within six years.

### The top performers for timely completion

A few institutions on the low-cost list manage to combine exceptionally low net prices with strong graduation outcomes. CUNY Bernard M Baruch College leads the entire group. It features a 70% graduation rate alongside an average net price of just $657. This combination makes it one of the most efficient public options in the country for completing a degree affordably.

Other senior CUNY campuses also show graduation rates that exceed the 36% median for this list. CUNY Hunter College graduates 59% of its students, matching the state median, while maintaining a low average net price of $1,051. CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice is another strong performer, graduating 54% of its students with an average net price of $1,110. For an applicant, these institutions represent the safest bets on the list for turning a low-cost enrollment into an actual credential.

### Where graduation rates fall behind

On the other end of the spectrum, several schools with low net prices have completion rates that fall far below both the state and national averages. CUNY New York City College of Technology has an average net price of $2,818, but only 19% of its students graduate within six years. CUNY Medgar Evers College matches that low mark with a 19% graduation rate and a higher average net price of $3,245.

Community colleges and associate-degree granting institutions on the list also show lower completion rates, which is common for schools serving high numbers of part-time or working students. For example, CUNY Hostos Community College reports a 21% graduation rate with an average net price of $3,371. CUNY Bronx Community College graduates 22% of its students, and CUNY York College, a senior institution, graduates 27%.

When graduation rates are this low, a student faces a statistical risk of borrowing money or spending years in school without earning a credential. Families should ask admissions offices about academic advising, tutoring centers, and retention programs when researching these campuses. Comparing the graduation rate of a specific major can also provide a clearer picture than the campus-wide average.

## New York low-cost colleges yield high earnings relative to net price

A low net price only delivers true value if the credential leads to a stable career. In New York, the return on a student's educational investment is particularly strong when measured by post-college wages. Former students of the median New York college earn $66,448 ten years after starting, which sits well above the national median of $52,768. Because living costs in the state are high, comparing these future earnings to what a family pays upfront is a critical step in building a college list.

Nationwide, the median earnings ten years after entry represent 4.1 times the yearly net price. In New York, that median ratio is slightly lower at 3.6 times, driven by the state's higher overall net prices. However, the public institutions on this low-cost list defy both state and national averages by keeping net prices near zero while maintaining strong alumni outcomes.

### The top earners on the low-cost list

At the very top of the list, several City University of New York (CUNY) campuses produce earnings that dwarf their yearly net price. CUNY Bernard M Baruch College leads the entire state on this metric. With a median salary of $83,742 ten years after entry and an average net price of just $657, its earnings represent an astonishing 127.5 times the yearly net price.

Other CUNY campuses show a similar pattern of high wage returns relative to what students actually pay. CUNY Brooklyn College graduates post median earnings of $66,519 against a net price of $950, yielding a ratio of 70.0 times. CUNY Hunter College follows closely with median earnings of $70,502 and an average net price of $1,051, which means its ten-year earnings are 67.1 times the yearly net price. For an applicant focused on business, liberal arts, or pre-professional programs, these three institutions offer some of the most favorable debt-to-earnings ratios in the United States.

### Evaluating the lower end of the earnings ratio

Not every low-cost college in New York produces immediate high-wage outcomes. The lowest ratios on this list belong to two-year community colleges and institutions with lower graduation rates, where students may take longer to establish their careers.

CUNY Bronx Community College, for example, shows median earnings of $46,595 ten years after entry. When compared to its average net price of $3,613, the resulting ratio is 12.9 times. CUNY Kingsborough Community College matches this ratio at 12.9 times, with former students earning a median of $48,196 against a net price of $3,726. CUNY Medgar Evers College, a four-year institution with a 19% graduation rate, has a ratio of 15.2 times, based on median earnings of $49,242 and a net price of $3,245.

While these ratios are still far higher than the national median of 4.1 times, the absolute earnings figures are lower than those of the top-tier CUNY campuses. Families must weigh these differences carefully. A lower absolute salary of $46,595 makes housing and debt repayment in the New York metropolitan area much tighter, even if the initial college bill was exceptionally low. When comparing financial aid award letters, look at the line for "net cost" or "net price after gift aid" and compare it directly to the median earnings of graduates from that specific campus.

## Public CUNY campuses dominate New York's lowest net price options

Public institutions make up 54% of the qualifying colleges in New York, compared to 75% nationwide. Despite this lower overall share, public colleges claim all 15 spots on the state's lowest net price list. This dominance stems from the City University of New York (CUNY) system, which offers low in-state tuition rates and substantial state-funded financial aid.

According to CollegesRef data, the median net price for public colleges across New York is $7,657. This is significantly lower than the national public median of $10,454. For families comparing local options, these public institutions represent the most reliable path to minimizing out-of-pocket costs.

### Comparing net price and graduation rates among top CUNY campuses

When evaluating these public options, families must look beyond the sticker price to see how much students actually pay after receiving federal, state, and institutional grants. The average net price represents this actual cost of attendance, which varies across the top-ranked CUNY campuses.

At CUNY Bernard M Baruch College, the average net price is $657, and the in-state tuition is $7,462. Baruch also leads the group in student outcomes, graduating 70% of its students. CUNY Brooklyn College follows with an average net price of $950 and in-state tuition of $7,450, while graduating 53% of its undergraduates.

Further down the list, CUNY Hunter College reports an average net price of $1,051 and in-state tuition of $7,382. Hunter maintains a graduation rate of 59%. CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice has an average net price of $1,110, in-state tuition of $7,470, and a graduation rate of 54%.

Rounding out the top options, CUNY Queens College charges $7,538 for in-state tuition, resulting in an average net price of $1,272 and a 53% graduation rate. CUNY City College has an average net price of $1,557, in-state tuition of $7,340, and a graduation rate of 50%.

### Balancing low costs with timely graduation

An applicant must weigh these net prices against the time it takes to earn a degree. While the average net price at CUNY City College is only $900 higher than at Baruch, a student at City College faces a 50% graduation rate compared to Baruch's 70%.

Taking five or six years to graduate instead of four quickly erodes the savings of a low annual net price. Extra semesters mean paying for additional fees, books, transportation, and living expenses. They also delay entry into the workforce, which costs the student a year of professional salary.

Families should check the financial aid office at each campus to see how local grants, like the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) or the Excelsior Scholarship, apply to their specific income bracket. These state programs often bridge the gap between federal aid and the listed in-state tuition, driving the net price down to the triple digits for lower-income households.

When reviewing aid letters, families must locate the line for "net cost" or "net price" rather than focusing solely on the total financial aid package, which often includes student loans that must be repaid. Comparing these net figures alongside graduation rates allows families to identify which CUNY campus offers the strongest return on their educational investment.

## Why New York's top value colleges defy high state averages

New York is a notoriously expensive state to attend college, yet its public university system offers some of the deepest discounts in the nation. According to CollegesRef data, the median average net price after grants for qualifying colleges in New York is $17,334. This is significantly higher than the national median of $13,715. For families trying to stretch their budget, this $3,619 premium makes finding affordable options a necessity.

The City University of New York (CUNY) system provides an aggressive counterweight to these high statewide averages. While the state median is high, the median net price of the fifteen listed colleges is just $2,114. This means a student attending one of these schools typically pays a fraction of what peers pay elsewhere in the state or across the country.

### The massive spread between the lowest and highest low-cost options

Even within this list of fifteen highly affordable institutions, the amount a family actually pays varies by thousands of dollars. The lowest net prices on the list belong to CUNY Bernard M Baruch College at $657, CUNY Brooklyn College at $950, and CUNY Hunter College at $1,051. These three institutions represent some of the most affordable public baccalaureate education in the United States.

At the other end of this affordable cohort, the net prices increase but still remain well below national averages. The highest net prices on the list are found at CUNY Kingsborough Community College at $3,726, CUNY Bronx Community College at $3,613, and CUNY Hostos Community College at $3,371. While these three schools are technically the most expensive on this specific list, they still cost roughly $10,000 less than the national median net price.

### What these net price figures mean for your financial aid package

When analyzing these figures, families must look closely at how colleges calculate the net price on a financial aid award letter. The net price is not the published sticker price. It is the remaining cost of attendance after subtracting all federal, state, and institutional grant aid.

For a student attending CUNY Bernard M Baruch College, the average net price of $657 suggests that federal Pell Grants and New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) grants cover nearly the entire cost of tuition and fees. Conversely, at CUNY Kingsborough Community College, the higher net price of $3,726 means a student may need to cover the remaining balance through federal student loans, part-time work, or family savings.

An applicant must look at the line items on their financial aid award letter to see if the school is meeting their financial need with grants or with loans. Loans must be paid back, so they do not lower the net price. Only grants and scholarships reduce the actual net price.

Comparing these New York options requires looking at the total cost of attendance, which includes housing and food. Many CUNY campuses are commuter-heavy schools. If a student lives at home in Brooklyn or Queens, they can avoid the high cost of dormitories, keeping their actual out-of-pocket expenses very close to these low net price figures. For out-of-state students or those needing local housing, the actual cost will rise quickly, making the net price calculator on each college's financial aid website an essential tool before submitting an application.

## How grants and living costs shape the real price of CUNY campuses

The sticker price of a college represents only the starting point of a complex financial equation. To understand what a family will actually pay, an applicant must look at the total cost of attendance, which packages tuition together with housing, food, books, and personal expenses. In New York, the median cost of attendance before aid is $28,709, according to CollegesRef data. This sits significantly higher than the national median of $24,202.

For students staying in state, generous grant programs heavily discount these totals. The average net price after grants in New York drops to a median of $17,334, compared to $13,715 nationwide. At the state's most affordable public institutions, the impact of these grants is even more dramatic.

### The gap between tuition and living expenses

Many families focus entirely on tuition when estimating college costs. This focus can lead to major budgeting errors, especially at commuter-heavy public campuses where tuition is relatively low. Non-tuition expenses often make up the largest share of the student budget.

At CUNY Bronx Community College, the in-state tuition is $5,206, but the full cost of attendance reaches $12,916. This means housing, food, books, and transportation add $7,710 to the yearly bill. Similarly, CUNY Kingsborough Community College lists an in-state tuition of $5,252, yet the total cost of attendance is $12,665.

Even at four-year institutions, these indirect costs remain high. CUNY York College has an in-state tuition of $7,358, but its cost of attendance is $13,293. CUNY Medgar Evers College reports a tuition of $7,352 against a total cost of $13,283. At CUNY Queensborough Community College, the tuition is $5,210, while the cost of attendance is $11,121. College of Staten Island CUNY shows an in-state tuition of $7,490, but the total cost of attendance is $13,314.

These figures show that even if a student receives a tuition-waiver scholarship, they must still cover over $5,000 to $7,000 annually for basic living needs.

### How aid packages slash the sticker price

While living costs in the New York metropolitan area are high, the financial aid offices at CUNY campuses successfully offset these expenses for lower-income and middle-income students. The average net price, which is what students actually pay after accounting for federal, state, and institutional grants, is often a tiny fraction of the official cost of attendance.

At CUNY Bernard M Baruch College, the cost of attendance is $12,312, but the average net price is just $657. This means grants shave off $11,655 on average. CUNY Brooklyn College has a cost of attendance of $12,517 and an average net price of $950, reflecting $11,567 in average grant aid.

Other CUNY campuses show a similar pattern of heavy discounting. CUNY Hunter College has a cost of attendance of $12,400 and an average net price of $1,051. CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice costs $12,497 before aid, but has an average net price of $1,110. At CUNY Queens College, the cost of attendance is $12,914, which drops to an average net price of $1,272. CUNY City College has a cost of attendance of $12,926 and an average net price of $1,557.

Families should look at line items on their financial aid award letters to see how much of this discount comes from self-help aid, like student loans or work-study, versus gift aid like the federal Pell Grant or the New York State Tuition Assistance Program.

## Planning your applications and comparing New York financial aid packages

A student can build a balanced college list by targeting New York campuses that combine low costs with strong completion rates. The median net price for qualifying colleges in New York is $17,334, which sits well above the national median of $13,715. Because of this high regional baseline, families must look closely at individual school performance rather than assuming every low-cost option delivers equal value.

### Where to target your applications first

An applicant should prioritize schools that fall at or below the list median on net price while exceeding the median graduation rate. Six CUNY campuses meet these dual criteria, offering a rare combination of affordability and academic momentum. CUNY Bernard M Baruch College leads this group with an average net price of $657 and a 70% graduation rate. CUNY Hunter College follows closely, charging an average net price of $1,051 while graduating 59% of its students.

Other strong options include CUNY Brooklyn College, which has a net price of $950 and a 53% graduation rate, and CUNY Queens College, which costs $1,272 and graduates 53% of its class. CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice charges $1,110 and graduates 54% of students, while CUNY City College has a net price of $1,557 and a 50% graduation rate.

Conversely, some low-cost options carry significant academic risks. Several listed colleges graduate fewer than 40% of their students within six years. For example, College of Staten Island CUNY has a 36% graduation rate, CUNY Queensborough Community College stands at 29%, and CUNY York College drops to 27%. CUNY Hostos Community College reports a 21% graduation rate, while both CUNY New York City College of Technology and CUNY Medgar Evers College graduate just 19% of their undergraduates. A student who does not graduate faces the burden of student debt without the earning power of a degree.

### Aligning federal loan limits with New York award letters

When financial aid award letters arrive, families must distinguish between free grants and loans that require repayment. Every single one of the 15 lowest-priced New York schools has a four-year average net price that fits entirely within the $27,000 federal Direct Loan limit for a dependent undergraduate. This means a student could theoretically cover the entire net cost at any of these institutions using only federal student loans, without needing private loans or parent borrowing.

However, the financial gap widens dramatically if a student looks outside this low-cost list. The median net price at private colleges in New York is $28,930, compared to just $7,657 at public colleges.

To compare offers accurately, families should locate the "Estimated Cost of Attendance" line on each financial aid letter and subtract all federal, state, and institutional grants. The remaining balance is the net price. If this net price exceeds the annual federal Direct Loan limit of $5,500 for a first-year dependent student, the family must cover the difference through savings, work-study earnings, or parent loans. By anchoring an application strategy around the high-performing, low-cost CUNY campuses, a New York student can minimize this out-of-pocket gap.

## In-state savings and out-of-state premiums at public New York campuses

New York residents who attend a public college in their home state benefit from tuition rates that sit close to national patterns, but out-of-state applicants face a steep climb. According to CollegesRef data, the median in-state tuition at public colleges in New York is $7,490, which is $1,456 higher than the national public median of $6,034. For students crossing state lines, the financial landscape changes quickly. The median out-of-state tuition at New York public colleges is $15,332, compared to a national median of $12,515.

This difference is driven by the nonresident tuition premium. In New York, the median nonresident premium is $7,950, matching the national median premium of $7,950 exactly. Because every single one of the 15 lowest-priced schools on this list is a public institution, these residency rules affect every single option on the leaderboard. None of the colleges on this list are private, meaning there are no schools here where in-state and out-of-state students pay the same flat tuition rate.

### How residency shifts the cost at top CUNY campuses

For out-of-state students, the low average net prices published by these City University of New York (CUNY) campuses will not match their actual bills. The nonresident premium adds a uniform surcharge across the top tier of the system. For example, CUNY Bernard M Baruch College charges New York residents $7,462 in tuition, but out-of-state students pay $15,412. This represents an additional $7,950 per year.

The exact same $7,950 premium applies to the other leading CUNY campuses on the list. CUNY Brooklyn College charges $7,450 for in-state tuition and $15,400 for out-of-state tuition. At CUNY Hunter College, the rate goes from $7,382 for residents to $15,332 for nonresidents. CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice charges $7,470 to residents and $15,420 to nonresidents. CUNY Queens College lists $7,538 for in-state tuition and $15,488 for out-of-state tuition. Finally, CUNY City College charges $7,340 for residents and $15,290 for nonresidents.

### What these tuition gaps mean for your college budget

An out-of-state applicant must evaluate whether the post-graduation earnings justify paying double the tuition of a local resident. At CUNY Bernard M Baruch College, the $7,950 annual premium adds nearly $31,800 to a four-year degree. For a student who does not qualify for federal or state grants, this premium must be paid out of pocket or through student loans.

Families living outside of New York should look closely at how these premiums affect the net price calculator results for each campus. Public universities reserve their institutional aid packages almost exclusively for in-state residents who qualify for state-funded programs like the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). An out-of-state student will rarely receive institutional grants to offset the nonresident premium.

If you are an out-of-state student, you should compare these public nonresident costs against private colleges in New York. While the median net price at New York private colleges is high at $28,930, those schools often use generous institutional aid to discount their tuition for out-of-state students. At a public CUNY campus, the sticker price for nonresidents is rarely discounted, making residency the single most important factor in your final bill.

## How this list was built

The 15 colleges here have the lowest average net price out of 97 published New York institutions that enroll at least 2,000 students and report both an average net price and a graduation rate. Another 3 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 1,389 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 cheapest college in New York?

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College, a public college, has the lowest average net price among New York colleges with at least 2,000 students, at $657 a year after grants, or $16,677 under the state median. It also graduates 70% of students, better than most schools on this list.

### Are colleges in New York cheaper than the national average?

Generally, no. Qualifying New York colleges have a median net price of $17,334, about $3,619 more than the national median of $13,715.

## Keep researching

- [Colleges in New York](https://www.collegesref.com/state/new-york)
- [Easiest colleges to get into in New York](https://www.collegesref.com/blog/easiest-colleges-to-get-into-in-new-york)
- [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/))

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Source: CollegesRef, https://www.collegesref.com/blog/most-affordable-colleges-in-new-york-by-net-price. When citing a figure, include the data year stated next to it.