Top 10 Universities in NYC

Top 10 Universities in NYC

NYC’s top schools shaping the next generation of leaders.

New York University

New York University

New York, NY 10012, United States

NYU sits right in the heart of Greenwich Village, where campus and city blend seamlessly. Whether you’re strolling through Washington Square Park or studying in a buzzing coffee shop, there’s a magnetic energy here that makes you feel like anything’s possible.

Columbia University

Columbia University

116th and Broadway, New York, NY 10027, United States

Columbia’s massive Low Library steps are iconic for a reason. Tucked in Morningside Heights, this Ivy League titan combines academic prestige with a classic campus feel—right in Manhattan. The mix of tradition and ambition is just unreal.

CUNY, The City University of New York

CUNY, The City University of New York

205 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, United States

CUNY isn’t one school, it’s a whole universe of opportunity. It’s NYC’s hometown hero—affordable, diverse, and full of hustle. From Baruch to Hunter, every campus has its own heartbeat, but they all share that New York determination.

The State University of New York

The State University of New York

262 W 38th St #506, New York, NY 10018, United States

SUNY’s NYC presence might surprise you. Fashion Institute of Technology is one of its boldest stars—where design meets industry. It’s where creativity walks the runway and ideas turn into careers, all from Midtown Manhattan.

Fordham University

Fordham University

Bronx, NY 10458, United States

Fordham’s Bronx campus feels like a peaceful retreat—with gothic architecture and tree-lined paths. But don’t be fooled, its Lincoln Center location puts students in the middle of NYC’s cultural heartbeat. It’s the best of both worlds.

The City College of New York

The City College of New York

160 Convent Ave, New York, NY 10031, United States

City College sits on a hill in Harlem and looks like a castle, but its energy is all grit and brains. One of the oldest public colleges in the country, it’s a launching pad for brilliant minds who often come from right here in the city.

St. Joseph’s University, New York - Brooklyn

St. Joseph’s University, New York - Brooklyn

245 Clinton Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205, United States

Tucked in Clinton Hill, St. Joseph’s Brooklyn campus has a warm, intimate vibe. It’s not trying to be flashy—it’s about community, hands-on learning, and growing in a close-knit, real-world setting. A true local gem.

Baruch College

Baruch College

55 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10010, United States

Baruch is where business gets real. It’s part of CUNY, but it’s got its own edge. Students hustle between classes and internships in Midtown, and the vibe is all ambition. You’re here to make moves—and Baruch gives you the launchpad.

Pace University

Pace University

One Pace Plaza, New York, NY 10038, United States

Right at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge, Pace’s downtown location is unbeatable. It’s plugged into the financial district, giving students a front-row seat to the business world. Fast-paced? Definitely. But that’s kind of the point.

The Rockefeller University

The Rockefeller University

1230 York Ave, New York, NY 10065, United States

You’ve probably walked past it without realizing—but this quiet institution on the Upper East Side is doing wild things in biomedical science. Rockefeller is small, elite, and hyper-focused on research that literally changes the world.

Related Lists

Top 10 After-School Programs in NYC

Top 10 After-School Programs in NYC

Great for parents looking to keep their kids engaged and learning after 3PM.