With the hustle and bustle of New York City and the natural beauty of upstate New York, the Empire State has much to offer.
But what if you're interested in online colleges in New York? The state's online colleges and universities offer an affordable path to a college degree. You can save money by enrolling at a CUNY school online and avoiding the high living costs in New York City.
Discover tips about the best online colleges in NY and tips to save money in this helpful guide.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Colleges in New York 2025
Price Check
Did you know that in-state tuition in New York is lower than the national average? You can expect to pay around $8,500 per year in tuition and fees as an in-state resident, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
8 Fast-Growing Careers in New York
The Empire State offers an incredible diversity of career opportunities, thanks to New York City's powerful influence. Its large population and long-held status as a driving economic and cultural force give it relevance as a trend-setting professional destination.
The following table, generated with data from the New York State Department of Labor, offers a sampling of diverse careers poised for growth during the 2020s. It spans industries and employment settings, from entertainment and healthcare to religion and the arts.
| Job | Projected Growth (2022-2032) | Annual Mean Wage in NY (May 2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 26.3% | $142,830 |
| Museum Technicians and Conservators | 22.2% | $71,470 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Directors | 21.8% | $70,164 |
| Clergy | 21.3% | $72,525 |
| Fundraisers | 20.2% | $82,951 |
| Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes | 18.2% | $123,466 |
| Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners | 15% | $78,168 |
| Music Directors and Composers | 14.6% | N/A |
Majors to Consider to Prepare for New York's Job Market
You'll need to choose your college major strategically to take advantage of the high-growth career paths profiled above. To that end, consider the benefits of earning a degree in the following subjects:
Business Management
A business management degree offers excellent flexibility. This practical major offers market relevance in virtually any set of economic conditions. It also positions you to take advantage of fast-growing career paths in event planning and managing artists, performers, and athletes.Theology, Theological Studies, or Divinity
The New York State Department of Labor projects strong growth in demand for religious educators, clergy, and workers in religious organizations. College programs in theology, theological studies, and divinity offer an excellent educational background for entering these professions.Nursing
New York anticipates a massive surge in demand for nurse practitioners (NPs) in the decade ahead. To become an NP, you'll need to work as a registered nurse, earn a bachelor of science in nursing, and then proceed to a graduate-level degree program.Funerary Services or Mortuary Science
New York's rapidly aging population means the state will likely experience a strong demand for mortuary and funerary professionals in the near future. Morbid as it may be, the labor market will always need capable morticians and funeral directors, given the realities of the human lifespan.
What Is the Cost of College in New York?
New York's public colleges are known for their strong education and affordability. The cost of public college for in-state students is around $1,175 less than the national average. And for out-of-state students, New York's public universities are nearly $7,500 less than the national average.
Universities with flat online tuition can help you save on New York universities, regardless of your residence status. This gives you greater flexibility to study from anywhere and can help you save on transportation and housing costs.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition and Required Fees in NY | Average Tuition and Required Fees in the U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $8,575 | $9,750 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $20,637 | $28,297 |
| Private Four-Year | $28,730 | $46,280 |
Scholarships & Cost Savings for Online Colleges in NY
Studying online is a great way to save money. Some schools offer discounted rates to students in 100% online programs. Many public colleges also apply uniform tuition fees to all learners in fully online degrees regardless of residency status.
Scholarships represent another valuable path to potential savings. While you should expand your search for scholarships beyond those exclusively available in New York State, the following funding opportunities can help you get started:
New York State Tuition Assistance Program
New York residents qualify for the tuition assistance program, which provides up to $5,665 per year for approved New York colleges.
Excelsior Scholarship
New Yorkers can get up to $5,500 in tuition funding to attend a SUNY or CUNY college with the Excelsior Scholarship. The scholarship is open to those with a family income of $125,000 or less.
NYS STEM Incentive Program
New York high schoolers in the top 10% of their classes can receive up to $7,070 per year to earn STEM degrees at public colleges in New York.
NYS Scholarships for Academic Excellence
Graduates from New York high schools qualify for $500-$1,500 per year if they attend New York colleges full-time.
NYS Math and Science Teaching Incentive Program
Want to become a math or science teacher? This grant covers up to $7,070 per year in tuition fees if you study at a New York State college.
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in New York
Tuition reciprocity agreements can help you save money if you attend a public college as an out-of-state student. These agreements extend in-state tuition rates or other discounts to nonresident students from neighboring states.
Unfortunately, New York does not directly participate in any formal tuition reciprocity agreements. Some New York public colleges may offer exceptions, but schools set their tuition policies individually.
As a New York resident, you may qualify for discounted tuition at schools in nearby states. For instance, some state colleges in Connecticut offer special tuition rates to residents of nearby states, including New York and New Jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in New York
The cheapest online college in NY is the CUNY system. CUNY Lehman College reports an annual net price of $4,974, according to NCES data. Lehman College offers several online programs, including bachelor's programs in accounting, nursing, sociology, and business. You can also earn a master's degree in business, education, or other fields.
