Students interested in finding a New York school offering online degrees have a lot of great options to choose from. These schools offer a wealth of programs and resources for online students and, after a great deal of gathering facts and analyzing data, Study.com has compiled this list of the best online schools available in the state of New York. We used information from the U.S. Department of Education, like retention rates and tuition costs, in combination with information like accreditations, programs offered, and student services offered to come up with this list.
Study.com's rankings are unique in that they emphasize accessibility, affordability, and quality of education, which we considered the most important attributes in our ranking lists. Because of that, you're sure to find an online program that is affordable, attainable, and provides students with a quality educational experience.
1. Excelsior University
The number one school on our list was also one of the first colleges to offer online courses to students. Excelsior University in Albany, New York, offers more than 40 high-quality degree programs in six in-demand areas of study: liberal arts, technology, business, health sciences, public service, and nursing. Both undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered, and online classes start every eight weeks so students can fit courses into their schedule. This school has an amazing Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) program for online courses that does not require students to pay any additional costs for course materials. This school has a great credit acceptance policy, too - so students can transfer in credits from other schools as well as for professional experiences, military training, certifications, approved exams, and more.
2. Mercy College
Students that attend Mercy College can choose from more than 30 online degree programs which range from a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science to a Master of Science in Adolescence Education. This school has locations around the state - including in the Bronx, Dobbs Ferry, Yorktown Heights, and Manhattan - and it is known for offering the exceptional Personalized Achievement Contract (PACT) program that is designed to create a personalized learning experience for each student. The cost to attend Mercy College is considered to be roughly half of what other local private colleges charge, making these degrees even more attainable.
3. Stony Brook University
Stony Brook University is located in the city of Stony Brook, and their online offerings include over 20 flexible and innovative degree programs in areas like liberal studies, nursing, educational leadership, and electrical engineering. For instance, students can enroll in an online graduate program like the Advanced Graduate Certificate in Coaching or an undergraduate program like the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. All online students have access to great online technical support, and the tuition at Stony Brook is 15% lower than the national average in the nation -- and 50% less than the average non-profit school.
4. University at Buffalo
Students seeking top-notch online programs in education will find a ton of options at the University of Buffalo's Graduate School of Education. There are over 50 graduate-level programs offered in either fully online or hybrid formats. All online courses are taught by experienced faculty and are designed to help students save both time and money. This school recently lowered their tuition rate by 41% for non-New York students enrolled in their online graduate programs.
5. SUNY College at Brockport
Brockport, NY, is home to SUNY College at Brockport, and this school offers distinguished online programs for both graduate and undergraduate students that provide a quality learning experienced with maximum flexibility. There are more than 20 programs to choose from, and courses are offered year-round via the Blackboard Learning Management System. Some of the many areas that students can choose from include business, counselor education, education and human development, nursing, liberal studies, and more. Online students also have access to great resources like remote tutoring, online career tools that are accessible 24/7, and IT services.
6. Utica College
Utica College has an array of impressive online degree options for students looking for graduate degrees, undergraduate degrees, or certificates in areas like business administration, cybersecurity, criminal justice, and more. Online students will receive technical, academic, and student success support from the Division of Online and Extended Studies throughout their studies. The same experienced faculty members that teach on campus teach the online courses, which translates into a top-notch learning experience for online students.
7. SUNY College of Technology at Canton
With a spectacular offering of 21 online degree programs and over 450 online courses, SUNY College of Technology at Canton is a great option for students looking to earn an online degree in New York. The online programs at this school range from areas like agricultural management to nursing, and they include the same courses as those completing the program on campus. Online students at SUNY Canton are still able to communicate with their teachers and classmates and build a network through discussion boards, video conferences, online chats, and social media.
8. Nyack College
Nyack College has campuses in both New York City and Nyack, but the school also offers wonderful online programs that provide students with the flexibility to earn a degree without changing their schedules. There are more than 20 fully online degree programs available, and many of them are offered in a unique online cohort model which helps students build community bonds. Some of the many exceptional degrees offered fully online include a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Master of Science in Childhood Education, and more. This college offers tuition costs that are very low compared to other online programs, and they also provide additional scholarship opportunities to help students pay for their degree.
9. Canisius College
Canisius College in Buffalo offers more than 13 fantastic online graduate programs in areas like applied nutrition, literacy education, and sports administration. Students enrolled here are encouraged to pursue double and triple majors to create the academic pathway that they want. With an average class size of 17 students, those enrolled here will be able to connect with professors and receive help when they need it.
10. The Sage Colleges
More than 50% of all students that graduate with a bachelor's degree from The Sage Colleges end up furthering their education and earning advanced degrees. Russell Sage Online is the online division of this school and is based out of Troy, NY, campus. This division provides nine innovative programs in areas like nutrition, applied behavior analysis, and business. Some of the degrees offered here include a Bachelor of Business Administration, Master of Science in Applied Nutrition, and a Graduate Certificate in Technology Integration in Teaching Excellence. Their online programs offer a top-quality learning experience and offer a fast-track to graduation, and the school also provides great financial aid opportunities for online students.
11. SUNY College of Technology at Delhi
Students at SUNY College of Technology at Delhi can choose from a vast array of fabulous online programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Business Administration in Event Management, Master of Science in Nursing, and more. The online programs are offered using the Moodle learning management system, which the school affectionately calls Vancko Hall. The online courses typically have less than 20 students and are designed so that students can continue to work while they work to earn their degree.
12. Medaille College
Medaille College in Buffalo offers their programs with a 'Flex Advantage', meaning students can complete online associate's, bachelor's, master's degrees, and advanced certificates on a schedule that they design. Those enrolled in one of the university's 14 exceptional online programs can take up to four courses each semester, providing students the freedom to learn at their own pace. Program options range from an AAS in Veterinary Technology to a MA in Organizational Leadership. Every online student is given a personal success coach for the entire duration of their academic program to help aid in his or her success.
13. SUNY College at Oswego
Students at SUNY College at Oswego can choose from online bachelor's degrees in areas like business administration, broadcasting and mass communication, criminal justice, public relations, wellness management, and technical education. To add more flexibility to these programs, students have the option of taking classes year round. Those that enroll in one of these superior programs can access an online orientation guide to help transition into courses.
14. Dominican College of Blauvelt
Dominican College of Blauvelt has lowered their online tuition rates an astounding 25%, making online programs much more attainable. Students have the option to choose from five different fully online programs: an RN to BSN program, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences. Online students can transfer up to 90 credits from a four-year college, and they have access to fantastic career counseling services and the library on campus.
15. St. Joseph's College - New York
With 16 unique online programs offered in six different areas, the distance-learning programs at St. Joseph's College - New York are an excellent option for those seeking a flexible education experience. Degrees offered here include a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources, a Master of Business Administration in Health Care Management, an Advanced Certificate in Nursing Education, and more. Some of the resources available to online students include tutoring, 24/7 tech support, academic advising, and career services. Online courses are taught by the same experienced faculty that teach the on-campus courses in Brooklyn and Long Island, and the average class size is only 14 students.
16. SUNY College at Plattsburgh
SUNY College at Plattsburgh offers a great selection of online courses as well as four online degree programs for students seeking a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, a Master of Science in Fitness and Wellness Leadership, a Graduate Certificate in Teacher Leadership, or an RN to Bachelor of Science nursing program. This school offers many quality resources for its online students, including access to a specialist in online learning support, academic advising, library access, and career development advising.
17. D'Youville College
A number of amazing online degrees are offered at D'Youville College in Buffalo. Students can choose from a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Master of Science in Nursing Education, Master of Science in Nursing, Ed.D. in Health Professions Education, Master of Business Administration, Post Master's Certificate in Long-Term Care Administration, and an RN to BSN program. Online students learn from distinguished faculty that are considered to be experts in their fields, and the student-to-faculty ratio is only 12-to-1.
18. Touro College
While this school doesn't offer any fully-online programs, Touro College makes our list as they offer so many online courses that that are designed to add great flexibility to their on-campus degree programs. The courses span the fields of education, business, psychology, history, biology, computer science, and more. Many exceptional resources are available to online students at this Kew Garden Hills school, such as access to the Touro Libraries and their 120 databases and full technical support
19. CUNY Lehman College
Another NY school with an impressive selection of online courses and programs is CUNY Lehman College. Students here have the freedom to take courses online, in a hybrid format, partially online, or web enhanced to add great flexibility to programs. Fully online classes can be completed at any time during the day or night, and some of their online programs include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, Master of Arts in Health Education and Promotion, and more. Some of the superior online courses offered here include College Writing, Bioinformatics, Financial Management, Introduction to Ethics, and many more.
20. SUNY Buffalo State
Those that want to earn a degree online can do so with one of the magnificent programs offered at SUNY Buffalo State. There are seven top-notch programs available, including the Master of Science in Adult Education, Master of Music in Music Education, and Master of Science in Public Relations. Classes can be completed either solely online or in a combination of online and on-campus meetings. Campus resources are also available to online students including the career and development center, writing center, and student accessibility services.
21. Farmingdale State College
Farmingdale State College in Farmingdale offers both a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and an RN to BSN program online. This institution provides a detailed Online Orientation Program to help students to prepare for online classes and help them connect to the school without having to attend an on-campus orientation. Exceptional online tutoring services are also available to all students as a part of both the NetTutor and RamTutor systems.
22. Daemen College
Students that attend Daemen College in Amherst can complete amazing online programs like Master of Social Work, Applied Behavioral Analysis Program, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Students that are considering entering into one of these programs can take part in an Online Open House to chat with admissions staff, see what programs are available, learn about different financial aid options, and more.
23. CUNY Queens College
CUNY Queens College is an ideal choice for anyone wishing to complete a career certificate program online. They offer a variety of in-depth programs in high-demand fields, including internetworking and telecommunications, web design, human resources, customer service, finance and accounting, management and leadership, and more. Programs start each month, making it easy to enroll and create a schedule that works for busy adults.
24. CUNY Brooklyn College
CUNY Brooklyn College offers many of its high-quality courses online for students seeking a flexible learning experience. Students have the opportunity to take partially online classes, web-enhanced classes, hybrid classes, or fully online classes. Great online resources are available to students, including the BC WebCentral Portal, the CUNYfirst course information system, and the Brooklyn College Library's website.
25. CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
New York City is home to CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice, which offers 13 unique online degree and degree-completion programs. Students can choose between several spectacular online justice and public administration programs, including a Master of Arts in International Crime and Justice and an Advanced Certificate in Emergency Management Studies. Online students at John Jay have access to the extensive research and academic resources, as well as distinguished faculty, career and networking services, and alumni benefits.
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.
