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Dreaming of studying in New York City? Whether you’re into skyscrapers, street art, finance, or film, NYC has something for everyone—including some of the best universities in the U.S. and the world! From Ivy League legends like Columbia and Cornell, to dynamic hubs like NYU, Fordham, and Yeshiva, each university offers a unique experience in the city that never sleeps.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top universities in New York for 2025—covering everything from admissions and tuition to popular courses and fun facts. So, whether you’re looking for excellent tech programs, creative arts, or a value-driven education, you’re sure to find your perfect fit right here in NYC!
Top Universities in New York
Columbia University
Columbia University isn’t just one of the top universities in New York—it’s one of the best in the world! Located in Manhattan, this Ivy League giant has been shaping brilliant minds since 1754. In 2025, Columbia ranks #1 in NYC and #7 in the U.S., reflecting its academic strength, global reputation, and elite student body. The university offers more than 80 areas of study, from engineering and law to film and business.
And with an acceptance rate of just 4%, it’s also one of the most selective schools in the country. Furthermore, Columbia University received over 60,000 applications for its undergraduate class of 2024—and accepted fewer than 2,500 students. Following are the key details of Columbia University:
| Category | Details |
| Location | New York City, New York (Manhattan – Morningside Heights Campus) |
| Founded | 1754 (one of the oldest universities in the U.S.) |
| Student Enrollment | ~31,455 students (undergraduate + graduate) |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 4% (Highly selective) |
| International Students | ~36% of graduate students are international |
| Popular Programs | Engineering, Business, Journalism, Law, Medicine, Political Science |
| Tuition Fees (2025) | ~$64,380 per year (undergraduate); Graduate programs vary |
| Graduation Rate | ~95% |
| Notable Alumni | Barack Obama, Warren Buffett, Amelia Earhart, Langston Hughes |
| Fun Fact | Columbia administers the Pulitzer Prizes each year |
New York University
If you’ve ever dreamed of going to college in the heart of Manhattan, New York University (NYU) might just be your perfect match! Known for its urban energy and global outlook, NYU is one of the largest private universities in the U.S.—and one of the most recognized around the world. In 2025, NYU ranks #2 in New York City and #9 nationwide, and it’s easy to see why.
With campuses in NYC, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai, and a strong focus on international education, NYU gives students an experience that truly spans the globe. With a student body of over 50,000, it’s a buzzing hub of culture, creativity, and excellent academics. NYU gets over 100,000 applications a year—more than any other private university in the U.S.! Following are the key details of New York University:
| Category | Details |
| Location | New York City, New York (Main campus: Greenwich Village, Manhattan) |
| ️Founded | 1831 |
| Student Enrollment | Over 58,000 students (including undergrad and grad programs) |
| Acceptance Rate | About 8% (competitive, but less selective than Columbia) |
| International Students | ~21% of undergrads and 35% of grad students are international |
| Popular Programs | Film & TV, Business, Arts, Law, Computer Science, Psychology |
| Tuition Fees (2025) | ~$54,880 per year (undergraduate); grad fees vary by program |
| Graduation Rate | ~85% |
| Notable Alumni | Lady Gaga, Martin Scorsese, Alan Greenspan, Alec Baldwin |
| Fun Fact | NYU’s Tisch School is considered one of the best film and arts schools globally |
Cornell University
Cornell University is where Ivy League tradition meets modern innovation—and it’s the only Ivy League school with campuses in both upstate Ithaca and New York City! Ranked #3 in NYC and #12 in the U.S. for 2025, Cornell combines academic rigor with real-world impact. It’s a place where Nobel laureates teach freshman seminars, and research spans everything from space technology to sustainable farming. In addition to this, Cornell was the first U.S. university to offer a degree in journalism and was a pioneer in gender and racial inclusion in higher education. Following are the key details of Cornell University:
| Category | Details |
| Location | Main Campus: Ithaca, NY; Satellite campuses in NYC (Weill Cornell, Tech Campus) |
| Founded | 1865 |
| Student Enrollment | ~23,600 students (undergraduate and graduate) |
| Acceptance Rate | Around 7% (highly competitive) |
| International Students | ~22% of total enrollment |
| Popular Programs | Engineering, Business, Law, Agriculture, Computer Science, Hospitality |
| Tuition Fees (2025) | ~$65,204 per year (undergraduate); graduate fees vary by program |
| Graduation Rate | ~94% |
| Notable Alumni | Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Bill Nye, Toni Morrison, Anthony Fauci |
| Fun Fact | Cornell Tech, located on Roosevelt Island, is one of the most futuristic campuses in the U.S. |
Fordham University
Fordham University is where tradition meets the buzz of the big city! Known as the Jesuit University of New York, Fordham blends a values-based education with academic excellence. With campuses in both The Bronx and Manhattan (Lincoln Center), students get to enjoy green campus life and urban energy all in one.
Ranked #4 in NYC and in the #121–130 range nationally for 2025, Fordham is respected for its strong liberal arts foundation, top-ranked law school, and high-performing business programs. Over 90% of Fordham students participate in internships during their time at the university—thanks to its prime NYC location and strong industry connections! Following are the key details of Fordham University:
| Category | Details |
| Location | New York City, NY (Rose Hill – Bronx; Lincoln Center – Manhattan) |
| Founded | 1841 |
| Student Enrollment | ~16,000 students (undergraduate + graduate) |
| Acceptance Rate | Around 46% (moderately selective) |
| International Students | ~11% of total enrollment |
| Popular Programs | Business, Law, Communications, Psychology, Political Science |
| Tuition Fees (2025) | ~$57,546 per year (undergraduate); grad programs vary |
| Graduation Rate | ~81% |
| Notable Alumni | Denzel Washington, Lana Del Rey, John O. Brennan (former CIA Director) |
| Fun Fact | Fordham’s Rose Hill campus spans 85 acres—the largest green space in NYC after Central Park! |
Yeshiva University
Yeshiva University, rooted in Jewish values but open to all students, it offers a unique educational environment where Torah learning and secular studies go hand in hand. Ranked #=8 in NYC and #161–170 in the U.S. for 2025, Yeshiva is small but mighty, offering intimate class sizes, strong faculty support, and programs that stretch from law and business to health sciences and Jewish studies.
With a focus on ethics, leadership, and community, this private research university is also home to the highly regarded Cardozo School of Law and Sy Syms School of Business. Yeshiva has been named one of the “Top 10 Religiously Affiliated Colleges in the U.S.” by multiple publications. Following are the key details of Yeshiva University:
| Category | Details |
| Location | New York City, NY (Main campuses: Washington Heights, Midtown Manhattan) |
| Founded | 1886 |
| Student Enrollment | ~6,300 students (undergraduate + graduate) |
| Acceptance Rate | ~60% (less competitive, student-focused) |
| International Students | ~9% of total enrollment |
| Popular Programs | Law, Business, Psychology, Biology, Jewish Studies |
| Tuition Fees (2025) | ~$46,860 per year (undergraduate); graduate costs vary |
| Graduation Rate | ~77% |
| Notable Alumni | Joseph Lieberman (former U.S. Senator), Shulamith Firestone (feminist theorist) |
| Fun Fact | The university holds daily Torah study sessions that are open to the community |
Conclusion
There you have it—New York’s top universities for 2025, each with its own flavor and strength. Whether you want the prestige of Columbia, the global flair of NYU, the innovation of Cornell, the values of Fordham, or the close-knit spirit of Yeshiva, New York has it all.
Remember, the right university isn’t just about rankings—it’s about finding a place that fits your goals, passions, and learning style. Take your time, explore your options, and who knows? Your next chapter might just begin in the heart of NYC.
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