10 Most Affordable SUNY Colleges

Updated on 10/22/2025

New York State has dozens of public colleges and universities, and they're divided into two separate systems. The City University of New York (CUNY) system consists of schools in New York City, while the State University of New York (SUNY) system has schools throughout the state.

Although New York has some of the most expensive colleges in the U.S., the CUNY and SUNY schools are highly affordable. Coupled with the state's financial aid programs, many students can attend school for free. Keep reading to discover some of the cheapest SUNY schools.

How Much Is SUNY Tuition?

SUNY schools are some of the most affordable colleges in New York. Tuition is relatively consistent across the system, but it depends on whether you're attending a community college or four-year institution, whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student, and, if you're an out-of-state student, whether you study on campus or online.

Tuition for in-state residents at SUNY community colleges is usually around $231 per credit, or roughly $5,560 per year. Four-year SUNY schools are $295 per credit for in-state undergraduate students, or about $7,070 per year. The cost for out-of-state and graduate programs can vary by school.

Most Affordable SUNY Colleges

As mentioned, SUNY tuition remains pretty similar across the 30 community colleges and 34 four-year institutions. Below, we've highlighted some of these low-cost schools.

1. Monroe Community College

Monroe Community College (MCC) is a public college in Rochester, NY. It offers on-campus and online associate degrees and certificates in fields such as:

• business administration
• engineering
• healthcare
• liberal arts

MCC charges slightly less than the average SUNY community college tuition for in-state students. It also offers over 200 different scholarship opportunities to students.

• Estimated tuition cost: $217 per credit (in-state); $434 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: MCC accepts aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), participates in state aid programs, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. Finger Lakes Community College

At Finger Lakes Community College, students can earn associate degrees and certificates in person and online. These are available in areas like business, healthcare, liberal arts, and natural sciences.

FLCC, a community college, is located in Canandaigua, NY. It offers various scholarship opportunities through the FLCC Foundation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $231 per credit (in-state); $325 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: FLCC offers institutional aid and participates in state aid programs. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

3. Jamestown Community College

Jamestown Community College offers online and on-campus associate degrees and certificates. JCC is a public college in Jamestown, NY.

Fields of study at JCC include business administration, computer science, liberal studies, and nursing. The college offers over $1 million in annual scholarship support to students.

• Estimated tuition cost: $243 per credit (in-state); $486 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: JCC offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA, state, and private aid.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

4. Alfred State College

The undergraduate programs at Alfred State College (Alfred State) are available in person and online. Associate and bachelor's degrees are available in areas including business, engineering, healthcare, and the trades.

Alfred State, located in Alfred, NY, is one of SUNY's technical colleges. It offers institutional scholarships to both in-state and out-of-state students.

• Estimated tuition cost: $295 per credit (in-state); $353 per credit (out-of-state online); $500 to $751 per credit (out-of-state on-campus)
• Financial aid: Alfred State accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs. It also offers institutional aid and participates in state aid options.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

5. Empire State University

Empire State University (SUNY Empire) is New York's first and only public online institution. It's based in Saratoga Springs, NY, and offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields like:

• business
• education
• healthcare
• social sciences

SUNY Empire is the largest-serving, four-year, military-affiliated institution in the SUNY system and is also the only one designated an Autism Supportive University. Many scholarship opportunities are available through the school.

• Estimated tuition cost: $295 per credit (in-state); $353 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: SUNY Empire accepts FAFSA and state aid, offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

6. SUNY Brockport

Students at SUNY Brockport can earn bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in person and online. Areas of study include business, communication, education, and healthcare and nursing.

SUNY Brockport, a public university, is located in Brockport, NY. About 75% of undergraduate students here receive some sort of institutional scholarship.

• Estimated tuition cost: $295 per credit (in-state); $353 per credit (out-of-state online); $607 per credit (out-of-state on campus)
• Financial aid: SUNY Brockport offers institutional aid and accepts state aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

7. SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton offers online and on-campus associate and bachelor's degrees. SUNY Canton is a technology college in Canton, NY.

Students can earn degrees in fields such as business, computer science, healthcare, and public service. Several different scholarship opportunities are available to students at SUNY Canton.

• Estimated tuition cost: $295 per credit (in-state); $353 per credit (out-of-state online); $496 to $729 per credit (out-of-state on campus)
• Financial aid: SUNY Canton offers institutional aid and accepts federal, state, and private financial aid.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

8. University at Albany

Bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees are available in person and online at the University at Albany (UAlbany). Areas of study include business, communication, computer science, and social sciences.

UAlbany, located in Albany, NY, is a public research university. While in-state and online students pay the same tuition rates as at other SUNY universities, out-of-state on-campus students pay much more.

• Estimated tuition cost: $295 per credit (in-state); $353 per credit (out-of-state online); $1,178 per credit (out-of-state on campus)
• Financial aid: UAlbany accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. It also offers institutional aid and accepts state aid.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

9. SUNY Oswego

SUNY Oswego is a public university in Oswego, NY. It offers bachelor's and master's degrees on campus and online in fields like:

• business
• communication
• education
• visual and performing arts

Tuition here is consistent with other four-year SUNY schools. SUNY Oswego awards millions of dollars in scholarships to students each year to help them pay for their degrees.

• Estimated tuition cost: $295 per credit (in-state); $353 per credit (out-of-state online); $722 per credit (in-state on campus)
• Financial aid: SUNY Oswego accepts FAFSA and state aid, offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

10. SUNY Plattsburgh

Through SUNY Plattsburgh, students can find in person and online bachelor's and master's degrees. Areas of study include business, communication, education, and healthcare.

SUNY Plattsburgh, a public university, is located in Plattsburgh, NY. It offers numerous scholarship programs to students.

• Estimated tuition cost: $295 per credit (in-state); $353 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: SUNY Plattsburgh offers institutional aid and accepts state aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

How We Rank Schools

To choose the affordable SUNY schools listed above, we focused on:

• Accreditation: All schools listed (as well as all SUNY schools in general) are regionally accredited.
• Affordability: We looked at which schools in the SUNY system offered affordable tuition.
• Student resources: Each school offers several flexible online programs as well as scholarship opportunities and other resources for students.

Financial Aid Opportunities for College

Students across the U.S. have many financial aid options for college, but those in New York can also find exceptional aid programs through their state. We've broken down some common aid programs below.

Federal Financial Aid

Most students qualify for some amount of federal financial aid. This includes programs like:

• Pell Grants: Pell Grants are need-based grants of up to $7,395 that generally do not need to be repaid.
• Federal loans: Federal loans are student loans that often have lower interest rates and better repayment options than private loans.
• Federal work-study program: A work-study program allows you to earn money to pay for school by working part-time for your school or a partnering organization.

Federal aid is need-based, meaning it's dependent on your family income, expected family contribution, and other factors. To find out what you qualify for, fill out your FAFSA every year.

New York State Aid

As we mentioned, New York State offers some excellent aid programs to students, including:

• Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): The TAP offers legal New York residents a maximum of $5,665 per year. Eligibility varies by income, and the program is open to full-time, part-time, and non-degree students.
• Excelsior Scholarship: The Excelsior Scholarship allows New York residents to earn a degree from a CUNY or SUNY school tuition-free. Students must meet the income guidelines and be enrolled in full-time studies.
• Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS): For those studying part-time, the APTS program provides up to $2,000 to New York residents who meet income guidelines.
• Educational Opportunity Program (EOP): The state's EOP is designed to help students overcome financial and academic barriers so they can attend a SUNY college. Financial aid and services vary by student.

SUNY-Specific and Institutional Aid

In addition to programs offered through the state, the SUNY system itself offers several aid programs to help students.

For example, the SUNY Reconnect program offers free community college to New York residents ages 25 to 55 who don't yet have a degree. This program is for degrees in specific high-demand areas, like cybersecurity, engineering, and nursing.

Another scholarship option is the Carey Gabay Scholarship, which offers five full-tuition scholarships to SUNY students each year. The scholarship is designed to help those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Additionally, individual SUNY schools also offer programs. You can find a whole list of school-specific scholarship opportunities at SUNY.edu.

Additional Options for Non-Traditional Students

If you don't qualify for one of the above financial aid programs due to factors like residency or income, there are additional financial aid options you may be able to use. These include:

• Employer tuition assistance: Many employers offer tuition assistance or tuition reimbursement options as part of their benefits packages. Eligibility may vary by employer.
• Veterans and military aid: Those who have served in the military can take advantage of reduced tuition options and tuition coverage programs through their military branch.
• Payment plans: Some schools offer payment plan options, allowing students to pay for their education as they go.
• Scholarships for adult learners: In addition to scholarships like SUNY Reconnect, many independent scholarship providers offer programs specifically for adult learners.

FAQs About the Most Affordable SUNY Degree

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the cheapest SUNY schools and degree programs.

What Is the Easiest SUNY School To Get Into?

SUNY Empire has a 100% acceptance rate, making it the easiest SUNY school to get into. The State University of New York at Canton is another great option, with a high acceptance rate of 95% and a simple admissions process that can help make going to college less challenging.

Can I Get Financial Aid at a Four-Year SUNY College?

Yes, you can get financial aid at a four-year SUNY college. To determine eligibility, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

Examples of financial assistance include:

• Merit Scholarships
• Excelsior Scholarships
• Federal Pell Grants
• Student Loans

The different types of available financial aid vary, so students should research their chosen program for details.

What Is the Cheapest College Tuition in NY?

Brooklyn College and Queens College, part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, are known for charging some of the cheapest college tuition for online and on-campus degrees. Undergraduate residents with full-time enrollment pay $3,465 per semester, and graduate students pay $5,545.

How Much Is a SUNY School per Year?

The cost to attend a SUNY school per year can fluctuate depending on the college and type of enrollment, and different student fees are also applicable according to the degree. Tuition for residents is around $7,070 per year for undergraduates, plus other costs like technology fees for those studying online or room and board for full-time on-campus students.

Is SUNY or CUNY Cheaper?

The tuition for attending a SUNY or CUNY school is about the same; when determining which is cheaper, it is important to research the applicable fees. The additional charges that vary by school and affect the cost of attendance are for:

• technology
• books
• other items

Are SUNY Schools Cheaper?

SUNY schools are cheaper than nationwide public and private colleges, providing significant savings for New York residents and a lower-than-average debt burden upon graduation. The Excelsior Scholarship allows qualified students to attend a SUNY or CUNY tuition-free, making SUNY colleges an ideal choice for a cheaper higher education.

What Is the Cheapest Community College in New York City?

The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) is a SUNY school and one of the cheapest community colleges in New York City. Tuition per semester for residents getting associate degrees is $2,645, and non-residents pay $7,935, plus applicable fees.

Discover the Cheapest SUNY Schools Today

Contact your chosen institution today to learn more about the cheapest SUNY schools. With Learn.org, discover the many affordable ways that you can obtain a quality education from a public state college.