Best Military-Friendly Colleges in New York

Tuition costs are high everywhere in the country, and while New York tuition rates are lower than average, they can still be too high for many students. One of the benefits the military offers is tuition assistance programs to help students cover tuition costs.

Some military students can have their tuition completely covered at colleges in New York. Keep reading to discover some of the best military-friendly colleges in New York State.

Military-Friendly Colleges in New York

Several military-friendly schools in New York accept military education benefits and even offer some of their own. Military students may have their total tuition at public institutions in New York covered by GI Bill benefits, or $28,937 per year paid to private schools. Private schools may make up the difference through the Yellow Ribbon Program or other types of financial aid.

Below, we've listed some of the top military and veteran-friendly colleges in New York and discuss how to use military benefits at New York colleges.

1. Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private research university in Syracuse, New York that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. It has various programs for military personnel, including the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs and the D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), an institute focused on bringing unique and innovative programs to veterans and their families.

While the GI Bill will only cover a portion of tuition costs at Syracuse, the university pays the remaining costs for all eligible undergraduate students and varying amounts for graduate students. Additionally, the university's Veteran Legacy Fund is an initiative that helps veterans pay for their education.

2. Columbia University

Columbia University is a private Ivy League research university in New York City. It offers veterans services through the Military Veterans of Columbia University (Milvets) organization.

The university offers resources such as the Veterans Career Initiative and Veteran Network. To help cover costs that the GI Bill doesn't, Columbia University will pay the remaining tuition and fees for all eligible undergraduate students and a certain amount to graduate students through the Yellow Ribbon Program.

3. SUNY Albany

The State University of New York (SUNY) Albany is a public research university based in Albany, New York. Its Veteran and Military Student Services assists military members and vets, including discounted parking and help securing financial aid.

Because SUNY Albany is public, students may have their entire tuition covered through the GI Bill. Additionally, some military and veteran students may qualify for reduced in-state tuition.

4. Long Island University

Long Island University is a private university system with two campuses, one on Long Island and the other in Brooklyn. The university's Veterans Affairs office helps students acclimate to higher education and secure financial aid.

Through the Yellow Ribbon Program, LIU offers up to $7,500 yearly for eligible students, nearly covering all tuition costs. The university also offers credit for some military learning programs and accepts military tuition assistance.

5. The City College of New York

The City College of New York is a public research university in Manhattan in New York City. It's part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system and assists veterans and service members through its Office of Veteran Affairs.

In addition to tuition coverage through the GI Bill, military students can stretch their benefits further through in-state tuition rates at CCNY. The university also accepts military tuition assistance and accepts military credits.

6. Rochester Institute of Technology

The Rochester Institute of Technology is a private research university in Rochester, New York. Its Office of Veteran Student Success provides support to active duty service members and veterans, which includes offering the Veterans Upward Bound Program to assist with enrollment.

Although the GI Bill won't cover full tuition costs at RIT, the university assists students by providing up to $15,323 per year to all eligible students through the Yellow Ribbon Program. The university also offers numerous scholarships that military students may qualify for.

7. New York University

New York University is a private research university in New York City. Based in Manhattan, it's the largest private university in the country by enrollment and offers multiple benefits for military and veteran students, including the NYU Military Alliance.

The amount that NYU offers through the Yellow Ribbon Program depends on what program you're taking, but it may be up to $32,060 per year. The Office of the Registrar processes most military benefits at NYU.

8. Iona University

Iona University is a private Roman Catholic university based in New Rochelle, New York. It offers small class sizes and flexible programs that help military members succeed.

Through the Yellow Ribbon Program, Iona University covers all remaining tuition costs for up to 50 students. The university also offers readmission to service members who have to leave partway through their program for military service.

9. Pace University

Pace University is a private university with three campuses in New York State. It strives to support military students through career services and accelerated admission for veteran, reservist, and active-duty military applicants.

The university pays all remaining tuition costs for eligible students through the Yellow Ribbon Program. It also offers a number of scholarship programs to help students pay tuition costs.

10. Fordham University

Fordham University is a private Catholic research university based out of the Bronx in New York City. Military Times recently ranked it as one of the best colleges for veterans in the state, and the university offers assistance through its Vet Center.

Fordham's Yellow Ribbon Commitment covers 100% of all tuition and fees for Eligible Post 9/11 GI-Bill veterans or their dependents. It also offers multiple opportunities like professional networking, career-building bootcamps, internships, and job fairs to veterans.

Does the U.S. Military Offer Free College?

Many service members qualify for free college through a military assistance program like the GI Bill or tuition assistance. We've provided the basics for these programs below.

GI Bill Benefits

There are a few types of GI Bills that provide educational assistance:

• Post-9/11 GI Bill: for those who served on active duty on or after 9/11, may cover full tuition at a private, in-state school or up to $28,937 at a private school and offers stipends for books and housing
• Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty: for those who served at least two years on active duty, only covers tuition costs or costs for training programs
• Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve: for members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and National Guard selected reserve, only covers tuition costs or costs for job training

Additionally, the Yellow Ribbon Program is a program that schools opt into to help cover the costs the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn't cover. Schools must opt into this program, and the amount offered differs by institution.

The amount you qualify for through the GI Bill depends on a few factors, but primarily when you served and for how long. You can learn more about your benefits through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs website.

Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance

Each branch of the armed forces offers tuition assistance (TA) programs to help active-duty service members pay for tuition costs. These programs may pay up to 100% of tuition costs.

Every program is different, and some have specific requirements or caps on tuition payments. Reach out to an education counselor to learn more.

Military College Funds

Military college funds are programs that you enroll in when you enlist. They allow you to put additional money toward your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.

These programs are sometimes referred to as a GI Bill ''kicker.'' The Navy and Air Force are the only branches that don't offer a program like this.

FAQs About Military-Friendly Colleges in New York

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about military-friendly colleges in New York.

Can the Military Get You Into Any College in New York?

The military cannot get you into any college in New York. While having a military background may help you get accepted, it does not automatically guarantee acceptance to any college.

Is the New York Academy of Art a Yellow Ribbon School?

According to the VA website, the New York Academy of Art will pay the remaining tuition that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn't cover for up to 10 students.

Is It Hard To Get Into a Military-Friendly College in New York?

How hard it is to get into a military-friendly college in New York depends on the college you're applying to. For example, Columbia University, as an Ivy League institution, only accepts 4% of applicants, but Iona University accepts 91% of applicants.