4 Best Online Colleges in New York City

New York City is the city that never sleeps; people are always busy and on the go. In an environment like that, it can be hard to find time to earn a degree, which is where online programs can be a huge help.

Multiple colleges and universities in New York City offer online degrees. Keep reading to learn more about the best online colleges in New York City.

Best Online Colleges in New York City

There are a handful of schools within New York City that offer online degree programs. We've highlighted those that offer a range of online degrees below.

All schools listed are regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

1. CUNY School of Professional Studies

The CUNY School of Professional Studies is a public university in Manhattan in New York City. It's part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system and offers online bachelor's degrees in fields such as:

• business administration
• healthcare and nursing
• information technology
• psychology

The university also offers a variety of online master's degrees as well as certificate programs and other non-degree programs.

2. Empire State University

Empire State University is a public university based in Saratoga Springs, NY, but with several campuses across the state, including four in NYC. It's part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and offers over 120 online degrees in areas of study like:

• business management
• criminal justice
• human resources
• public health

SUNY Empire offers associate degrees through doctoral degrees online. Nearly every degree program at SUNY Empire can be completed entirely online.

3. Lehman College

Lehman College is a public college in the Bronx in New York City. It offers online bachelor's degree programs in fields such as:

• accounting
• business administration
• health services
• sociology

The college also offers a handful of master's degrees and a Doctor of Education online to graduate students. Undergraduate and graduate certificates are also available.

4. Mercy University

Mercy University is a private nonprofit research university based in Dobbs Ferry, NY, but with additional campuses in Manhattan and the Bronx. It offers online college degrees in areas of study like:

• behavioral science
• business administration
• cybersecurity
• English

These distance learning programs are available as associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and master's degrees. Teaching certificates and combined undergraduate and graduate degrees are available online as well.

Other Online Degree Programs

One of the best things about earning a degree online is that you aren't restricted to one area; you can earn your degree from across the country if you want. Below, we've listed some additional online degree programs from schools in New York and nearby in New Jersey.

Again, all schools listed are regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

1. Excelsior University

Excelsior University is a private, nonprofit online university based in Albany, NY. It offers a variety of online degree programs in fields such as:

• business administration
• criminal justice
• healthcare and nursing
• information technology

The online college offers associate, bachelor's, and master's programs. A range of online certificate programs are offered as well.

2. SUNY Canton

The State University of New York at Canton is a public college in Canton, NY. It offers associate and bachelor's degrees online in areas of study like:

• business administration
• criminal justice
• cybersecurity
• nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a degree completion program specifically for those who already have their associate degree and nursing license. SUNY Canton also offers a variety of individual online courses.

3. SUNY Delhi

The State University of New York at Delhi is a public college in Delhi, NY. It offers online degrees in fields such as:

• business management
• criminal justice
• even management
• nursing

SUNY Delhi offers online associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and master's degrees. Some bachelor's programs at SUNY Delhi require students to already hold an associate degree.

4. Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private nonprofit research university in Syracuse, NY. It offers about 60 online degrees in areas of study like:

• business management
• healthcare administration
• information technology
• project management

The university offers online associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and master's degrees. It also offers certificates to online learners.

5. Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University is a public university in Trenton, NJ. It offers numerous online degrees in fields such as:

• business administration
• cybersecurity
• criminal justice
• healthcare administration

Students can earn online degrees from the associate level through the doctoral level at TESU. Undergraduate and graduate certificate programs are available as well.

6. William Paterson University

William Paterson University is a public university in Wayne, NJ. It offers online bachelor's degrees in areas of study like:

• criminology and criminal justice
• health studies
• human resources management
• information technology

The university also offers multiple online master's degrees, primarily in education and nursing. Online students also have the option to earn a doctoral degree in education.

FAQs About Online Degree Programs in New York City

Below, we've answered frequently asked questions about online education opportunities in New York City.

How Much Does an Online Degree Cost?

The affordability of an online degree can depend on several factors, including:

• whether you're earning an undergraduate or graduate degree
• whether your school is public or private
• if you're an in-state or out-of-state student (public universities offer lower in-state tuition rates)
• whether you study full-time or part-time

According to the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics, public universities charge an average of $15,200 per year while private ones cost an average of $29,700 per year. Online classes usually cost the same, but sometimes a little less, than in-person classes.

Learn more: Most Affordable Online Colleges

Is There Financial Aid for Online College?

There are multiple financial aid options available for online students, and many types of financial aid work for both on-campus and online learning. To qualify, you'll need to fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Student aid may include scholarships, grants, and work-study programs, as well as loans. Some online schools offer financial aid specifically for online students.

How Do I Know If Online Learning Is Right for Me?

If you're someone who does well with studying independently and can hold yourself to a schedule and deadlines, online learning may be right for you. However, sometimes you don't know if online learning is the right option unless you try it first.

Are There Online Community Colleges in New York City?

Many online community colleges in New York and in New York City offer programs and courses to residents. These include:

• Borough of Manhattan Community College
• Bronx Community College
• Kingsborough Community College

Find an Online Program Today

If you're interested in earning an online degree through a New York college, check out the schools featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual colleges today to learn more about enrollment options, online initiatives, and financial aid.