Best Colleges in New York

Most Popular Degrees and Careers in New York

Cost of New York College Education & Salaries

Before you head to college, it's important to analyze your finances relative to your education. College is not cheap, but it does pave the way towards later success. That is, many employers will only hire those with at least a bachelor's degree and licensed professions need to see degrees from accredited institutions.

Thus, you need to weigh out your future earnings potential versus your up-front costs. It's important to also factor in your overall work and life satisfaction. Don't let a lower earning potential dissuade you if that position means great satisfaction. You will find that there are ways to mitigate the final cost of an education.

One way to reduce costs is to attend an in-state university. When you stay within the borders of your home state for a college degree, and attend a public institution, you will reduce your costs dramatically versus attending a private or out-of-state college or university. Out-of-state tuition is sometimes triple that of in-state and private tuition is often at least as high as the out-of-state norms for your state. Frequently, private tuition can be far higher than the rates at public schools.

Another trick to consider is taking courses from a community college. Every college student needs to take a certain number of courses in a core curriculum. In fact, you won't be able to graduate without them. Thus, if you take those courses from an accredited community college, for a reduced rate, you may be able to transfer the credits to your ultimate degree-granting institution.

If you wish to pursue the community college route, make sure to contact your targeted four-year college to determine whether your credits will, in fact, transfer. Assuming they will, you can knock out those core courses in smaller classrooms with instructors that are every bit as educated and dedicated as their major-university colleagues.

Search Programs Offering New York Majors

Scholarships for New York College Students

Scholarships and Grants offer students a great way to reduce the overall cost of education. These funds are not loans and thus don't need to be repaid. As you proceed through your degree program, make a practice of applying for any and all scholarships that you think will suit you.

Though many scholarships only cover a small portion of your expenses, it is still worthwhile to apply. Though a scholarship might only provide $500 towards tuition, it might help you land a better-paying job after graduation, as you can add that achievement to your resume.

Keep in mind that another way to offset student loan debt is by working for a non-profit organization or state/local/federal government. Loan forgiveness programs will eliminate your debt once you have completed a set tenure in one of those markets. Though your salary might be lower than your private-sector friends, you can budget your salary without considering any loan payments.

STCS

SimpleTexting $1,000 College Scholarship

https://simpletexting.com/simple-texting-college-scholarship/
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Varies
SimpleTexting is offering $1000 for graduating high school seniors or undergraduate students at any level. To win this award, you must submit an 800-word essay that responds to their prompt. Unlike many scholarship programs, Simpletexting will mail the winners a check or a Visa gift card so you can spend the money as you see fit. Given that students are often struggling for lunch money, this cushion is sure to offer palpable relief almost as much as tuition assistance.

TES

The Excelsior Scholarship

https://www.ny.gov/programs/tuition-free-degree-program-excelsior-scholarship
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies
If you are a resident of New York State and plan to attend a public college or university, you must apply for this program. Both CUNY and SUNY-system programs are included, and you may transfer credits within those systems. As of this writing, the scholarship covered up to $6,470 of your tuition costs, which is substantial, though the amount will likely shift over time. If you qualify for federal grants and win a few private scholarships, your college costs will fall dramatically. Note that the award is limited to those families and individuals who make less than $125,000/year. If you qualify, you won't have to repay this money, provided that you graduate within five years and remain a resident of New York State. You can use their website to sign up for email alerts so that you can be sure to receive this generous offer from the state.

TAP

The New York State Tuition Assistance Program

https://www.hesc.ny.gov/pay-for-college/apply-for-financial-aid/nys-tap.html
Amount: Varies depending on the student (Estimated by FAFSA)
Deadline: Apply with FAFSA form
The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) is a grant program. This means that you will never have to repay any funds you receive. TAP is available for New York residents who are attending approved state schools that include SUNY, CUNY, and independent colleges and universities such as Albany Law School, Barnard College, Culinary Institute of America, Hobart & William Smith Colleges, and St. Bonaventure University among many more.

ADS

Actuarial Diversity Scholarship

https://actfnd.academicworks.com/opportunities/144
Amount: $1,000 (Freshman); $2,000 (Sophomore); $3,000 (Junior); $4,000 (Senior)
Deadline: Varies
Through this scholarship program, the Actuarial Foundation is seeking to diversify the field. To qualify for this award, you must have at least one birth parent who is of African-American, Latino, Native North American, or Pacific Island descent. You should also have a minimum math SAT of 620 or a minimum ACT math score of 29, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and focus your studies on math or actuarial sciences. You should also be pursuing your education on a full-time basis and intend to pursue the actuarial profession.

TNTCS

The New York Times College Scholarship

https://www.nytco.com/company/the-new-york-times-college-scholarship-program/
Amount: $15,000
Deadline: Varies – Opens in Fall
This scholarship fund is for students living in New York City who are pursuing higher education at any nationally-accredited four-year, post-secondary institution. The New York Times does not limit this scholarship to any specific major or field of study. Rather, their goal is to assist lower-income students with their college tuition. The scholarship is designed to serve to those students who have overcome hardships and still managed to excel in their academic life, are dedicated to community service, and can demonstrate significant financial need. Preference is given to those who are first-generation college students. That is, if no one in your family has graduated from college, you will receive preference from the judges.

APCS

Annual Pool Cleaner Scholarship

https://mypoolvacuum.com/scholarship/
Amount: $1,500
Deadline: Varies
You don't need to be an expert pool cleaner to win this award, but you do need to be an excellent writer. To apply, you must write a 1,000-1,500 word essay on a topic you can choose from a given list. Note that the topics are all pool-cleaning related, so they will need to be more informative than persuasive or personal in nature. The rules do stipulate that your writing reflect creativity, clear expression, organization, and strong logical abilities.

ASEC

Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest

https://www.aynrand.org/students/essay-contests
Amount: Up to $20,000 (First prize)
Deadline: Varies
While not specifically a scholarship program, the Ayn Rand Institute offers students the opportunity to enter one of their essay contests and win money that can be used to offset tuition, living expenses, or any other financial obligation. There are three total essay contests, but the Atlas Shrugged contest is aimed at 12th graders and college students. First, you need to read the novel and then respond to one of three questions posted on the website. The essay questions are rather deep and probing, so you may want to check the questions before you read.