Top Universities in New York (2025): Best Picks for Global Students

New York isn’t just about skyscrapers and Broadway.  It’s home to some of the best universities in the world. From Ivy League prestige to public Universities, students here don’t just study, they build careers, explore passions, and meet people from everywhere.

According to the US News 2025 rankings, Cornell is the highest-ranked in the state, sitting at #17 nationally. Columbia comes close at #18, and NYU lands at #30. But rankings aside, these places offer something real: great teaching, world-class research, and a vibe that pulls in students from across the globe.

Why Study in New York?

So, why New York? Honestly, it’s got the whole package: top-tier education, exciting cities, and endless chances to grow. Whether you’re heading to Manhattan or upstate, there’s a mix of elite programs, real-world exposure, and cultures that make you feel seen.

New York is the second most popular state for international students in the US Over 100,000+ foreign students choose it each year and not just for the academic labels. The experiences here? They stay with you.

Here’s why students (especially from India and Southeast Asia) keep choosing NY:

• You’ve got Cornell (#1 in NY, #17 in U.S.), Columbia (#2 in NY), NYU (#3), and more
• Big city campuses = bigger job options. Think Wall Street, media, tech, medicine
• SUNY schools offer top programs at lower tuition
• Loads of scholarships and on-campus work chances
• Plus, you’ll find Desi food, cultural fests, and tight student groups in every major campus

Top Universities in New York (2025 Rankings)

Below are the top picks based on this year’s stats. They’ve earned their spot through academic strength, graduate outcomes, and how much students love being there.

1. Cornell University

Cornell takes the top spot in New York, and it’s no surprise why. Ranked #17 nationally, it’s Ivy League but also super open-minded and student-driven. Whether you’re into engineering, hotel management, or animal science, this place has serious depth.

The campus in Ithaca is peaceful and surrounded by nature. It’s not NYC, but it’s got its own charm. Plus, Cornell offers more than 100 fields of study, and a bunch of international scholarships too.

• Over 25% of students are from outside the U.S.
• Has its own tech campus in NYC (Cornell Tech)
• Known for: Engineering, Architecture, Business, Hospitality

2. Columbia University

Located right in the heart of Manhattan, Columbia isn’t just big on reputation, it delivers. Ranked #18 in the U.S., it’s got everything from Ivy League tradition to cutting-edge research.

Students here often intern with CNN, United Nations, Google, and tons of startups. It’s intense, yes, but also exciting.

• Accepts students from over 150+ countries
• One of the oldest universities in the US.
• Known for: Journalism (hello, Pulitzers), Business (Columbia Business School), Public Health

3. New York University (NYU)

NYU is massive, creative, and totally plugged into the global scene. You’ll find students filming shorts in Washington Square Park or pitching startup ideas at their tech incubators.

It ranks #30 nationally, but in arts, law, and finance, it’s top-tier globally. With campuses in Shanghai, Abu Dhabi, and NYC, it’s as international as it gets.

• Over 21,000 undergrad students across schools
• Famous alumni: Lady Gaga, Martin Scorsese, and Jack Dorsey
• Known for: Tisch School of the Arts, Stern Business, Law School

4. University of Rochester

Quiet city, high-level academics. Rochester flies a bit under the radar but sits strong at #47 nationally. It’s especially well-known for science, medicine, and music.

The Eastman School of Music? One of the best conservatories in the world. And their research in optics and lasers is cutting-edge.

• Over 35% of students do research in their first year
• 90%+ of graduates are employed or in grad school within 6 months
• Known for: Music, Biomedical Engineering, Medicine

5. Stony Brook University (SUNY)

Stony Brook is #58 in the U.S. and holds the flag for New York’s public universities. It’s affordable, research-focused, and has a beautiful campus near Long Island beaches.

They’ve got tight links with Brookhaven National Lab and Stony Brook Hospital, so if you’re into science or medicine, this is your place.

• Over 26,000 students enrolled, including 4,000+ internationals
• Part of the SUNY system
• Known for: Physics, Bioinformatics, Mechanical Engineering

6. University at Buffalo (SUNY)

UB is another solid SUNY pick, ranked #76 nationally. It’s the largest public university in the state, and it’s strong in pharmacy, engineering, and health.

Buffalo is cold, sure, but the student support, labs, and internship programs warm things up. Plus, housing and tuition are way more affordable than NYC schools.

• Enrolls over 30,000+ students
• Over 1,000 international students from India alone
• Known for: Public Health, Architecture, Dental School

Conclusion

New York gives you more than just a degree; it gives you access. Whether you’re learning finance steps away from Wall Street, coding in a campus startup lab, or studying medicine at a top research hospital, the state sets you up for a global career.

Cornell and Columbia bring the Ivy vibe, NYU adds city energy, and SUNY schools offer unbeatable value. No matter your budget or background, there’s a New York university that fits.

Thinking of studying in New York? Let us help you make it happen. Talk to a Stubard expert today. We’ll guide you through university options, scholarship planning, and visa steps. Let’s map your study abroad journey, one school at a time.

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