Best colleges in Albany

New England’s Finest

American history, modern metropolis amenities

Nestled in the Tech Valley, Albany’s spirit of discovery and abundant leisure offerings will keep you entertained through the changing seasons. Home to 12 traditional universities and colleges, your degree options in Albany range from arts, healthcare and law, to education, social services, and technology.* Albany was named to the top 10 places for fall Foliage, top 100 best places to live, and a top 10 ranking of U.S. cities with affordable healthcare. Not to mention landing number 55 for Best Places for Business and Careers. Did you hear that business majors? Albany offers students and graduates unmatched scenic beauty and sustainability that spans over four centuries.*

Its picturesque landscape, the annual Albany Tulip Festival, Popp Butterfly Conservatory, Maple Ski Ridge, and prime location is less than 200 miles from Philadelphia and New York City.* You’ll never be in short supply of adventures. But it's not all about the great outdoors and escapes. Have a pint at award winning C.H. Evans Brewery in Albany’s bustling downtown or treat yourself to some retail therapy at the numerous shops on Lark Street.* With four distinct seasons a year, you can make the most of your time outside the classroom with sporting outlets like the Tri-City ValleyCats baseball team or even a trip to the renowned Saratoga Race Track for thoroughbred racing season.* No matter where your adventurous mind roams, Albany has a jam-packed lifestyle to satisfy you before and after graduation.

Click Here to See the Best Colleges in the US*albany.org *Wikipedia, “Albany” *albany.com *livability.com *forbes.com

Best Four Year Universities in Albany

Union College
Schenectady, NY

Union College offers 49 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2023, 428 students graduated with students earning 428 Bachelor's degrees.

Skidmore College
Saratoga Springs, NY

Skidmore College offers 41 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small suburb. In 2023, 617 students graduated with students earning 617 Bachelor's degrees.

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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offers 147 degree programs. It's a medium sized, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2023, 1,871 students graduated with students earning 1,374 Bachelor's degrees, 347 Master's degrees, 146 Doctoral degrees, and 4 Certificates.

Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences offers 12 degree programs. It's a very small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2023, 276 students graduated with students earning 157 Doctoral degrees, 79 Bachelor's degrees, and 40 Master's degrees.

Siena College
Loudonville, NY

Siena College offers 63 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2023, 883 students graduated with students earning 768 Bachelor's degrees, 70 Master's degrees, and 45 Certificates.

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University at Albany offers 284 degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2023, 4,498 students graduated with students earning 2,918 Bachelor's degrees, 1,268 Master's degrees, 165 Doctoral degrees, and 147 Certificates.

Russell Sage College offers 54 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2023, 687 students graduated with students earning 292 Master's degrees, 277 Bachelor's degrees, 80 Doctoral degrees, and 38 Certificates.

The College of Saint Rose offers 92 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2023, 1,443 students graduated with students earning 678 Certificates, 441 Bachelor's degrees, and 324 Master's degrees.

SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill offers 58 degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a faraway town. In 2023, 562 students graduated with students earning 372 Bachelor's degrees, 166 Associate's degrees, and 24 Certificates.

Albany State University offers 85 degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2023, 1,434 students graduated with students earning 620 Bachelor's degrees, 619 Associate's degrees, 188 Master's degrees, and 7 Certificates.

Best Community Colleges in Albany

Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing offers 2 degree programs. It's a very small, private not-for-profit, two-year college in a small city. In 2023, 70 students graduated with students earning 53 Associate's degrees, and 17 Certificates.

Albany Technical College offers 235 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a small city. In 2023, 617 students graduated with students earning 350 Certificates, and 267 Associate's degrees.

Belanger School of Nursing
Schenectady, NY

Belanger School of Nursing offers 1 degree programs. It's a very small, private not-for-profit, two-year college in a small city. In 2023, 55 students graduated with students earning 55 Associate's degrees.

Schenectady County Community College offers 53 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a small city. In 2023, 340 students graduated with students earning 295 Associate's degrees, and 45 Certificates.

Mildred Elley School-Albany Campus offers 9 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, two-year college in a midsize city. In 2023, 139 students graduated with students earning 105 Certificates, and 34 Associate's degrees.

Linn-Benton Community College offers 93 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a small city. In 2023, 693 students graduated with students earning 579 Associate's degrees, and 114 Certificates.

St. Peter's Hospital College of Nursing offers 1 degree programs. It's a very small, private not-for-profit, two-year college in a midsize city. In 2023, 55 students graduated with students earning 55 Associate's degrees.

List of all colleges in Albany

School Average Tuition Student Teacher Ratio Enrolled Students
Union College Logo Union College Schenectady, NY
5/5
10 : 1 2,082
Skidmore College Logo Skidmore College Saratoga Springs, NY
5/5
9 : 1 2,776
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Logo Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy, NY
5/5
15 : 1 7,024
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Logo Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Albany, NY
5/5
12 : 1 875
Siena College Logo Siena College Loudonville, NY
5/5
16 : 1 3,623