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 47 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2020, 499 students graduated with students earning 499 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 2020, 651 students graduated with students earning 650 Bachelor's degrees, and 1 Master's degree.

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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offers 146 degree programs. It's a medium sized, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2020, 2,086 students graduated with students earning 1,569 Bachelor's degrees, 387 Master's degrees, and 130 Doctoral degrees.

Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences offers 12 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2020, 270 students graduated with students earning 210 Doctoral degrees, 38 Bachelor's degrees, and 22 Master's degrees.

SUNY at Albany
Albany, NY
Image by UAlbany

SUNY at Albany offers 264 degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2020, 4,819 students graduated with students earning 3,329 Bachelor's degrees, 1,201 Master's degrees, 149 Doctoral degrees, and 140 Certificates.

Siena College
Loudonville, NY

Siena College offers 52 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2020, 831 students graduated with students earning 733 Bachelor's degrees, 61 Master's degrees, and 37 Certificates.

Russell Sage College offers 58 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2020, 756 students graduated with students earning 352 Bachelor's degrees, 275 Master's degrees, 72 Doctoral degrees, and 57 Certificates.

Maria College of Albany offers 11 degree programs. It's a very small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2020, 185 students graduated with students earning 106 Associate's degrees, 61 Bachelor's degrees, and 18 Certificates.

The College of Saint Rose offers 88 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2020, 1,737 students graduated with students earning 840 Certificates, 503 Bachelor's degrees, and 394 Master's degrees.

SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill offers 62 degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a faraway town. In 2020, 629 students graduated with students earning 407 Bachelor's degrees, 212 Associate's degrees, and 10 Certificates.

Best Community Colleges in Albany

Albany Technical College offers 202 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a small city. In 2020, 882 students graduated with students earning 557 Certificates, and 325 Associate's degrees.

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 small city. In 2020, 42 students graduated with students earning 42 Associate's degrees.

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 2020, 72 students graduated with students earning 59 Associate's degrees, and 13 Certificates.

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 2020, 54 students graduated with students earning 54 Associate's degrees.

Mildred Elley School-Albany Campus offers 11 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, two-year college in a small city. In 2020, 110 students graduated with students earning 68 Certificates, and 42 Associate's degrees.

Schenectady County Community College offers 92 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a small city. In 2020, 474 students graduated with students earning 403 Associate's degrees, and 71 Certificates.

Linn-Benton Community College offers 90 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a small city. In 2020, 736 students graduated with students earning 649 Associate's degrees, and 87 Certificates.

List of all colleges in Albany

School Average Tuition Student Teacher Ratio Enrolled Students
Union College Logo Union College Schenectady, NY
5/5
9 : 1 2,047
Skidmore College Logo Skidmore College Saratoga Springs, NY
5/5
9 : 1 2,582
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Logo Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy, NY
5/5
18 : 1 7,501
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Logo Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Albany, NY
5/5
12 : 1 1,118
SUNY at Albany Logo SUNY at Albany Albany, NY
3/5
27 : 1 17,688