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 2022, 488 students graduated with students earning 488 Bachelor's degrees.

Skidmore College
Saratoga Springs, NY

Skidmore College offers 40 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small suburb. In 2022, 572 students graduated with students earning 572 Bachelor's degrees.

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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offers 143 degree programs. It's a medium sized, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 2,041 students graduated with students earning 1,548 Bachelor's degrees, 360 Master's degrees, 131 Doctoral degrees, and 2 Certificates.

Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences offers 13 degree programs. It's a very small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 313 students graduated with students earning 200 Doctoral degrees, 80 Bachelor's degrees, and 33 Master's degrees.

SUNY at Albany
Albany, NY
Image by UAlbany

SUNY at Albany offers 272 degree programs. It's a large, public, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 4,589 students graduated with students earning 2,996 Bachelor's degrees, 1,245 Master's degrees, 180 Certificates, and 168 Doctoral 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 2022, 844 students graduated with students earning 715 Bachelor's degrees, 77 Master's degrees, and 52 Certificates.

Russell Sage College offers 55 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 692 students graduated with students earning 326 Bachelor's degrees, 268 Master's degrees, 60 Doctoral degrees, and 38 Certificates.

The College of Saint Rose offers 87 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 1,637 students graduated with students earning 767 Certificates, 474 Bachelor's degrees, and 396 Master's degrees.

SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill offers 53 degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a faraway town. In 2022, 525 students graduated with students earning 348 Bachelor's degrees, 155 Associate's degrees, and 22 Certificates.

Maria College of Albany offers 12 degree programs. It's a very small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 267 students graduated with students earning 202 Associate's degrees, 54 Bachelor's degrees, and 11 Certificates.

Best Community Colleges in Albany

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 2022, 58 students graduated with students earning 58 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 2022, 64 students graduated with students earning 64 Associate's degrees.

Albany Technical College offers 230 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a small city. In 2022, 600 students graduated with students earning 325 Certificates, and 275 Associate's degrees.

Mildred Elley School-Albany Campus offers 14 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, two-year college in a small city. In 2022, 157 students graduated with students earning 109 Certificates, and 48 Associate's degrees.

Schenectady County Community College offers 48 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a small city. In 2022, 372 students graduated with students earning 317 Associate's degrees, and 55 Certificates.

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 2022, 71 students graduated with students earning 57 Associate's degrees, and 14 Certificates.

Linn-Benton Community College offers 95 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a small city. In 2022, 724 students graduated with students earning 612 Associate's degrees, and 112 Certificates.

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 2,107
Skidmore College Logo Skidmore College Saratoga Springs, NY
5/5
9 : 1 2,758
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Logo Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy, NY
5/5
16 : 1 6,968
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Logo Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Albany, NY
5/5
12 : 1 930
Belanger School of Nursing Logo Belanger School of Nursing Schenectady, NY
3/5
11 : 1 141