![6 Reasons why studying in New York is a smart choice [2024]](https://www.kingseducation.com/assets/images/assets/kings-life/2023-09/SEO_6Reasons_Smart_Choice_NY.webp)
New York City is undoubtedly one of the most identifiable and iconic cities in America.
Known for its bustling streets, vibrant cultural scene and world-famous landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Times Square and Empire State Building, the Big Apple has long attracted people from all over the world.
However, New York City is just one component of the wider New York State, which stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes and the border with Canada. From the sandy beaches of Long Island and its upmarket resort towns, to natural wonders like Niagara Falls and the Adirondack Mountains, it is vast, varied and beautiful.
The Empire State is also home to a host of world-class universities, which explains why more than a million university students choose New York as their study destination.
Read on to find out more about why New York is the ideal study location, what it's like to be a student there, and which universities are the best in the state.
Table of Contents
6 Reasons to Study in New York
How Much Does It Cost to Study in New York?
What Is It Like to Live in New York as a Student?
What Are the Best Universities in New York?
6 Reasons to Study in New York
#1: Diverse academic landscape
New York is the only American state to be home to multiple Ivy League schools; it hosts the prestigious Cornell University in the Finger Lakes region of New York State, as well as the historic Columbia University nestled within NYC itself.
These are just two of the highly reputable private universities located within the state, of which there are more than 60. Others include New York University, University of Rochester, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Syracuse University, Yeshiva University and Fordham University - all of which are currently ranked in the Top 100 of the US News and World Report’s National Universities.
New York based students can also choose from a wide range of public colleges and universities within either the State University of New York (SUNY) system or the City University of New York (CUNY) system.
The SUNY system includes four university centers (University at Albany, Binghamton University, University at Buffalo and Stony Brook University) and over 60 community, technical, and undergraduate colleges and universities. It is the largest system of public higher education in the United States, with some of the best schools in the Northeast.
#2: Cultural kaleidoscope
New York is one of the most culturally, linguistically, and geographically diverse states in the country, which influences all aspects of life there.
It currently ranks fifth among states with the greatest diversity in the US. Much of that diversity is found in New York City, the most populated city in the USA.
The people who live in New York City’s five boroughs speak over 800 languages and come from over 180 countries. In fact, one in every 3 people in New York City today is foreign born.
The state also ranks second for the highest international student population, which not only adds to its diversity but also means foreign students can be sure of a welcoming atmosphere where their unique cultures and customs will be celebrated.
Read more about the best cities for international students in the US
#3: Research opportunities galore
New York State has become a hub of research institutions, labs, and projects that offer endless opportunities for individuals looking to advance their knowledge and careers in various fields.
With world-renowned universities such as Cornell, Columbia, and NYU leading the way in research and innovation, the state boasts an impressive range of facilities and resources designed to support cutting-edge discoveries and breakthroughs.
A huge amount of groundbreaking research has been conducted at New York universities, including the development of the only approved malaria vaccine, by scientists at New York University School of Medicine, and the creation of a fully-functioning synthetic human ear using 3-D printing by researchers at Cornell.
#4: Vibrant campus life
Whether you’re at a traditional campus-based university such as the University of Rochester or Cornell University, or a university such an NYU, where to an extent, the city is your campus, you’ll find a vibrant life where you can enjoy being a student to the fullest.
Campus-based universities tend to offer a rich array of clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities for students to engage in. These activities allow students to gain practical skills, build connections, and develop a well-rounded education that extends beyond the traditional classroom setting.
Whilst city-based (non campus) universities also strive to offer strong extracurricular options, for students at universities such as NYU, for example, the city is - in effect their campus. As one of the largest and most diverse cities in the world, it's a place that can cater for every taste and interest, and in that sense is the best campus you could wish for!
Of course, this type of lifestyle is particularly suited to those students who enjoy their independence; anyone looking for a ready-made community that they can settle in to immediately may prefer a primary campus-based experience.
#5: Networking and industry connections
Photo by lo lo on Unsplash
Currently, New York is home to over 50 Fortune 500 companies, which collectively represent about two-thirds of the US economy. Thanks to Wall Street, NYC is known as the world's financial capital; the city's influence resonates on a global scale, making it an ideal destination for aspiring professionals.
But the opportunities don't end there. New York City, and even the wider state, thrive in diverse industries such as fashion, retail, publishing, and technology. Students have countless chances to gain valuable industry experience and foster invaluable connections. Whether as part of their degree or after graduation, these opportunities offer a head start towards a successful career.
New York City ranks among the top 20 in the QS Best Student Cities 2024 and the city's allure is undeniable, captivating students who seek a thriving environment where passion meets possibility.
#6: City that never sleeps
Photo by Steve Harvey on Unsplash
New York is known as the city that never sleeps, and for good reason; there is always something to do in this vibrant and energetic metropolis no matter what time of day it is!
Whether you're looking for entertainment like Broadway shows, world-famous museums like the Museum of Modern Art, or even to take in an evening sports event such as a Knick’s game, New York has it all.
Equally, with one of the best food scenes in the world (no matter what your budget), it's entirely feasible try a new place to eat every day and still not exhaust the city's culinary offerings.
How Much Does It Cost to Study in New York?
New York is one of the most popular places to live and study in the US, for all the reasons referenced above. As a result, those who live and study in New York (particularly New York City) can sometimes pay a higher than average price to do so due to the high cost of living.
Whilst tuition fees are set, there are of courses ways to off-set the cost, such as applying for financial aid and possibly scholarships. Additionally, researching the most affordable options for accommodation can make a big different to your overall outlay.
Below is a breakdown of the types of costs you can expect as a student in New York, as displayed on College Tuition Compare.
| Undergraduate Tuition | $18,025 (undergraduate, out of state) |
| Books and supplies | $1,087 |
| Living expenses (including accommodation) | $16,026 |
| Total Cost: | $35,138 |
What Is It Like to Live in New York as a Student?
As a student in New York, you can expect a unique and dynamic learning experience. New York City, the largest city in New York State, offers an abundance of opportunities for students to explore and learn beyond the classroom.
Additionally, as detailed above, the state of New York boasts a diverse range of colleges and universities, from Ivy League institutions to community colleges, offering a wide array of programs and resources to cater to every student's individual needs. With cities like Rochester, Buffalo and Albany all home to excellent universities, they can be a great (and more affordable) alternative to New York City; offering a less frenetic way of life and easy access to some beautiful natural scenery.
Ho Man Wong completed the Guaranteed Outcome program with Kings before transferring to NYU to major in Economics and East Asian Studies. We caught up with him during his second year and this is what he told us:
"The reason I picked NYU is firstly, that New York City is the best city you can find – possibly in the world. Here it’s very diverse and you can meet anyone. I’ve made a lot of interesting connections, meeting different friends and understanding their cultures, so this has been really interesting and exciting for me as an experience.
Other than that, if you go downtown, you can find the financial district, where Wall Street is located, where many headquarters of the multinational companies are located. You can also find the international World Trade Center, so in terms of business opportunities, this is a like a goldmine to most students, and compared to a lot of other cities, and countries, here there are tonnes, millions of start-ups, which provide different internship experiences that some students definitely have to explore in order to progress smoothly into their professional pursuits.“
What Are the Best Universities in New York?
New York is home to a host of top-ranked universities, some of which include the following.
Cornell University
Cornell University is a world-renowned Ivy League institution nestled in the stunning town of Ithaca. Surrounded by breathtaking gorges and cascading waterfalls, Cornell's picturesque campus sets the stage for an unparalleled educational experience.
Photo by Will Barkoff on Unsplash
- Cornell has six locations across the world, including its main campus in Ithaca and its graduate school of medical sciences in New York City.
- Cornell's two largest undergraduate colleges are the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Its graduate schools include the highly ranked S.C. Johnson Graduate School of Management, College of Engineering, Law School and Weill Cornell Medical College. Cornell is also well known for its top-ranked College of Veterinary Medicine and the highly esteemed School of Hotel Administration.
- Notable alumni include U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and author E.B. White.
New York University
Located in the bustling heart of New York, NYU provides a unique and transformative experience that few other universities can match. It is one of the biggest private higher education institutes in the United States.
Photo by darlene on Unsplash
- The university’s New York campus comprises more than 20 colleges and schools in 5 different locations in and around New York, such as Lower Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn.
- The university's primary campus is located in the lively Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan, close to Sixth Avenue and Washington Square Park. There are no borders separating a distinct campus from the streets of the city.
- For those interested in drama or film, the Tisch School of the Arts is particularly renowned, with alumni including Martin Scorsese and Spike Lee.
University of Rochester
The University of Rochester has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, innovative research, and a vibrant campus life.
- With a student population of over 12,000, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across its six schools and colleges.
- The university prides itself on its intimate teaching style, offering a tight knit community experience on a 'personal scale' that nourishes students' social and academic interests, while remaining one of the top research universities in the US.
- From the world-renowned Eastman School of Music to the Simon Business School, students can choose from more than 200 majors and minors, ensuring that they can find their ideal course of study.
Through Kings' GO: Rochester program, students can begin their degree at one of our partner universities (including the College of Mount Saint Vincent in New York) before a guaranteed* transfer after 2 years to The University of Rochester, from where they will graduate. (*Upon meeting requirements on the CLA.)
How Kings can help you get there
Through our Guaranteed Outcome programs, students begin a bachelor’s degree at one of our partner universities in New York, Boston, California, Oregon and Wisconsin.
They are supported extensively by our specialist on-campus teams as they adapt to US college life. They learn more about the US education system, improve their GPA, and gain a host of new skills and experiences.
After 2 years, with the full support of our advisors, they are then able to transfer to a Top 50 or Top 100 university, from where they will graduate.
Our students have also been accepted to major in a host of different fields at a wide range of top universities.
Prepare for an Unforgettable New York Student Experience!
We hope that this article has helped you learn more about why New York is a great place to study in the US and how Kings Guaranteed Outcome programs can help you get there.
If you would like receive more detailed information about the Kings and our programs, please get in touch with us at us.admissions@kingseducation.com.
