Best
Value Colleges in Albany in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Albany, NY, can build skills in management, finance, marketing, accounting, economics, business law, and organizational behavior. At the University at Albany, students can pursue business administration; Mildred Elley also offers business-focused study in the city. Programs typically combine coursework with teamwork, data analysis, and presentations. Graduates commonly seek roles such as management trainee, marketing coordinator, human resources assistant, financial analyst, accountant, operations coordinator, or small-business owner. Internships and specialization strengthen employment prospects.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Albany, NY, typically combines research methods, statistics, cognition, developmental psychology, social behavior, and abnormal psychology. At the University at Albany, SUNY, students can pursue psychology programs with research opportunities; Excelsior University also offers psychology degrees through online programs. Graduates commonly enter roles such as case manager, behavioral health technician, research assistant, human resources specialist, or social services coordinator. Advanced clinical, counseling, or school psychology positions usually require graduate study.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Albany, New York, combines programming fundamentals with opportunities in the region's technology and government sectors. Students typically study algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Popular options include the University at Albany, SUNY, and Albany-based Excelsior University for online learners. Graduates may pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, data analysts, cybersecurity specialists, or database administrators. Projects, internships, and research can help students build practical skills.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Albany, NY can prepare you to support individuals and families through life challenges. Typical coursework includes counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, group counseling, and supervised practicum or internship experience. Graduates may pursue roles such as mental health counselor, school counselor, substance use counselor, or case manager, depending on degree, licensure, and employer requirements. Local options include the University at Albany and Russell Sage College, both offering relevant counseling study.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Albany, NY combines learning with clinical experience. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, ethics, and adult, pediatric, and mental-health nursing. Albany options include Maria College, which offers nursing pathways, and the University at Albany, with nursing study for registered nurses and graduate students; Albany Medical College offers advanced nurse-anesthesia education. Graduates work as registered nurses, care coordinators, public-health nurses, or nurse anesthetists, depending on their degree and licensure.

Best Colleges in Albany, NY Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is $18,841, compared with $35,104 at schools in the top 10% - a difference of $16,263. The average share of students receiving financial aid is 99.2% overall, versus 66.5% at top-10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 66.5%. Schools receive an average of 8,899 applicants, compared with 23,557.2 among top-10% schools. The median number of male applicants is 456, while the median number of female applicants is 1,114.
• Average SAT and ACT scores are 1,232.5 and 28, respectively.
• The average number of enrolled students is 5,416.83. Average enrollment includes 429.33 men and 420.75 women.
• The average graduation rate is 47%, compared with 65.9% at top-10% schools. The median graduation rate is 44% for men and 53.5% for women.
• Among the institutions, 4 offer associate's degrees, 5 offer bachelor's degrees, 6 offer master's degrees, and 2 offer doctor's degrees. There are 6 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial aid alongside academic fit, admissions selectivity, and graduation outcomes. The figures show that top-10% schools have higher costs and applicant volumes, while their average graduation rate is higher; students should weigh those differences against their own budget and priorities.

How much does studying at a college in Albany, NY cost?

The average reported total cost of studying in Albany, NY, is $23,191.40. Treat this as a comparison figure, not a guaranteed bill: costs depend on college, program, housing, and time to completion. The University at Albany (SUNY) and Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences are local options; compare each school's estimate for your residency and degree program.

The supplied averages list:

• Tuition and fees: $22,956.50
• Room and board: $11,888
• Books and supplies: $1,237.50

These are separate average figures and should not be added to the reported total, as they may use different calculations. Albany offers many choices for matching your goals and budget. Before committing, request a personalized estimate from each school and ask about scholarships, grants, payment plans, and transfer credits. A careful side-by-side comparison can make planning feel more manageable and help you focus on the degree you want with fewer surprises.

How long does it take to finish college in Albany, NY?

In Albany, NY, a bachelor's degree typically takes four years of study; an associate degree usually takes two, and a master's adds one to two. At the University at Albany (SUNY) or Siena College, your timeline depends on your major, course availability, and enrollment pace. Work, caregiving, or changing majors can extend study, and a flexible path is normal.

Graduation rates provide context: the average is 47.0%, versus 65.9% for the top 10% of schools. Averages are 42.75% for men and 51.5% for women. These figures typically vary by institution and cohort but reinforce the value of advising, tutoring, and financial planning to keep your Albany degree within reach.

To finish faster:

• Bring in transfer, AP, or CLEP credits after confirming they satisfy degree requirements.
• Take summer or winter classes and map prerequisites with an adviser so required courses fit each term.
• Ask UAlbany or Siena about accelerated or combined-degree options.

Salary

After graduating from college in Albany, NY, a useful benchmark is a median alumni salary of $56,744. For graduates of schools ranked in the top 10%, the median is $75,757. These figures offer an encouraging starting point, though your own earnings will depend on your field, experience, and employer.

Albany students can pursue degrees at institutions such as the University at Albany, SUNY; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Siena University; and Union College. The salary figures are broad benchmarks, not separate earnings estimates for each school, so compare programs and career outcomes in your intended major when deciding where to study.

• Median alumni salary: $56,744.
• Median alumni salary for graduates of top 10% schools: $75,757.

Your degree can open doors to a range of career paths, and Albany's mix of colleges gives you options to find a program that fits your goals.

People also ask

How many universities are there in Albany?

Using "university" in the formal sense, Albany, New York, has one: the University at Albany, SUNY (UAlbany). The city also has colleges and specialized institutions, so the count is higher if you mean all places offering college degrees rather than universities specifically.

What is the largest university in Albany?

The University at Albany is the city's largest university by student enrollment, with roughly 17,000 students. Its size means students can find a broad range of academic programs and campus activities while still being close to Albany's government, arts, and community life.

How many universities are there in Albany?

The short answer is one university: UAlbany. You may see larger totals in lists of Albany higher-education options because those often include colleges and professional schools, such as Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences or Albany Law School. The number depends on what institutions the list counts.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Value Colleges Ranking in Albany, NY Ranking in 2026-2027

At University at Albany, students join a large university with 17,426 enrolled learners. Its broad academic offerings and research-focused environment suit students seeking varied majors and campus resources in Albany, NY. The acceptance rate is 69%, and graduation rate is 61%. Total study cost is $27,460, while median alumni salary is $42,610. For applicants, staying in Albany can make access to classes, internships, and city amenities convenient. Compare program details and aid options before deciding whether it fits your academic goals.

Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is a specialized college for students drawn to pharmacy and health-related careers in Albany, NY. Its compact enrollment of 908 may appeal if you prefer a smaller academic community than a large university. The acceptance rate is 53%, and graduation rate is 68%. Total study cost is $40,200, with median alumni salary of $44,460. Review program prerequisites, clinical learning opportunities, and financial aid carefully to judge fit and plan for employment after graduation.

Maria College of Albany offers a small-college setting and career-oriented education in Albany, NY, with programs associated with healthcare and human services. Its enrollment is 853 students, and its acceptance rate is 44%; the reported graduation rate is 30%. Total cost of studying is $18,000, while median alumni salary is $69,028. For a student, its campus size may support a close-knit experience. Explore available majors, transfer pathways, and support services to see whether its offerings match your goals and budget.

St. Peter's Hospital College of Nursing gives Albany, NY students a nursing-education option connected by its name to a hospital setting. With 123 enrolled students, it is the smallest school in this group, and its acceptance rate is 100%. Graduation-rate data is unavailable, so ask the college about completion outcomes. Total study cost is $11,456, and median alumni salary is $80,563. Investigate nursing credentials, clinical placements, licensing preparation, and aid to understand how the program supports your career plans.

Bryant & Stratton College-Albany provides a career-oriented college option for students pursuing training in Albany, NY. Its enrollment is 250 students, giving it a small student body. The acceptance rate is not available in the data, while the graduation rate is 29%. Total cost of studying is $18,841, and median alumni salary is $39,764. Before enrolling, compare its programs, class formats, transfer policies, and student support with your schedule and career goals, and request admissions and outcome information for yourself.