New York residents have access to two world-class public university systems. CUNY and SUNY, at a fraction of the cost of private schools. Here's everything you need to know about both.
As a New York resident, you have access to two of the country's most extensive public university systems. Both offer in-state tuition rates that make a quality college education significantly more affordable, and both include academically strong programs that compete with private schools costing four times as much.
25 institutions across all five boroughs. The nation's largest urban public university system, with some of the lowest tuition in the country.
64 campuses across New York State, from research universities to specialized colleges. 93% of New Yorkers live within 15 miles of a SUNY campus.
Many students overlook CUNY and SUNY in favor of private schools, but the academics, faculty, and opportunities at schools like Queens College, Stony Brook, and SUNY Geneseo are genuinely excellent, and the cost difference can mean graduating without six-figure debt.
The City University of New York is the nation's leading urban public university. It comprises 25 institutions: 11 senior colleges, 7 community colleges, the Macaulay Honors College, the CUNY Graduate Center, Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, School of Law, School of Professional Studies, and more. CUNY serves more than 243,000 degree-seeking students each year.
Although CUNY tuition is no longer free for all NYC residents (as it once was), it remains among the lowest in the country. A full year at a senior college costs under $7,000, and a community college year runs under $4,000 · before financial aid.
For musicians specifically, CUNY offers something remarkable: arguably the highest-quality music education for the lowest cost in the United States.
Located in Queens, NY, the Aaron Copland School of Music (ACSM) is CUNY's conservatory-level music program. Despite being part of the world's largest urban university, ACSM offers an intimate college experience with a low student-to-teacher ratio in all classes.
ACSM at Queens College offers four distinct undergraduate pathways, each designed for a different career goal.
Academic music program for students aiming toward composition, conducting, musicology, music theory, criticism, library science, or arts management. Traditionally structured and classically based.
Professional performance program by competitive audition only. Equivalent in training to a conservatory program, includes private instruction, ensembles, and a senior recital. For serious instrumentalists and singers.
Prepares students for New York State Initial Teacher Certification in Music PreK-12. Combines a full music curriculum with education and pedagogy coursework, coordinated with the School of Education.
For students accepted into the BMus program who also want teaching certification. Follows the standard BMus curriculum for two years, then adds the music education sequence. Typically requires one additional year beyond the standard four, completed as an advanced certificate.
Admission to the BMus Performance program at ACSM is by competitive audition, it's not automatic with a CUNY application. Apply early and treat the audition with the same seriousness as a conservatory audition.
The SUNY system includes 64 schools: 29 state-operated campuses and five statutory colleges (including research universities, liberal arts colleges, health science centers, land-grant colleges) and 30 community colleges. Programs span ceramics engineering, fashion design, optometry, maritime studies, law, medicine, and everything in between.
SUNY is embedded in virtually every corner of New York State, 93% of New Yorkers live within 15 miles of a SUNY campus, and nearly 100% within 30 miles. One out of three NY State high school graduates choose SUNY, and total enrollment is nearly 400,000 students.
For NY State residents, the full cost is roughly $25,000 per year before financial aid, significantly less than most private colleges, and with financial aid often comparable in net cost.
Just 35 minutes from Grand Central in Westchester, Purchase is SUNY's arts powerhouse, and its Conservatory of Music is a place many SMS students end up thriving. Don't let the SUNY label fool you: admission is by competitive audition, the training is serious, and the campus culture is built by and for artists.
Purchase is not a backup plan. For a working musician's education at a public price, it's one of the smartest applications on your list.
One of the oldest and most respected music education programs in the country: Crane has been training the people who teach America's school music since 1886. Strong performance and music ed degrees, a tight-knit musical community, and deep alumni networks in schools across New York State.
Watch Crane on YouTube ↗ Crane School of Music ↗A full school of music in western New York with well-regarded programs in performance, music education, sound recording technology, and music therapy. Audition-based admission and a campus where music is central to student life, all at SUNY tuition.
Watch Fredonia Music on YouTube ↗ Fredonia School of Music ↗Click any school name to go directly to its website and start your research.
These are part of Cornell University but receive SUNY funding. NY residents may qualify for in-state tuition.
Check financial aid options next. NY students may qualify for TAP, Excelsior, and other state grants on top of federal aid.