The Most Well-Known Universities in New York: A Comprehensive List and Their Histories

New York is one of the most famous and influential cities in the world. It is also known to be a center of academic excellence, with many renowned universities in the city. Here is a list of the most well-known universities in New York and their respective history:

1. Columbia University

Founded in 1754 as King’s College, Columbia is the oldest university in New York and one of the oldest in the country. It was renamed Columbia in 1784 after the American Revolutionary War. Located in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, Columbia is one of eight Ivy League member universities. It is renowned for its arts, law and journalism programs.

• Number of students: Approximately 31,000
• Known alumni: Barack Obama, Warren Buffett, Ruth Bader Ginsburg
• Tuition Fee: Approximately $61,850 per year for tuition and campus living costs.
• Duration of studies: Four years for undergraduate programs, two to three years for master’s programs, four to seven years for doctoral programs.
• Adresse : 116th St & Broadway, New York, NY 10027
• Site internet :

2. New York University (NYU)

Founded in 1831, NYU is one of the largest private universities in the United States. It is located in Greenwich Village in Manhattan and has campuses in other parts of New York and around the world. It is renowned for its law, business, journalism and arts programs.

• Number of students: Approximately 51,000
• Famous alumni: Lady Gaga, Martin Scorsese, Alec Baldwin
• Tuition Fee: Approximately $76,610 per year for tuition and campus living costs.
• Duration of studies: Four years for undergraduate programs, one to two years for master’s programs, three to five years for doctoral programs.
• Adresse : 70 Washington Square S, New York, NY 10012
• Site internet :

3. Fordham University

Founded in 1841, Fordham is a private Catholic university located in the Bronx neighborhood of New York. It is renowned for its programs in law, business, social sciences and liberal arts. Fordham’s Rose Hill Campus is a National Historic Site and an example of Gothic Revival architecture.

• Number of students: Approximately 17,000
• Known alumni: Denzel Washington, Vince Lombardi, Alan Alda
• Tuition Fee: Approximately $54,393 per year for tuition and living expenses
• Duration of studies: Four years for undergraduate programs, one to three years for master’s programs, three to five years for doctoral programs.
• Adresse : 441 E Fordham Rd, Bronx, NY 10458
• Site internet :

4. The City College of New York (CCNY)

Founded in 1847, CCNY is a public university located in Harlem, Manhattan. It is known for its engineering and architecture program and for being the first free university in the United States.

• Number of students: Approximately 16,000
• Known alumni: Colin Powell, Jonas Salk, Aaron Copland
• Tuition Fee: Approximately $7,480 per year for tuition and living expenses
• Duration of studies: Four years for undergraduate programs, one to three years for master’s programs, three to five years for doctoral programs.
• Adresse : 160 Convent Ave, New York, NY 10031
• Site internet :

5. Barnard College

Founded in 1889, Barnard is a private university for women located in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. It is affiliated with Columbia University and is known for its arts program.

• Number of students: Approximately 2,600
• Known alumni: Martha Stewart, Joan Rivers, Zora Neale Hurston
• Tuition Fee: Approximately $77,650 per year for tuition and living expenses
• Duration of studies: Four years for undergraduate programs
• Address: 3009 Broadway, New York, NY 10027
• Site internet :

6. Yeshiva University

Founded in 1886, Yeshiva is a private Jewish university located in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. It is known for its programs in medicine, law, business and arts.

• Number of students: Approximately 6,000.
• Known alumni: Lawrence Kushner, Edith Stein, Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik.
• Tuition Price: The annual cost is around $45,000 for undergraduate school and varies for graduate programs.
• Duration of studies: Undergraduate programs take an average of four years to complete.
• Address: Yeshiva University, 500 W 185th St, New York, NY 10033, USA.
• Site internet :

7. St. John’s University

Founded in 1870, St. John’s is a private Catholic university located in Queens, New York. It is known for its law, business and arts programs.

• Number of students: Approximately 21,000.
• Famous Alumni: Soledad O’Brien, Mario Cuomo, Vinny Guadagnino.
• Tuition Price: The annual cost is around $44,000 for undergraduate school and varies for graduate programs.
• Duration of studies: Undergraduate programs take an average of four years to complete.
• Address: St. John’s University, 8000 Utopia Pkwy, Queens, NY 11439, USA.
• Site internet :

8. Pace University

Founded in 1906, Pace is a private university located in Manhattan. It is known for its law, business, journalism and arts programs.

• Number of students: Approximately 13,000.
• Known alumni: Alexis Bledel, Jeremy Piven, Anthony Romeo Santos.
• Tuition Price: The annual cost is around $47,000 for undergraduate school and varies for graduate programs.
• Duration of studies: Undergraduate programs take an average of four years to complete.
• Address: Pace University, 1 Pace Plaza, New York, NY 10038, USA.
• Site internet :

Can I apply when I am not a US citizen?

Yes, it is possible to apply to some US universities even if you are not a US citizen. Admissions procedures and requirements vary by university, but here are some general tips for applying as an international student:

1. Each university has its own admission requirements for international students which may include transcripts, standardized test scores and language certifications.

2. The files usually include a cover letter, references from professors, excerpts from publications and a CV.

3. American universities often offer scholarships to international students, and there are also scholarships offered by private foundations.

4. American universities often have strict deadlines for admissions applications and scholarships. It is important to follow these deadlines, otherwise your file will be refused.