The 10 Best College Towns In New York For 2025

Believe it or not, America has the best colleges in the world. It's been proven by data (and surveys) that the U.S. educational system is of the highest quality

It's actually not even close and New York is home to a handful of them.

While we could debate which colleges within New York are the 'best,' that's not the goal of this post.

Instead, ride along with us as we determine which college towns in New York are the best.

You know, the type of places where there's energy and stimulation, but the type of place you can walk around at night. The happiest, chillest, most downright fun places where you can send your kids off to college where you won't break the bank, or worry about their well being.

While some of these may not seem like a 'real' college town per se, when you look at the numbers, it's hard to argue against.

And for those who live in Poughkeepsie, Brockport and New Paltz - we tip our hats to you and we'll schedule a tour for next week. You can see where Poughkeepsie ranks in terms of the best college town in America.

Finally, if you live in Lawrence, NY - it's officially the worst college town in New York. Sorry, Lawrence!

Read on to find out more or for more on New York check out:

• Best Places To Live In New York
• Best Counties To Live In New York
• Cheapest Places To Live In New York

The 10 Best College Towns In New York For 2025

1. Poughkeepsie, NY

Colleges: Dutchess Community College, Marist College, Vassar College

2. Brockport, NY

Colleges: SUNY College at Brockport

3. New Paltz, NY

Colleges: State University of New York at New Paltz

4. Oneonta, NY

Colleges: SUNY Oneonta, Hartwick College, Otsego Area BOCES-Practical Nursing Program

5. Stony Brook, NY

Colleges: Stony Brook University

6. Ithaca, NY

Colleges: Cornell University, Ithaca College, Finger Lakes School of Massage

7. Potsdam, NY

Colleges: SUNY College at Potsdam, Clarkson University

8. Fredonia, NY

Colleges: SUNY at Fredonia

9. Bronxville, NY

Colleges: Sarah Lawrence College, Concordia College-New York

10. Albany, NY

Colleges: SUNY at Albany, The College of Saint Rose, Mildred Elley School-Albany Campus

There You Have It -- The Best College Towns In The New York

If you're looking for the best college towns in New York, you came to the right place.

The best college towns in New York are Poughkeepsie, Brockport, New Paltz, Oneonta, Stony Brook, Ithaca, Potsdam, Fredonia, Bronxville, and Albany.

These places all have great college sports programs, tons of stuff to do, and are great places to raise a family.

If you're curious, these are the worst college towns in New York, starting with the absolute worst, Lawrence:

1. Lawrence
2. Peekskill
3. Monsey
4. Mount Kisco
5. Glen Cove
6. Dix Hills
7. Utica
8. Jamestown
9. Rochester
10. Dobbs Ferry

For more reading, check out:

• Whitest Cities In New York
• Most Diverse Cities In New York
• Best Small Towns in New York