Students looking to stay within their home state for college generally have a strong selection of state-sponsored schools to choose from. Residents of New York have the largest selection of state-supported system of universities, colleges, and community colleges in the world, through the State University of New York (SUNY). They also have the third largest university system, behind SUNY and the California State University system, with the City University of New York (CUNY). CUNY and SUNY are totally separate and independently run systems, though both receive funding from New York with CUNY also getting funding from New York City.

So What’s The Difference?

Well, for starters, the cost. CUNY, because it is sponsored by both the State of New York and the City of New York, has a lower base tuition. CUNY tuition and fees are about ~$4,500 a year, before financial aid. SUNY tuition and fees are about $7,300 a year, before financial aid or room and board. These figures are for New York State residents.

Readers will note that room and board was not mentioned for CUNY. That’s because it is an entirely commuter school (with 2 minor exceptions). SUNY, on the other hand, is known for its campuses and all the positives and negatives associated of dorm housing that come with that.

While CUNY does not provide the traditional college experience, and indeed feels more like high school with adults at times, it does have its benefits. The cost is certainly one of them. Total tuition for a CUNY student is less than one year at most private schools, and a semester at some of the more costly schools. It also benefits from being in New York City. This is a rather important benefit. Students have access to one of the largest cities in the world and all the opportunity it holds. Students have many of the world’s financial, media, advertising, marketing, fashion, and entertainment companies all headquartered in New York City offering internships, networking, mentorship, and eventually, job offers. This is part of the trade off that comes with commuting daily from home, or renting an apartment in New York City (which can easily cost more than the tuition).

SUNY, with the exception of the Fashion Institute of Technology, does not have any campuses in New York City. Most of the SUNY campuses have a suburban environment, with some bordering on totally rural. The majority of SUNY students are New York state residents who benefit from a relatively low tuition and still get a “real” college experience.

Though most of the colleges in the SUNY or CUNY system do not have nationwide name recognition (though SUNY does financially support four of the colleges at Cornell University), many of the schools are widely known and respected within the state and city, respectively. This might matter to an out of state student competing for jobs outside of New York.

With the economy the way it is today, students should pay more attention than ever to the state-sponsored schools available to them. New York students should especially look into SUNY and CUNY as viable college paths that can offer a great education that won’t break the bank.

By Awad Sayeed