2026 Best Value Ethnic Studies Schools in New York

1

Cuny Hunter College
New York, NY

Cuny Hunter College tops our 2026 list of the best value ethnic studies schools in New York. Cuny Hunter College is a very large public school located in the city of New York. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,382, with out-of-state students paying around $15,332. Ethnic Studies graduates carry a median of $10,698 in student loans. Ethnic Studies graduates of Cuny Hunter College earn a median of $34,007 early in their careers. Set against $10,698 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Hunter College admits about 54% of applicants.

2

Cuny Brooklyn College
Brooklyn, NY

Cuny Brooklyn College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in ethnic studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Brooklyn, Cuny Brooklyn College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,452, while out-of-state students pay about $15,402. Students borrow a median of $14,094 to complete the ethnic studies program here. Ethnic Studies graduates of Cuny Brooklyn College earn a median of $32,083 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,094 median debt. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.

3

Cuny City College
New York, NY

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cuny City College earned it the #3 place for ethnic studies. Set in the city of New York, Cuny City College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,340, with out-of-state students paying around $15,290. Students borrow a median of $20,532 to complete the ethnic studies program here. Ethnic Studies graduates of Cuny City College earn a median of $26,973 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny City College admits about 60% of applicants.

4

Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College
New York, NY

Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in ethnic studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of New York, Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,170, compared with $8,050 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,794 to complete the ethnic studies program here. Ethnic Studies graduates of Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College earn a median of $30,111 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

5

Suny College At Brockport
Brockport, NY

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Suny College At Brockport earned it the #5 place for ethnic studies. Set in the town of Brockport, Suny College At Brockport is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,752, with out-of-state students paying around $15,822. Ethnic Studies graduates carry a median of $26,672 in student loans. Ethnic Studies graduates of Suny College At Brockport earn a median of $39,724 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,672 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.

6

State University Of New York At New Paltz
New Paltz, NY

State University Of New York At New Paltz ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value ethnic studies schools. Located in the town of New Paltz, State University Of New York At New Paltz is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,822. Typical student debt for ethnic studies graduates is $25,500. Early-career ethnic studies graduates make about $23,751. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. State University Of New York At New Paltz admits about 62% of applicants.

7

Suny At Albany
Albany, NY

Suny At Albany earned the #7 position for value in ethnic studies this year. Suny At Albany is a very large public school located in the city of Albany. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,601, while out-of-state students pay about $30,991. Ethnic Studies graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Early-career ethnic studies graduates make about $29,823. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suny At Albany admits about 69% of applicants.

8

Columbia University In The City Of New York
New York, NY

Columbia University In The City Of New York landed the #8 spot for ethnic studies value this year. Columbia University In The City Of New York is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. Typical student debt for ethnic studies graduates is $18,799. Early-career ethnic studies graduates make about $55,206. Set against $18,799 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 4%.

9

Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY

Syracuse University landed the #9 spot for ethnic studies value this year. Set in the city of Syracuse, Syracuse University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,528 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,903 to complete the ethnic studies program here. Early-career ethnic studies graduates make about $18,854. That is a strong return on a $22,903 median debt. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted.

10

The New School
New York, NY

The New School came in at #10 for value in ethnic studies this year. Located in the city of New York, The New School is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,730. Ethnic Studies graduates carry a median of $24,460 in student loans. Ethnic Studies graduates of The New School earn a median of $38,468 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 64%.