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Featured Individualized Studies Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
AA in Liberal Arts
Strengthen your communication and critical-thinking skills with this online associate in liberal arts degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
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BA in General Studies
Maximize your transfer credits and complete your bachelor's degree faster with this flexible online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.
Learn More
2026 Best Value Individualized Studies Schools in New York
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in individualized studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Individualized Studies Schools
Suffolk County Community College tops our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools in New York. Set in the suburb of Selden, Suffolk County Community College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,630 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,460. Students borrow a median of $8,000 to complete the individualized studies program here. Individualized Studies graduates of Suffolk County Community College earn a median of $26,874 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #2 makes Nassau Community College one of the best values for individualized studies. Located in the suburb of Garden City, Nassau Community College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,330, with out-of-state students paying around $12,130. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $9,500. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Nassau Community College generally make around $27,510. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Hudson Valley Community College earned it the #3 place for individualized studies. Located in the city of Troy, Hudson Valley Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,796, with out-of-state students paying around $11,852. Students borrow a median of $10,046 to complete the individualized studies program here. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Hudson Valley Community College generally make around $28,464. Set against $10,046 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Monroe Community College earned it the #4 place for individualized studies. Located in the suburb of Rochester, Monroe Community College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $6,006 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,056. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $25,252. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Schenectady County Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in individualized studies, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the city of Schenectady, Schenectady County Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,190, while out-of-state students pay about $8,974. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,902.
ADBLOCK #101
Erie Community College landed the #6 spot for individualized studies value this year. Set in the city of Buffalo, Erie Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,100, while out-of-state students pay about $11,300. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $10,090. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $23,608. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Onondaga Community College landed the #7 spot for individualized studies value this year. Set in the suburb of Syracuse, Onondaga Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,102, while out-of-state students pay about $11,392. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $10,950 in student loans. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $22,966. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Niagara County Community College came in at #8 for value in individualized studies this year. Set in the rural area of Sanborn, Niagara County Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,894, with out-of-state students paying around $12,030. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $11,500. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $22,942. That is a strong return on a $11,500 median debt.
Orange County Community College placed #9 among the best values for individualized studies. Set in the suburb of Middletown, Orange County Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,526, while out-of-state students pay about $12,334. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $10,625 in student loans. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Orange County Community College generally make around $20,630. That is a strong return on a $10,625 median debt.
Genesee Community College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools. Located in the town of Batavia, Genesee Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,900, compared with $6,500 for out-of-state students. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $10,064 in student loans. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $22,079. Set against $10,064 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Tompkins Cortland Community College came in at #21 for value in individualized studies this year. Set in the rural area of Dryden, Tompkins Cortland Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,970, with out-of-state students paying around $12,855. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $12,000. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Tompkins Cortland Community College generally make around $24,591. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Suny College At Buffalo placed #22 among the best values for individualized studies. Set in the city of Buffalo, Suny College At Buffalo is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,533, with out-of-state students paying around $19,653. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the individualized studies program here. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $32,082. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted.
Jefferson Community College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value individualized studies schools. Set in the city of Watertown, Jefferson Community College is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,264, with out-of-state students paying around $11,700. Individualized Studies graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Individualized Studies graduates of Jefferson Community College earn a median of $23,245 early in their careers. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Finger Lakes Community College came in at #24 for value in individualized studies this year. Set in the rural area of Canandaigua, Finger Lakes Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,258, with out-of-state students paying around $8,442. Typical student debt for individualized studies graduates is $11,000. Early-career individualized studies graduates make about $22,999. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Stony Brook University placed #25 among the best values for individualized studies. Located in the suburb of Stony Brook, Stony Brook University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,931, while out-of-state students pay about $32,741. Students borrow a median of $20,537 to complete the individualized studies program here. Soon after graduation, individualized studies degree recipients from Stony Brook University generally make around $74,387. Set against $20,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Stony Brook University admits about 49% of applicants.
Rest of the Top 36 Best Value Individualized Studies Schools
These schools also delivered strong value for individualized studies this year:
[Individualized Studies](/majors/liberal-arts-sciences-humanities/liberal-arts-and-general-studies/individualized-studies/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
