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Thinking about where to study in 2025? Let’s just put it this way. Study in New York. Yeah, the city that never sleeps. But also, the city where students from all around the place come and chase big dreams. Whether you’re looking for business schools, hunting down niche design courses, or needing student housing in New York that doesn’t break the bank, this city’s got you.
Let’s break down what makes NYC a top choice.
What Makes New York a Top Choice for Students in 2025?
Let’s be honest, whenever people think about New York, they think about yellow cabs and skylines. But oddly enough, it has become one of the most student friendly cities in the world. And it’s not because it looks cool on Instagram. There is something about this place- how you can easily step out of class into a completely different world.
With more than half a million students calling NYC home, it’s wild to think about the number of options in one city. Whether you are having an internship or grabbing late night coffee, you are learning things both outside and inside the classroom. That’s the magic of it.
Here are various reasons why New York is a Top choice for students in 2025:
- NYC offers more than classrooms: Here you don’t just study business-you live it. Internships, networking and even pitching about your startups, it all happens right here.
- The city has the best colleges: From Columbia and NYU to Baruch and Parsons, New York has something for everything. And trust me when I say this, you will be surrounded by some ridiculously smart people. It’s humbling in a good way.
- Tons of student friendly housing options: Not gonna lie, finding the right place to live is an overwhelming task. But platforms like University Living make things very easy. Whether you are looking for a shared apartment or quite study, you’ll find student housing in New York that actually fits your vibe—and your budget.
- Job opportunities? NYC doesn’t sleep: After graduation, most students I know don’t even think about leaving. Why would they? This city hires. Finance, tech, healthcare, media—you name it. And thanks to the thousands of companies headquartered here, you don’t need to wait for “someday” to get your foot in the door.
What Are the Top Colleges in New York City for 2025?
Let’s not sugarcoat this. New York is wild. But it’s also packed with amazing colleges. Whether you are into tech, or want real life opportunities, NYC has it all. According to US U.S. News & World Report 2025, there are several colleges that rank among the top 50 in the country. But honestly? That is also not the best part. Studying here means you are living in one of the busiest, most inspiring cities in the world. Here are few of the best schools for students in 2025:
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- Columbia University: Columbia is one of the top Ivy League schools in Manhattan. If you are serious about research or want a degree that’s respected around the world, this place is the one. It’s ranked #12 in the US and is known for programs in Journalism, business, and engineering. More than 30% of the Columbia students are from other countries and the learning environment is very diverse.
- New York University (NYU): Located in Manhattan near Washington Square Park. It’s ranked #35 nationally and has over 20,000 international students. NYU is known for its arts, business, and tech schools. Tisch (for film and arts), Stern (for business), and Tandon (for engineering) are the popular ones.
- Cornell Tech: It is Cornell University’s tech campus. This place focuses on subjects like artificial intelligence, product design, and building tech startups. If you are a grad student and love to innovate, this campus is the one for you. It’s quiet and modern and is on Roosevelt Island. Students wanting to study in this university live in areas like Long Island City.
- Baruch College: Part of City University (CUNY) system. This one is a public college, great for business programs. It is also one of the affordable options in the city. Located in Midtown, you will be surrounded by big finance companies and networking events. It is known for Zicklin School of Business, and is a smart pick if you’re into marketing, finance, or economics.
Which Courses in New York are in High Demand?
Let’s be honest. There is something special about studying in New York. Maybe it’s the noise, the speed or the feeling that anything can happen. Whatever it is, NYC doesn’t just offer good courses—it offers an experience. Following are some of the high demand courses in NYC:
- Business and Finance: No surprise here. New York and Business go hand in hand. The city is home to Wall Street, Madison Avenue—which means business students are basically in the front row. Columbia University and NYU’s Stern School of Business are both ranked in the Top 10 for finance and economics in the U.S. (U.S. News, 2025). If you’re into accounting, banking, marketing, or fintech, studying in New York puts you just blocks away from where real business happens.
- Tech and Engineering: Okay, so tech these days is booming especially in areas like SoHo, Flatiron, and DUMBO (Brooklyn), where startups are everywhere. NYU Tandon School of Engineering also offers courses in AI, cybersecurity, and computer science. Over 70% of their student’s land internships during their studies.
- Art and Design: Oh, this one’s Juicy. As a creative person myself, I think the city is your canvas. Parsons School of Design and FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) are both ranked globally—and they’re surrounded by design studios, fashion HQs, and ad agencies. It’s normal to walk out of class and pass three art galleries or run into a pop-up shoot in the street.
Conclusion
If you are still questioning whether New York is really worth it? Honestly? Yeah. Studying in New York in 2025 isn’t just about getting into a top university. It’s about being in a place where every block has something to teach you. And don’t stress about housing—University Living makes it easy to find student apartments that match your style and budget. So get ready, New York is calling you!