2026 Best Value Public Policy Schools in New York

1

Suny Empire State College
Saratoga Springs, NY

Leading the list is Suny Empire State College, our #1 best value for public policy in New York. Suny Empire State College is a large public school located in the suburb of Saratoga Springs. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,648, with out-of-state students paying around $17,558. Public Policy graduates carry a median of $25,239 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public policy degree recipients from Suny Empire State College generally make around $52,614. That is a strong return on a $25,239 median debt.

2

Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY

Students looking for strong value in public policy will find it at Stony Brook University, which ranked #2. Stony Brook University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Stony Brook. Students from in state pay about $10,931 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,741 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for public policy graduates is $20,537. Early-career public policy graduates make about $54,079. That is a strong return on a $20,537 median debt. The acceptance rate is 49%.

3

Suny At Albany
Albany, NY

Suny At Albany came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value public policy schools. Suny At Albany is a very large public school located in the city of Albany. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,601, while out-of-state students pay about $30,991. Students borrow a median of $23,521 to complete the public policy program here. Public Policy graduates of Suny At Albany earn a median of $44,736 early in their careers. Set against $23,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted.

4

Hamilton College
Clinton, NY

Hamilton College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in public policy, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Clinton, Hamilton College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,960. Public Policy graduates carry a median of $17,000 in student loans. Public Policy graduates of Hamilton College earn a median of $56,158 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,000 median debt. Hamilton College admits about 14% of applicants.

5

Rochester Institute Of Technology
Rochester, NY

Students looking for strong value in public policy will find it at Rochester Institute Of Technology, which ranked #5. Located in the suburb of Rochester, Rochester Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $59,210. Public Policy graduates carry a median of $27,491 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public policy degree recipients from Rochester Institute Of Technology generally make around $63,515. That is a strong return on a $27,491 median debt. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted.

6

Cornell University
Ithaca, NY

Cornell University came in at #6 for value in public policy this year. Set in the city of Ithaca, Cornell University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. Typical student debt for public policy graduates is $15,750. Early-career public policy graduates make about $77,906. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants.

7

The New School
New York, NY

The New School placed #7 among the best values for public policy. Set in the city of New York, The New School is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $58,730. Public Policy graduates carry a median of $24,460 in student loans. Public Policy graduates of The New School earn a median of $69,579 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,460 median debt. The acceptance rate is 64%.