Best Colleges in Upstate New York

Upstate New York is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country — from the Adirondack Mountains to the Finger Lakes region. But beyond its scenic charm, the area also offers excellent colleges and universities, many of which stand out for their programs in liberal arts, environmental science, business, and technology.

For students who want access to outdoor adventures, small-town community life, and strong academic opportunities, Upstate New York provides a unique blend of all three. Whether you’re looking for a small college with specialized programs or a larger university with research opportunities, you’ll find options that balance quality academics with affordability and experience.

Here are some of the best colleges in Upstate New York that continue to attract students from across the country.

Paul Smith’s College – The Adirondacks

Known as the “College of the Adirondacks,” Paul Smith’s College is one of the most distinctive higher education institutions in Upstate New York.

Why It Stands Out:

• Location, Location, Location: Situated inside the six-million-acre Adirondack Park, Paul Smith’s students literally study in forests, lakes, and wetlands.
• Hands-On Learning: Courses in forestry, natural resources, and hospitality integrate outdoor fieldwork, preparing students for real-world careers.
• Specialized Programs: In addition to environmental majors, Paul Smith’s has strong programs in culinary arts, hospitality management, and recreation.
• Tight-Knit Community: With fewer than 1,000 students, it offers a close, personalized learning environment.

Paul Smith’s is particularly strong for students who love the outdoors. From hiking in the High Peaks to conducting research on forest ecosystems, the college’s setting doubles as a classroom.

Learn more about Paul Smith’s College and see if it fits your profile through Kollegio.

Cornell University – Ithaca

While technically considered Ivy League, Cornell University sits in the Finger Lakes region, giving students access to Upstate New York’s natural beauty.

Why It Stands Out:

• Academic Prestige: As an Ivy League school, Cornell is renowned for excellence in engineering, business, agriculture, and environmental science.
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS): One of the best programs in the country for natural resources, sustainability, and environmental biology.
• Research Opportunities: With world-class faculty and labs, Cornell students gain research experience early in their academic careers.

Though larger and more competitive than Paul Smith’s, Cornell offers Upstate students an Ivy League education without leaving the region.

Explore Cornell’s rankings on U.S. News.

Colgate University – Hamilton

Colgate University is one of the best liberal arts colleges in the country, and it’s located in the small town of Hamilton in central New York.

Why It Stands Out:

• Liberal Arts Excellence: Colgate consistently ranks among the top 20 liberal arts colleges in the U.S.
• Close Faculty Relationships: With small classes, students have direct access to professors and research opportunities.
• Beautiful Campus: Its historic brick buildings and rolling hills provide one of the most picturesque college experiences in Upstate NY.

Colgate is ideal for students seeking a rigorous liberal arts education in a smaller, supportive setting.

St. Lawrence University – Canton

In the North Country, near the Canadian border, St. Lawrence University combines liberal arts learning with outdoor access.

Why It Stands Out:

• Environmental Studies Strength: Strong programs in global studies, environmental science, and outdoor leadership.
• Active Student Life: Outdoor adventure clubs, community service, and athletics are core to the student experience.
• Tight-Knit Community: With just under 2,500 students, it balances intimacy with opportunity.

St. Lawrence appeals to adventurous students who want both an excellent education and a community-oriented college lifestyle.

SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) – Syracuse

For students who want specialized training in sustainability and resource management, SUNY ESF is one of the best public colleges in the nation.

Why It Stands Out:

• Focused Mission: All programs center around environmental science, forestry, conservation biology, and sustainable engineering.
• Research Collaboration: Partnered with nearby Syracuse University, students benefit from big-university resources while keeping their environmental focus.
• Affordability: As part of the SUNY system, ESF offers strong academics at a lower cost compared to private schools.

This makes ESF a great option for students who want a career-focused education in environmental sciences without paying private-school tuition.

Why Students Choose Upstate New York Colleges

Choosing a college in Upstate New York isn’t just about academics — it’s about lifestyle. Students are drawn here for:

• Natural Beauty: Adirondack hiking, skiing, and Finger Lakes boating are just minutes from campus.
• Balance of Big and Small Schools: From Cornell’s Ivy League prestige to Paul Smith’s intimate community, there’s a fit for every student.
• Affordability Options: With the SUNY system, students can access high-quality programs at lower costs.
• Supportive Communities: Smaller towns foster close-knit relationships and student involvement.

Pro Tip for Students

If you’re considering colleges in Upstate New York, think about your career goals and the type of campus environment you want. Do you prefer a specialized college like Paul Smith’s or SUNY ESF? Or would you thrive at a larger institution like Cornell?

Use Kollegio to compare colleges by program, tuition, scholarships, and more, so you can find the perfect match for your budget and ambitions.

Conclusion

Upstate New York is more than just a scenic backdrop — it’s home to some of the country’s most respected colleges and universities. From the specialized outdoor education at Paul Smith’s College to the Ivy League opportunities at Cornell University, students have diverse options that combine strong academics with a close connection to nature.

Whether you want to study environmental science, liberal arts, or business, the best colleges in Upstate New York offer a pathway to success while surrounding you with breathtaking natural beauty.

By Ali Schiebel