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University in New York: The Comprehensive Guide for Israeli Students
New York is one of the most exciting cities in the world, and it's also a leading academic center with first-class institutions. If you dream of studying in the United States, getting into a university in New York is a meaningful goal that can open many doors to a professional, international future.
At USAcademy, we give you a complete package of personal, professional guidance: from test prep, through building a precise admissions strategy, all the way to landing on campus. In this guide, we'll review the city's main institutions, explain the admissions process and costs, and present all the tools that will help you succeed with complete confidence.
Top academic institutions in New York City
New York is home to a wide range of quality institutions, led by New York University (NYU), alongside Columbia University, the CUNY system, and Fordham University. Each offers different fields of study, unique teaching styles, and a variety of opportunities for international students.
NYU (New York University)
- The institution – A leading private research university where the entire city is the campus, with its historic hub in the heart of Greenwich Village around Washington Square Park and the famous Bobst Library.
- Size – About 52,000 students (about 27,000 undergraduates and 25,000 graduate students) from more than 130 countries.
- Achievements and excellence – 39 Nobel Prize winners, 16 Pulitzer Prize winners, and more than 30 Academy Awards among faculty and alumni.
- Flagship schools – Stern School of Business (one of the world's top schools for business and finance), Tisch School of the Arts (film, acting, and the performing arts), Tandon (engineering and technology), and the School of Law.
- Global campuses – International campuses in Tel Aviv, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai.
Universities in New York: an overview of top institutions
| Academic institution | Type of institution | Key advantages and areas of excellence |
| Columbia University | Private, Ivy League | International prestige, elite research, a dedicated program (GS) for veterans, architecture, and business |
| City University of NY (CUNY) | Public | Affordable tuition (about $18,000 a year) and outstanding colleges such as Baruch and Hunter |
| Fordham University | Private | Excellence in law, psychology, business, and communications on its Manhattan and Bronx campuses |
| The New School (Parsons) | Private | One of the world's leading institutions for fashion design, digital media, and visual arts |
| Yeshiva University | Private | A unique combination of academic excellence and a rich Jewish environment |
A bachelor's degree in New York: admissions, data, and strategies
Undergraduate admissions data in New York (NYU and Columbia)
- New York University: admission requirements: The acceptance rate ranges from 7.7% to 12.8% out of about 120,000 applicants. The average SAT score is around 1450–1540 (or ACT 32–35), with a GPA of 3.7 or higher and an English proficiency test (TOEFL 100+ or IELTS 7.5+). The school has a Test-Optional policy, but a high score is a significant advantage.
- Columbia University: admission requirements: Columbia College has a highly competitive acceptance rate of only about 4% (requiring an SAT score of 1500+ and an outstanding GPA). However, the School of General Studies (GS) is designed especially for non-traditional students anddischarged soldiers, and offers much more accessible acceptance rates (about 30%) for an identical, prestigious degree.
How do you stand out in the admissions process? Our recommendation
- Leveraging your military service and Israeli experience – Leadership, responsibility for others, and dealing with crises make your personal essay stand out in a big way.
- Focused test prep – Reaching your target score on the SAT/ACT, or the GRE/GMAT for graduate programs.
- A polished Personal Statement – Presenting an authentic personal story, a clear vision, and a unique contribution to campus.
- Extracurricular activities – Volunteering, personal initiatives, and professional achievements.
- Applying early (Early Decision) – Significantly increases your chances of admission if you're sure about your target school.
Budget planning: tuition, living costs, and scholarships
| Institution | Annual Tuition (Estimated) | Living expenses and insurance (estimated) | Estimated total annual cost |
| Public universities / affordable tracks | $10,000 – $15,000 | $10,000 – $12,000 | About $25,000 |
| CUNY (Baruch / Hunter) | About $15,000 – $18,000 | About $12,000 – $15,000 | About $27,000 – $33,000 |
| NYU | About $58,000 – $62,000 | About $16,000 – $19,000 | About $74,000 – $81,000 |
| Columbia University | About $63,000 – $68,000 | About $16,000 – $19,000 | About $79,000 – $87,000 |
Financial aid: institutions like NYU and Columbia offer merit scholarships and need-based financial aid to international students as well. Aid requests are filed alongside your application.
Good to know: health insurance for international students is usually estimated at about $3,000 a year. However, you can lower this cost significantly through leading insurance companies we work with professionally, and we refer our students to them to handle it directly.
Student experience, career, and life in the city
- Legal status and employment – Students study on an F-1 visa, which allows on-campus work of up to 20 hours a week during the semester, professional internships (CPT), and full work authorization (OPT) in the U.S. for one to 3 years after graduation (in STEM programs).
- Getting around and housing – A public transportation network of subways and buses that runs 24/7, along with bike share (CitiBike), and housing options in dorms or rented apartments in Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn.
- Community and safety on campus – Beyond the city's cultural richness, there are strong support networks for Israeli and Jewish students (such as Hillel, Chabad, and student associations). Following political events and protests in recent years, university administrations have increased security measures, control over campus entrances, and support for student well-being.
Answers to common questions about studying at universities in New York
Can Israelis without U.S. citizenship get scholarships to study in New York?
Absolutely. Most private universities in New York award academic merit scholarships and financial aid to international students. In addition, there are philanthropic foundations dedicated to Israeli students studying in the U.S.
What's the advantage of Columbia University's School of General Studies for Israelis?
The program is designed specifically for students who took a break of a year or more from their studies (such as for military service). It values maturity and life experience, offers significantly higher acceptance rates than the regular track, and grants an official bachelor's degree identical to that of Columbia University (Ivy League).
Do I have to take the SAT to get into a bachelor's program at NYU?
Under its Test-Optional policy, you can apply without an SAT score. However, for Israeli students who don't have an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, a competitive SAT score significantly strengthens your academic profile and increases your chances of getting scholarships. It's also important to know that applying without the SAT greatly lowers your chances of admission. In addition, many elite universities (such as Harvard, Yale, MIT, Dartmouth, and Brown) have recently brought back the requirement to submit an SAT score, which makes the test more critical than ever.
How far in advance should I start the application process?
We recommend starting the process about 10 to 12 months before the semester you want to start (usually the fall semester, in August/September), so you have time to take tests, prepare your essays, gather recommendations, and arrange your visa.
Why choose USAcademy's guidance? Your admissions advantage
The road to American higher education isn't just about meeting dry requirements. It's about being able to tell your story in a way that's convincing, precise, and suited to international standards. USAcademy is Israel's leading company for personal advising and guidance for admission to top U.S. institutions.
Our team is made up of graduates of elite universities in the U.S. and Canada who bring deep, firsthand knowledge of the system from the inside. We provide a complete package that combines strategic thinking, advanced teaching, and close, personal guidance:
- Building a personalized admissions strategy – Defining your applicant profile, mapping your unique strengths, and making informed choices of target schools to maximize your chances of admission.
- Focused prep for admission tests (SAT / ACT / TOEFL) – Digital prep courses, smart adaptive practice, and solving methods built by experts with elite scores.
- Perfecting your personal essays (Personal Statements & Essays) – Working together on documents that highlight your personal narrative, military experience, and leadership in polished academic English.
- Making the most of scholarships and lowering tuition – Finding aid funds, merit scholarships, and grants for international students to significantly reduce your expenses.
- Paperwork support and preparation for your student visa (F-1) – Organized help filling out forms, translating official documents, and precise preparation for the consular interview at the embassy.
- An alumni community and active networking – A connection to Israeli students and graduates who already study at top institutions in New York, for a soft landing and quick social and professional integration.
Ready to start your journey to a university in New York?
The road to the big city starts with one precise step. We're here to turn a complex process into a clear, safe path. Contact us today to schedule a free personal consultation call by phone 1-813-498-8664+ or by email [email protected], and let's start planning your academic future together.