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2 Best Arts, Design & Architecture Universities in New York

Of the 2 Arts, Design & Architecture universities in New York, Columbia University ranks highest at #14 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Next come CUNY Graduate School and University Center (QS World #545). Across the whole list there are 6 courses to choose from.

2 universities · ranked best first

how we rank

How these universities are ranked

2 of these universities hold a QS World position, from #14 (Columbia University) to #545 (CUNY Graduate School and University Center); they are listed first, in that order. Below them, universities follow their research output: Columbia University is cited most (48,319,824 citations).

Public, private and where they are

1 are public and 1 private (50% public). By location, New York (2) account for the most of those we can place. The oldest is Columbia University, founded in 1754. Columbia University is the largest, with 33,000 students.

What the courses look like

By level: 3 master's, 2 bachelor's and 1 phd / doctorate. The usual length is 1–2 years and 4–6 years. 100% are full-time. Start dates lean to Fall (100% of courses with a stated intake) and Spring (67% of courses with a stated intake). CUNY Graduate School and University Center offers the widest choice, with 3 of these courses.

What it costs

We hold indicative fees for 2 of these universities. CUNY Graduate School and University Center is the least expensive at USD 15,185 a year and Columbia University the most at USD 66,000; the middle of the range is about USD 66,000. Check each university's own fee page before you budget — figures change every year.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best university in New York for Arts, Design & Architecture?

Columbia University (QS World #14) and CUNY Graduate School and University Center (QS World #545) lead this list. QS World positions come first; the rest are ranked by research impact.

Which is the cheapest university for Arts, Design & Architecture in New York?

Of those with published fees, CUNY Graduate School and University Center is the least expensive at about USD 15,185 a year. Fees are indicative — confirm on the university's site.

How many public universities offer Arts, Design & Architecture in New York?

1 public and 1 private universities are on this list.

How long does an Arts, Design & Architecture course take in New York?

Most listed courses run 1–2 years, with 4–6 years the next most common.

When do Arts, Design & Architecture courses start in New York?

Fall is the main intake — 100% of courses with a stated start date begin then, and Spring is the second.

Which university has the most Arts, Design & Architecture courses in New York?

CUNY Graduate School and University Center, with 3, ahead of Columbia University (3).

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