State Comparison • 2026 Data

New York vs California

Complete comparison of college tuition costs, university options, and educational value between New York and California.

New York

Avg In-State

$62,297

Avg Out-of-State

$62,297

Universities

3

Avg SAT

1508

View New York universities →

California

Lower Cost

Avg In-State

$29,815

Avg Out-of-State

$50,425

Universities

3

Avg SAT

1465

View California universities →

Potential Savings

By choosing California over New York, you could save approximately:

$32,482

Per year (in-state)

$129,928

Over 4 years

Top Affordable Universities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is New York or California cheaper for college?

California has lower average tuition by $32,482 for in-state students.

How many universities are in New York vs California?

New York has 3 universities in our database, while California has 3 universities.

Which state has more selective universities?

New York has more selective universities on average, with a 8% acceptance rate.

Can I get in-state tuition in New York as an out-of-state resident?

Yes, most states including New York allow you to establish residency after 12 months, which can unlock in-state tuition rates and save you $0 per year.

What are the average SAT scores for New York and California colleges?

The average SAT score for New York universities is 1508, while California averages 1465.

IPEDS Data
Official government data
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Updated 2026
Current academic year

Data sourced from U.S. Department of Education IPEDS