To choose the right college in Brooklyn, it is important to review the local options in a clear and comparable way. Below, we cover all institutions with campuses in the borough so you can better understand what each one offers.
List of 11 Colleges in Brooklyn, NYC
1. Brooklyn College (CUNY)
Brooklyn College is one of the leading public universities in the Borough of Brooklyn and is part of The City University of New York (CUNY). The Flatbush campus spans approximately 35 acres, which is rare in New York City, offering a more open and spacious environment than most urban institutions in NYC. Its traditional-style buildings and green spaces create a classic academic atmosphere, distinct from campuses fully embedded in dense downtown areas.
The institution is known for strong programs in liberal arts, sciences, business, and education. It is a common choice for students seeking a public university with a stable reputation and more affordable tuition for New York State residents. The student body is diverse, reflecting Brooklyn’s population, and the combination of a traditional campus setting with access to the broader CUNY network makes Brooklyn College one of the most consistent public options in the borough.
2. Pratt Institute
Pratt Institute is a private university with its main campus in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, and is one of the longest-established art and design institutions in New York. The campus has a distinct visual identity, with workshops, studios, and hands-on workspaces that reflect the nature of its academic programs.
Pratt is widely recognized for architecture, industrial design, fine arts, interior design, and visual communication, while also offering programs in the sciences and liberal studies. The institution attracts students seeking intensive training in creative fields, where practical experience and portfolio development are as important as theory. The size of its academic community and its strong focus on creative disciplines clearly define its profile within the borough.
3. Long Island University – Brooklyn (LIU Brooklyn)
Long Island University Brooklyn is the historic campus of the Long Island University network and has operated in Downtown Brooklyn since 1926. It is a private university with a broad academic structure, offering more than one hundred undergraduate and graduate programs.
The institution is especially known for its strength in health sciences, including pharmacy and nursing, while also offering programs in business, education, and applied sciences. Its academic profile is career-oriented, with a strong emphasis on professional preparation and workforce readiness. The campus is fully urban, integrated into the Jay Street–MetroTech area, providing direct access to Brooklyn’s infrastructure and economic activity. LIU frequently attracts students seeking clearly defined majors and a structured professional path.
4. New York City College of Technology (CUNY City Tech)
New York City College of Technology is a public institution in Downtown Brooklyn with a clear focus on applied programs. It is part of The City University of New York (CUNY) and is known for programs in technology, engineering, construction management, hospitality, and other technical fields with a strong hands-on component.
The campus is integrated into the Jay Street–MetroTech area, providing quick access to urban infrastructure and major transportation connections. It is a suitable option for students seeking a technical career path with direct links to the New York City job market.
5. Kingsborough Community College (CUNY)
Kingsborough Community College is located in Manhattan Beach, one of the most open and quiet areas of Brooklyn. It is a community college within The City University of New York (CUNY) and offers associate degree programs. It often serves as a first step for students who later transfer to four-year universities.
The campus stands out from most urban institutions in NYC due to its waterfront proximity and expansive setting. It is a common choice for students seeking a gradual transition into the university system.
6. Medgar Evers College (CUNY)
Medgar Evers College is located in Crown Heights and is part of The City University of New York (CUNY). Its academic structure includes both bachelor’s and associate degree programs in fields such as business, education, social sciences, community development, and health.
The institution is known for the diversity of its student population and its emphasis on access to higher education and social mobility. Compared to larger CUNY campuses, Medgar Evers has a more compact setting and an academic profile focused on professional preparation and civic engagement. For students seeking a public university closely connected to Brooklyn’s social landscape, it represents a clearly defined option.
7. St. Joseph’s University, New York – Brooklyn Campus
St. Joseph’s University, New York is a private institution of higher education with a campus in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. The university offers bachelor’s and master’s programs in fields such as education, business administration, and nursing. It is known for its smaller academic community and its focus on professional preparation.
The Brooklyn campus has a more residential character compared to institutions located in Downtown Brooklyn, and its program structure reflects an educational model that combines liberal arts with applied specializations. The university often attracts students seeking a more personalized academic environment, where direct interaction with faculty is more accessible than at large public universities.
8. Touro University – Brooklyn Campus
Touro University has multiple locations across New York, and its Brooklyn campus, located in the Flatbush/Midwood area, primarily serves professionally oriented programs. The institution is known for fields such as business, education, health sciences, and programs designed to support local communities.
The atmosphere is more academically focused than campus-driven, with many programs attended by working professionals or graduate-level students. For those seeking a pragmatic, career-oriented path, Touro offers a clearly structured option within the borough.
9. NYU Tandon School of Engineering
NYU Tandon School of Engineering is the engineering division of New York University and operates in MetroTech Center, Downtown Brooklyn. Founded in 1854, the institution has a long-standing tradition in engineering education and applied research.
Its academic programs cover electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, robotics, and other emerging technology fields. The school is integrated into Brooklyn’s growing tech ecosystem, in an area that hosts technology companies, incubators, and innovation-driven infrastructure.
Unlike more traditional, spread-out campuses, Tandon has a compact urban layout directly connected to the city’s economic and academic networks. For students interested in careers in technology and applied engineering, its location in Downtown Brooklyn provides ongoing exposure to relevant professional environments.
10. Brooklyn Law School
Brooklyn Law School is an independent institution focused exclusively on legal education, located in Downtown Brooklyn. Founded in 1901, the school offers J.D. (Juris Doctor) and LL.M. programs, including options for attorneys trained outside the United States.
The curriculum covers areas such as business law, criminal law, intellectual property, and international law. Its academic structure includes legal clinics and externships that allow students to work directly with courts and legal organizations. Its location in Brooklyn’s legal district provides close proximity to courthouses and law firms, shaping the type of practical experience available throughout the course of study.
11. SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is a public institution founded in 1860 and part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Located in East Flatbush, the university operates as an academic medical center, combining education, research, and clinical services.
Its academic structure includes a College of Medicine, a College of Nursing, a School of Health Professions, as well as public health and graduate programs. The presence of an integrated university hospital provides students with direct exposure to clinical practice, distinguishing the institution from universities that offer primarily theoretical training. Within Brooklyn, SUNY Downstate serves as a leading center for advanced medical education and biomedical research.
Quick Comparison of Colleges in Brooklyn, NYC
| Institution | Type | Neighborhood | Primary Focus |
| Brooklyn College (CUNY) | Public | Flatbush | Liberal arts, business, sciences |
| Pratt Institute | Private | Clinton Hill | Art, design, architecture |
| LIU Brooklyn | Private | Downtown Brooklyn | Health sciences, business |
| CUNY City Tech | Public | Downtown Brooklyn | Technology, engineering, applied sciences |
| Kingsborough Community College | Public (Community) | Manhattan Beach | Associate degrees, transfer pathways |
| Medgar Evers College | Public | Crown Heights | Business, education, community programs |
| St. Joseph’s University | Private | Clinton Hill | Education, social sciences, business |
| Touro University (Brooklyn Campus) | Private | Flatbush/Midwood | Professional & career-oriented programs |
| NYU Tandon School of Engineering | Private | Downtown Brooklyn | Engineering, computer science, tech |
| Brooklyn Law School | Private (Law) | Downtown Brooklyn | Juris Doctor (JD) programs |
| SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University | Public | East Flatbush | Medicine, nursing, health sciences |
Planning for College Life Beyond the Classroom
Choosing a college in Brooklyn is only the first step. For many students, especially those coming from outside New York State or living in dorms, a practical issue quickly comes up: what do you do with your personal belongings between semesters or over the summer?
Each year, thousands of students in Brooklyn look for summer storage solutions when campuses temporarily close or lease agreements expire. Constantly moving furniture, transporting boxes back home, or paying rent for an empty apartment are not always efficient options.
If you find yourself in this situation, we offer student summer storage in NYC, including options specifically designed for students in Brooklyn. Here, you can find details on how short-term storage works, what factors to consider, and the differences between traditional self storage and solutions that include pickup service.
Smart storage planning can reduce both costs and the stress associated with frequent moves, especially in a city like New York.
To help you even further, we also recommend reading our blog articles, which explain the practical side of moving and storage in more detail:
These guides will help you understand how to pack efficiently, choose the right unit size, and avoid unnecessary costs during the summer months.
What is the best public college in Brooklyn?
The most well-known four-year public university in Brooklyn is Brooklyn College (CUNY), located in Flatbush. For technical and applied engineering programs, CUNY City Tech is a strong alternative in Downtown Brooklyn. Medgar Evers College is also an important public option, with a focus on education, business, and community development.
What are the best colleges in Brooklyn?
Among the most recognized institutions are Brooklyn College (liberal arts and sciences), Pratt Institute (art, design, architecture), NYU Tandon School of Engineering (engineering and technology), and LIU Brooklyn (health sciences and business). The right choice depends primarily on your intended field of study.
Which colleges are located in Downtown Brooklyn, NY?
For those interested in colleges in Downtown Brooklyn, NY, the main institutions are LIU Brooklyn, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn Law School, and CUNY City Tech. All are located in the MetroTech–Jay Street area, with direct access to multiple subway lines and dense urban infrastructure.
Are there engineering schools in Brooklyn?
Yes. NYU Tandon School of Engineering is the most well-known engineering school in Brooklyn and is part of New York University. In addition, CUNY City Tech offers applied programs in technology and engineering, primarily at the undergraduate and associate degree levels.
Are there good colleges in Brooklyn?
A good college depends on your academic goals. Brooklyn College is well regarded for its accessible public programs, Pratt for design, and NYU Tandon for technology and engineering. Each institution has a distinct academic profile.
Are there community colleges in Brooklyn?
Kingsborough Community College, part of the CUNY system, is the primary community college in Brooklyn. Located in Manhattan Beach, it offers associate degrees and clearly defined transfer pathways to four-year universities.
Are there medical schools in Brooklyn?
Yes. SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is the only academic medical center in Brooklyn and offers programs in medicine, nursing, public health, and other health sciences.
Are all these colleges located strictly in Brooklyn?
Yes. All institutions mentioned in this article have a physical campus located within the Borough of Brooklyn, New York City. Universities from Manhattan, Queens, or other boroughs are not included.
Bibliography:
- Official websites of the colleges mentioned in this article.