Queens hosts a relatively small but relevant number of higher education institutions. If you analyze the options for colleges in Queens, you will notice that most belong to the public CUNY system, alongside several private universities and specialized institutions.
Best 9 Colleges in Queens, NYC
1. Queens College – Flushing
Queens College, founded in 1937, is one of the central institutions within The City University of New York (CUNY) and one of the largest public universities in Queens. The campus in Flushing is relatively expansive compared to typical urban campuses in New York City and enrolls more than 19,000 students across undergraduate and graduate programs.
The institution offers programs in liberal arts, sciences, education, business, and the arts. It is particularly known for its School of Education and for strong programs in science and research. The typical student profile is that of a commuter student, with many students coming from Queens and other parts of the city. For those looking for public colleges in Queens with more affordable tuition for New York State residents, Queens College represents a solid option.
2. York College – Jamaica
York College, founded in 1966 and part of The City University of New York (CUNY), is located in Jamaica, close to JFK Airport and the major transportation infrastructure of southeast Queens. The institution serves approximately 6,000–7,000 students and has an academic structure focused on business, health sciences, aviation, and public service.
It is one of the few institutions in Queens that offers programs in aviation and related fields, reflecting its proximity to the airport and the regional logistics sector. York College primarily attracts students seeking a public college in Queens with a practical orientation and strong pathways to professional integration.
3. St. John’s University – Jamaica
St. John’s University, founded in 1870, is the largest private university in Queens, with its main campus in Jamaica. The institution has a student population of more than 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students and offers programs in business, law, education, health sciences, and liberal arts.
The campus has a residential character, with dormitories and traditional university infrastructure. This distinguishes it from most CUNY campuses in Queens, which are primarily commuter-based. For those looking for private colleges in Queens that offer a full university experience, St. John’s is the dominant institution in the borough.
4. Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology – East Elmhurst
Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology is a specialized private institution founded in 1932 and located in East Elmhurst, near LaGuardia Airport. It is one of the few institutions in New York dedicated almost entirely to technical fields such as aeronautics, engineering, technology, and aviation management.
The college has a smaller student population compared with the larger universities in Queens, but it is well known for its practical orientation and its direct connection to the aviation industry. For students interested in careers in aerospace or aviation management, Vaughn College represents a specialized option among colleges in Queens.
5. CUNY School of Law – Long Island City
CUNY School of Law, founded in 1983, is the only public law school in New York City and is part of The City University of New York (CUNY). The campus is located in Long Island City, Queens, near Court Square.
The institution offers exclusively the Juris Doctor (J.D.) program and is known for its focus on public interest law, constitutional law, immigration law, and advocacy. Unlike universities that include law as a faculty within a broader academic structure, CUNY School of Law is dedicated entirely to legal education. For those looking for law schools in Queens, it is the primary public option in the borough.
6. LaGuardia Community College – Long Island City
LaGuardia Community College, founded in 1971, is part of The City University of New York (CUNY) and is one of the largest community colleges in New York City, with more than 14,000 students.
The institution offers associate degrees and certificate programs in fields such as business, health sciences, technology, education, and liberal studies. The student population is predominantly commuter-based, and the program structure is designed either for transfer to four-year universities or for direct entry into the workforce.
For those interested in community colleges in Queens, LaGuardia is one of the most common choices due to its location in Long Island City and its accessibility through multiple public transportation lines.
7. Queensborough Community College – Bayside
Queensborough Community College, founded in 1959, is part of The City University of New York (CUNY) and is located in Bayside, in northeastern Queens. The institution serves approximately 12,000–15,000 students and offers associate degrees in fields such as business, health sciences, education, technology, and liberal arts.
The campus has a more open layout compared with many urban locations in New York City, and its programs are designed around two primary pathways: transfer to four-year universities, including Queens College and other CUNY institutions, or direct entry into the workforce. For those looking for community colleges in Queens located in a residential area, QCC is a commonly chosen option.
8. Plaza College – Forest Hills
Plaza College is a private institution with a campus in Forest Hills, Queens, founded in 1916. It specializes in professionally oriented programs, particularly in business, management, accounting, and applied technology.
Compared with the larger universities in Queens, Plaza College has a smaller student body and an academic profile focused on administrative and commercial careers. Its programs are structured for rapid entry into the workforce, and the institution primarily attracts students looking for private colleges in Queens with a clear professional focus.
9. Touro University – Queens Location
Touro University maintains a presence in Queens through campuses dedicated to professional programs, including fields related to health sciences and education. The institution is private and part of a broader university network with locations across multiple states.
In Queens, the academic offerings are primarily focused on graduate and professional programs, particularly in health sciences and education. Touro attracts students seeking specialized training within a private university setting, with a clear emphasis on career-oriented education.
Student Moving & Storage in Queens
Choosing a college in Queens often comes with a practical reality: many campuses are primarily commuter-based, and students living in dorms or short-term rentals often have to manage frequent moves between semesters.
Students at St. John’s University, Queens College, or LaGuardia Community College frequently face situations where lease agreements expire before the next semester begins. During these periods, summer storage solutions become especially useful, particularly for lightweight furniture, boxes of clothing, or personal items that are not worth transporting outside the city.
For those looking for student storage in Queens, it is important to understand the difference between traditional self storage and services that include pickup and transportation. Depending on the location. Jamaica, Flushing, or Long Island City access and logistics can vary significantly.
If you are preparing for college or planning a move between semesters, we recommend exploring some of our guides created specifically for students in New York:
- How to Organize a Storage Unit – a practical guide on how to arrange your belongings efficiently in a storage unit without wasting space.
- Tips for Moving Your Student to College Campus – useful advice for parents and students preparing for a campus move.
- 7 Self Storage Secrets You Probably Didn’t Know – helpful insights into how storage works and how to avoid unnecessary costs.
- A Resource for College Students Between Semesters in NYC – explains summer storage options for students who remain in the city or leave temporarily.
If you are exploring university options across New York, you can also check our guides dedicated to other boroughs:
These articles present the major universities in each area and can help you compare academic options across NYC.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges in Queens
What are the best colleges in Queens?
In Queens, the institutions most frequently mentioned include Queens College (CUNY) for liberal arts and sciences, St. John’s University for a private residential university experience, and Vaughn College for technical fields such as aeronautics and engineering.
How many colleges in Queens, NYC are there?
If we refer strictly to accredited institutions with a physical campus in the borough, there are nine colleges in Queens, NYC. These include public CUNY universities, private institutions, and two community colleges.
What public colleges in Queens are part of CUNY?
Public colleges in Queens that are part of the CUNY system include Queens College, York College, LaGuardia Community College, Queensborough Community College, and CUNY School of Law. All are public institutions funded at the state level and offer affordable options for New York State residents.
Are there community colleges in Queens?
Yes. LaGuardia Community College (Long Island City) and Queensborough Community College (Bayside) are the two community colleges in Queens. Both offer associate degrees and transfer programs to four-year universities.
Are there private colleges in Queens?
Yes. St. John’s University, Vaughn College, Plaza College, and Touro University have campuses in Queens. They offer a range of programs, from business and education to technical and health-related fields.
Are there colleges near Queens or only within the borough?
This guide lists only colleges with a physical location within the Borough of Queens, New York City.
Bibliography:
- Official websites of the colleges mentioned in this article.