Top New York Colleges for Healthcare Majors in 2026: The 10 Best Schools for Future Medical and Health Professionals

Top New York Colleges for Healthcare Majors in 2026: The 10 Best Schools for Future Medical and Health Professionals

New York offers one of the richest healthcare education environments in the country. From globally ranked research universities to specialized health-science programs, the state gives students direct access to renowned hospitals, advanced laboratories, and diverse clinical settings. Whether your goal is medicine, nursing, public health, biomedical science, dental school, or allied-health practice, New York provides an academic and professional ecosystem unlike anywhere else.

This fully new and expanded guide highlights the ten best New York colleges for healthcare degrees in 2026. Each institution earned its ranking based on academic rigor, clinical access, program breadth, faculty expertise, and student success outcomes.

1. Columbia University
   Columbia remains one of the strongest institutions in the world for students preparing for healthcare careers. Its undergraduate science departments offer deep training in physiology, cellular biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and global health. Students have access to the Columbia University Irving Medical Center and one of the busiest hospital systems in the region, providing unparalleled exposure to clinical medicine and medical research. Columbia’s pre-health office guides students from first year to medical or dental school admission, making it a top choice for pre-professional pathways.

2. New York University
   NYU offers exceptional opportunities for healthcare-centered majors thanks to its close connection with NYU Langone Health, a leading academic medical center. Students can study nursing, nutrition, global public health, neuroscience, biology, or chemistry, all supported by top-tier faculty and modern health-simulation facilities. NYU’s urban location provides a constant flow of clinical, volunteer, and research opportunities across New York City, giving students a competitive edge when applying to graduate health programs.

3. Cornell University
   Cornell blends hands-on science education with strong ties to Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City. Students interested in becoming physicians, dentists, researchers, or public-health specialists benefit from majors such as human biology, biomedical engineering, nutrition, and global health. Cornell’s undergraduate research culture is robust, giving many students opportunities to participate in lab work, assist with data collection, and publish scientific findings before graduation.

4. University of Rochester
   The University of Rochester has built one of the strongest undergraduate-to-medical pathways in the nation. Its health-focused programs are closely integrated with the University of Rochester Medical Center, offering students access to clinical shadowing, research internships, and volunteer programs. Rochester majors in public health, biology, brain and cognitive sciences, and computational biology prepare students for a variety of healthcare careers through both theory and application.

5. Stony Brook University
   Stony Brook is a leader in New York’s public-research system and excels in undergraduate healthcare education. With programs in nursing, respiratory care, biomedical engineering, health science, and biological sciences, students receive rigorous training supported by Stony Brook University Hospital. The university boasts advanced simulation centers and research facilities that prepare students for real-world patient care and scientific inquiry.

6. University at Buffalo
   The University at Buffalo is known for its comprehensive healthcare offerings. Its School of Dental Medicine ranks among the most respected in the country, while the School of Public Health and Health Professions and the Jacobs School of Medicine reinforce UB’s status as a major health-education center. Students can pursue degrees in nursing, biomedical sciences, public health, and biochemistry while participating in research collaborations with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

7. Syracuse University
   Syracuse gives healthcare-focused students a well-rounded academic home through majors such as biology, public health, neuroscience, and exercise science. The university’s partnership with SUNY Upstate Medical University provides unique access to clinical rotations, research labs, and early-assurance medical programs. Syracuse supports future clinicians, researchers, and health-policy professionals through dedicated advising and experiential learning.

8. Fordham University
   Fordham emphasizes strong scientific training with a humanistic foundation. The university’s pre-health track is well respected, and students often pursue majors in biological sciences, psychology, or natural sciences. Fordham’s New York City location creates opportunities for clinical volunteering, research experiences, and internships at world-renowned hospitals. Its mission-centered approach to education helps students develop the empathy and ethical reasoning essential in healthcare careers.

9. Hofstra University
   Hofstra has expanded rapidly as a health-education leader thanks to its partnership with Northwell Health, one of the largest healthcare systems in the country. Students interested in nursing, health science, biomedical research, or pre-medics benefit from modern simulation centers and access to the Zucker School of Medicine. Hofstra emphasizes hands-on training and interdisciplinary health education, preparing graduates for immediate entry into clinical or research roles.

10. Pace University
    Pace serves students pursuing nursing, physician assistant studies, public health, and health science. With campuses near New York’s major medical institutions, students complete clinical rotations in top hospitals and community clinics. Pace offers a strong advising network, research opportunities, and modern labs that support students preparing for advanced clinical careers.

How to Select the Best New York College for Your Healthcare Goals
Students should think about:
• Whether they want direct clinical training or a pre-professional academic pathway
• Access to research programs and hospital partnerships
• Advising support for medical, dental, PA, or graduate school preparation
• Accreditation and exam pass rates of nursing and allied-health programs
• Available internships, volunteer opportunities, and community health placements

New York’s top healthcare colleges offer rich academic environments, significant research engagement, and extensive hands-on experience. These institutions prepare students for success in one of the most rapidly growing fields in the country.

High Value Source Links
https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-for-health-professions/s/new-york/
https://prehealth.columbia.edu/
https://nursing.nyu.edu/
https://www.rochester.edu/college/health/
https://health.stonybrookmedicine.edu/
https://dental.buffalo.edu/
https://www.upstate.edu/
https://www.hofstra.edu/health-sciences/
https://www.pace.edu/college-health-professions

Top 10 Colleges