<p>SUNY Purchase is outside NYC, not in the city, but it’s an excellent school, as are some of the other SUNYs . . . Binghamton, New Paltz . . . CUNY colleges aren’t highly selective but–they have many outstanding faculty (and also many good students) and–are in NYC. Hunter, Brooklyn College, Queens College (I got my UG at an Ivy but got my MFA at Queens, an excellent experience.) if you look out for yourself (regarding picking classes) you can get a great education at these places. ( . . .even at an Ivy, you have to look out for yourself.)
anyway, i’m struggling to find an affordable art college for my S and i sympathize. best of luck.</p>