Jul 17, 2014 10:24 AM EDT By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

New York may be one of the best states to go to school in because like certain other states, it has a major city where graduates would thrive.

But of course, New York, especially the city, has a high volume of colleges and universities to pick from and many of them are better suited for students with a particular interest. Like any school, there are factors to consider, like in-state versus out-of-state tuition.

New York also has some of the more prestigious (and pricey) schools in the nation, but as the rankings from College Factual point out, graduates tend to well financially. Location may also be key and New York makes sense for regional students who do not want to go too far from home for their education. The state also provides an opportunity for students traveling from afar, as it has one of the nation's greatest cities.

So if New York makes sense financially, geographically and culturally, here are the 10 best schools for your consideration, per College Factual. CLICK HERE to see their full ranking methodology.

1. Vassar College

Location: Poughkeepsie

Math + Reading SAT Score: 1,400

Freshman Retention: 96 percent

Graduation Rate: 90.7 percent

2. Cornell University

Location: Ithaca

Math + Reading SAT Score: 1,415

Freshman Retention: 96 percent

Graduation Rate: 93.4 percent

3. Columbia University in the City of New York

Location: NYC

Math + Reading SAT Score: 1,485

Freshman Retention: 96 percent

Graduation Rate: 95 percent

4. Colgate University

Location: Hamilton

Math + Reading SAT Score: 1,360

Freshman Retention: 95 percent

Graduation Rate: 89.6 percent

5. United States Military Academy

Location: West Point

Math + Reading SAT Score: 1,260

Freshman Retention: 95 percent

Graduation Rate: 83.2 percent

6. University of Rochester

Location: Rochester

Math + Reading SAT Score: 1,340

Freshman Retention: 96 percent

Graduation Rate: 85.4 percent

7. Skidmore College

Location: Saratoga Springs

Math + Reading SAT Score: 1,230

Freshman Retention: 92 percent

Graduation Rate: 87.8 percent

8. Hamilton College

Location: Clinton

Math + Reading SAT Score: 1,390

Freshman Retention: 96 percent

Graduation Rate: 90.8

9. Union College

Location: Schenectady

Math + Reading SAT Score: N/A

Freshman Retention: 94 percent

Graduation Rate: 83 percent

10. Yeshiva University

Location: NYC

Math + Reading SAT Score: 1,220

Freshman Retention: 95 percent

Graduation Rate: 84 percent

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