<p>The State of New York, like the State of California, has 4 prominent universities. 2 Private and 2 Public (or 1.5). </p>
<p>When solely comparing the universities within these two states, the follow paraelles are usually made. </p>
<p>Columbia and Stanford (Both top 5 privates and considered truly elite. Slight edge to Stanford)</p>
<p>Cornell and Berkeley (Although Cornell is primarily a private institution, its contract colleges are part of the SUNY system. Both universities are elite in most fields.)</p>
<p>NYU and USC (Large private universities with equally large alumni network in America’s two largest cities. Also, both are going through an aggressive financial and academic campaigns. USC currently has an significant lead.)</p>
<p>Binghamton and UCLA (Leading public universities. Significant edge to UCLA)</p>