What is the difference between SUNY and Private schools?

Im 16, and live in New York City. Some of the schools I want to go to are: Rochester Institute of Technology, College of Technology, Union College, Briarcliffe College, Alfred University, Hofstra University, IDIT, Clarkson University. I want to know whats the difference, my sister went to this college: Canisius College. Is the private or SUNY?