Top 3 AI Programs in New York 2025
Cornell University
507 Artificial Intelligence graduates annually, 95% graduation rate
Columbia University in the City of New York
391 Artificial Intelligence graduates annually, 100% graduation rate
Stony Brook University
256 Artificial Intelligence graduates annually, 89% graduation rate
- 1.New York has 30+ accredited artificial intelligence and computer science programs across SUNY, CUNY, and private universities (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.Columbia University ranks #1 in New York with 96% graduation rate and direct Wall Street AI recruiting pipeline
- 3.SUNY programs offer world-class AI education starting at $7,070 in-state tuition—1/9 the cost of private alternatives
- 4.New York AI engineers earn median $135,230 annually—23% above the national median (BLS New York 2024)
- 5.NYC, Albany, and Buffalo provide 85,000+ software developer jobs with growing AI/ML specialization demand
Artificial Intelligence Education in New York
New York offers exceptional artificial intelligence programs across prestigious private universities and affordable public institutions. From Columbia's world-class AI research lab to SUNY's accessible programs, New York provides pathways for students at every financial level to enter the rapidly growing AI field.
The state's unique advantage lies in NYC's position as a global financial and technology hub, where AI applications in fintech, healthcare, and media create abundant career opportunities. For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national AI bachelor's rankings. Students considering costs should review our most affordable AI programs guide. Career-focused students can explore our AI/ML engineer salary guide for New York-specific compensation data.
New York AI Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | Private | $65,204 | 95% | — | 99.8 |
| 2 | Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | Private | $64,526 | 100% | — | 97.4 |
| 3 | Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, NY | Public | $7,070 | 89% | — | 78.9 |
| 4 | University at Albany | Albany, NY | Public | $7,070 | 99% | — | 76.7 |
| 5 | University at Buffalo | Buffalo, NY | Public | $7,070 | 95% | — | 76.3 |
| 6 | CUNY Hunter College | New York, NY | Public | $6,930 | 75% | — | 76 |
| 7 | CUNY Queens College | Queens, NY | Public | $6,930 | 82% | — | 74.6 |
| 8 | Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | Private | $55,784 | 90% | — | 73.4 |
| 9 | Binghamton University | Vestal, NY | Public | $7,070 | 87% | — | 72.2 |
| 10 | Colgate University | Hamilton, NY | Private | $66,622 | 96% | — | 71.7 |
| 11 | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | Troy, NY | Private | $60,360 | — | — | 66.6 |
| 12 | University of Rochester | Rochester, NY | Private | $63,150 | — | — | 64.8 |
| 13 | CUNY Lehman College | Bronx, NY | Public | $6,930 | 67% | — | 62.3 |
| 14 | CUNY City College | New York, NY | Public | $6,930 | 66% | — | 61.6 |
| 15 | Marist College | Poughkeepsie, NY | Private | $45,330 | 100% | — | 60.6 |
| 16 | SUNY Brockport | Brockport, NY | Public | $7,070 | 99% | — | 58.1 |
| 17 | College of Staten Island CUNY | Staten Island, NY | Public | $6,930 | — | — | 54.3 |
| 18 | Farmingdale State College | Farmingdale, NY | Public | $7,070 | 79% | — | 49.3 |
| 19 | Touro University | New York, NY | Private | $18,950 | — | — | 48.7 |
| 20 | Pace University | New York, NY | Private | $49,550 | — | — | 47.4 |
| 21 | CUNY York College | Jamaica, NY | Public | $6,930 | — | — | 47.1 |
| 22 | Hofstra University | Hempstead, NY | Private | $54,335 | — | — | 46.8 |
| 23 | SUNY Polytechnic Institute | Utica, NY | Public | $7,070 | — | — | 46.3 |
| 24 | State University of New York at Oswego | Oswego, NY | Public | $7,070 | — | — | 45.2 |
| 25 | Mercy University | Dobbs Ferry, NY | Private | $21,236 | 75% | — | 44.9 |
Showing 1–25 of 42
Top 5 Artificial Intelligence Programs in New York: Side-by-Side
| School | Columbia | Cornell | Syracuse | Stony Brook | University at Albany |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $64,526 | $65,204 | $61,310 | $7,070 | $7,070 |
| Graduation Rate | 100% | 95% | 99% | 89% | 99% |
| Annual Graduates | 595 | 507 | 233 | 256 | 244 |
| Acceptance Rate | 4% | 8% | 42% | 49% | 70% |
| Type | Private | Private | Private | Public | Public |
| Score | 100.0/100 | 96.9/100 | 80.1/100 | 76.9/100 | 74.7/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Artificial Intelligence in New York
New York offers 42 bachelor's-level artificial intelligence programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Cornell University, Columbia University in the City of New York, Stony Brook University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $91,497 in the New York market.
A bachelor's in artificial intelligence typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Artificial Intelligence Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Artificial Intelligence Bachelor's Programs in New York
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Cornell | $65,204 | 95% | 507 | 96.9 |
| #2 Columbia | $64,526 | 100% | 391 | 97.4 |
| #3 Stony Brook | $7,070 | 89% | 256 | 76.9 |
Top Artificial Intelligence Schools for Master's Degrees in New York
For graduate study, New York offers 27 master's-level artificial intelligence programs. Leading institutions include Columbia University in the City of New York, Cornell University, Syracuse University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in New York reaching $169,923 or more.
Top 3 Artificial Intelligence Master's Programs in New York
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Columbia | $64,526 | 100% | 595 | 100.0 |
| #2 Cornell | $65,204 | 95% | 290 | 88.7 |
| #3 Syracuse | $61,310 | 99% | 233 | 80.1 |
Most Affordable Artificial Intelligence Colleges in New York
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable artificial intelligence programs in New York are at CUNY Hunter College ($6,930/year), CUNY Queens College ($6,930/year), CUNY Lehman College ($6,930/year). These programs offer strong ROI given New York's competitive tech salaries.
At CUNY Hunter College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $27,720 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $91,497, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.5 years.
Most Affordable Artificial Intelligence Programs in New York (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 CUNY Hunter College | $6,930 | $27,720 | 0.5 years | Public |
| #2 CUNY Queens College | $6,930 | $27,720 | 0.5 years | Public |
| #3 CUNY Lehman College | $6,930 | $27,720 | 0.5 years | Public |
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $64,526 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 100% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 595 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 4%
- • Ranking Score: 100.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 595 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 100.0 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (100%), program size (595 graduates), state salary outcomes ($130,710), and selectivity (4% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Columbia's AI program combines top-10 ranked online engineering education with hands-on experience through a three-day NYC immersion and is taught by accomplished experts in computer science and machine learning. The program offers guaranteed scholarships up to $4K and can be completed in 18 months while working full-time.
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •Bachelor's degree
- •programming experience
- •Knowledge of Python, Java, C, or C++ preferred
Program Details
- Credits: 36 points (credits) for degree completion
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $65,204 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 507 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 8%
- • Ranking Score: 96.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 507 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 96.9 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (507 graduates), state salary outcomes ($130,710), and selectivity (8% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $61,310 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 233 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 42%
- • Ranking Score: 80.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 233 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 80.1 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (233 graduates), state salary outcomes ($130,710), and selectivity (42% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Syracuse University's Applied Human-Centered AI Master's program emphasizes ethical and human-centered principles while providing hands-on learning experiences. The program can be completed in as little as one year and concludes with students creating an application portfolio to showcase their practical expertise.
Program Details
- Credits: 31 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,070 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 89% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 256 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 49%
- • Ranking Score: 76.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 256 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 76.9 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (89%), program size (256 graduates), state salary outcomes ($130,710), and selectivity (49% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University at Albany
Albany, NY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,070 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Artificial Intelligence Graduates: 244 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 70%
- • Ranking Score: 74.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 244 artificial intelligence graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 74.7 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (244 graduates), state salary outcomes ($130,710), and selectivity (70% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence for Business is designed to produce business and technology leaders capable of powering organizational growth through AI applications. The program focuses on core AI model building and conversational AI with special emphasis on business process redesign using AI across multiple business domains.
Program Details
- Credits: 30 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
AI/Machine Learning Engineer
SOC 15-1299Design and implement AI systems for fintech, healthcare, and media applications. NYC offers the highest concentration of AI roles in finance.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze large datasets to drive business decisions. Strong demand in NYC's financial services and advertising technology sectors.
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Develop AI-powered applications and systems. NYC tech companies and financial firms offer premium compensation for AI expertise.
Research Scientist
SOC 19-1032Conduct AI research in academia or industry labs. NYC's research institutions and corporate R&D centers offer numerous opportunities.
AI Product Manager
SOC 11-9041Lead AI product development and strategy. Growing demand in NYC's fintech and media companies for technical product leaders.
New York University Systems and AI Programs
New York's diverse higher education landscape offers AI programs across three major public systems and numerous prestigious private institutions, providing options for every student profile and financial situation.
SUNY System (State University of New York): The SUNY system provides exceptional value with in-state tuition of just $7,070. Buffalo, Stony Brook, Binghamton, and Albany offer the strongest AI programs, with Buffalo and Stony Brook featuring dedicated AI research initiatives. These programs provide pathways to graduate study at top universities while maintaining affordable costs.
CUNY System (City University of New York): Located throughout NYC, CUNY colleges offer AI-focused computer science programs at $6,930 in-state tuition. City College, Queens College, and Brooklyn College provide access to NYC's tech ecosystem while maintaining some of the lowest costs in the nation. These programs serve as launching pads for students entering the city's fintech and startup sectors.
Private Universities: Columbia, Cornell, and NYU lead nationally in AI research and industry connections. While expensive, these programs offer unparalleled research opportunities, faculty expertise, and alumni networks. Students considering computer science programs should note that many private universities offer AI concentrations within CS majors.
Other Tech Degree Programs in New York
AI Programs in Other States
California
Massachusetts
Texas
Washington
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Florida
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to Wall Street fintech and quantitative trading career opportunities
- Programs ranging from affordable SUNY/CUNY to elite private universities
- Immersion in the global financial and media technology hub
- Strong alumni networks in NYC's $50B+ fintech ecosystem
- Diverse AI applications from finance to healthcare to media
- High earning potential (median $135,230 for AI roles)
- Access to world-class AI research at Columbia, Cornell, and NYU
- Lower cost of living (NYC has highest living costs nationally)
- Traditional Silicon Valley tech company culture
- Automotive or aerospace AI applications
- More affordable private university options
- Warmer climate and outdoor lifestyle
- Emerging tech hubs with lower competition for entry-level roles
Frequently Asked Questions About New York AI Programs
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Artificial Intelligence degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific artificial intelligence salaries from BLS OES 2024
Related AI and Technology Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Official graduation rates, tuition costs, and enrollment data for all accredited institutions
State-specific salary data for computer and mathematical occupations in New York
Research output, industry trends, and AI program benchmarking data
Research expenditures and graduate outcomes for STEM programs
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.