Top 3 Computer Science Programs in New York 2025
Cornell University
Ivy League CS program consistently ranked top-10 nationally with 6:1 student-faculty ratio and Cornell Tech NYC campus
Columbia University
Manhattan location provides unmatched fintech and AI research opportunities with median $120K starting salaries
New York University
Strong industry connections in NYC tech scene with excellent co-op programs and Courant Institute for mathematical sciences
- 1.New York has 60+ accredited computer science bachelor's programs across SUNY, CUNY, and private institutions
- 2.Cornell University ranks #1 in New York with 95% graduation rate and top-10 national CS reputation
- 3.SUNY schools offer excellent value with programs like Stony Brook and Binghamton under $11,000 in-state tuition
- 4.New York software developers earn median $135,000 annually—19% above the national median
- 5.NYC fintech sector provides 180,000+ tech jobs with major employers like Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, and Google
Computer Science Education Landscape in New York
New York offers diverse computer science education options from world-renowned Ivy League programs to affordable SUNY schools. Whether you're targeting Wall Street fintech, Silicon Alley startups, or Fortune 500 tech divisions, New York's programs provide direct pathways into these lucrative markets.
The state's unique advantage lies in combining academic excellence with immediate industry access. Manhattan hosts major tech offices for Google, Amazon, Facebook, and every major financial firm, creating unparalleled internship and career opportunities for CS students.
For national perspective, review our best computer science bachelor's programs rankings. Students focused on career outcomes should explore our software engineer salary guide for New York-specific compensation data. Those considering alternatives can compare online CS degree options.
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS New York May 2024, SUNY System Reports
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 data
Class size and faculty accessibility
New York state median salaries from BLS OEWS
Acceptance rate indicating academic rigor
New York Computer Science Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cornell University | Ithaca | Private | $63,200 | 95% | 6:1 | 97.8 |
| 2 | Columbia University | New York | Private | $64,526 | 95% | 7:1 | 96.2 |
| 3 | New York University | New York | Private | $58,168 | 87% | 8:1 | 92.1 |
| 4 | SUNY Stony Brook | Stony Brook | Public | $10,560 | 70% | 18:1 | 88.4 |
| 5 | Rensselaer Polytechnic | Troy | Private | $58,600 | 85% | 10:1 | 87.9 |
| 6 | University of Rochester | Rochester | Private | $59,344 | 85% | 10:1 | 86.2 |
| 7 | SUNY Binghamton | Binghamton | Public | $10,840 | 81% | 19:1 | 84.7 |
| 8 | Syracuse University | Syracuse | Private | $58,440 | 82% | 15:1 | 83.1 |
| 9 | SUNY Buffalo | Buffalo | Public | $10,560 | 74% | 20:1 | 81.5 |
| 10 | SUNY Albany | Albany | Public | $10,560 | 66% | 22:1 | 79.8 |
| 11 | Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester | Private | $52,020 | 69% | 13:1 | 78.9 |
| 12 | Fordham University | Bronx | Private | $54,450 | 82% | 14:1 | 77.2 |
| 13 | CUNY Brooklyn College | Brooklyn | Public | $7,340 | 55% | 24:1 | 75.6 |
| 14 | SUNY New Paltz | New Paltz | Public | $10,560 | 70% | 21:1 | 74.8 |
| 15 | CUNY City College | New York | Public | $7,340 | 48% | 26:1 | 72.9 |
| 16 | St. John's University | Queens | Private | $45,760 | 66% | 17:1 | 71.4 |
| 17 | SUNY Oswego | Oswego | Public | $10,560 | 63% | 23:1 | 70.1 |
| 18 | Clarkson University | Potsdam | Private | $52,550 | 78% | 13:1 | 69.7 |
| 19 | SUNY Plattsburgh | Plattsburgh | Public | $10,560 | 59% | 25:1 | 68.2 |
| 20 | Manhattan College | Bronx | Private | $46,850 | 75% | 12:1 | 67.5 |
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY • University
Program Highlights
- • Top 5 national ranking in computer science
- • Cornell Tech campus launched in 2017 with industry partnerships
- • Home to breakthrough research in machine learning and quantum computing
- • Strong placement in FAANG companies and top-tier startups
Program Strengths
- 6:1 student-faculty ratio enabling personalized research opportunities
- Cornell Tech NYC campus provides direct industry connections
- Strong alumni network including founders of major tech companies
- Exceptional research facilities in AI, systems, and theory
- 95% graduation rate with median starting salaries exceeding $110,000
Why Ranked #1
Cornell's computer science program consistently ranks in the top 10 nationally, combining Ivy League prestige with cutting-edge research. The program's strength lies in its comprehensive curriculum covering theoretical foundations and practical applications, plus the unique Cornell Tech campus in NYC.
Columbia University
New York, NY • University
Program Highlights
- • Data Science Institute offers interdisciplinary research opportunities
- • Strong connections to Wall Street for fintech career paths
- • Regular tech talks and recruiting events from major employers
- • Fu Foundation School of Engineering provides excellent facilities
Program Strengths
- Manhattan location with direct access to finance and tech industries
- World-class faculty including Turing Award winners
- Strong research programs in AI, data science, and cybersecurity
- Extensive industry partnerships for internships and job placement
- Active alumni network in leadership positions at major firms
Why Ranked #2
Columbia's computer science department benefits from its Manhattan location, providing unparalleled access to Wall Street fintech firms and major tech companies. The program combines rigorous academics with immediate industry application opportunities.
SUNY Stony Brook
Stony Brook, NY • University
Program Highlights
- • Ranked #40 nationally for computer science among public universities
- • Close proximity to NYC tech scene (60 miles)
- • Strong graduate program pipeline for advanced study
- • Active industry partnerships with Long Island tech companies
Program Strengths
- Outstanding value at $10,560 annual in-state tuition
- Research-intensive program with R1 university designation
- Strong placement rates in NYC tech companies
- Active computer science clubs and hackathon participation
- Modern facilities including new Computer Science building
Why Ranked #4
SUNY Stony Brook offers exceptional value as the highest-ranked public CS program in New York. At $10,560 in-state tuition, it provides research university education at a fraction of private school costs while maintaining strong industry connections.
SUNY and CUNY Computer Science Programs
New York's public university systems offer some of the nation's best CS education values. The State University of New York (SUNY) system includes research powerhouses like Stony Brook and Binghamton, while the City University of New York (CUNY) provides affordable access to quality CS education in all five boroughs.
SUNY Flagship Programs: Stony Brook leads SUNY CS programs with strong research output and industry connections. Buffalo and Binghamton follow closely, offering solid programs at approximately $10,560 annual in-state tuition. These schools provide excellent preparation for both immediate employment and graduate study.
CUNY Urban Advantage: CUNY schools like Brooklyn College and City College offer the unique advantage of studying computer science while living in New York City. At just $7,340 annual tuition for residents, these programs provide direct access to internships and part-time work at NYC tech companies.
For comparison with other state systems, explore our guides to California CS programs and Texas CS programs. Students interested in online options should review our best online CS degrees rankings.
Career Paths
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Develop applications and systems for fintech, media, and tech companies throughout NYC and upstate regions
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex datasets for Wall Street firms, media companies, and emerging AI startups
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299Build machine learning systems for finance, healthcare, and tech companies in the NYC ecosystem
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1299Manage infrastructure and deployment pipelines for high-traffic financial and media applications
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect financial institutions and healthcare organizations from cyber threats and data breaches
Computer Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
| Factor | In-State Public | Out-of-State Public | Private Universities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Tuition | $10,560 (SUNY) | $26,680 (SUNY) | $55,000+ |
| Total 4-Year Cost | ~$42,000 | ~$107,000 | ~$220,000+ |
| Class Sizes | Larger (20-25 avg) | Larger (20-25 avg) | Smaller (8-15 avg) |
| Research Opportunities | Good (R1 flagships) | Good (R1 flagships) | Excellent |
| Industry Connections | Strong (especially SUNY) | Strong (especially SUNY) | Strongest |
| Financial Aid | Limited aid needed | Merit scholarships | Need-based aid |
Which Should You Choose?
- Direct access to Wall Street fintech and major tech offices
- Networking opportunities in the nation's financial capital
- Internship and co-op programs with immediate industry application
- Cultural diversity and urban lifestyle during college years
- Strong alumni networks in finance, media, and technology sectors
- Lower cost of living during college (Texas, North Carolina, Ohio)
- Traditional college town atmosphere (California, Illinois, Massachusetts)
- Stronger focus on hardware/engineering (California, Washington)
- More affordable private school options (other regions)
- Warmer climate and outdoor recreation opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions About New York CS Programs
Related Computer Science Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
2023 graduation rates, enrollment data, and institutional characteristics
May 2024 New York state salary data for computer occupations
Official enrollment and program data for SUNY institutions
Employment projections and industry analysis for New York tech sector
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.