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Key Takeaways
8 cybersecurity programs from 6 public and 2 private institutions
3 schools physically in New York, plus 5 within 50 miles. Tuition ranges from $4,800 (CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College) to $64,526 (Columbia University in the City of New York).
Median cybersecurity salary: $138,360, 11% above the national median
Security engineers earn up to $149,429, while cybersecurity managers command $200,622 in the New York-Newark-Jersey City. Source: BLS OEWS New York-Newark-Jersey City MSA, May 2024.
An estimated 8,900 open cybersecurity positions in the New York-Newark-Jersey City
New York has 20,288 total cybersecurity openings, 44% concentrated in the New York metro. Nationally, 26% of cybersecurity roles remain unfilled.
1 NSA Center of Academic Excellence designated school
New York University hold NSA/DHS CAE designation, the federal benchmark for cybersecurity education. CAE students may qualify for CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service (full tuition + stipend).
Updated July 28, 2026
How we ranked New York, New York Cybersecurity programs
We rank 14 accredited cybersecurity programs in New York, New York using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Cybersecurity Degree Rankings in New York, New York
Compare the top-ranked Cybersecurity programs in New York, New York by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Cybersecurity Programs in New York, New York
Hakia ranks 5 accredited associate's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of New York, 5 public institutions. 1 is physically located in New York, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community C., CUNY New York City College of Technology, CUNY LaGuardia Community College. Tuition for associate's programs ranges from $4,800 to $6,930 per year. Community colleges offer the most affordable entry into cybersecurity, and many have articulation agreements with nearby four-year universities for seamless credit transfer. Students can complete foundational coursework in networking, operating systems, and security fundamentals while earning industry certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CySA+. Graduates with a associate's degree in cybersecurity from New York-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $89,934 to $107,921 in the local market, with roles such as SOC analyst, IT security technician, or network security associate. The New York metro area has an estimated 8,900 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033.
Show all 13 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Suffolk County Community College | Selden, NY | Public | $5,830 | 29% | 73.3 |
| #7 | SUNY Westchester Community College | Valhalla, NY | Public | $5,232 | 25% | 70.4 |
| #8 | Finger Lakes Community College | Canandaigua, NY | Public | $5,376 | 30% | 70.2 |
| #9 | Rockland Community College | Suffern, NY | Public | $5,664 | 29% | 69.2 |
| #10 | Orange County Community College | Middletown, NY | Public | $5,808 | 25% | 67.4 |
| #11 | SUNY Corning Community College | Corning, NY | Public | $5,688 | 34% | 66.6 |
| #12 | Nassau Community College | Garden City, NY | Public | $5,800 | 23% | 66.0 |
| #13 | CUNY Bronx Community College | Bronx, NY | Public | $4,800 | 16% | 63.5 |
Best Bachelor's Cybersecurity Programs in New York, New York
Hakia ranks 3 accredited bachelor's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of New York, 1 public and 2 private institutions. 2 are physically located in New York, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include Columbia University in the City of Ne., Stony Brook University, New York University. Annual tuition ranges from $7,070 to $64,526 (average: $44,011). A four-year cybersecurity degree covers core topics including network defense, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and security policy, preparing graduates for roles as security analyst, penetration tester, or incident response specialist. The average graduation rate across these programs is 94%. Graduates with a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity from New York-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $121,757 to $131,442 in the local market, with roles such as security analyst, penetration tester, or incident response specialist. The New York metro area has an estimated 8,900 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033. New York University holds NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation at this level, the federal benchmark for cybersecurity education. CAE students may qualify for the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service program, covering full tuition plus a stipend.
Rochester Institute of Technology
Show all 21 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Excelsior University | Albany, NY | Private nonprofit | — | — | 87.4 |
| #7 | University at Albany | Albany, NY | Public | $7,070 | 61% | 86.0 |
| #8 | Hofstra University | Hempstead, NY | Private nonprofit | $56,545 | 69% | 85.6 |
| #9 | St. John Fisher University | Rochester, NY | Private nonprofit | $40,090 | 74% | 84.2 |
| #10 | CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice | New York, NY | Public | $6,930 | 56% | 83.1 |
| #11 | Monroe University | Bronx, NY | Private for-profit | $16,344 | 57% | 81.2 |
| #12 | St. John's University-New York | Queens, NY | Private nonprofit | $51,919 | 66% | 81.0 |
| #13 | Farmingdale State College | Farmingdale, NY | Public | $7,070 | 53% | 81.0 |
| #14 | SUNY Polytechnic Institute | Utica, NY | Public | $7,070 | 55% | 75.9 |
| #15 | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | Alfred, NY | Public | $7,070 | 55% | 75.1 |
| #16 | St Bonaventure University | Saint Bonaventure, NY | Private nonprofit | $40,500 | 67% | 74.7 |
| #17 | Mount Saint Mary College | Newburgh, NY | Private nonprofit | $41,820 | 65% | 70.4 |
| #18 | Mercy University | Dobbs Ferry, NY | Private nonprofit | $21,980 | 46% | 70.1 |
| #19 | SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill | Cobleskill, NY | Public | $7,070 | 42% | 66.8 |
| #20 | SUNY College of Technology at Canton | Canton, NY | Public | $7,070 | 38% | 64.9 |
| #21 | SUNY College of Technology at Delhi | Delhi, NY | Public | $7,070 | 45% | 64.6 |
Best Master's Cybersecurity Programs in New York, New York
Hakia ranks 3 accredited master's cybersecurity programs within 50 miles of New York, 1 public and 2 private institutions. 2 are physically located in New York, with the rest accessible via short commutes. The top-ranked programs include Columbia University in the City of Ne., New York University, Stony Brook University. Graduate tuition ranges from $7,070 to $64,526 per year. Master's programs take 18-24 months and focus on advanced topics like threat intelligence, security architecture, risk management, and leadership, designed for professionals looking to move into senior technical or management roles. Average completion rate: 94%. Graduates with a master's degree in cybersecurity from New York-area schools can expect starting salaries in the range of $149,429 to $168,799 in the local market, with roles such as security engineer, security architect, or cybersecurity consultant. The New York metro area has an estimated 8,900 open cybersecurity positions, and the BLS projects +33% job growth through 2033. New York University holds NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation at this level, the federal benchmark for cybersecurity education. CAE students may qualify for the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service program, covering full tuition plus a stipend.
Rochester Institute of Technology
Show all 18 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | University at Albany | Albany, NY | Public | $7,070 | 61% | 83.2 |
| #7 | Hofstra University | Hempstead, NY | Private nonprofit | $56,545 | 69% | 81.0 |
| #8 | CUNY City College | New York, NY | Public | $6,930 | 57% | 80.8 |
| #9 | Pace University | New York, NY | Private nonprofit | $51,602 | 60% | 78.1 |
| #10 | Excelsior University | Albany, NY | Private nonprofit | — | — | 77.8 |
| #11 | Canisius University | Buffalo, NY | Private nonprofit | $32,200 | 66% | 77.0 |
| #12 | St. John's University-New York | Queens, NY | Private nonprofit | $51,919 | 66% | 76.3 |
| #13 | New York Institute of Technology | Old Westbury, NY | Private nonprofit | $44,060 | 59% | 74.9 |
| #14 | St Bonaventure University | Saint Bonaventure, NY | Private nonprofit | $40,500 | 67% | 73.5 |
| #15 | Niagara University | Niagara University, NY | Private nonprofit | $37,190 | 75% | 72.7 |
| #16 | SUNY Polytechnic Institute | Utica, NY | Public | $7,070 | 55% | 71.2 |
| #17 | Mercy University | Dobbs Ferry, NY | Private nonprofit | $21,980 | 46% | 66.5 |
| #18 | Empire State University | Saratoga Springs, NY | Public | $7,070 | 41% | 60.3 |
Why Study Cybersecurity in New York, New York
New York is home to a growing cybersecurity education ecosystem with 8 accredited programs across 5 associate's, 3 bachelor's, 3 master's, 3 doctoral degree levels within 50 miles. 3 of these institutions are physically located in New York, with the remaining schools accessible via short commutes from surrounding communities in the New York-Newark-Jersey City.
1 school near New York holds NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation: New York University. The CAE program, jointly sponsored by the NSA and DHS, certifies schools whose cybersecurity curricula meet rigorous federal standards aligned with the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework. Students at CAE-designated schools may qualify for the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service program, which covers full tuition plus a $25,000-$34,000 annual stipend in exchange for government service after graduation.
The New York-Newark-Jersey City cybersecurity job market is substantial, with an estimated 8,900 open positions and a median salary of $138,360 for information security analysts (BLS OEWS May 2024). The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +33% job growth for cybersecurity roles through 2033, making it one of the fastest-growing occupations in the U.S. economy. For students in New York, this translates to strong local hiring prospects upon graduation.
Among the top-ranked programs, Columbia University in the City of New York (99.7% graduation rate) leads the bachelor's rankings. See our complete rankings below for detailed program comparisons across all degree levels.
Median Cybersecurity Salary in New York
Cybersecurity Salaries by Role: New York vs. National Average
| Role | New York Metro | National Median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Analyst | $121,757 | $109,921 | +11% |
| Penetration Tester | $131,442 | $118,665 | +11% |
| Security Engineer | $149,429 | $134,903 | +11% |
| Security Architect | $168,799 | $152,390 | +11% |
| Cybersecurity Manager / CISO | $200,622 | $181,120 | +11% |
Source: BLS OEWS New York-Newark-Jersey City MSA, May 2024. Role estimates derived from BLS SOC 15-1212 median.
Cybersecurity Salaries in New York: What to Expect by Role
Cybersecurity professionals in the New York-Newark-Jersey City earn a median salary of $138,360, which is 11% above the national median of $124,910 (BLS OEWS May 2024, SOC 15-1212: Information Security Analysts). This positions New York as one of the highest-paying metro areas for cybersecurity talent in the country.
Entry-level security analysts in New York can expect starting salaries around $121,757, making cybersecurity one of the highest-paying entry points in the tech sector. With 2-5 years of experience, penetration testers, who simulate cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities, earn approximately $131,442. Senior technical roles like security engineers command $149,429, while security architects who design enterprise defense systems earn up to $168,799.
At the management level, cybersecurity managers and CISOs in the New York-Newark-Jersey City can earn $200,622 or more, a 65% premium over entry-level positions. This career trajectory from analyst to manager spans 8-12 years, with certifications like CISSP (82,494 openings nationally), CompTIA Security+ (70,019 openings), and CISA (52,337 openings) significantly accelerating advancement and salary growth.
Security clearances provide an additional salary boost of approximately $25,000 per year. Professionals with Top Secret/SCI clearances can earn between $104,000 and $185,000 nationally, making this a particularly lucrative path for graduates near New York. For a deeper dive into cybersecurity compensation trends, see our Cybersecurity Analyst Salary Guide. You can also explore related fields like Information Security and Network Administration for adjacent career paths.
Top Cybersecurity Employers in New York
The New York cybersecurity job market spans 3 major sectors, with employers actively recruiting for roles ranging from entry-level SOC analysts to senior security architects. Here are the key employers driving cybersecurity hiring locally:
Finance
JPMorgan Chase. Major financial services firm with significant cybersecurity operations and multiple SOCs protecting trading platforms and customer data.
Citigroup. Global banking corporation operating extensive cybersecurity infrastructure and threat intelligence operations from NYC headquarters.
Goldman Sachs. Investment banking firm with dedicated cybersecurity and fraud prevention teams protecting financial transactions and proprietary systems.
Healthcare
New York Presbyterian Hospital. Large healthcare system operating medical device security and HIPAA compliance programs across multiple New York facilities.
Northwell Health. Regional healthcare network with cybersecurity operations protecting electronic health records and clinical systems.
Technology
Amazon (NYC Operations). Major technology company with corporate offices and AWS operations requiring extensive cloud security and infrastructure protection.
These employers represent a cross-section of the New York-Newark-Jersey City area's cybersecurity hiring market. Many maintain partnerships with local universities for internships, co-ops, and direct hiring pipelines, making a degree from a New York-area school particularly valuable for breaking into the field.
Notable Cyber Incidents Affecting New York Organizations
Notable Cyber Incidents in the New York Area
Cyber threats aren't abstract risks for New York, they have directly impacted local organizations, showing the urgent need for trained cybersecurity professionals in the New York-Newark-Jersey City:
New York Presbyterian Hospital (2024), ransomware. Significant disruption to hospital operations affecting patient care scheduling and medical records access. Demanded substantial ransom.
Citigroup (2021), data breach. Customer data exposed due to misconfigured cloud storage. Approximately 200,000 customer records affected with PII exposed.
New York State (2023), phishing. State agency employees targeted in sophisticated phishing campaign compromising agency email systems and sensitive government data.
These incidents represent just a fraction of the cyber threats facing New York-area organizations. According to CyberSeek data, the New York metro area has an estimated 8,900 open cybersecurity positions, and the nationwide supply-to-demand ratio stands at just 74%, meaning roughly one in four cybersecurity roles goes unfilled. For students considering a cybersecurity degree, these real-world incidents demonstrate that the skills learned in programs near New York directly translate to preventing and responding to threats that affect their own community.
Cybersecurity Job Market in the New York-Newark-Jersey City
The cybersecurity job market in the New York-Newark-Jersey City reflects a broader national talent crisis. New York has approximately 20,288 open cybersecurity positions (CyberSeek, January 2026), with an estimated 8,900 concentrated in the New York metro area. Nationally, there are 514,359 unfilled cybersecurity roles across the United States, and the workforce gap continues to widen, the global shortfall reached 4.8 million positions in 2024, a 41% increase since 2022.
The supply-to-demand ratio for cybersecurity talent nationally is approximately 74%, meaning for every 100 cybersecurity jobs posted, only about 74 qualified candidates are available. This ratio has been declining steadily (from 116% in 2020 to 74% in 2025), which means cybersecurity graduates face increasingly favorable job prospects. For New York students specifically, this translates to strong local hiring demand and competitive starting salaries.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +33% growth in information security analyst employment through 2033, compared to just 4% for all occupations. This makes cybersecurity the 6th fastest-growing occupation in the United States. Within New York, the combination of a large technology sector, defense contracting, and growing digital transformation across industries is driving sustained demand for cybersecurity talent.
Most in-demand certifications that complement a cybersecurity degree from New York schools include CISSP (82,494 job postings nationally), CompTIA Security+ (70,019 postings), and CISA (52,337 postings). Many of the top-ranked programs near New York integrate certification preparation into their curricula, giving graduates a competitive edge in this seller's market. For statewide job market trends and additional programs, see our New York Cybersecurity Rankings.
Cybersecurity Degree Costs in New York
Cybersecurity degree programs near New York range from $4,800/year at CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College to $64,526/year at Columbia University in the City of New York. Public institutions average $5,563/year (in-state), while private schools average $62,482/year.
Return on investment is compelling: with a median cybersecurity salary of $138,360 in the New York area versus a high school diploma median of $42,000 (BLS 2024), a four-year bachelor's degree at a typical tuition rate (approximately $249,928 total) can be recouped in roughly 2.6 years of the annual salary premium. Community college cybersecurity programs offer an even faster path, a two-year associate's degree for as little as $9,600 provides foundational credentials for entry-level SOC analyst or IT security roles paying $103,770+.
Ways to reduce costs: Federal financial aid (FAFSA), New York state grants, institutional scholarships, and cybersecurity-specific funding like the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service program (full tuition + $25,000-$34,000 annual stipend). Many employers in the New York area also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing cybersecurity degrees, check with local employers listed in our employer section above.
Cybersecurity Degree Programs in New York: Frequently Asked Questions
How many cybersecurity degree programs are available in New York, New York?
What's the average cybersecurity salary in New York?
How many cybersecurity jobs are available in New York?
Which New York schools have NSA Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) designation?
Can I earn a cybersecurity degree online from New York schools?
Data Sources
U.S. Department of Education institutional data: enrollment, completions, graduation rates, tuition, and institutional characteristics for all Title IV schools
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for Information Security Analysts (SOC 15-1212). National median: $124,910.
Cybersecurity workforce supply and demand data powered by CompTIA and NICE. New York: 20,288 openings. National: 514,359 openings, 26% vacancy rate.
National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity program designations. 1 designated school near New York.
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 institutional data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 release. Job market data from CyberSeek (January 2026). NSA CAE designations verified as of February 2026.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.