Top 3 Data Science Programs in New York 2025
Cornell University
542 Data Science graduates annually, 95% graduation rate
Columbia University in the City of New York
442 Data Science graduates annually, 100% graduation rate
Stony Brook University
256 Data Science graduates annually, 89% graduation rate
- 1.New York has 45+ accredited data science and analytics bachelor's programs across public and private universities (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.NYU ranks #1 in New York with 87% graduation rate and direct recruiting from Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and Google NYC
- 3.SUNY system offers affordable options starting at $7,070 in-state tuition at schools like Stony Brook and University at Buffalo
- 4.New York data scientists earn median $135,490 annually—23% above the national median (BLS New York 2024)
- 5.NYC leads the nation in fintech and media analytics jobs with 75,000+ data science positions across Manhattan
Data Science Education Landscape in New York
New York offers the most comprehensive data science education ecosystem in the Northeast, combining world-class private universities with affordable public options. From the financial district's demand for quantitative analysts to the growing tech presence in Brooklyn and Queens, New York provides unmatched career opportunities for data science graduates.
The state's unique position at the intersection of finance, media, and technology creates diverse pathways for data science careers. Wall Street firms like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley actively recruit from programs, while tech giants including Google, Facebook, and Amazon have major NYC offices seeking data talent.
For national context, review our best data science bachelor's programs ranking. Students concerned about costs should explore our most affordable data science programs guide. Career-focused students can reference our data scientist salary guide for New York-specific compensation trends.
New York Data Science 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% | — | 98.4 |
| 3 | Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, NY | Public | $7,070 | 89% | — | 78.1 |
| 4 | University at Buffalo | Buffalo, NY | Public | $7,070 | 95% | — | 76.1 |
| 5 | CUNY Hunter College | New York, NY | Public | $6,930 | 75% | — | 75.9 |
| 6 | CUNY Queens College | Queens, NY | Public | $6,930 | 82% | — | 73.7 |
| 7 | Binghamton University | Vestal, NY | Public | $7,070 | 87% | — | 71.6 |
| 8 | Colgate University | Hamilton, NY | Private | $66,622 | 96% | — | 71.3 |
| 9 | Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | Private | $55,784 | 90% | — | 70.7 |
| 10 | New York University | New York, NY | Private | $60,438 | — | — | 68.2 |
| 11 | University at Albany | Albany, NY | Public | $7,070 | 99% | — | 67.9 |
| 12 | University of Rochester | Rochester, NY | Private | $63,150 | — | — | 65.9 |
| 13 | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | Troy, NY | Private | $60,360 | — | — | 65.7 |
| 14 | CUNY Lehman College | Bronx, NY | Public | $6,930 | 67% | — | 61.8 |
| 15 | CUNY City College | New York, NY | Public | $6,930 | 66% | — | 61.1 |
| 16 | Marist College | Poughkeepsie, NY | Private | $45,330 | 100% | — | 60.2 |
| 17 | Barnard College | New York, NY | Private | $64,078 | 85% | — | 59.1 |
| 18 | SUNY Brockport | Brockport, NY | Public | $7,070 | 99% | — | 57.8 |
| 19 | College of Staten Island CUNY | Staten Island, NY | Public | $6,930 | — | — | 53.9 |
| 20 | Siena College | Loudonville, NY | Private | $42,580 | 96% | — | 51.1 |
| 21 | Farmingdale State College | Farmingdale, NY | Public | $7,070 | 79% | — | 49.1 |
| 22 | CUNY Bernard M Baruch College | New York, NY | Public | $6,930 | 62% | — | 48.7 |
| 23 | Touro University | New York, NY | Private | $18,950 | — | — | 48.4 |
| 24 | Pace University | New York, NY | Private | $49,550 | — | — | 47 |
| 25 | CUNY York College | Jamaica, NY | Public | $6,930 | — | — | 46.9 |
Showing 1–25 of 49
Top 5 Data Science Programs in New York: Side-by-Side
| School | Columbia | Cornell | Colgate | Stony Brook | University at Buffalo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $64,526 | $65,204 | $66,622 | $7,070 | $7,070 |
| Graduation Rate | 100% | 95% | 96% | 89% | 95% |
| Annual Graduates | 1209 | 542 | 62 | 256 | 267 |
| Acceptance Rate | 4% | 8% | 12% | 49% | 69% |
| Type | Private | Private | Private | Public | Public |
| Score | 100.0/100 | 87.6/100 | 70.7/100 | 69.7/100 | 67.5/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Data Science in New York
New York offers 49 bachelor's-level data science 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 data science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Data Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Data Science Bachelor's Programs in New York
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Cornell | $65,204 | 95% | 542 | 87.6 |
| #2 Columbia | $64,526 | 100% | 442 | 98.4 |
| #3 Stony Brook | $7,070 | 89% | 256 | 69.7 |
Top Data Science Schools for Master's Degrees in New York
For graduate study, New York offers 28 master's-level data science programs. Leading institutions include Columbia University in the City of New York, Cornell University, Stony Brook 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 Data Science Master's Programs in New York
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Columbia | $64,526 | 100% | 1209 | 100.0 |
| #2 Cornell | $65,204 | 95% | 361 | 83.1 |
| #3 Stony Brook | $7,070 | 89% | 246 | 69.4 |
Most Affordable Data Science Colleges in New York
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable data science 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.
SUNY and CUNY Systems: Affordable Data Science Education
The State University of New York (SUNY) system provides exceptional value for data science education, with in-state tuition at just $7,070 annually. SUNY schools like Buffalo, Stony Brook, and Binghamton offer nationally-ranked programs at a fraction of private school costs.
The City University of New York (CUNY) system serves as an affordable gateway to data science careers in NYC. Baruch College's program specifically targets financial data analysis, while Brooklyn College focuses on healthcare and social science applications. CUNY graduates benefit from extensive NYC internship networks despite the lower tuition costs.
- SUNY Buffalo: Strong in statistical modeling and machine learning research
- SUNY Stony Brook: Focus on biomedical and environmental data applications
- CUNY Baruch: Specialized tracks in financial data science and business analytics
- CUNY Brooklyn: Healthcare informatics and social science data analysis
- SUNY Binghamton: Applied mathematics foundation with data science concentration
Both systems offer transfer pathways from community colleges and have articulation agreements that guarantee admission for students meeting GPA requirements. This makes data science education accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds.
Most Affordable Data Science 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)
- • Data Science Graduates: 1,209 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 4%
- • Ranking Score: 100.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 1,209 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 100.0 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (100%), program size (1,209 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 MS in Data Science is one of the most highly rated programs globally, offering students opportunities to conduct original research, complete capstone projects, and interact with industry partners and world-class faculty. The program is jointly offered in collaboration with multiple prestigious departments including Statistics, Computer Science, and Industrial Engineering.
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: Alibaba, Amazon, Aptly Technology, Bilibili, ByteDance, BCG Gamma, C3 AI, Goldman Sachs, Google, IBM, J.P. Morgan, LinkedIn, McKinsey & Company, Meta, Microsoft, Oracle, PayPal
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $65,204 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 542 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 8%
- • Ranking Score: 87.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 542 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 87.6 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (542 graduates), state salary outcomes ($130,710), and selectivity (8% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Colgate University
Hamilton, NY • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $66,622 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 96% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 62 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 12%
- • Ranking Score: 70.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- 62 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 70.7 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (96%), program size (62 graduates), state salary outcomes ($130,710), and selectivity (12% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,070 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 89% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 256 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 49%
- • Ranking Score: 69.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 256 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 69.7 / 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 Buffalo
Buffalo, NY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,070 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 267 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 69%
- • Ranking Score: 67.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 267 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 67.5 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (267 graduates), state salary outcomes ($130,710), and selectivity (69% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
University at Buffalo offers multiple data science pathways including a business-focused Data Analytics concentration and engineering-focused MS programs that can be completed in one calendar year. The programs address high industry demand with an estimated deficit of 150,000 data science professionals annually in the US.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •Calculus 1
- •Calculus 2
- •General Chemistry 1
- •General Physics 1
- •Introduction to Computer Science for Majors 1
- •Introduction to Computer Science for Majors 2
- •Discrete Structures
- •Linear Algebra
- •Basic Statistics and Probability
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.0-2.8 depending on major
- Transfer Friendly
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
Build predictive models and analyze large datasets for business insights across finance, tech, and media industries
Quantitative Analyst
Develop mathematical models for financial markets and risk assessment at investment banks and hedge funds
Business Intelligence Analyst
Transform business data into actionable insights for strategic decision-making in corporate environments
Design and implement ML systems for tech companies and financial institutions
Research Scientist
Conduct advanced analytics research at pharmaceutical companies, tech firms, and research institutions
Other Tech Degree Programs in New York
Data Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Massachusetts
Which Should You Choose?
- Direct access to Wall Street finance and fintech career opportunities
- Networking with the largest concentration of data professionals in the US
- Internship and job opportunities in media, finance, and emerging tech
- Access to world-class private universities with extensive alumni networks
- Affordable public education options through SUNY and CUNY systems
- Lower cost of living and more affordable housing options
- Tech-focused environments like Silicon Valley or Seattle
- Warmer climates and outdoor recreation opportunities
- Less competitive and high-pressure academic environments
- More established tech industry presence outside of finance
Frequently Asked Questions About New York Data Science Programs
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Data Science 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 data science salaries from BLS OES 2024
Related Data Science Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, tuition, and enrollment data from 2023
May 2024 salary and employment data for New York state
Industry employment trends and salary benchmarks for 2024
Program accreditation and degree completion data
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.