Top 3 Information Technology Programs in New York 2025
New York University
Premier IT program in Manhattan with direct access to Wall Street fintech and NYC startup ecosystem. Strong alumni network across financial services and media technology.
Rochester Institute of Technology
Technology-focused university with extensive co-op program placing students at Microsoft, Google, and IBM. Strong industry partnerships and hands-on learning approach.
Syracuse University
iSchool program combining IT with business strategy. Strong placement in consulting, healthcare IT, and government contracting. Excellent alumni network nationwide.
- 1.New York has 50+ accredited information technology bachelor's programs across SUNY, CUNY, and private universities (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.New York University ranks #1 in the state with direct access to NYC's financial technology and startup ecosystem
- 3.SUNY system offers quality IT education at $7,070 in-state tuition—significantly below private alternatives
- 4.New York IT professionals earn median $98,720 annually—17% above the national median (BLS New York 2024)
- 5.New York City, Albany, and Rochester provide 285,000+ technology jobs across finance, healthcare, and government sectors
Information Technology Education in New York
New York offers exceptional opportunities for IT education, from world-class private institutions in Manhattan to affordable SUNY and CUNY programs across the state. Whether you're targeting Wall Street fintech, NYC startups, or enterprise IT roles, New York's programs provide direct access to one of the world's largest technology employment markets.
For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national IT bachelor's rankings. Cost-conscious students should review our most affordable IT programs guide. Career-focused students can explore our IT career salary analysis for New York-specific compensation data and our information technology degree hub for comprehensive program information.
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS New York May 2024
6-year completion rate from IPEDS gr2023
Class size and accessibility from IPEDS
New York-specific salaries from BLS OEWS
Acceptance rate indicating program rigor
New York Information Technology Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York University | New York | Private | $58,168 | 87% | 8:1 | 94.8 |
| 2 | Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester | Private | $52,030 | 81% | 13:1 | 92.1 |
| 3 | Syracuse University | Syracuse | Private | $58,440 | 82% | 15:1 | 89.7 |
| 4 | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | Troy | Private | $59,550 | 86% | 13:1 | 88.2 |
| 5 | SUNY Buffalo | Buffalo | Public | $7,070 | 74% | 14:1 | 86.9 |
| 6 | Binghamton University | Binghamton | Public | $7,070 | 82% | 20:1 | 85.5 |
| 7 | Stony Brook University | Stony Brook | Public | $7,070 | 74% | 18:1 | 84.1 |
| 8 | Fordham University | Bronx | Private | $58,081 | 84% | 14:1 | 82.8 |
| 9 | Pace University | New York | Private | $49,242 | 63% | 14:1 | 81.3 |
| 10 | SUNY Albany | Albany | Public | $7,070 | 69% | 18:1 | 79.7 |
| 11 | CUNY Brooklyn College | Brooklyn | Public | $7,461 | 60% | 15:1 | 78.4 |
| 12 | SUNY New Paltz | New Paltz | Public | $7,070 | 72% | 16:1 | 77.9 |
| 13 | Marist College | Poughkeepsie | Private | $42,950 | 84% | 16:1 | 76.2 |
| 14 | St. John's University | Queens | Private | $45,760 | 72% | 17:1 | 75.1 |
| 15 | SUNY Polytechnic Institute | Utica | Public | $7,070 | 65% | 14:1 | 73.8 |
| 16 | CUNY City College | New York | Public | $7,461 | 55% | 16:1 | 72.5 |
| 17 | Clarkson University | Potsdam | Private | $53,700 | 81% | 13:1 | 71.9 |
| 18 | SUNY Oswego | Oswego | Public | $7,070 | 68% | 16:1 | 70.4 |
| 19 | Hofstra University | Hempstead | Private | $50,950 | 65% | 13:1 | 69.2 |
| 20 | SUNY Purchase | Purchase | Public | $7,070 | 67% | 16:1 | 68.1 |
New York University
New York, NY • University
Program Highlights
- • 87% graduation rate with average starting salary of $82,000
- • 98% job placement rate within 6 months of graduation
- • Alumni network includes IT directors at major financial institutions
Program Strengths
- Direct access to NYC's fintech and startup ecosystem with regular industry partnerships
- Faculty includes active IT executives from Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, and major consulting firms
- Internship program with 95% placement rate at Fortune 500 companies
- Manhattan location provides networking opportunities with Wall Street and media technology leaders
- Flexible evening and weekend courses designed for working professionals
Why Ranked #1
NYU's School of Professional Studies offers a comprehensive IT program in the heart of Manhattan's technology district. The program combines technical skills with business acumen, preparing graduates for leadership roles in IT management and digital transformation.
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, NY • University
Program Highlights
- • 81% graduation rate with co-op students earning $55,000+ during work terms
- • 92% of graduates receive job offers before graduation
- • Average starting salary of $75,000 with Rochester's lower cost of living
Program Strengths
- Mandatory cooperative education program with placements at Microsoft, Google, IBM, and Xerox
- State-of-the-art labs including dedicated cybersecurity and network administration facilities
- Strong industry partnerships with Rochester's technology corridor companies
- Emphasis on emerging technologies including cloud computing and IT security
- Career services with dedicated IT industry recruiters
Why Ranked #2
RIT's computing and information sciences school offers one of the most hands-on IT programs in the country. The mandatory co-op program ensures students graduate with real-world experience at leading technology companies.
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY • University
Program Highlights
- • 82% graduation rate with focus on IT leadership preparation
- • 89% of graduates employed in IT management roles within one year
- • Average starting salary of $78,000 with strong benefits packages
Program Strengths
- Interdisciplinary approach combining IT, business strategy, and data management
- Strong alumni network in healthcare IT, consulting, and government contracting
- Research opportunities in cybersecurity, health informatics, and digital transformation
- Partnership with Syracuse's Techstars accelerator for entrepreneurship opportunities
- Capstone projects with real clients including healthcare systems and nonprofits
Why Ranked #3
Syracuse's iSchool information technology program uniquely combines technical IT skills with information management and business strategy. The program prepares graduates for senior IT roles in enterprise environments.
New York University Systems for IT Education
New York's diverse higher education landscape provides IT students with options ranging from world-class private research universities to affordable public institutions with strong industry connections.
The State University of New York (SUNY) system offers excellent value with in-state tuition of just $7,070. SUNY Buffalo, Binghamton, and Stony Brook provide research university experiences with strong computer science and IT programs. SUNY Albany serves as the state capital's primary technology education hub with direct connections to government IT contracting.
The City University of New York (CUNY) system provides affordable options within NYC itself. Brooklyn College and City College offer quality IT programs with evening and part-time options for working students. CUNY's location advantage provides direct access to internships and entry-level positions across NYC's diverse technology sector.
Private institutions like NYU, RIT, and Syracuse command premium tuition but provide extensive alumni networks, industry partnerships, and career services. These programs typically offer smaller class sizes, more personalized attention, and stronger connections to high-paying IT roles in finance and consulting.
Career Paths
IT Manager
Lead technology teams and strategic initiatives in enterprise environments. High demand in NYC's financial services and healthcare sectors.
Network Administrator
Design, implement, and maintain enterprise network infrastructure. Strong opportunities in government and financial services.
Database Administrator
Manage enterprise databases and data infrastructure. High demand in healthcare, finance, and government sectors across New York.
Systems Analyst
Analyze business requirements and design IT solutions. Strong demand in healthcare IT and government modernization projects.
Implement cybersecurity measures and respond to threats. Critical need across financial services and healthcare organizations.
Cloud Solutions Architect
Design and implement cloud infrastructure strategies. High growth area with strong demand from enterprises migrating to cloud platforms.
Information Technology Programs by State
California
Texas
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
Georgia
North Carolina
Virginia
New York IT Program Cost Comparison
| Factor | SUNY Schools | CUNY Schools | Private Universities | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-State Tuition | $7,070 | $7,461 | $45,000+ | SUNY |
| Class Sizes | 15-20 students | 20-25 students | 8-15 students | Private |
| Research Opportunities | Extensive | Limited | Extensive | Tie |
| Industry Connections | Good | Moderate | Excellent | Private |
| Location Access | Statewide | NYC Only | Varies | CUNY |
| Alumni Network | Strong Regional | NYC Focused | National | Private |
| Financial Aid | Extensive | Extensive | Merit-Based | Public |
| Job Placement Rate | 80-85% | 75-80% | 85-95% | Private |
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to one of the world's largest technology job markets with 285,000+ positions
- Direct networking opportunities with Wall Street fintech and major consulting firms
- Affordable SUNY options at $7,070 in-state tuition with strong career services
- Proximity to NYC startup ecosystem and venture capital funding
- High earning potential with median IT salaries 17% above national average
- Diverse industry exposure across finance, healthcare, media, and government sectors
- Lower cost of living - New York housing costs are 2-3x national average
- Warmer climate or different lifestyle preferences than Northeast metropolitan areas
- More affordable private university options - NY private schools average $50,000+ tuition
- Less competitive job market - NYC attracts top talent from across the globe
- Different industry focus - Other states may offer better opportunities in specific sectors
Source: BLS OEWS New York 2024
Frequently Asked Questions About New York IT Programs
Steps to Apply for New York IT Programs
Research Program Requirements
Review admission requirements for target schools. Most require high school math through precalculus. Some programs prefer prior computer science or programming experience.
Establish New York Residency
If seeking in-state tuition, begin residency process 12+ months before enrollment. Obtain NY driver's license, register to vote, and file state tax returns.
Complete Applications Early
Apply by priority deadlines (typically December-February). SUNY uses a common application. Private schools have individual applications with varying requirements.
Submit Financial Aid Forms
Complete FAFSA by March 1st for maximum aid consideration. Apply for Excelsior Scholarship if eligible. Research merit scholarships at target institutions.
Visit Campuses and Programs
Attend information sessions, tour facilities, and meet with current students. Many schools offer virtual tours and online information sessions for remote students.
Related Information Technology Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, enrollment data, tuition costs, and student-faculty ratios from IPEDS 2023 database
New York state salary data for IT occupations from May 2024 OEWS survey
Starting salary data and job placement rates for IT graduates from employer surveys
Graduate outcomes data and employer partnerships from individual university career centers
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.