Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in New York 2025
Cornell University
507 Software Engineering graduates annually, 95% graduation rate
Columbia University in the City of New York
419 Software Engineering graduates annually, 100% graduation rate
Stony Brook University
316 Software Engineering graduates annually, 89% graduation rate
- 1.New York has 50+ accredited software engineering and computer science programs across SUNY, CUNY, and private institutions
- 2.Cornell University ranks #1 in New York with 95% graduation rate and exceptional software engineering curriculum
- 3.SUNY Stony Brook offers top-tier education at $10,560 in-state tuition—significantly below private alternatives
- 4.New York software developers earn median $135,000 annually—27% above the national median according to BLS data
- 5.NYC provides 320,000+ software developer jobs across fintech, media, and enterprise technology sectors
Software Engineering Education in New York State
New York offers exceptional software engineering education opportunities, from world-renowned private universities to the comprehensive SUNY and CUNY systems. The state's proximity to Wall Street, Silicon Alley, and major enterprise technology centers creates unparalleled internship and career opportunities for software engineering students.
For national perspective, review our best software engineering bachelor's programs ranking. Students seeking affordable options should explore our most affordable software engineering degrees guide. Those interested in career outcomes can reference our software engineer salary guide for detailed NYC compensation data.
New York's tech ecosystem spans traditional finance technology, emerging fintech startups, media and entertainment software, and enterprise solutions. Major employers include Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, IBM, Google, Amazon, and hundreds of growing startups concentrated in Manhattan's Silicon Alley district.
New York Software Engineering 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% | — | 98.6 |
| 3 | Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, NY | Public | $7,070 | 89% | — | 81.8 |
| 4 | Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | Private | $55,784 | 90% | — | 80.5 |
| 5 | University at Buffalo | Buffalo, NY | Public | $7,070 | 95% | — | 77.8 |
| 6 | CUNY Hunter College | New York, NY | Public | $6,930 | 75% | — | 76 |
| 7 | Binghamton University | Vestal, NY | Public | $7,070 | 87% | — | 76 |
| 8 | CUNY Queens College | Queens, NY | Public | $6,930 | 82% | — | 74.6 |
| 9 | Colgate University | Hamilton, NY | Private | $66,622 | 96% | — | 71.7 |
| 10 | University at Albany | Albany, NY | Public | $7,070 | 99% | — | 68.5 |
| 11 | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | Troy, NY | Private | $60,360 | — | — | 66.6 |
| 12 | Farmingdale State College | Farmingdale, NY | Public | $7,070 | 79% | — | 65.5 |
| 13 | CUNY City College | New York, NY | Public | $6,930 | 66% | — | 64.8 |
| 14 | University of Rochester | Rochester, NY | Private | $63,150 | — | — | 64.8 |
| 15 | CUNY Lehman College | Bronx, NY | Public | $6,930 | 67% | — | 62.3 |
| 16 | Marist College | Poughkeepsie, NY | Private | $45,330 | 100% | — | 60.6 |
| 17 | Syracuse University | Syracuse, NY | Private | $61,310 | 99% | — | 60.6 |
| 18 | New York University | New York, NY | Private | $60,438 | — | — | 59.6 |
| 19 | SUNY Brockport | Brockport, NY | Public | $7,070 | 99% | — | 58.1 |
| 20 | State University of New York at New Paltz | New Paltz, NY | Public | $7,070 | 99% | — | 55.2 |
| 21 | College of Staten Island CUNY | Staten Island, NY | Public | $6,930 | — | — | 54.3 |
| 22 | Touro University | New York, NY | Private | $18,950 | — | — | 48.7 |
| 23 | Pace University | New York, NY | Private | $49,550 | — | — | 47.4 |
| 24 | CUNY York College | Jamaica, NY | Public | $6,930 | — | — | 47.1 |
| 25 | Hofstra University | Hempstead, NY | Private | $54,335 | — | — | 47 |
Showing 1–25 of 48
Top 5 Software Engineering Programs in New York: Side-by-Side
| School | Columbia | Cornell | NYU | Stony Brook | Rochester Institute of... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $64,526 | $65,204 | $60,438 | $7,070 | $55,784 |
| Graduation Rate | 100% | 95% | N/A% | 89% | 90% |
| Annual Graduates | 621 | 507 | 581 | 316 | 381 |
| Acceptance Rate | 4% | 8% | 9% | 49% | 71% |
| Type | Private | Private | Private | Public | Private |
| Score | 100.0/100 | 96.2/100 | 86.6/100 | 79.0/100 | 77.4/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Software Engineering in New York
New York offers 48 bachelor's-level software engineering 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 software engineering typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs in New York
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Cornell | $65,204 | 95% | 507 | 96.2 |
| #2 Columbia | $64,526 | 100% | 419 | 98.6 |
| #3 Stony Brook | $7,070 | 89% | 316 | 79.0 |
Top Software Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in New York
For graduate study, New York offers 27 master's-level software engineering programs. Leading institutions include Columbia University in the City of New York, Cornell University, New York 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 Software Engineering Master's Programs in New York
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Columbia | $64,526 | 100% | 621 | 100.0 |
| #2 Cornell | $65,204 | 95% | 290 | 88.1 |
| #3 NYU | $60,438 | N/A% | 581 | 86.6 |
Most Affordable Software Engineering Colleges in New York
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable software engineering programs in New York are at CUNY Hunter College ($6,930/year), CUNY Queens College ($6,930/year), CUNY City 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 Software Engineering 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 City 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)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 621 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 4%
- • Ranking Score: 100.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 621 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 100.0 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (100%), program size (621 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 Computer Science offers faculty-determined pathways covering eight disciplines with opportunities for state-of-the-art research participation. The program is designed to develop leading-edge in-depth knowledge in specific computer science disciplines within Columbia University and the New York City environment.
Program Details
- Credits: 30 points
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $65,204 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 507 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 8%
- • Ranking Score: 96.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 507 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 96.2 / 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.
New York University
New York, NY • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $60,438 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 581 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 9%
- • Ranking Score: 86.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 581 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 86.6 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (581 graduates), state salary outcomes ($130,710), and selectivity (9% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
NYU's Computer Engineering program integrates invention, innovation, and entrepreneurship into all phases of study, creating technological leaders with a global perspective. The program offers ABET accreditation and prepares graduates for careers at top companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Waymo, Meta, Deloitte, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Bloomberg, McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, NYC Dept. of City Planning, Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,070 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 89% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 316 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 49%
- • Ranking Score: 79.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 89% graduation rate
- 316 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 79.0 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (89%), program size (316 graduates), state salary outcomes ($130,710), and selectivity (49% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Stony Brook's Computer Engineering program provides balanced hardware and software training with extensive laboratory facilities and a required year-long senior design capstone project. The program offers both traditional BE degrees and accelerated BE/MS options for qualified students.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •mathematics
- •physics
- •electrical and computer engineering
- •computer science courses
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.2
- Transfer Friendly
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, NY • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $55,784 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 381 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 71%
- • Ranking Score: 77.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 381 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 77.4 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (381 graduates), state salary outcomes ($130,710), and selectivity (71% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
RIT offers the first undergraduate software engineering program in the United States with 40 weeks of required cooperative education providing nearly a year of hands-on experience. The program features specialized facilities including embedded systems labs and integrates AI throughout the curriculum while offering accelerated bachelor's/master's options.
Program Details
- Internship Required
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $101,200
- Job Placement: 85%
Career Paths
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems across various industries including fintech, media, and enterprise technology
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex datasets to drive business decisions, particularly valuable in NYC's finance and media industries
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299Develop artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions for financial modeling, algorithmic trading, and data analytics
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1299Manage infrastructure and deployment pipelines for large-scale applications, especially critical in NYC's enterprise environment
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect financial and enterprise systems from cyber threats, with high demand in NYC's banking sector
New York University Systems and Software Engineering Programs
New York's educational landscape offers diverse pathways for software engineering students through its comprehensive public and private university systems.
The State University of New York (SUNY) system provides exceptional value with campuses like Stony Brook, Buffalo, and Binghamton offering nationally competitive programs at affordable tuition rates. SUNY institutions typically charge around $10,560 for in-state students, making them among the most cost-effective options for quality software engineering education.
The City University of New York (CUNY) system serves the New York City metropolitan area with programs at Hunter College, City College, and Queens College. While graduation rates vary, CUNY schools offer the lowest tuition in the state at approximately $7,461 for residents, providing accessible education in the heart of the nation's largest tech market.
Private universities like Cornell, Columbia, and NYU offer premium education with exceptional resources, smaller class sizes, and extensive alumni networks. These programs typically cost $50,000-70,000 annually but provide unparalleled access to top-tier employment opportunities and research experiences.
For students considering career transitions, explore our transitioning to tech guide, which covers pathways including software engineering bootcamps as alternatives to traditional four-year programs.
Other Tech Degree Programs in New York
Software Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to the nation's largest tech job market
- Financial technology and fintech interest you
- You value proximity to Wall Street and enterprise technology
- Networking and internship opportunities are priorities
- You're comfortable with higher cost of living for career advantages
- You want diverse industry exposure beyond traditional tech
- Cost of living and education expenses are primary concerns
- You prefer traditional Silicon Valley tech culture
- Outdoor recreation and lifestyle balance are important
- You want lower competition for entry-level positions
- State income taxes are a significant consideration
- You prefer smaller, less urban environments
Frequently Asked Questions About New York Software Engineering Programs
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Software Engineering 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 software engineering salaries from BLS OES 2024
Related Software Engineering Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Federal database providing comprehensive data on graduation rates, enrollment, tuition, and institutional characteristics for all Title IV institutions
Official federal wage and employment data for software developers and related occupations in New York state
Federal tool providing detailed information about colleges and universities including costs, financial aid, and outcomes
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, New York State Department of Labor
Your Next Steps to Study Software Engineering in New York
Research Programs and Requirements
Review our program rankings, visit university websites, and understand admission requirements. Consider both reach and safety schools across private and public options.
Understand Financial Aid and Costs
Complete FAFSA applications, research merit scholarships, and calculate true costs including living expenses. Review our student loans guide for CS degrees.
Prepare Strong Applications
Build a compelling portfolio of programming projects, obtain strong recommendation letters, and craft essays that demonstrate your passion for software engineering.
Visit Campuses and Connect
Attend campus visits, information sessions, and connect with current students and alumni. Many schools offer virtual tours and online information sessions.
Plan for Career Success
Research internship opportunities, understand the NYC tech market, and start building professional networks through LinkedIn and tech meetups.
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.