In addition to New York City being the nation's financial, cultural, culinary, and fashion capital, the Big Apple is home to some of New York's top schools for computer science and engineering. For those who don't want to study in the city, there's a host of respected computer schools throughout New York State and the tri-state area. The best computer science schools in NY include Cornell University in Ithaca, Columbia and NYU in New York City, and SUNY Stony Brook on Long Island.
This page will highlight the top computer schools and programs in New York. We'll also explore jobs and salaries for CS graduates in-state, including the top-paying cities and computer science careers for New Yorkers.
What makes our rankings valuable?
Most college rankings online rely heavily on the National Center for Education Statistics, measuring institutional rates for graduation, retention, acceptance, etc. The NCES has good data, and we use it too; however, we go beyond the stats to analyze the current and future relevance of the skills and credentials gained. We also delve deep into value and flexibility to consider accelerated, online, dual-degree, and certificate options.
| Compare the Best Computer Science Schools in New York | ||
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cornell University | Ithaca, NY 14853 |
| 2 | Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, NY 11794 |
| 3 | New York University | New York, NY 10012 |
Top 3 CS Schools in New York
We chose New York's best schools for computer science based on numerous factors, including the relevance of the curriculum, school reputation, scope of degrees offered, program features, value, and flexibility.
Here are the best computer science schools in NY for 2024:
1. Cornell University
The Cornell Bowers College of Computing and Information Science (CIS) at Cornell University is one of the best computer science schools in New York. Cornell's computer science department was established in 1965, placing it among the first of its kind.
- Graduate & Undergraduate Programs in:
- Computer Science
- Information Science
- Advanced Statistics
- View all programs at Cornell University
- Campus Locations:
- Cornell Main campus: 402 Gates Hall | Ithaca, NY 14853
- Cornell Tech: 2 West Loop Road | New York, NY 10044
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
2. Stony Brook University
The Computer Science Department at SUNY Stony Brook offers well-designed master's, doctorate, and undergraduate degrees in computer science and information systems. The department enjoys a nearly perfect job placement rate post-graduation and has seen significant growth in its major programs over four years, with CSE and ISE majors increasing by 54% and 312%, respectively.
- Featured Computer Science Programs:
- B.S. in Computational Science and Engineering (CSE)
- B.S. in Information Systems and Engineering (ISE)
- M.S. in Computer Science
- Ph.D. in Computer Science
- View all programs at SBU
- Campus Locations:
- SUNY Stony Brook Main Campus: 100 Nicolls Road | Stony Brook, NY 11794
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
3. New York University
New York University is one of the world's most respected research universities; its Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences - which houses the CS department - offers innovative computer science degrees at the graduate and undergraduate levels.
- Top Computer Science Majors:
- Computational Biology
- Algorithms and Theory
- Machine Learning
- Graphics, Vision & User Interfaces
- Computer Systems and Networking
- View all programs at NYU
- Campus Locations:
- NYU Main Campus: 50 West 4th Street | New York, NY 10012
- NYU Tandon School: 6 MetroTech Center | Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Top Paying Tech Jobs in New York
Here's how much you can earn if you decide to work in-state after going to computer school in New York.
| IT Career Path | Average Salary in NY |
|---|---|
| Computer Scientist | $138,190 |
| Computer Network Architect | $126,510 |
| Hardware Engineer | $126,510 |
| IT Security Specialist | $125,920 |
| Data Scientist | $124,240 |
| Software Engineer | $122,300 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $111,150 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Regional Salaries for CS Pros in NY
Here are the New York cities and metropolitan areas that pay the highest wages to computer science and IT professionals.
| New York Location | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $109,010 |
| Ithaca, NY | $91,500 |
| Binghamton, NY | $88,320 |
| Utica-Rome, NY | $84,620 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $83,860 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions
Technology and education insiders answer common questions from prospective computer science students in New York.
What's the best SUNY school for computer science?
According to our analysis, Stony Brook University is the best State University of New York (SUNY) school for computer science. The latest U.S. News & World Report rankings also placed SBU as the top SUNY school in this domain.
Which CUNY school has the best computer science program?
According to our 2024 rankings, the City University of New York (CUNY) school with the best computer science program is the CUNY Graduate Center in Midtown Manhattan.
What's the best online computer science degree in New York?
With a highly relevant curriculum, flexible learning format, and generous transfer policy, the Bachelor of Professional Studies (B.P.S.) offered by Syracuse University is the best undergraduate online computer science program in New York.
