Top 3 Computer Programming Programs in New York 2025
Cornell University
Elite programming education with world-class CS fundamentals. 95% graduation rate and highest starting salaries in state at $108K median
Columbia University
Manhattan location with direct access to fintech and media tech employers. 94% graduation rate and strong alumni network
New York University
Strong industry connections in NYC tech scene. Comprehensive programming curriculum with focus on practical software development
- 1.New York has 60+ accredited computer programming bachelor's programs across SUNY, CUNY, and private institutions
- 2.Cornell University ranks #1 in New York with 95% graduation rate and exceptional computer science foundation
- 3.SUNY schools offer quality programming education at $7,070 in-state tuition—90% less than private alternatives
- 4.New York software developers earn median $135,000 annually—23% above the national median
- 5.NYC, Albany, and Rochester provide 245,000+ programming and software development jobs statewide
Computer Programming Education Landscape in New York
New York offers exceptional computer programming education opportunities, from world-renowned private institutions like Cornell and Columbia to affordable SUNY and CUNY programs. The state's proximity to major tech hubs in NYC, along with growing tech scenes in Albany and Rochester, creates abundant internship and career opportunities for programming students.
For a broader perspective on programming education, review our national computer programming rankings. Students interested in related fields should explore our computer science programs in New York or software engineering degrees in New York. Career-focused students can reference our software engineer salary guide for New York-specific compensation data.
New York's unique advantage lies in its diverse tech ecosystem. From Wall Street fintech requiring algorithmic trading systems to Madison Avenue digital agencies needing web applications, the state offers programming careers across multiple industries. Major employers include Google, Amazon, IBM, Goldman Sachs, and hundreds of startups throughout the NYC metro area.
Based on 25 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS New York May 2024, NY State Education Department
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 data
Class size and faculty accessibility
New York-specific salaries from BLS OEWS
Acceptance rate indicating program rigor
Top 25 Computer Programming Programs in New York
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cornell University | Ithaca | Private | $63,200 | 95% | 9:1 | 98.8 |
| 2 | Columbia University | New York | Private | $65,524 | 94% | 6:1 | 97.2 |
| 3 | New York University | New York | Private | $58,168 | 87% | 8:1 | 94.5 |
| 4 | University of Rochester | Rochester | Private | $61,850 | 86% | 10:1 | 92.8 |
| 5 | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | Troy | Private | $59,550 | 85% | 13:1 | 91.5 |
| 6 | SUNY Stony Brook | Stony Brook | Public | $7,070 | 74% | 18:1 | 89.2 |
| 7 | SUNY Buffalo | Buffalo | Public | $7,070 | 73% | 19:1 | 87.9 |
| 8 | Syracuse University | Syracuse | Private | $58,440 | 83% | 15:1 | 86.8 |
| 9 | Fordham University | Bronx | Private | $58,850 | 81% | 14:1 | 85.6 |
| 10 | SUNY Binghamton | Binghamton | Public | $7,070 | 81% | 20:1 | 84.7 |
| 11 | Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester | Private | $52,030 | 75% | 13:1 | 83.9 |
| 12 | Clarkson University | Potsdam | Private | $54,256 | 78% | 13:1 | 82.5 |
| 13 | SUNY Albany | Albany | Public | $7,070 | 69% | 19:1 | 81.8 |
| 14 | Pace University | New York | Private | $49,390 | 66% | 14:1 | 80.9 |
| 15 | Hofstra University | Hempstead | Private | $51,810 | 64% | 13:1 | 79.7 |
| 16 | CUNY City College | New York | Public | $6,930 | 55% | 15:1 | 78.5 |
| 17 | SUNY New Paltz | New Paltz | Public | $7,070 | 68% | 16:1 | 77.8 |
| 18 | Marist College | Poughkeepsie | Private | $42,580 | 76% | 16:1 | 76.9 |
| 19 | SUNY Oswego | Oswego | Public | $7,070 | 67% | 18:1 | 75.8 |
| 20 | CUNY Brooklyn College | Brooklyn | Public | $6,930 | 58% | 14:1 | 74.9 |
| 21 | St. John's University | Queens | Private | $45,760 | 65% | 17:1 | 73.7 |
| 22 | SUNY Plattsburgh | Plattsburgh | Public | $7,070 | 61% | 16:1 | 72.8 |
| 23 | Manhattan College | Riverdale | Private | $44,900 | 72% | 13:1 | 71.9 |
| 24 | CUNY Queens College | Queens | Public | $6,930 | 56% | 15:1 | 70.5 |
| 25 | SUNY Oneonta | Oneonta | Public | $7,070 | 71% | 17:1 | 69.8 |
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY • University
Program Highlights
- • 95% six-year graduation rate - highest among NY programming programs
- • Median starting salary of $108,000 for computer science graduates
- • Over 400 tech companies recruit on campus annually
- • Student-run organizations like Cornell AppDev teaching real-world development
Program Strengths
- Rigorous programming fundamentals in multiple languages (Python, Java, C++, JavaScript)
- Strong emphasis on data structures, algorithms, and software engineering principles
- Access to cutting-edge research in AI, systems programming, and software architecture
- 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring personalized attention and mentorship
- Direct recruiting pipeline to top tech companies including Google, Microsoft, and Apple
Why Ranked #1
Cornell's computer science program ranks #1 in New York due to its exceptional 95% graduation rate, world-class faculty, and comprehensive programming curriculum that combines theoretical foundations with practical software development skills.
Columbia University
New York, NY • University
Program Highlights
- • 94% graduation rate with exceptional career placement
- • Direct access to NYC's 50,000+ tech jobs
- • Alumni network includes founders of major tech companies
- • Partnerships with Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, and major media companies
Program Strengths
- Prime Manhattan location with internship access to Wall Street fintech firms
- Comprehensive curriculum covering full-stack web development and mobile programming
- Strong emphasis on software engineering practices and project management
- 6:1 student-faculty ratio with renowned CS faculty
- Cross-disciplinary opportunities with business and journalism schools
Why Ranked #2
Columbia's Manhattan location provides unparalleled access to NYC's tech ecosystem, while maintaining academic excellence with a 94% graduation rate and strong industry connections in fintech and media technology.
SUNY Stony Brook
Stony Brook, NY • University
Program Highlights
- • Best value programming education in New York state
- • 74% graduation rate - strong for a large public university
- • Growing tech ecosystem on Long Island provides local internship opportunities
- • Transfer-friendly program accepting credits from community colleges
Program Strengths
- Affordable in-state tuition at 90% less cost than private alternatives
- Strong programming curriculum with emphasis on practical software development
- Research opportunities in game development, web technologies, and mobile apps
- Active tech industry partnerships throughout Long Island and NYC metro
- 18:1 student-faculty ratio maintaining quality instruction at scale
Why Ranked #6
SUNY Stony Brook offers exceptional value as the top public programming program in New York, providing quality education at just $7,070 in-state tuition while maintaining strong industry connections and research opportunities.
New York Public University Systems for Programming
New York's public university systems provide affordable programming education options across the state. The State University of New York (SUNY) system offers computer programming and related degrees at 64 campuses, with in-state tuition averaging $7,070 annually. Top SUNY programming programs include Stony Brook, Buffalo, Binghamton, and Albany.
The City University of New York (CUNY) system serves the five boroughs with affordable programming education at institutions like City College, Brooklyn College, and Queens College. CUNY's in-state tuition of $6,930 makes it one of the most affordable options for NYC residents pursuing programming degrees.
Both SUNY and CUNY schools maintain transfer agreements with community colleges, allowing students to complete general education requirements affordably before transferring. For students considering bootcamp alternatives, our software engineering bootcamps guide compares intensive programs to traditional degree paths.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Design, develop, and maintain software applications using various programming languages and frameworks
Web Developer
SOC 15-1254Create and maintain websites and web applications using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and backend technologies
Mobile App Developer
SOC 15-1252Develop applications for iOS and Android platforms using Swift, Kotlin, React Native, or Flutter
Full Stack Developer
SOC 15-1252Work on both frontend and backend components of web applications, managing the complete development stack
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1252Combine software development and IT operations to automate and streamline development processes
Computer Programming Programs by State
California
Texas
Florida
Illinois
| Factor | Public (SUNY/CUNY) | Private Universities | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $7,070 in-state | $52,000 average | Public |
| Class Size | 15-20 students | 8-15 students | Private |
| Research Opportunities | Available at major campuses | Extensive research programs | Private |
| Industry Connections | Growing partnerships | Established alumni networks | Private |
| Job Placement Rate | 75-85% | 85-95% | Private |
| Financial Aid | State grants available | Merit scholarships | Varies |
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to one of the largest tech job markets in the US (245,000+ positions)
- Internship opportunities with Wall Street fintech firms and media companies
- Affordable public education through SUNY and CUNY systems
- Proximity to major tech companies with NYC offices (Google, Amazon, IBM)
- Diverse programming career paths from startups to Fortune 500 companies
- Strong alumni networks in finance, media, and technology sectors
- Lower cost of living (NY has high housing costs, especially NYC)
- Warmer climate year-round
- Less competitive job market for entry-level positions
- More affordable private university options
- Access to emerging tech hubs with lower competition
Frequently Asked Questions About New York Programming Programs
Related Programming Education Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, enrollment data, and institutional characteristics for all accredited colleges and universities
Occupation-specific salary and employment data for New York state
State-specific program accreditation and higher education oversight information
Research funding and STEM education statistics
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.