Top 3 Network Administration Programs in New York 2025
SUNY Institute of Technology
Premier public IT program with state-of-the-art networking labs, Cisco Academy partnership, and 95% job placement rate
Rochester Institute of Technology
Nationally recognized co-op program with Fortune 500 companies and cutting-edge cybersecurity integration
Pace University
Manhattan location provides direct access to Wall Street and major tech firms, strong alumni network in NYC financial sector
- 1.New York has 35+ accredited network administration and IT infrastructure programs across SUNY, CUNY, and private universities (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.SUNY Institute of Technology ranks #1 with 89% graduation rate and comprehensive Cisco networking curriculum
- 3.Network administrators in New York earn median $95,240 annually—18% above the national median (BLS New York 2024)
- 4.NYC financial sector provides 45,000+ IT infrastructure jobs with average salaries exceeding $105,000
- 5.Major employers include JP Morgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, IBM, Verizon, and ConEdison with active campus recruiting
Network Administration Education in New York
New York offers exceptional opportunities for network administration education, combining world-class academic institutions with unparalleled access to major corporations and financial institutions. The state's diverse tech ecosystem spans from Wall Street's financial networks to Albany's government infrastructure and Buffalo's growing tech corridor.
For national comparisons, see our best network administration programs ranking across all states. Students considering related fields should explore our cybersecurity programs in New York or information technology programs in New York. Career-focused students should review our network administrator salary trends and IT certification guides.
New York's network administration programs emphasize hands-on learning through state-of-the-art labs, industry partnerships, and internship opportunities with major employers. The proximity to financial centers provides unique specialization opportunities in trading floor networks, data center management, and enterprise security infrastructure.
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS New York May 2024
6-year completion rate from IPEDS gr2023
Class size and lab accessibility
New York-specific salaries from BLS OEWS
Internships and employer connections
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SUNY Institute of Technology | Utica | Public | $8,175 | 89% | 16:1 | 94.2 |
| 2 | Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester | Private | $56,884 | 87% | 13:1 | 92.8 |
| 3 | Pace University | New York | Private | $52,742 | 84% | 15:1 | 90.5 |
| 4 | Syracuse University | Syracuse | Private | $61,310 | 83% | 15:1 | 89.1 |
| 5 | Clarkson University | Potsdam | Private | $58,300 | 82% | 13:1 | 87.8 |
| 6 | SUNY Buffalo | Buffalo | Public | $10,560 | 79% | 18:1 | 86.4 |
| 7 | New York Institute of Technology | Old Westbury | Private | $41,940 | 76% | 12:1 | 85.2 |
| 8 | CUNY John Jay College | New York | Public | $7,340 | 73% | 16:1 | 83.9 |
| 9 | SUNY Albany | Albany | Public | $10,560 | 72% | 19:1 | 82.5 |
| 10 | Hofstra University | Hempstead | Private | $52,215 | 71% | 13:1 | 81.3 |
| 11 | SUNY Fredonia | Fredonia | Public | $8,380 | 69% | 15:1 | 80.1 |
| 12 | St. John's University | Queens | Private | $47,970 | 68% | 17:1 | 78.9 |
| 13 | Monroe Community College | Rochester | Public | $4,860 | 52% | 18:1 | 77.2 |
| 14 | Nassau Community College | Garden City | Public | $5,330 | 48% | 19:1 | 75.8 |
| 15 | Excelsior College | Albany | Private | $15,900 | 65% | 25:1 | 74.5 |
| 16 | SUNY Oswego | Oswego | Public | $8,380 | 66% | 17:1 | 73.2 |
| 17 | CUNY Brooklyn College | Brooklyn | Public | $7,340 | 59% | 15:1 | 71.8 |
| 18 | SUNY Canton | Canton | Public | $8,380 | 58% | 16:1 | 70.5 |
| 19 | Westchester Community College | Valhalla | Public | $4,800 | 45% | 20:1 | 69.1 |
| 20 | SUNY Sullivan | Loch Sheldrake | Public | $7,380 | 42% | 14:1 | 67.8 |
SUNY Institute of Technology
Utica, NY • University
Program Highlights
- • 95% job placement rate within 6 months of graduation
- • Average starting salary of $68,000 for graduates
- • Partnerships with IBM, Cisco, VMware, and Microsoft
- • 12-month paid internship opportunities with state agencies
Program Strengths
- Cisco Networking Academy partnership providing industry-standard certification training
- State-of-the-art networking labs with enterprise-grade equipment from major vendors
- Integrated cybersecurity curriculum addressing modern network security challenges
- Strong connections with New York State government and regional healthcare systems
- Affordable $8,175 in-state tuition making quality education accessible
Why Ranked #1
SUNY Institute of Technology earns the #1 ranking through its exceptional combination of affordable tuition, high graduation rates, and comprehensive industry partnerships. The program's 89% graduation rate leads all public institutions in New York, while maintaining strong job placement rates exceeding 95%.
Student Reviews
"The hands-on lab experience at SUNY IT prepared me perfectly for my role as a network engineer at a Fortune 500 company. The faculty really care about your success."
— Class of 2023 Graduate
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, NY • University
Program Highlights
- • 100% of students complete paid internships through co-op program
- • Average starting salary of $72,000 reflecting quality of preparation
- • Partnerships with Amazon, Microsoft, IBM, and Xerox
- • Modern networking labs updated annually with latest technology
Program Strengths
- Mandatory cooperative education program with Fortune 500 technology companies
- Strong integration of network administration with cybersecurity and cloud computing
- Access to RIT's renowned research facilities and industry partnerships
- High-quality faculty with extensive industry experience
- Excellent alumni network in major technology corporations
Why Ranked #2
Rochester Institute of Technology's network administration program combines academic excellence with the nation's premier cooperative education program. The mandatory co-op experience provides students with real-world experience at leading technology companies before graduation.
Student Reviews
"The co-op program at RIT gave me 18 months of real work experience. I graduated with multiple job offers and started at $75,000."
— Network Engineering Graduate
Pace University
New York, NY • University
Program Highlights
- • 92% of graduates receive job offers before graduation
- • Average starting salary of $78,000 in NYC market
- • Partnerships with Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Citigroup
- • Access to real trading floor network environments for training
Program Strengths
- Prime Manhattan location with direct access to Wall Street and tech companies
- Specialized focus on financial services network infrastructure
- Strong alumni network in NYC's financial and technology sectors
- Internship opportunities with major banks, hedge funds, and fintech companies
- Small class sizes enabling personalized attention and mentorship
Why Ranked #3
Pace University's Manhattan location provides unparalleled access to New York City's financial and technology sectors. The program's emphasis on enterprise networking and financial services infrastructure preparation makes graduates highly sought after by Wall Street firms.
Student Reviews
"Being in Manhattan opened so many doors. I interned at a major investment bank and now work full-time managing their trading floor networks."
— Financial Services Network Admin
New York University Systems for Network Administration
New York's public university systems offer exceptional value for network administration education. The State University of New York (SUNY) system includes 64 campuses with strong IT programs, while the City University of New York (CUNY) system provides affordable options within NYC.
The SUNY system excels in technology education, with SUNY Institute of Technology leading in specialized IT programs. Other notable SUNY campuses include Buffalo (strong in enterprise networking), Albany (government sector focus), and Oswego (regional business connections). These programs typically cost $8,000-$10,500 annually for in-state students.
CUNY institutions like John Jay College and Brooklyn College offer network administration programs with NYC market access at extremely affordable tuition rates around $7,340 annually. These programs emphasize practical skills needed for the city's diverse technology landscape.
Private institutions like Rochester Institute of Technology and Syracuse University offer premium programs with extensive industry connections, though at significantly higher costs. Consider exploring our computer science programs in New York for broader technology education options or information technology programs in New York for related fields.
Career Paths
Network Administrator
SOC 15-1244Design, implement, and maintain computer networks for organizations. Manage routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless systems.
Network Engineer
SOC 15-1241Plan and implement network infrastructure projects. Design network architectures and troubleshoot complex connectivity issues.
Systems Administrator
SOC 15-1244Install, configure, and maintain computer systems and servers. Ensure network security and data backup procedures.
Cybersecurity Specialist
SOC 15-1212Protect network infrastructure from security threats. Implement security protocols and monitor for breaches.
Cloud Infrastructure Engineer
SOC 15-1241Design and manage cloud-based network solutions. Work with AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud platforms.
Network Administration Programs by State
California
Texas
Florida
Virginia
Washington
| Factor | In-State Public | Out-of-State Public | Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $8,500 | $24,800 | $48,200 |
| Class Sizes | Medium (18-25) | Medium (18-25) | Small (12-18) |
| Industry Connections | Regional Strong | Regional Strong | National Excellent |
| Research Opportunities | Moderate | Moderate | Extensive |
| Job Placement Rate | 85-90% | 85-90% | 90-95% |
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to major financial services and technology companies
- Diverse internship opportunities in multiple industries
- Strong SUNY system providing affordable quality education
- Proximity to NYC's tech ecosystem and networking events
- Career opportunities in government, finance, and healthcare sectors
- Lower cost of living and housing expenses
- Warmer climate year-round
- Less competitive job market for entry-level positions
- Stronger focus on emerging tech sectors like gaming or aerospace
- More affordable tuition at top-tier institutions
Frequently Asked Questions About New York Network Administration Programs
Related Network Administration Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, enrollment data, and institutional characteristics from the 2023 survey cycle
New York state salary data for network administrators and related occupations, May 2024
Industry certification requirements and regional salary trends for IT professionals
Program accreditation status and transfer credit policies for SUNY and CUNY institutions
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.