Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in New York 2025
Cornell University
Elite Ivy League program with exceptional software engineering curriculum and direct pipeline to top tech companies
Columbia University
Premier NYC location with world-class faculty and unmatched access to fintech and enterprise software opportunities
New York University
Strong industry connections in NYC tech scene with comprehensive software engineering curriculum and startup incubator access
- 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.
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS New York May 2024
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 data
Class size and faculty accessibility
New York-specific software engineer salaries from BLS OEWS
Acceptance rate indicating program rigor and selectivity
New York Software Engineering Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cornell University | Ithaca | Private | $65,204 | 95% | 9:1 | 97.8 |
| 2 | Columbia University | New York | Private | $68,400 | 96% | 6:1 | 96.5 |
| 3 | New York University | New York | Private | $58,168 | 87% | 8:1 | 93.2 |
| 4 | SUNY Stony Brook | Stony Brook | Public | $10,560 | 74% | 18:1 | 91.5 |
| 5 | SUNY Buffalo | Buffalo | Public | $10,560 | 73% | 14:1 | 89.8 |
| 6 | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | Troy | Private | $59,550 | 86% | 10:1 | 89.2 |
| 7 | University of Rochester | Rochester | Private | $63,150 | 86% | 10:1 | 87.9 |
| 8 | SUNY Binghamton | Binghamton | Public | $10,560 | 82% | 19:1 | 86.4 |
| 9 | Syracuse University | Syracuse | Private | $58,440 | 83% | 15:1 | 85.1 |
| 10 | CUNY Hunter College | New York | Public | $7,461 | 58% | 15:1 | 83.7 |
| 11 | Fordham University | New York | Private | $58,081 | 85% | 14:1 | 82.8 |
| 12 | Stevens Institute of Technology | Hoboken | Private | $58,766 | 86% | 10:1 | 82.3 |
| 13 | SUNY Albany | Albany | Public | $10,560 | 67% | 18:1 | 81.5 |
| 14 | CUNY City College | New York | Public | $7,461 | 44% | 13:1 | 80.9 |
| 15 | Pace University | New York | Private | $49,242 | 62% | 14:1 | 79.2 |
| 16 | Hofstra University | Hempstead | Private | $52,215 | 64% | 13:1 | 78.6 |
| 17 | SUNY Plattsburgh | Plattsburgh | Public | $8,770 | 65% | 16:1 | 77.8 |
| 18 | Manhattan College | Riverdale | Private | $46,570 | 74% | 12:1 | 76.9 |
| 19 | CUNY Queens College | Queens | Public | $7,461 | 55% | 15:1 | 75.4 |
| 20 | St. John's University | Queens | Private | $45,760 | 67% | 17:1 | 74.8 |
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY • University
Program Highlights
- • 95% of graduates employed within 6 months
- • Average starting salary: $118,000
- • Direct recruiting by Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple
- • Active tech entrepreneurship and startup ecosystem
Program Strengths
- Rigorous software engineering methodology curriculum
- World-class faculty with industry and research expertise
- Strong alumni network in major tech companies
- Excellent internship placement with top employers
- Access to cutting-edge research opportunities
- Small class sizes with 9:1 student-faculty ratio
Why Ranked #1
Cornell's software engineering program combines Ivy League academic excellence with a comprehensive curriculum covering software design, systems engineering, and project management. The program's 95% graduation rate and exceptional industry placement record make it the top choice in New York state.
Student Reviews
"Cornell's SE program prepared me exceptionally well for my role at Google. The curriculum balance of theory and practical application was perfect."
— Recent Graduate, Software Engineer at Google
"The faculty are world-class and the career services team helped me land internships at both Microsoft and Amazon during my studies."
— Senior, Software Engineering Major
Columbia University
New York, NY • University
Program Highlights
- • 96% graduation rate - highest among NYC universities
- • Average starting salary: $125,000 in NYC market
- • Direct pipeline to Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, Bloomberg
- • Active tech startup community and venture capital access
Program Strengths
- Prime Manhattan location with industry access
- Comprehensive software engineering curriculum
- Strong connections to Wall Street fintech companies
- Research opportunities in AI and machine learning
- Excellent career services and alumni network
- Small class sizes with exceptional faculty mentorship
Why Ranked #2
Columbia's location in Manhattan provides unmatched access to NYC's thriving tech ecosystem, while maintaining academic excellence with a 96% graduation rate. The program emphasizes both software engineering fundamentals and emerging technologies.
Student Reviews
"Being in Manhattan made all the difference for internships and networking. I had offers from three different fintech companies before graduation."
— Recent Graduate, Software Engineer at Bloomberg
SUNY Stony Brook
Stony Brook, NY • University
Program Highlights
- • Top public university value for software engineering
- • 74% graduation rate with strong career outcomes
- • Average starting salary: $95,000
- • Regular recruiting visits from major tech employers
Program Strengths
- Exceptional value at $10,560 in-state tuition
- Strong computer science and software engineering curriculum
- Research opportunities in systems and software engineering
- Close proximity to NYC tech market
- Active alumni network in major tech companies
- Comprehensive career services and job placement support
Why Ranked #4
SUNY Stony Brook delivers exceptional value with nationally-ranked computer science education at public school tuition rates. The program's strong industry connections and research opportunities rival many private institutions.
Student Reviews
"Stony Brook gave me an excellent education at a fraction of the cost of private schools. I'm now working at Amazon with the same opportunities as my Ivy League colleagues."
— Alumni, Software Engineer at Amazon
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.
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
Software Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
New York Software Engineering Program Cost Analysis
| Program Type | Average Tuition | Typical Graduation Rate | Average Starting Salary | ROI Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elite Private (Cornell, Columbia) | $65,000 | 95% | $120,000 | 6-8 years |
| Mid-Tier Private (NYU, RPI) | $58,000 | 86% | $105,000 | 8-10 years |
| SUNY System | $10,560 | 75% | $95,000 | 3-4 years |
| CUNY System | $7,461 | 52% | $85,000 | 2-3 years |
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
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, New York State Department of Labor
Frequently Asked Questions About New York Software Engineering Programs
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.
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
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.