Top 3 Computer Engineering Programs in New York 2025
Cornell University
Top-ranked ECE program with world-class research facilities and 98% job placement rate within 6 months
Columbia University
Premier NYC location with direct industry connections, cutting-edge AI and robotics research
New York University
Strong industry partnerships with Manhattan tech companies, excellent internship opportunities
- 1.New York has 35+ accredited computer engineering bachelor's programs across private universities and SUNY system schools (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.Cornell University ranks #1 in New York with 95% graduation rate and exceptional research opportunities in ECE
- 3.SUNY Stony Brook offers top public computer engineering education at $10,423 in-state tuition—1/6 the cost of private alternatives
- 4.New York computer hardware engineers earn median $135,000 annually—well above the national median (BLS New York 2024)
- 5.NYC, Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany provide 15,000+ computer engineering jobs across finance, tech, and manufacturing sectors
Computer Engineering Education Landscape in New York
New York offers diverse computer engineering programs, from world-renowned private universities to affordable SUNY system schools. Whether you're targeting Wall Street fintech, Manhattan startups, or upstate manufacturing, New York provides pathways into every sector of the computer engineering field.
For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national computer engineering rankings. Career-focused students should review our software engineer salary guide and AI/ML engineer compensation trends for New York-specific data. If you're considering alternatives, explore our computer science programs in New York or cybersecurity programs in New York.
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS New York May 2024, ABET Accreditation
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
New York Computer Engineering Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cornell University | Ithaca | Private | $65,204 | 95% | 9:1 | 97.8 |
| 2 | Columbia University | New York | Private | $66,139 | 96% | 6:1 | 96.2 |
| 3 | New York University | New York | Private | $58,168 | 87% | 8:1 | 92.4 |
| 4 | SUNY Stony Brook | Stony Brook | Public | $10,423 | 71% | 18:1 | 88.7 |
| 5 | SUNY Buffalo | Buffalo | Public | $10,423 | 73% | 14:1 | 87.2 |
| 6 | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | Troy | Private | $60,051 | 85% | 10:1 | 86.9 |
| 7 | University of Rochester | Rochester | Private | $63,150 | 86% | 10:1 | 85.5 |
| 8 | SUNY Binghamton | Binghamton | Public | $10,423 | 83% | 19:1 | 84.1 |
| 9 | Syracuse University | Syracuse | Private | $58,440 | 83% | 15:1 | 82.8 |
| 10 | Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester | Private | $54,586 | 68% | 13:1 | 81.3 |
| 11 | Clarkson University | Potsdam | Private | $56,470 | 79% | 12:1 | 79.9 |
| 12 | SUNY Albany | Albany | Public | $10,423 | 69% | 19:1 | 78.4 |
| 13 | Manhattan College | Riverdale | Private | $46,200 | 74% | 12:1 | 76.8 |
| 14 | New York Institute of Technology | Old Westbury | Private | $39,960 | 58% | 12:1 | 75.2 |
| 15 | Hofstra University | Hempstead | Private | $51,810 | 64% | 13:1 | 73.7 |
| 16 | SUNY Polytechnic Institute | Utica | Public | $8,850 | 51% | 14:1 | 72.1 |
| 17 | Cooper Union | New York | Private | $46,700 | 69% | 8:1 | 70.9 |
| 18 | CUNY City College | New York | Public | $6,930 | 56% | 15:1 | 69.3 |
| 19 | Pace University | New York | Private | $48,252 | 59% | 14:1 | 67.8 |
| 20 | St. John's University | Queens | Private | $45,760 | 67% | 17:1 | 66.4 |
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY • University
Program Highlights
- • 95% six-year graduation rate—highest among New York programs
- • Average starting salary of $98,000 for recent graduates
- • Over 50 research labs and centers within the engineering college
- • Alumni network includes founders of major tech companies
Program Strengths
- World-renowned research in AI, machine learning, and quantum computing
- State-of-the-art facilities including the Cornell NanoScale Facility
- Strong industry connections with tech giants and startups
- Excellent student-faculty ratio of 9:1 enabling close mentorship
Why Ranked #1
Cornell's School of Electrical and Computer Engineering consistently ranks among the top 5 nationally, with exceptional research facilities, world-class faculty, and a 98% job placement rate within six months of graduation.
Student Reviews
"The research opportunities at Cornell are incredible. I worked in the AI lab as an undergrad and published two papers before graduating."
— Recent Graduate, Class of 2024
Columbia University
New York, NY • University
Program Highlights
- • 96% six-year graduation rate with strong academic support
- • Average starting salary of $95,000 in high-cost NYC market
- • Access to world-class research facilities and labs
- • Strong alumni network in Wall Street and Silicon Valley
Program Strengths
- Prime NYC location with direct industry access
- Leading research in computer vision and robotics
- Strong connection to Columbia's renowned computer science department
- Excellent internship and job placement rates in tech and finance
Why Ranked #2
Columbia's Electrical Engineering program benefits from its premier Manhattan location, providing unparalleled access to industry partnerships, internships, and cutting-edge research in AI and robotics.
Student Reviews
"Being in NYC opened so many doors. I had internships at Google and Goldman Sachs, and the faculty connections made it all possible."
— Recent Graduate, Class of 2024
SUNY Stony Brook
Stony Brook, NY • University
Program Highlights
- • 71% graduation rate—competitive for public institutions
- • Average starting salary of $78,000 for in-state cost
- • Modern engineering facilities and well-equipped labs
- • Strong job placement in Long Island and NYC tech companies
Program Strengths
- Outstanding value at $10,423 in-state tuition
- Strong research programs in embedded systems and networking
- ABET-accredited program with excellent industry recognition
- Close proximity to NYC tech scene for internships
Why Ranked #4
SUNY Stony Brook offers exceptional value as the top public computer engineering program in New York, providing world-class education at a fraction of private school costs with strong research opportunities.
Student Reviews
"Stony Brook gave me an excellent education without the massive debt. I landed a great job at Northrop Grumman right after graduation."
— Alumni, Class of 2023
New York University Systems Overview
New York's computer engineering landscape spans multiple university systems, each offering distinct advantages for different student needs and career goals.
The State University of New York (SUNY) system provides affordable, high-quality computer engineering education across multiple campuses. SUNY Stony Brook and Buffalo lead in research and industry partnerships, while smaller campuses like Albany and Binghamton offer more intimate learning environments. SUNY schools typically charge around $10,423 for in-state tuition.
Private institutions like Cornell, Columbia, and NYU offer world-class research opportunities and extensive alumni networks, particularly valuable for students targeting top-tier tech companies or graduate school. These programs typically cost $50,000-$66,000 annually but often provide generous financial aid packages.
Technical institutes like RPI and RIT focus heavily on hands-on engineering education with strong industry connections, particularly in upstate New York's manufacturing and technology sectors. Students interested in other engineering disciplines should also explore our software engineering programs in New York and information technology programs in New York.
Career Paths
Design and develop software systems for tech companies, financial institutions, and startups across NYC
Hardware Engineer
Develop computer hardware components and systems for manufacturing and tech companies
Build artificial intelligence and machine learning systems for finance, healthcare, and tech industries
Systems Engineer
Design and maintain complex computer systems for enterprises and government organizations
Embedded Systems Engineer
Develop software and hardware for IoT devices, automotive systems, and consumer electronics
Manage software deployment and infrastructure for tech companies and financial institutions
Computer Engineering Programs in Other States
| Factor | Public (SUNY) | Private Elite | Technical Schools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $10,423 | $60,000+ | $45,000-$55,000 |
| Class Size | Medium (15-25) | Small (8-15) | Medium (10-20) |
| Research Opportunities | Good | Excellent | Moderate |
| Industry Connections | Regional | National/Global | Regional/Industry-specific |
| Financial Aid | Limited | Generous | Moderate |
| Job Placement Rate | 85-90% | 95-98% | 88-93% |
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to Wall Street fintech and NYC tech scene
- World-class research opportunities at Cornell or Columbia
- Affordable SUNY system options with good outcomes
- Diverse internship opportunities across multiple industries
- Strong alumni networks in major tech and finance companies
- Lower cost of living (most other states)
- Warmer climate and outdoor lifestyle
- More affordable private school options
- Closer proximity to West Coast tech hubs
- Less competitive admission requirements
Frequently Asked Questions About New York Computer Engineering Programs
Related Computer Engineering Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, tuition, and enrollment data for 2023
Occupational employment and wage statistics for New York state
Engineering program accreditation status verification
Federal education data and program information
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.