Best Value Computer and Information Sciences Colleges in New York

CUNY Brooklyn College delivers computer science education at just $2,943 net cost while graduates earn $56,776 annually, creating one of the most compelling value propositions in higher education. This 19:1 earnings-to-cost ratio highlights how New York's public university system can launch tech careers without crushing debt. The state's 20 computer science programs span from ultra-affordable CUNY campuses to elite institutions like Cornell, where graduates command $82,641 despite higher costs. New York's dominance in financial technology, media companies, and emerging tech startups creates abundant opportunities for computer science graduates across Manhattan's Silicon Alley and beyond. While private institutions like Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute produce the highest-earning graduates at $87,532, the SUNY system offers multiple pathways to six-figure careers. Stony Brook University exemplifies this balance, combining strong earnings of $76,170 with manageable $18,430 net costs and a solid 78% graduation rate. The geographic spread from urban Brooklyn to upstate campuses means students can choose environments that match their preferences while accessing New York's unparalleled job market.

Programs

$2,446 – $47,560

Net Price Range

$56,776

Avg. Program Earnings

65.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	CUNY Brooklyn College Brooklyn, New York	$2,943	$56,776	$7,452	56.6%	54.5%
2	CUNY York College Jamaica, New York	$4,734	$41,937	$7,358	30.3%	59.1%
3	Stony Brook University Stony Brook, New York	$18,430	$76,170	$10,560	77.8%	49.1%
4	SUNY Polytechnic Institute Utica, New York	$13,882	$55,964	$8,578	59.2%	81.7%
5	State University of New York at Oswego Oswego, New York	$17,231	$67,324	$8,769	60.4%	82.6%
6	Monroe College Bronx, New York	$10,376	$34,908	$17,922	57.5%	59.8%
7	SUNY Brockport Brockport, New York	$15,844	$50,856	$8,678	56.6%	67.9%
8	State University of New York at New Paltz New Paltz, New York	$18,481	$58,221	$8,524	68.9%	58.3%
9	SUNY at Fredonia Fredonia, New York	$15,644	$49,058	$8,771	53.5%	84.6%
10	Pace University New York, New York	$31,046	$85,760	$51,424	61.4%	82.9%
11	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy, New York	$33,139	$87,532	$61,884	83.2%	64.5%
12	Cornell University Ithaca, New York	$32,337	$82,641	$66,014	95.1%	7.5%
13	SUNY College at Plattsburgh Plattsburgh, New York	$16,547	$41,342	$8,881	58.8%	70.2%
14	New York Institute of Technology Old Westbury, New York	$20,709	$51,482	$44,360	56.0%	75.7%
15	SUNY Oneonta Oneonta, New York	$18,833	$45,696	$8,812	70.2%	72.5%
16	Manhattan College Riverdale, New York	$26,881	$64,493	$50,850	66.0%	82.3%
17	New York University New York, New York	$35,035	$79,957	$60,438	88.5%	12.5%
18	Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester, New York	$29,694	$67,420	$57,016	70.8%	67.2%
19	University at Albany Albany, New York	$18,486	$40,510	$10,408	63.9%	67.9%
20	Union College Schenectady, New York	$36,000	$76,460	$66,456	85.3%	46.5%
21	Long Island University Brookville, New York	$23,901	$50,439	$41,642	55.4%	92.7%
22	Niagara University Niagara University, New York	$18,740	$37,208	$38,135	70.2%	89.6%
23	Siena College Loudonville, New York	$32,697	$62,734	$44,405	75.8%	80.4%
24	Mount Saint Mary College Newburgh, New York	$23,736	$44,260	$41,370	65.7%	88.3%
25	Marist College Poughkeepsie, New York	$39,660	$73,769	$46,140	79.8%	62.9%
26	St. Francis College Brooklyn, New York	$21,614	$39,585	$27,570	52.3%	84.3%
27	Manhattanville College Purchase, New York	$25,842	$47,260	$42,950	53.7%	84.1%
28	Vassar College Poughkeepsie, New York	$38,182	$69,535	$67,805	89.1%	18.7%
29	St. John's University-New York Queens, New York	$26,985	$44,542	$50,110	68.5%	84.7%
30	Mercy University Dobbs Ferry, New York	$15,770	$24,035	$22,106	48.1%	85.9%
31	Skidmore College Saratoga Springs, New York	$34,581	$50,270	$65,030	81.7%	25.5%
32	Fordham University Bronx, New York	$42,581	$58,673	$61,992	80.3%	54.1%
33	SUNY Morrisville Morrisville, New York	$17,393		$8,769	31.9%	87.2%
34	University at Buffalo Buffalo, New York	$20,470		$10,782	73.4%	67.7%
35	Binghamton University Vestal, New York	$21,364		$10,363	83.6%	41.8%
36	Yeshiva University New York, New York	$47,560		$49,900	83.7%	63.2%
37	SUNY College at Potsdam Potsdam, New York	$14,295		$8,712	47.9%	82.7%
38	SUNY Old Westbury Old Westbury, New York	$9,900		$8,379	46.6%	92.1%
39	Syracuse University Syracuse, New York	$41,026		$63,061	81.4%	51.8%
40	Touro University New York, New York	$26,556		$21,810	65.0%	71.3%
41	Utica University Utica, New York	$21,869		$24,308	55.5%	80.9%
42	The College of Westchester White Plains, New York	$11,669		$24,705	32.1%	95.5%
43	Adelphi University Garden City, New York	$28,348		$47,290	68.9%	72.8%
44	Le Moyne College Syracuse, New York	$21,547		$38,970	71.0%	78.3%
45	Barnard College New York, New York	$39,253		$66,246	92.9%	8.8%
46	CUNY Hunter College New York, New York	$2,446		$7,382	61.0%	47.9%
47	CUNY New York City College of Technology Brooklyn, New York	$4,783		$7,332	19.4%	81.8%
48	D'Youville University Buffalo, New York	$19,585		$33,560	56.7%	84.0%
49	Dominican University New York Orangeburg, New York	$26,187		$33,060	56.8%	89.0%
50	Hamilton College Clinton, New York	$28,314		$65,740	91.3%	11.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY Brooklyn College such an strong value for computer science?

Brooklyn College charges just $2,943 in net costs while graduates earn $56,776 annually, creating a 19:1 return on investment that few programs can match. The school maintains a 57% graduation rate and 55% acceptance rate, making it accessible to students who might struggle to gain admission elsewhere. Its location in Brooklyn provides direct access to New York's thriving tech scene while keeping costs manageable.

How do public versus private computer science programs compare in New York?

Private institutions like Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Cornell produce the highest earnings at $87,532 and $82,641 respectively, but cost $33,139 and $32,337 in net expenses. Public SUNY schools offer strong middle-ground options, with Stony Brook graduates earning $76,170 for $18,430 in costs. The earnings gap narrows significantly when factoring in the substantially lower debt loads from public institutions.

Does location within New York significantly impact computer science career prospects?

New York City area schools like Brooklyn College and Pace University provide direct pipeline access to Wall Street fintech firms, media companies, and startup accelerators in Silicon Alley. Upstate programs at institutions like SUNY Oswego still produce strong earnings of $67,324, demonstrating that New York's tech economy extends beyond Manhattan. The state's high concentration of Fortune 500 companies creates opportunities regardless of campus location.

What debt levels should students expect from New York computer science programs?

Debt varies dramatically across institution types, with Cornell graduates owing just $15,500 despite premium tuition due to generous financial aid. Public institutions typically generate $16,250 to $23,250 in debt loads at schools like Stony Brook and New Paltz. Monroe College represents the high end at $26,500, though its for-profit status and $34,908 graduate earnings create concerning debt-to-income ratios.

Is the SUNY system competitive for computer science education quality?

SUNY institutions demonstrate strong performance across multiple metrics, with Stony Brook achieving a 78% graduation rate while Oswego graduates earn $67,324 annually. The system's $8,500 to $10,500 in-state tuition rates make quality computer science education accessible to New York residents. Schools like New Paltz balance solid earnings of $58,221 with manageable costs and competitive 68% graduation rates.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.