Skip to main content
Computer science programs at CUNY Hunter College cost just $2,446 annually after aid, making it the most affordable option among New York's computer science programs. The price gap between public and private schools reaches nearly $14,000, with Monroe College charging $10,376 compared to CUNY's sub-$5,000 rates. New York's finance and tech sectors create strong demand for computer science graduates, with major employers like Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, and Google maintaining significant operations throughout the state. Graduation rates vary dramatically across programs, from CUNY New York City College of Technology's 19.4% to Hunter College's 61%. The SUNY system dominates the middle price range, with schools like Oswego producing graduates earning $67,324 annually. TAP grants help reduce costs for in-state students, though New York City's high living expenses can offset tuition savings. Private programs like Monroe College serve specific demographics but carry higher debt loads averaging $26,500.
50
Programs
$2,446 – $30,561
Net Price Range
$49,522
Avg. Program Earnings
59.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
2 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
3 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
4 $4,783 $7,332 19.4% 81.8%
5 $9,900 $8,379 46.6% 92.1%
6 $10,376 $17,922 57.5% 59.8%
7 $11,669 $24,705 32.1% 95.5%
8 $13,882 $8,578 59.2% 81.7%
9 $14,295 $8,712 47.9% 82.7%
10 $15,001 $8,689 44.1% 94.9%
11 $15,644 $8,771 53.5% 84.6%
12 $15,770 $22,106 48.1% 85.9%
13 $15,844 $8,678 56.6% 67.9%
14 $16,547 $8,881 58.8% 70.2%
15 $17,231 $8,769 60.4% 82.6%
16 $17,387 $8,710 48.0% 83.2%
17 $17,393 $8,769 31.9% 87.2%
18 $17,622 $34,535 64.2% 76.7%
19 $17,980 $8,676 40.9% 84.0%
20 $18,430 $10,560 77.8% 49.1%
21 $18,481 $8,524 68.9% 58.3%
22 $18,486 $10,408 63.9% 67.9%
23 $18,740 $38,135 70.2% 89.6%
24 $18,833 $8,812 70.2% 72.5%
25 $19,585 $33,560 56.7% 84.0%
26 $20,470 $10,782 73.4% 67.7%
27 $20,709 $44,360 56.0% 75.7%
28 $21,148 $17,290 64.7% 77.0%
29 $21,344 $37,720 62.6% 88.6%
30 $21,364 $10,363 83.6% 41.8%
31 $21,547 $38,970 71.0% 78.3%
32 $21,614 $27,570 52.3% 84.3%
33 $21,869 $24,308 55.5% 80.9%
34 $23,736 $41,370 65.7% 88.3%
35 $23,819 $37,452 51.0% 78.0%
36 $23,901 $41,642 55.4% 92.7%
37 $25,842 $42,950 53.7% 84.1%
38 $26,187 $33,060 56.8% 89.0%
39 $26,556 $21,810 65.0% 71.3%
40 $26,870 $37,840 71.8% 76.6%
41 $26,881 $50,850 66.0% 82.3%
42 $26,985 $50,110 68.5% 84.7%
43 $27,151 $40,150 70.4% 81.1%
44 $28,150 $39,666 74.4% 73.1%
45 $28,314 $65,740 91.3% 11.8%
46 $28,348 $47,290 68.9% 72.8%
47 $29,694 $57,016 70.8% 67.2%
48 $29,800 $52,849 46.2% 59.7%
49 $30,521 $40,880 72.9% 83.9%
50 $30,561 $63,870 79.7% 63.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY schools so affordable for computer science students?

CUNY schools receive substantial state funding that keeps tuition low, with programs costing between $2,446 and $4,783 after aid. Hunter College and Brooklyn College both charge under $3,000 annually. The system serves over 270,000 students across five boroughs, creating economies of scale that private colleges cannot match.

How do graduation rates compare between the cheapest programs?

Graduation rates span from 19.4% at CUNY New York City College of Technology to 61% at Hunter College. Brooklyn College graduates 56.6% of students while earning solid job placement rates. York College sits at 30.3%, reflecting the challenges many urban commuter students face balancing work and school.

Does attending a more expensive program guarantee higher earnings?

Not necessarily. SUNY Oswego graduates earn $67,324 despite costing $17,231 annually, while Mercy University graduates earn just $24,035 after paying $15,770. Brooklyn College delivers $56,776 in graduate earnings for under $3,000 in costs. Location and industry connections often matter more than tuition price.

Where do computer science graduates find the best opportunities in New York?

New York City offers the highest concentration of tech jobs, with major firms like Goldman Sachs, Citibank, and startups competing for talent. Upstate regions around Albany and Rochester provide government and healthcare IT positions. The state's finance sector alone employs thousands of computer science graduates in algorithmic trading and financial technology.

Is student debt a major concern at these affordable programs?

Debt levels vary significantly, from Brooklyn College's manageable $9,000 to Monroe College's $26,500 burden. SUNY schools typically keep debt under $25,000, while private programs can double that amount. The lowest-cost CUNY options allow many students to graduate debt-free when combined with federal aid and part-time work.

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