Best IT Schools in New York: Top Programs, Specializations & Scholarships
New York is home to some of the top Information Technology (IT) and Computer Science programs in the United States, offering access to cutting-edge research, tech startups, Fortune 500 companies, and global innovation hubs.
Whether you’re interested in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), data science, software engineering, or networking, New York offers some of the best IT schools to launch your career.
This guide highlights the best IT schools in New York, covering their top programs, specializations, career outcomes, and scholarships.
Top New York IT Schools
Top IT Schools in New York
Cornell University – Computing and Information Science
Location: Ithaca, NY
Cornell is a top Ivy League institution with a world-class Computer Science (CS) and IT program that ranks among the best in the country. The Cornell Tech campus in NYC offers specialized master’s degrees for tech professionals.
- Degrees Offered: BS, MS, PhD in Computer Science, Information Science, Cybersecurity
- Strengths: AI, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering
- Career Outcomes: Graduates work at Google, Amazon, Facebook, IBM, and top startups
Official Website
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Columbia University – Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science
Location: New York City
Columbia’s IT programs focus on AI, data science, networking, cybersecurity, and software development. Its proximity to major tech companies in NYC provides top-tier internship and job placement opportunities.
- Degrees Offered: BS, MS, PhD in Computer Science, Information Systems, AI, Cybersecurity
- Strengths: AI, Robotics, Big Data, Cloud Computing
- Career Outcomes: Strong connections with Wall Street firms, Google, Microsoft, and startups
Official Website
Scholarships & Financial Aid
New York University (NYU) – Tandon School of Engineering
Location: Brooklyn, NY
NYU Tandon offers one of the best IT and cybersecurity programs in the U.S., featuring state-of-the-art research labs and partnerships with global tech companies.
- Degrees Offered: BS, MS, PhD in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science
- Strengths: Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, AI, Blockchain
- Career Outcomes: Amazon, Facebook, JPMorgan Chase, NYC startups
Official Website
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) – Computer Science & IT
Location: Troy, NY
RPI is one of the oldest and most respected tech schools in the U.S., known for IT, computer science, and engineering programs.
- Degrees Offered: BS, MS, PhD in Computer Science, IT, AI, Data Analytics
- Strengths: Software Engineering, AI, Cloud Computing, Networking
- Career Outcomes: High employment rate in tech firms, government agencies, and research labs
Official Website
Scholarships & Financial Aid
University at Buffalo – School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Location: Buffalo, NY
A top-ranked public university offering affordable IT and computer science programs with strong industry partnerships.
- Degrees Offered: BS, MS, PhD in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science
- Strengths: AI, Cybersecurity, Software Development
- Career Outcomes: High job placement in New York’s tech sector
Official Website
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) – Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences
Location: Rochester, NY
RIT is one of the best IT schools in New York, with a strong focus on hands-on learning, co-op programs, and industry collaboration.
- Degrees Offered: BS, MS, PhD in Computer Science, Software Engineering, AI
- Strengths: Game Design, Cybersecurity, AI, UX/UI, Software Development
- Career Outcomes: Graduates work at Google, Apple, IBM, and top gaming companies
Official Website
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Syracuse University – College of Engineering and Computer Science
Location: Syracuse, NY
Syracuse offers a highly regarded IT program with specializations in cloud computing, networking, and cybersecurity.
- Degrees Offered: BS, MS, PhD in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, AI
- Strengths: Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Web Development
- Career Outcomes: Strong connections with federal agencies and tech firms
Official Website
Scholarships & Financial Aid
CUNY – The City University of New York (Multiple Campuses)
Location: New York City
CUNY offers affordable and high-quality IT programs, making it one of the best value choices for students looking to enter software engineering, cybersecurity, and networking.
- Degrees Offered: BS, MS in Computer Science, IT, Data Science
- Strengths: Cloud Computing, Web Development, Networking, Cybersecurity
- Career Outcomes: High job placement in NYC’s tech industry
Official Website
Scholarships & Financial Aid
How to Choose the Right IT School in New York
- Industry Focus: If you’re interested in AI and data science, Cornell, Columbia, and NYU are top choices. For cybersecurity, consider NYU, RIT, and Syracuse.
- Job Placement & Internships: Schools like Cornell Tech, Columbia, and NYU provide strong connections to NYC’s top tech firms.
- Affordability: CUNY, University at Buffalo, and RIT offer strong IT programs at lower tuition costs.
Final Thoughts
New York is home to some of the best IT schools in the country, catering to various specializations, budgets, and career paths. Whether you’re looking for AI, cybersecurity, or software development, there’s a top-ranked IT school for you.
For admissions details, scholarships, and career prospects, visit each school’s official website and financial aid page.
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