# Best Engineering Colleges in New York

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-08-03 | Schools: 27 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-engineering-new-york

## Methodology

Engineering programs in New York ranked by outcomes and program concentration

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

Choosing the right engineering college in New York can be a pivotal decision for students and families. Each of the 27 schools on this list provides unique opportunities for aspiring engineers, whether through specialized programs or strong connections to the industry. The average earnings for graduates from these institutions stand at $74,964, reflecting the potential return on investment for students entering this demanding field.  

What separates the top engineering programs from the rest? It comes down to critical outcomes such as earnings, graduation rates, debt levels, and overall mobility. Schools that consistently produce graduates who earn higher salaries and complete their degrees represent the best choices for students. The data below offers a clear view of how each institution stacks up against these important metrics.  

Take, for example, the United States Merchant Marine Academy and The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. Both have similar graduation rates at 81%, but their financial landscapes differ significantly. The Merchant Marine Academy has a much lower net price of $6,174 and significantly lower debt levels at $8,833 compared to The Cooper Union's $13,269 net price and $15,000 debt. This contrast highlights the tradeoffs students may face when choosing between programs.

## Key Findings

- United States Merchant Marine Academy graduates earn $90,610, well above the average of $74,964.
- Cornell University boasts a 95% graduation rate, the highest among the top five.
- Columbia University students face an average debt of $21,500, reflecting higher costs.
- The Cooper Union has a net price of $13,269, which is significantly higher than the Merchant Marine Academy's $6,174.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/the-cooper-union-for-the-advancement-of-science-and-art) | New York, NY | 81% | $83,847 | $13,269 | $15,000 | 0.18x |
| 2 | [Cornell University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/cornell-university) | Ithaca, NY | 95% | $104,043 | $28,690 | $14,000 | 0.13x |
| 3 | [SUNY Maritime College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/suny-maritime-college) | Throggs Neck, NY | 70% | $95,951 | $22,367 | $23,250 | 0.24x |
| 4 | [Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rensselaer-polytechnic-institute) | Troy, NY | 83% | $102,051 | $36,228 | $23,750 | 0.23x |
| 5 | [Columbia University in the City of New York](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york) | New York, NY | 96% | $102,491 | $21,590 | $21,500 | 0.21x |
| 6 | [Clarkson University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/clarkson-university) | Potsdam, NY | 74% | $89,696 | $30,305 | $26,000 | 0.29x |
| 7 | [United States Merchant Marine Academy](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/united-states-merchant-marine-academy) | Kings Point, NY | 81% | $90,610 | $6,174 | $8,833 | 0.1x |
| 8 | [Binghamton University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/binghamton-university) | Vestal, NY | 83% | $80,596 | $21,620 | $18,500 | 0.23x |
| 9 | [University of Rochester](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-rochester) | Rochester, NY | 85% | $79,042 | $29,278 | $21,000 | 0.27x |
| 10 | [Rochester Institute of Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rochester-institute-of-technology) | Rochester, NY | 70% | $76,571 | $34,906 | $26,778 | 0.35x |
| 11 | [Alfred University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/alfred-university) | Alfred, NY | 56% | $54,897 | $25,620 | $26,000 | 0.47x |
| 12 | [New York University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/new-york-university) | New York, NY | 88% | $82,509 | $37,050 | $20,500 | 0.25x |
| 13 | [Manhattan University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/manhattan-university) | Riverdale, NY | 65% | $86,316 | $27,256 | $26,000 | 0.3x |
| 14 | [CUNY City College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/cuny-city-college) | New York, NY | 56% | $66,039 | $3,776 | $11,990 | 0.18x |
| 15 | [New York Institute of Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/new-york-institute-of-technology) | Old Westbury, NY | 58% | $70,080 | $22,443 | $23,334 | 0.33x |
| 16 | [State University of New York at New Paltz](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/state-university-of-new-york-at-new-paltz) | New Paltz, NY | 70% | $58,073 | $18,809 | $18,750 | 0.32x |
| 17 | [Union College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/union-college) | Schenectady, NY | 83% | $88,604 | $34,561 | $25,337 | 0.29x |
| 18 | [Syracuse University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/syracuse-university) | Syracuse, NY | 82% | $79,164 | $38,793 | $26,000 | 0.33x |
| 19 | [Stony Brook University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/stony-brook-university) | Stony Brook, NY | 77% | $74,502 | $18,784 | $18,228 | 0.24x |
| 20 | [SUNY Polytechnic Institute](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/suny-polytechnic-institute) | Utica, NY | 57% | $64,355 | $14,164 | $17,250 | 0.27x |
| 21 | [Hofstra University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/hofstra-university) | Hempstead, NY | 68% | $69,039 | $34,176 | $23,621 | 0.34x |
| 22 | [SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/suny-college-of-environmental-science-and-forestry) | Syracuse, NY | 68% | $55,763 | $18,952 | $11,000 | 0.2x |
| 23 | [University at Buffalo](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-at-buffalo) | Buffalo, NY | 74% | $70,814 | $20,995 | $19,000 | 0.27x |
| 24 | [Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/vaughn-college-of-aeronautics-and-technology) | Flushing, NY | 40% | $64,973 | $39,986 | $21,125 | 0.33x |
| 25 | [College of Staten Island CUNY](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/college-of-staten-island-cuny) | Staten Island, NY | 33% | $53,501 | $5,579 | $14,350 | 0.27x |
| 26 | [United States Military Academy](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/united-states-military-academy) | West  Point, NY | 86% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 27 | [Villa Maria College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/villa-maria-college) | Buffalo, NY | 31% | $38,857 | $13,494 | $21,250 | 0.55x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Engineering Colleges in New York." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-08-03. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-engineering-new-york

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.