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Recognized globally as a cultural, commercial, and creative center, New York offers students an exciting place to earn a college degree and start a career in tech. Computer science degree-holders can pursue lucrative, cutting-edge careers in a fast-growing field.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an 11% growth rate for computer and information technology jobs between 2019-2029, much faster than the average for all jobs.
This guide explores the benefits of earning an online computer science degree in New York. We also discuss careers for graduates and offer tips on choosing the right program.
New York at a Glance
- Population: 19,299,981
- Per Capita Income: $41,857
- Number of Higher Learning Institutions: 299
- % of Workforce in Tech: 6.9%
- Economic Impact of Tech Industry: $135 billion
- Climate: Average Annual Temperature: 45.4℉, Annual Precipitation: 41.8 inches
- Major Sports Teams: New York Yankees, New York Mets, New York Rangers, Buffalo Bills, New York Giants
Considerations for a Computer Science Degree in New York
Prospective students must weigh many factors when choosing where to earn an online computer science degree. The data below can help you decide if you should start your search for computer science programs in New York.
You should first decide what degree level to pursue and whether you prefer an online, in-person, or hybrid model. Visit the links below to learn more.
Associate's Degree in Computer Science
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science
Master's Degree in Computer Science
Ph.D. in Computer Science
Computer Science Concentration Options
Computer science students can choose among many specializations. Below, we detail some concentrations that can help students prepare for computer science careers in New York.
Software Engineering
A software engineering concentration develops programming skills. Students learn to design, test, write, and maintain computer programs. Graduates may qualify for software engineer positions, a top computer science career in New York.
Data Analytics
A data analytics concentration focuses on using data to make business decisions. Knowledge of data analytics prepares students for roles as computer systems analysts, data scientists, and computer and information systems managers.
Artificial Intelligence
An artificial intelligence concentration develops emerging technology skills applicable to diverse computer science careers. Students learn about data mining, deep learning, and natural language processing.
Top New York Schools for Computer Science
- Mercy College
- Columbia University in the City of New York
- Cornell University
- Colgate University
- University of Rochester
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- University at Buffalo
- Ithaca College
- St. Joseph's College-New York
- Rochester Institute of Technology
Why Go to College for Computer Science in New York?
New York offers many opportunities for computer science graduates. Industries like IT services, telecommunications, tech manufacturing, and engineering, the New York tech sector generated $135 billion in 2020. CompTIA reports that New York tech professionals earned 73% over the national median salary in 2020.
Earning a computer science degree may be more affordable in New York than in other states. Both in-state and out-of-state tuition rates at four-year public universities in New York cost less than the national average.
Students can take advantage of the state's many tech companies and professional computer science organizations to find internships, mentors, and entry-level positions. Studying for an online computer science degree in New York also allows learners to explore the state's extensive cultural opportunities.
Education Statistics for New York
The table below compares education statistics for New York with national data. The Empire State takes higher education seriously, spending $3,616 more per full-time student than the national average for 2020.
New York also boasts higher than average percentages of residents with associate, bachelor's, or graduate degrees.
Although many New York schools offer online computer science programs, a smaller percentage of college students in the state take distance education courses compared to the U.S. as a whole.
| New York Data | National Data | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Four-Year Colleges | 234 | 2,679 |
| Number of Two-Year Colleges | 65 | 1,303 |
| Percentage of Students Enrolled in Distance Education | 18.8% | 36.6% |
| Higher Education Appropriations per Full-Time Enrollment, 2020 | $12,252 | $8,636 |
| Percent of Tax Revenue Allocated to Higher Education, 2018 | 3.5% | 5.6% |
| Percentage of Adults Over 25 With an Associate Degree, 2019 | 8.7% | 8.5% |
| Percentage of Adults Over 25 With a Bachelor's Degree, 2019 | 20.5% | 19.8% |
| Percentage of Adults Over 25 With a Graduate Degree or Higher, 2019 | 16% | 12.4% |
Accreditation for New York Schools
Attending an accredited college helps ensure that you receive a high-quality education while earning your online computer science degree. Accredited institutions undergo an independent third-party evaluation to assess their academic programs, faculty, and student support services.
Colleges and universities can hold either regional or national accreditation. Nonprofit institutions usually earn regional accreditation, the more popular and prestigious credential. National accreditation typically focuses on vocational, technical, and career programs.
Attending a regionally accredited university makes it easier to secure financial aid, transfer credit to another school, and qualify for professional certifications or graduate school.
When choosing an online school in New York, look for universities accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), the state's regional accreditation body.
Recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education, MSCHE also provides accreditation to postsecondary institutions in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia.
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Paying for Your Computer Science Degree
The state's public four-year universities offer tuition rates that are more affordable than average. So students may pay less for a computer science degree in New York than elsewhere. Financial aid opportunities like scholarships, grants, loans, and fellowships can provide additional educational funding. Learn more about financial aid options below.
In-State Versus Out-of-State Tuition
Public two-year and four-year universities offering online computer science programs in New York charge different in-state and out-of-state tuition rates. Legal state residents pay a discounted in-state rate, while non-residents pay a higher out-of-state rate. Private schools do not distinguish between in-state and out-of-state students, offering one tuition rate for all enrollees.
In general, attending a public school as an in-state resident offers the most affordable option. Some online computer science programs in New York may provide a tuition break for out-of-state learners. Unlike most other states, New York does not participate in any regional tuition reciprocity programs.
New York's Cost of Living
Living expenses represent an important part of college budgeting. Before deciding to earn your online computer science degree in New York, consider the cost of living.
Cost of living refers to the money necessary to afford basic living expenses like housing, groceries, healthcare, and utilities. With a cost of living index score of 139.1 — significantly more than the national average of 100 — New York has the fifth-highest cost of living in the United States.
Selecting Your Computer Science Program
Prospective students should consider several factors when choosing where to earn an online computer science degree. These factors include tuition rates, school size, faculty, and location. Start your search using our best rankings lists below.
Explore Our Rankings for the Best Computer Science Programs
Careers for Computer Science Graduates in New York
Popular computer science careers in New York include computer and information systems manager, web developer, software developer, and computer systems analyst.
According to CompTIA's 2020 report, more than 112,000 individuals — the majority of the state's tech professionals — work in software, programming, web, and QA. Tech industry employees make up nearly 7% of New York's total workforce.
Most entry-level tech positions require a bachelor's in computer science or a related field. However, some employers prefer applicants with a master's. Professional computer science organizations in New York can help students and recent graduates find mentors and learn about internship and job opportunities.
Below, we outline some of the best computer science careers in New York. We provide salary and projected job growth information for common computer science jobs and describe some of the state's top tech employers.
Select Computer Science Careers in New York
Computer and information systems managers in New York earn above the national average salary of $161,730. This occupation's projected job growth for 2018-2028 in New York exceeds the national projection of 11.3%. Computer and information systems managers need at least a bachelor's in computer science.
Salary for Computer and Information Systems Managers in NY: $193,180 | Job Outlook in NY: +16.7%
Software developers create systems and applications for computers and other devices. Typical duties include analyzing user needs, documenting applications, and recommending software upgrades. These professionals need at least a bachelor's in computer science. Developers earn more in New York than the profession's national average.
Salary for Software Developers in NY: $122,300 | Job Outlook in NY: +20.1%
Computer systems analysts, also called systems architects, need at least a bachelor's in computer science. These analysts use technical skills and business knowledge to increase computer systems efficiency. Job tasks include researching new technologies, writing instruction manuals, and designing new systems.
Salary for Computer Systems Analysts in NY: $111,150 | Job Outlook in NY: +15%
Computer Science Employers in New York
IBM
Headquartered in Armonk, New York, and founded in 1911, IBM creates software and hardware, conducts research and development, and offers consulting and hosting services. IBM employs computer science graduates in roles like software developer, software engineer, computer research scientist, and infrastructure architect.
A multinational tech company, Google delivers internet-based products and services, including online advertising technologies and its search engine. As of 2021, Google employs more than 11,000 full-time workers in New York in positions like software engineer, data scientist, data engineer, and data manager. Google plans to invest $250 million in New York City in 2021 and will prioritize hiring low-income people of color.
Bloomberg L.P.
A software, financial, data, and media company, Bloomberg L.P. provides news products, financial software tools, and enterprise applications. Based in Manhattan, Bloomberg develops technology to help people make financial decisions. Computer science graduates can work at Bloomberg as data scientists, software engineers, and data engineers.
Projected Job Growth for Computer Programmers, Computer and Information Systems Managers, and Web Developers
| New York Employment Trends | ||
|---|---|---|
| State | National | |
| Computer Programmers | ||
| 2018 Employment | 18,290 | 250,300 |
| 2028 Projected Employment | 18,280 | 232,300 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2018-28 | -0.1% | -7.2% |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | ||
| 2018 Employment | 29,300 | 414,400 |
| 2028 Projected Employment | 34,180 | 461,100 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2018-28 | +16.7% | +11.3% |
| Web Developers | ||
| 2018 Employment | 13,420 | 160,500 |
| 2028 Projected Employment | 15,160 | 181,400 |
| Projected Job Growth, 2018-28 | +13% | +13% |
New York Employment
- Web Developers: 12,950
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators: 24,080
- Computer Programmers: 12,910
- Database Administrators: 8,280
- Computer Systems Analysts: 35,890
- Information Security Analysts: 6,450
- Software Developers: 83,330
- Computer Hardware Engineers: 1,100
- Computer and Information Research Scientists: 960
- Computer and Information Systems Managers: 29,050
The data above demonstrates that many lucrative and in-demand jobs exist for graduates with online computer science degrees in New York.
Most of these careers require at least a bachelor's degree. However, in some cases, an associate in computer science may suffice. Students should think about salary potential and projected growth for their desired occupation when choosing a degree type and concentration.
Some computer science professionals in New York earn substantially more than the national annual mean wage. For example, computer and information systems managers in New York earn an annual mean wage of $193,180, compared to the national mean wage of $161,730.
For other occupations, like computer hardware engineers, New Yorkers earn about the same as their counterparts throughout the country.
Curious About Other Computer Science Jobs? Explore More Here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is computer science a good major in New York?
Yes. Earning an online computer science degree in New York opens the door to high-paying roles like computer and information systems manager, computer systems analysts, software developer, and information security analyst.
What is the best field in computer science in New York?
A variety of top New York tech firms hire computer science graduates, including Google, IBM, and Bloomberg. The best computer science fields in NY include software, programming, web, and QA.
What computer science jobs are there in New York?
Potential computer science careers in New York include opportunities for software developers, IT support specialists, computer programmers, and computer systems analysts.
Does New York have online computer science programs?
Yes, many New York colleges and universities offer online computer science degrees at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.
Professional Computer Science Organizations in New York
With nearly 100,000 members globally, ACM promotes advancement within the computing profession. Members enjoy access to publications, leadership and networking opportunities, and professional development resources. The organization maintains multiple New York chapters.
Professionals and students can join CompTIA chapters in the New York area. Membership benefits include event invitations, networking opportunities, and discounts on CompTIA products.
This New York-based organization and equity initiative bring computer science education to students across the state. CSforALL focuses on Black, female, and Latino/a learners.
AN NYU student club, this group brings together artists, hackers, and makers. Tech@NYU hosts events and can help learners find jobs.
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