Top Engineering Schools in New York State
Last Updated on August 12, 2023 by Oluwajuwon Alvina
Engineering schools are not only popular but competitive. Being accepted into a top engineering school is the first step you need to take to hit the ground running in your college career. Our team researched all Top Engineering Schools in New York State, best engineering schools, which suny is best for engineering, suny engineering schools & engineering schools in upstate new york. If you’re reading about top engineering schools in new york state for the very first time, it may seem overwhelming for those without previous knowledge or experience, but you may find it fascinating.
Learn more about stony brook engineering majors, automotive engineering colleges in new york, chemical engineering schools in new york state , and civil engineering schools in new york state. You’ll also find more resources related to grove school of engineering acceptance rate on collegelearners.
We have created a 2021 ranking of the best colleges in New York that offer Engineering degrees to help you find a school that fits your needs. Each school’s ranking is based on the compilation of our data from reliable government sources, student surveys, college graduate interviews, and editorial review. In addition, you can view our entire list of all 142 Engineering schools located within New York. We also provide reviews, facts, and questions and answers for schools on our site and offer you access to get valuable information from colleges and universities today.
New York City is one of the world’s most well-known cities, with its vibrant culture, diverse population, and diverse blend of ideas. The architecture includes impressive feats of engineering from the Brooklyn Bridge to the New York subway. However, this isn’t limited to just the city. New York as a whole boasts the third-largest economy in the United States.
Top Engineering Schools in New York State
best engineering schools
Although the state is best known for its financial sector, other industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and technology are also significant in New York. Employment in the tech sector increased by 57% between 2010 and 2016, and this trend is expected to continue. Engineers are needed to keep up with the exponential growth in these sectors. This can be seen in the impressive average annual salary of $95,000 for New York engineers.
Engineering and technology are intertwined, as new discoveries are made engineers are necessary to bring these ideas to reality. The majority of today’s services and products required engineering at some point in their creation. Engineering is a wide-ranging field and college students are guaranteed to find some aspect exciting, whether related to chemical, biological, mechanical, environmental, or civil fields.
The best engineering schools worldwide are known for their accomplished faculty, quality education, and essential research that impact their communities. New York has no shortage of top engineering schools, making it difficult to decide which one is the best fit. The US News National Engineering Schools Rankings consider factors such as selectivity, resources, research activity, and peer reviews. These impressive engineering programs top the list, and #1 and #2 are even tied by the US News rankings.
Without further ado, here are the best engineering schools in New York based on their appearance in the US News and World Report Engineering rankings.
10. SUNY Binghamton Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science (Binghamton, NY)
The Watson College of Engineering at Binghamton is revered as leaders in inclusive excellence. In early 2021, they were honored with the highest level Diversity Recognition award from the American Society for Engineering Education. This was the result of Watson’s multiple inclusion initiatives and a campus-wide climate that supports diversity.
The Watson Institute for Systems Excellence also supports students through opportunities for conducting innovative research. Students get the chance to apply their classroom knowledge alongside federal and industry sponsors such as IBM, GE, the Mayo Clinic, the EPA, and 20 other innovative research partners. Watson students practice using engineering tools in a professional setting to meet industry goals.
Another way for engineering students to perform hands-on learning is through Watson Competes! These project-based competitions allow undergraduates to work with students from a range of majors. The challenges range from creating a Mars Rover to a futuristic Hyperloop pod.
9. Syracuse University College of Engineering and Computer Science (Syracuse, NY)
Syracuse’s College of Engineering is an esteemed program that founded the nation’s second-oldest computer and bioengineering programs.
In the present times, the school has founded many new and exciting research centers, including the Biomaterials Institute and the Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems (COE). The COE, with the help of Syracuse’s resources, hosts over 200 private companies and organizations that create new products. They tackle challenges such as environmental quality, clean energy, and water resource management for a more sustainable future.
Students also have the opportunity to use their engineering skills inside the classroom. The mechanical engineering capstone project requires students to provide well-developed solutions to fit their client’s needs. This project incorporates professional industrial design, with actual companies in the area using their solutions. Students must hone their research, communication, and problem-solving skills over 1200+ hours of work.
8. Rochester Institute of Technology Kate Gleason College of Engineering (Rochester, NY)
RIT’s Gleason College is the only engineering college nationwide to be named after a woman. The school’s namesake, Kate Gleason, was one of the first women to attend an engineering school. After graduating, she went on to shape the trajectory of her family’s machine business during World War I.
Today’s students in the Gleason College continue to impact companies around the world. 100% of students complete cooperative education, where they work as an engineer in a leading company. Along with gaining an edge for future employment, students develop skills that can only be learned on the job.
A research team from RIT recently won a Catalyst Award from the National Academy of Medicine for their smart toilet seat design. This device provides monitoring of critical health data to detect signs of cardiovascular disease. The group was one of over 1,300 global innovators in the Healthy Longevity Global Competition.
7. SUNY Stony Brook College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (Stony Brook, NY)
SUNY Stony Brook’s College of Engineering has an impressive staff with 2 Nobel Laureates, 6 National Academy members, one member of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, and 2 Presidential Early Career Award winners.
The distinguished staff are drawn to the university for its innovative research. SUNY Stony Brook spends $41 million in annual research expenditures, up nearly 50% since 2015. This growth can also be seen in research centers that are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. The institutes focus on topics ranging from Engineering-Driven Medicine to Advanced Energy and Research Technology to AI-Driven Discovery and Innovation.
Along with supporting current students, the college encourages the next generation of engineers through the STEM Teaching Lab. These enhanced facilities can be used for lecture and lab activities for current students but are also designed for younger students from communities who lack the resources for a holistic STEM education.
6. SUNY Buffalo School of Engineering and Applied Science (Buffalo, NY)
The School of Engineering at UB has consistently ranked in the top 25 schools for hosting international students for 17 years in a row. Their diverse body of engineering students from 67 countries makes up a global community that brings diverse perspectives to the field.
UB is also breaking boundaries through their research activity. The US Department of Energy awarded the department with $8.5 million to improve hybrid space rocket technology. The funding also enabled the university to establish the Center for Hybrid Exascale Simulation Technology.
Students are encouraged to participate in academic labs or develop their own ideas through the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL). This facility provides new methods to drive business growth with help from the School of Management. UB also supports economic development in their community, with $2.3 billion of economic impact produced and 23,000 Western New Yorkers employed by CEL businesses.
5. University of Rochester Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (Rochester, NY)
The Hajim School of Engineering is in the perfect location to drive change, with Rochester hosting some of the country’s leading engineering companies. The area has the largest concentration of engineers in the state outside of NYC. Additionally, there are plenty of options for research collaborations with nearby medical centers, institutes, and laboratories.
Rochester is home to the Integrated Nanosystems Center. This $4.4 million metrology and fabrication facility is dedicated to researching and creating materials on a microscopic level. The research center seeks to encourage interdisciplinary research and educational opportunities throughout the engineering department.
Along with Rochester students and faculty, the Integrated Nanosystems Center helps the local community by nurturing new ideas that drive industry partnerships. Engineering students are exposed to many opportunities to create change through research and industry collaboration.
4. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Troy, NY)
As the oldest technological university in the English-speaking world, RPI has plenty of experience teaching young engineers. Their distinguished program granted the first civil engineering degrees in the United States.
RPI’s impressive list of alumni includes the inventors of the television, microprocessor, e-mail, and digital camera. Other engineering students went on to found major companies such as Texas Instruments, NVIDIA, and Garmin.
Today, RPI continues to drive change through groundbreaking technology. The institute is home to the Artificial Intelligence Multiprocessing Optimized System, the most powerful university-based supercomputer in the world. This device is configured to help accelerate New York’s economic development.
It comes as no surprise that with the world-class academic and research opportunities, RPI was ranked in the top 10 US colleges where students go on to earn the most money by CNBC. Graduates of RPI make an average salary of $80,000 10 years after enrolling.
3. New York University Tandon School of Engineering (New York, NY)
NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering has made great strides, leaping from 80th to 40th in the US News rankings over the last decade. Tandon’s record-setting Class of 2023 is 46% women, which is over double the national average of 22%.
Tandon’s research mission is to discover new technology that will create a better world. Their research focuses include augmented and virtual reality for improved public safety, 5G telecommunications, and more sustainable urban areas.
This purpose extends to students and the local community as well. Tandon’s Urban Future Lab started as a student incubator and is now the center of cleantech innovation in NYC. It serves to create a more sustainable world by connecting people to the capital and resources they need to advance their climate change solutions. The incubator has supported 63 companies and created over 600 jobs in the intersection between the public and private sectors.
2. Cornell University College of Engineering (Ithaca, NY)
Cornell University has one of the top ten engineering schools in the country, according to US News. Graduates have their choice of the most successful companies. The most common employers of Cornell engineers include Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Goldman Sachs.
The nanotechnology program has received national recognition, ranking #1 in nanotech commercialization, #2 in facilities, and #4 in research. This developing technology has applications in energy production and storage, drug delivery, and material fabrication.
Engineering students have additional opportunities to tackle real-world engineering problems through innovation. The Project Team Experience is entirely led and run by undergraduates, attracting an impressive 1200 participants across all engineering majors. Students work in teams to engineer autonomous underwater vehicles, develop sustainable irrigation systems, and many more impressive projects.
1. Columbia University Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (New York, NY)
Columbia is one of the top engineering schools in the United Stanks, with a record low acceptance of 5.1% in 2019. Columbia is located among a dense cluster of academic and industrial facilities, allowing the school to partner with many top research partners such as NASA, IBM, the Earth Institute, and GE.
Columbia has the resources to perform new and exciting research to lead the field. In 2017, the school reached $68 million in engineering research expenditures. The faculty takes an active role in research and views student involvement as an integral part of the educational process.
One such lab at Columbia is working on engineering energy networks within bacterial cells. The researchers are studying a specific type of biofuels that utilize stored electrical energy from renewable sources, bypassing land and crop requirements. These advancements can address challenges in medicine, manufacturing, and sustainable energy.
engineering schools in upstate new york
Cornell University offers 62 Engineering Degree programs. It’s a large private university in a small city. In 2015, 1,892 students graduated in the study area of Engineering with students earning 1,039 Bachelor’s degrees, 713 Master’s degrees, and 140 Doctoral degrees.
Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers 11 Engineering Degree programs. It’s a very small private university in a large city. In 2015, 163 students graduated in the study area of Engineering with students earning 129 Bachelor’s degrees, and 34 Master’s degrees.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offers 52 Engineering Degree programs. It’s a medium sized private university in a small city. In 2015, 1,002 students graduated in the study area of Engineering with students earning 757 Bachelor’s degrees, 146 Master’s degrees, and 99 Doctoral degrees.
Clarkson University offers 31 Engineering Degree programs. It’s a medium sized private university in a remote town. In 2015, 578 students graduated in the study area of Engineering with students earning 496 Bachelor’s degrees, 60 Master’s degrees, and 22 Doctoral degrees.Chemical Engineering Schools in New York State
#1
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, NY
Doctor’s Degree : HIGHEST DEGREE TYPE
$66,000 : MEDIAN STARTING SALARY
Every student who is interested in chemical engineering has to take a look at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. RPI is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in the small city of Troy.
For those interested in something more advanced, RPI also offers 2 different higher degree levels in chemical engineering, the most popular of which is a Doctor’s Degree. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute chemical engineering graduates earn $7,430 more than the standard chem eng student.
#2
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
Doctor’s Degree : HIGHEST DEGREE TYPE
$77,500 : MEDIAN STARTING SALARY
Cornell University is among your top options if you’re planning on studying chemical engineering. Cornell is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Ithaca.
For those interested in something more advanced, Cornell also offers 2 different higher degree levels in chemical engineering, the most popular of which is a Master’s Degree. Cornell University chemical engineering majors earn $18,930 more than the typical chem eng student.
#3
Clarkson University
Potsdam, NY
Doctor’s Degree:HIGHEST DEGREE TYPE
$65,400 : MEDIAN STARTING SALARY
It is hard to beat Clarkson University if you wish to study chemical engineering. Located in the town of Potsdam, Clarkson is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population.
For those interested in something more advanced, Clarkson also offers 2 different higher degree levels in chemical engineering, the most popular of which is a Master’s Degree. Students from the chemical engineering degree program at Clarkson University earn $6,830 more than the typical graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.
#4
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY
Doctor’s Degree : HIGHEST DEGREE TYPE
$68,100 : MEDIAN STARTING SALARY
Columbia University in the City of New York is among your top options if you want to study chemical engineering. Located in the large city of New York, Columbia is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population.
For those interested in something more advanced, Columbia also offers 2 different higher degree levels in chemical engineering, the most popular of which is a Master’s Degree. Columbia University in the City of New York chemical engineering majors receive $9,530 more than the standard chem eng grad.
#5
Manhattan College
Riverdale, NY
Master’s Degree: HIGHEST DEGREE TYPE
45.8% : GROWTH IN GRADUATES
$60,000 : MEDIAN STARTING SALARY
Located in the large city of Riverdale, Manhattan is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population.
For those interested in pursuing a higher degree, Manhattan also offers a Master’s Degrees in chemical engineering. Soon after graduation, chem eng students typically make an average of $60,000 in their early careers.
#6
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY
Master’s Degree: HIGHEST DEGREE TYPE
6.7%: GROWTH IN GRADUATES
$51,900: MEDIAN STARTING SALARY
Located in the suburb of Stony Brook, SUNY Stony Brook is a public university with a very large student population.
For those interested in pursuing a higher degree, SUNY Stony Brook also offers a Master’s Degrees in chemical engineering. Students who complete this degree state that they receive average early career income of $51,900.
#7
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, NY
$67,200: MEDIAN STARTING SALARY
Located in the large suburb of Rochester, RIT is a private not-for-profit school with a large student population.
Rochester Institute of Technology chemical engineering graduates make $8,630 more than the typical chem eng grad.
#8
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY
Doctor’s Degree: HIGHEST DEGREE TYPE
1.4% :GROWTH IN GRADUATES
$45,100 : MEDIAN STARTING SALARY
University at Buffalo is a very large public university located in the large suburb of Buffalo.
For those interested in something more advanced, University at Buffalo also offers 2 different higher degree levels in chemical engineering, the most popular of which is a Master’s Degree. After getting their bachelor’s degree, chem eng students generally make an average of $45,100 in the first five years of their career.
#9
New York University
New York, NY
Master’s Degree : HIGHEST DEGREE TYPE
$47,700 : MEDIAN STARTING SALARY
Located in the city of New York, NYU is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population.
In addition to its bachelor’s programs, NYU offers a Master’s Degrees in chemical engineering. After getting their bachelor’s degree, chem eng students generally make an average of $47,700 at the beginning of their careers
#10
The City College of New York
New York, NY
Doctor’s Degree ; HIGHEST DEGREE TYPE
52.6% ; GROWTH IN GRADUATES
$36,800 ; MEDIAN STARTING SALARY
Located in the large city of New York, CCNY is a public college with a fairly large student population.
For those interested in something more advanced, CCNY also offers 2 different higher degree levels in chemical engineering, the most popular of which is a Master’s Degree. Students who graduate from the chem eng program earn an average of $36,800 in their early career salary.
Engineering Education in New York
The engineering sector is divided into different industries. For example, infrastructure projects conducted by governments need civil engineers to draft the projects. Another example are chemical companies needing chemical engineers to create the production of new chemicals. Engineers can also be found in industries like the aerospace, mining, electrical, and environmental industries.
In addition, there are three private institutions that offer engineering certifications and associate’s programs: Bramson ORT College, the Institute of Design and Technology, and Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology.
For bachelor’s programs, there are sixteen public universities providing engineering undergraduate programs, including the University of Buffalo, Buffalo State University, City College, Stony Brook University, and Binghamton University.
There are also twenty-five private universities offering engineering bachelor’s programs, such as Syracuse University, the University of Rochester, the Rochester Institute of Technology, New York University, Fordham University, and the two Ivy League schools in New York: Cornell University and Columbia University.
There are also twenty-nine public and private universities in New York offer graduate programs in engineering, including Clarkson University, Hofstra University, Manhattan College, Pace University, and the City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate School.
Students who are interested in enrolling in certificate or associate’s programs in engineering can enroll in the thirty-eight community colleges and primarily associate degree-granting institutions. The largest community college providing engineering is Suffolk County Community College, located on Long Island.
Outlook of Engineering Jobs in New York
All engineering occupations are influenced by the demand within each industry one can find engineering professions. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), New York has 94,830 total engineers who earn an average annual salary of $74,570. Within those figures, the BLS states that there are 930 chemical engineers who earn an average annual salary of $89,800.
In contrast, there are 8,300 electrical engineers employed in New York, according to the BLS, that earn a salary of $88,030 a year. One extreme example are petroleum engineers, where there are only 50 employed in New York, but they earn $109,100 a year.
New York State is a great place to go to school. There are many colleges and universities in New York, and they have some of the top engineering schools in the country.
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is one of the best engineering schools in New York State. It was founded in 1859 by Peter Cooper, who wanted to provide free education for working-class people. Today, it has evolved into a small liberal arts college with an engineering program that is considered among the top ten in the United States.
Another great engineering school in New York is Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). It was founded in 1824 as a civil and military engineering school, but today it offers many more majors including computer science, biochemistry and molecular biology, business administration/management science, electrical sciences/electrical engineering, mechanical engineering/mechanical technology (BME), physics/astronomy (PHY), political science/international relations (POLS), economics/finance (ECON), environmental studies (ENVS), industrial management (INDM), mathematical sciences/mathematics (MATH), computer science/computer information systems (CSCI)
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