Best Engineering Colleges in New York for 2025: Fees, Rankings & Eligibility

Ever dreamt about doing engineering in a city like New York- the one that never sleeps? You are in for a treat! Whether you dream of building bridges, designing robots, or creating the next big tech innovation, New York’s top engineering colleges are perfect place to be. From Ivy League excellence at Cornell and Columbia to tech-focused learning at NYU Tandon and RPI, these schools combine world-class faculty, cutting-edge research, and amazing internship opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic regions. So, whether you’re after prestige, affordability, or career-ready programs, there’s an engineering college in New York that fits your goals. Let’s explore the top Engineering Colleges in New York.

Best Engineering Colleges in New York

Cornell University – College of Engineering

Cornell University’s College of Engineering located in Ithaca, New York, this top-tier school doesn’t just offer a beautiful campus—it delivers a world-class engineering education. Ranked among the top 15 engineering schools in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report, Cornell Engineering is known for its innovation-first approach, elite faculty, and deep industry connections.  

In 2024, Cornell received over 20,000 engineering applications, making it one of the most competitive undergrad programs in the nation, with an acceptance rate of around 6.7% for engineering students. Cornell offers a rich menu of 14 majors and 20+ minors, ranging from Aerospace Engineering to Computer Science, Environmental Engineering, and more. It also leads in research funding—boasting over $250 million annually in sponsored research. Below are the key details of Cornell University – College of Engineering: 

Columbia University – Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science

Dreaming of studying engineering in the heart of New York City? Columbia University’s Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science offers just that—and more. Located in vibrant Manhattan, this Ivy League institution is ranked among the top 20 engineering schools in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report, Columbia Engineering is known for its interdisciplinary research, access to top faculty, and proximity to some of the world’s leading tech companies and research hospitals.  

In 2024, the school received more than 45,000 undergraduate applications, with an ultra-selective acceptance rate of just 3.9%. Whether you’re into Artificial Intelligence, Sustainable Design, Robotics, or Biomedical Engineering, Columbia offers 17 undergraduate majors and 27 graduate programs that span emerging technologies and traditional disciplines. Below are the key details of Columbia University – Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science: 

New York University (NYU) – Tandon School of Engineering 

If you want to study engineering in one of the most tech-forward cities in the world, NYU Tandon School of Engineering in Brooklyn should be high on your list. In 2024, NYU Tandon was ranked among the top 40 engineering schools in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report. With a campus located in Downtown Brooklyn, students are minutes away from tech giants, incubators, and startups in Silicon Alley—making internships and networking a breeze.  

Tandon has over 5,500 engineering undergrads and graduate students from across the globe. Whether you’re passionate about cybersecurity, data science, biomedical engineering, or robotics, Tandon offers cutting-edge programs supported by research centers like NYU Cyber Fellows, AI Now Institute, and Urban Future Lab. Even better? 97% of Tandon graduates find jobs or get accepted into grad school within 6 months—a stat that speaks volumes about its career support. Below are the key details of New York University (NYU) – Tandon School of Engineering: 

University of Rochester – Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

The Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the University of Rochester might be your perfect match! Located in upstate New York, Hajim is known for excellent research in fields like optics, biomedical engineering, data science, and electrical engineering. What makes Hajim truly stand out is its interdisciplinary environment. Students are encouraged to pair engineering with music, business, or even political science—thanks to Rochester’s unique flexible curriculum. 

As of 2024, the school enrolls around 1,300 undergraduates in engineering and is home to globally recognized research centers like the Institute of Optics and the Goergen Institute for Data Science. Plus, with an acceptance rate of about 36%, it’s selective but more accessible than some Ivy League schools—offering merit-based scholarships, need-based aid, and financial support for international students. Below are the key details of University of Rochester – Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences: 

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)—the oldest technological research university in the United States is founded in 1824! Located in Troy, New York, RPI has a long-standing reputation for excellence in mechanical, aerospace, civil, and electrical engineering. In fact, it consistently ranks among the top engineering schools in the U.S. With an acceptance rate of ~58%, it’s competitive but accessible.  

Its Arch Program ensures every student gets a semester dedicated to internships, research, or global study—boosting your resume before graduation! Combine that with award-winning faculty, world-class research labs, and over 475 student clubs and organizations, and you’ve got a well-rounded student experience. Below are the key details of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute: 

University at Buffalo (SUNY) – School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

If you’re searching for top-quality engineering education that won’t break the bank, then the University at Buffalo (UB)—part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system—might just be your perfect match. UB’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences is not only the largest public engineering school in New York State, but it’s also ranked among the top 35 public engineering schools in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report. 

With over 7,000 engineering students, UB offers a wide range of majors like Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Computer Science. What makes UB stand out further is its affordability. In-state tuition is around $10,724 per year, making it one of the most cost-effective engineering degrees in the country. Below are the key details of University at Buffalo (SUNY) – School of Engineering and Applied Sciences: 

Conclusion 

So, which engineering path you are leaning towards? If you’re aiming for a highly competitive, research-driven experience, Cornell and Columbia bring Ivy League prestige. Love urban innovation? NYU Tandon puts you right in the tech heart of Brooklyn. Prefer a creative twist? University of Rochester’s Hajim School is all about blending engineering with the arts. Want strong ROI with a historic legacy? RPI is worth a look. And if you’re after quality education without sky-high fees, University at Buffalo is a fantastic choice.  

And when it’s time to find student housing near your dream university, University Living has you covered! From budget-friendly rooms to fully furnished studios near every major campus—we make student living safe, easy, and completely hassle-free. Explore your options, apply early, and let University Living help you feel at home—before you even arrive!

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