Best AI Degree Programs in New York: 2026 Rankings
265 AI and machine learning programs at 25 schools in New York.
Updated
The strongest AI programs in New York on this list are led by New York University, Columbia University, and University at Buffalo. Schools are ordered using our ranking for New York, drawn from 265 programs at 25 schools.
Best AI programs in New York
Rank
School
Location
1
New York University
New York, NY
2
Columbia University
New York, NY
3
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY
4
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY
5
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
6
St. John's University
Queens, NY
7
Long Island University-Brooklyn Campus
Brooklyn, NY
8
Long Island University-C W Post Campus
Brookville, NY
9
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, NY
10
University of Rochester
Rochester, NY
11
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY
12
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, NY
13
Binghamton University
Vestal, NY
14
Pace University
New York, NY
15
Colgate University
Hamilton, NY
16
SUNY at Albany
Albany, NY
17
Fordham University
Bronx, NY
18
Erie Community College
Buffalo, NY
19
Adelphi University
Garden City, NY
20
CUNY Queens College
Queens, NY
School names are plain text in the table. Profiles and write-ups are below when available.
How we ranked this list
We order schools on this page using our ranking method, with more weight on affordability (30%), student outcomes (25%), curriculum (25%). Figures draw from published school tuition and U.S. Department of Education outcomes data when available. Schools cannot pay for a higher rank. About 89% of programs on this list have full scoring data. Read the full ranking methodology.
Top schools in New York
Each school lists a quick overview (program, estimated cost, format) plus a short program summary with links to official school pages and related program paths. Tuition figures are published estimates—confirm current totals on the school’s program page before you apply.
1
New York University
New York, NY
M.S. in Emerging Technologies — Machine Learning and AI Concentration
Overview
Availability: Online
Estimated tuition total: $75,750
Credits: 30
Best for: Working adults comparing this online AI/ML path on cost and fit
NSA CAE: NSA CAE (CAE-CO, CAE-CD, CAE-R)
Program summary
Start with New York University if this ranking angle matches your goals. Expect the parent degree’s core plus an AI-focused set of electives—confirm how many credits must be AI-labeled before you treat it as an AI credential. Delivery is fully online—confirm live vs recorded sessions and any intensives.
MS in Computer Science (Machine Learning) via Columbia Video Network
Overview
Availability: Online
Estimated tuition total: $85,000
Credits: 30
Best for: CS students specializing in AI/ML within an MSCS
Accreditation: MSCHE
Program summary
Columbia sits in New York. You’re in a CS degree that leans AI/ML—confirm how many required courses are explicitly AI versus general graduate CS. Delivery is fully online—confirm live vs recorded sessions and any intensives.
MS in Engineering Sciences — Artificial Intelligence
Overview
Availability: Varies
Estimated tuition total: Confirm on school site
Credits: Confirm on school site
Best for: Students comparing this specialty on cost and delivery
Program summary
University at Buffalo anchors this ranking slot. Positioned as an AI/ML program on paper; verify labs, final projects, and math required courses match the intensity you want.
BS in Computer Science — Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Specialization
Overview
Availability: Varies
Estimated tuition total: Confirm on school site
Credits: Confirm on school site
Best for: Data professionals adding an AI/ML concentration
NSA CAE: NSA CAE (CAE-R)
Program summary
Start with Stony Brook University if this ranking angle matches your goals. This is a specialization on a larger program, not a standalone AI diploma; the parent major still drives required courses and campus-visit rules. AI/ML is a concentration on a data science or analytics bachelor's—not a standalone AI degree.
Best for: Students comparing this specialty on cost and delivery (Long Island University-Brooklyn Campus)
Program summary
Long Island University-Brooklyn Campus anchors this ranking slot. Positioned as an AI/ML program on paper; verify labs, final projects, and math required courses match the intensity you want.
Best for: Students comparing this specialty on cost and delivery (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute)
Program summary
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is based in Troy. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's program is worth a close look; confirm delivery mode on the school’s program page.
Best for: Students comparing this specialty on cost and delivery (University of Rochester)
Program summary
Start with University of Rochester if this ranking angle matches your goals. Most of the work is on campus—labs and cohort access are part of the draw. This is a broader degree, not a standalone AI program.
On this state ranking, New York University, Columbia University, and University at Buffalo appear near the top. We list 25 schools offering AI programs in New York. Confirm format and admissions on each school site.
How many AI programs are in New York?
About 265 AI programs at 25 schools show up for New York on this list. Confirm current offerings on each school site.
Online or campus?
Both can appear on state lists. Check each program’s delivery format and any required campus visits.
How does AIDegrees rank these programs?
We order schools on this page using our ranking method, with more weight on affordability (30%), student outcomes (25%), curriculum (25%). Figures draw from published school tuition and U.S. Department of Education outcomes data when available. Schools cannot pay for a higher rank. About 89% of programs on this list have full scoring data. See the full ranking methodology for weights and data sources.
State list or overall ranking?
Use both—state lists help with in-state tuition and local networks; overall lists compare research strength and online options.
