MS Universities in New York: Top Schools, Programs, and Admission Tips
Home to over 50 Fortune 500 companies, New York has some of the highest-ranking MS universities in the world. From engineering to music to biology, these universities offer hundreds of program options to students.
If you’re also looking to get into one of the top institutions in New York to complete your master’s, this blog is for you. Read below to learn what it’s like to study in NY at the best colleges and their prospects.
Studying master’s in New York
New York has over 100 universities, including Ivy League institutions like New York University and Cornell. From diversity (due to many international students) to excellent career opportunities, studying for a master’s in New York is a great experience.
Filled with culture, world-class education, research facilities, and accessibility to scholarships are many reasons why the city houses over 1.2 lakh international students. These students take advantage of more than 100 master’s programs offered at universities like NYU and CUNY. Let’s explore these programs in detail.
Best master’s programs in New York
From finance to computer science to management, here are the top programs you can study at the best MS universities in New York:
| Universities | Programs | Special Features | Entry Requirements |
| Columbia University | MBA with specializations in Finance/ Marketing/ Strategy | Ivy League prestige, strong alumni network | Bachelor’s degree, GMAT/GRE, TOEFL/IELTS |
| Cornell Tech | Master of Engineering in Computer Science/ Product Design | Industry immersion, entrepreneurial focus | Bachelor’s in Engineering, GRE, SOP |
| New York University (NYU) | Master of Science in Data Science/ Artificial Intelligence/ Big Data | Access to tech hubs, cutting-edge labs | Bachelor’s in STEM, GRE, SOP, transcripts |
| City College of New York | Master of Public Health in Epidemiology/ Global Health | Affordable tuition, diverse faculty | Bachelor’s degree, SOP, TOEFL/IELTS |
| Fordham University | Master of Laws (LLM) with specializations in International Law and Tax Law | Practical exposure, global curriculum | Law degree, TOEFL/IELTS, essays |
| Stony Brook University | Master of Science in Computer Science/ Machine Learning/ Software Engineering | Research-focused, STEM OPT eligibility | Bachelor’s in CS, GRE, English proficiency |
| Pace University | Master of Science in Financial Management/ Risk Management/ Corporate Finance | Location near Wall Street, hands-on training | Bachelor’s in Finance, GMAT/GRE optional |
| Hofstra University | Master of Arts in Journalism/ Investigative Reporting/ Broadcast | Proximity to NYC media hubs | Bachelor’s degree, TOEFL/IELTS, portfolio |
| Syracuse University | Master of Public Administration/ Nonprofit Management/ Policy Analysis | Internships in government organizations | Bachelor’s degree, GRE, SOP |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | Master of Science in Cybersecurity/ Network Security/ Forensics | Co-op programs, high placement rates | Bachelor’s in CS, GRE, transcripts |
Now, let’s know more about the master’s programs at some of the top NY universities:
Top MS programs at Cornell University
| Programs | Fields of Study | Duration |
| Food Science and Technology (M.F.S.), Food Science and Technology (M.S.) (Ithaca) | Food Science and Technology | 1 year |
| Master of Industrial and Labor Relations (M.I.L.R.), Industrial and Labor Relations (M.P.S.), Industrial and Labor Relations (M.S.) | Industrial and Labor Relations | 2 years |
| Landscape Architecture (M.L.A.), Landscape Architecture (M.P.S.) | Landscape Architecture | 3 years |
| M.P.H (Master of Public Health) | Public Health and Planetary Health | 1-2 years |
M.P.S. (Master of Professional Studies) with the following specializations:
| Various | 1 year |
| Applied Statistics M.P.S. (A.S.) | Statistics | 1 year |
| Applied Economics and Management (M.P.S.), Applied Economics and Management (M.S.) | Applied Economics and Management | 1 year |
Top MS programs at Columbia University
| Programs | Schools |
| Landscape Design, Master of Science | School of Professional Studies |
| Technology Management, Executive Master of Science | School of Professional Studies |
| Business School Executive MBA Program | Columbia Business School |
| M.A. Biotechnology Program | Graduate School of Arts and Sciences |
| Master of Science in Actuarial Science | School of Professional Studies |
| Master of Science in Sustainability Management | Columbia Climate School – The Earth Institute and School of Professional Studies |
| Master of Science in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution | School of Professional Studies |
| Master of Science in Narrative Medicine | School of Professional Studies |
| Business School MBA Program | Columbia Business School |
| Master of Science in Communications Practice | School of Professional Studies |
Top MS programs at New York University
| Programs | Details |
| MS in Global Security, Conflict, and Cybercrime (STEM) | Deals with security issues arising from cyberwar, cybercrime, and cyberconflict. |
| MS in Global Hospitality Management | Prepares students for careers in international hospitality organizations and companies. |
| MS in Financial Planning | Prepares students for financial planning jobs in private practice, finance, investments, & wealth management. |
| MS in Management and Analytics (STEM) | Guide students through strategic insights in big data and AI for a competitive advantage. |
| Master’s in Data Science | Provides a strong foundation in mathematics, computer science, and applied statistics. |
| Master in Computer Science | Includes foundational courses in algorithms, programming languages, and operating systems. |
| Master of Science in Mathematics in Finance | Includes courses in data science, algorithmic trading, interest tax, financial securities, etc. |
| MS in Data Analytics & Business Computing | It’s a one-year-long full-time program that NYU Stern and NYU Shanghai Jointly offer. |
| Full-time MBA | It’s a 2-years-long program that requires students to complete 60 credits. |
Top MS programs at the University of Rochester
| Programs | Schools and Departments |
| MS in Biomedical Engineering | Department of Biomedical Engineering, Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences |
| MS in Computer Science | Department of Computer Science, Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences |
| MS in Biology | Department of Biology, School of Arts & Sciences |
| MA in Pedagogy of Music Theory | Eastman School of Music |
| MS in Biostatistics | School of Medicine and Dentistry |
| MS in Health Humanities and Bioethics | School of Medicine and Dentistry |
| MS in Genetic Counseling | School of Medicine and Dentistry |
| MS in Business Analytics | Simon Business School |
| Master of Business Administration MBA (full-time) | Simon Business School |
| Master of Business Administration MBA (Executive) | Simon Business School |
Top MS programs at Stony Brook University–SUNY
| Programs | Details |
| MS in Accounting | It’s a STEM-designated program offered on a full-time and part-time basis. |
| MS in Biomedical Engineering | It’s an interdisciplinary program in collaboration with the School of Medicine, the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and the College of Arts and Sciences. |
| MS in Computer Engineering | The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences offers it. |
Next let’s learn more about top 10 universities in New York that offer master’s programs to international students.
Top 10 universities for master’s in New York
Now that you have gone through some of the more popular master’s programs, it’s time to have a look at the top MS universities in New York:
| Universities | QS World University Ranking 2025 (global ranking) | USN Ranking (national ranking) | Top Master’s Programs |
| Cornell University | 16 | 11 | Master of Engineering in Computer Science/ Product Design |
| Columbia University | 34 | 13 | MBA with specializations in Finance/ Marketing/ Strategy |
| New York University | 43 | 30 | Master of Science in Data Science/ Artificial Intelligence/ Big Data |
| University of Rochester | 236 | 44 | MBA with specializations in Marketing and Analytics, Master of Science in Data Science |
| University at Buffalo–SUNY | 466 | 76 | Master of Science in Electrical Engineering/ Computer Science/ Computer Engineering |
| Stony Brook University–SUNY | 460 | 58 | Master of Science in Computer Science/ Machine Learning/ Software Engineering |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | 1001-1200 | 91 | Master of Science in Cybersecurity/ Network Security/ Forensics |
| Binghamton University–SUNY | 1001-1200 | 73 | Master of Science in Systems Science/ Industrial Engineering |
| Syracuse University | 801-850 | 73 | Master of Public Administration/ Nonprofit Management/ Policy Analysis |
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | 601-610 | 70 | Master of Science in Engineering Sciences/ Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning |
Let’s explore some of these universities further:
#1 top MS university in New York – Cornell University
Cornell University was founded in 1865 with 16,071 UG students and 10,213 graduate and professional students. The university houses over 2,900 faculty members and has created 52 Nobel Laureates.
In 2023, 67,846 students applied to the university, of which only 5,358 were accepted. This makes the admissions at Cornell University highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 7.5%.
In 2023-24, the university conferred 3,745 master’s degrees, which makes up 43% of the total degrees conferred by the university that year. From food science to public health to human resources, the university offers various master’s programs under the following degrees:
- M.A. (Master of Arts)
- M.S. (Master of Science)
- M.A./Ph.D. or M.S./Ph.D. (joint Master’s/Doctor of Philosophy)
- M.F.A. (Master of Fine Arts), Creative Writing
#2 top MS university in New York – Columbia University
Columbia University, founded in 1754, is ranked #34 in the world by the QS World University Ranking 2025. Its main campus is situated in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York.
With an acceptance rate of 4%, the university offers high-ranking and competitive programs in artificial intelligence, business, immunology, computer science, chemistry, etc. The U.S. News & World News ranked the university as the 9th best institution in the USA. Here are some program-specific rankings for the university by USN:
- #112 in Artificial Intelligence
- #13 in Cell Biology
- #18 in Biology and Biochemistry
- #17 in Arts and Humanities
- #34 in Immunology
- #5 in Cardiac and Cardiovascular Systems
- #68 in Computer Science
- #58 in Chemistry
- #12 in Clinical Medicine
- #6 in Economics and Business
- #95 in Condensed Matter Physics
- #78 in Ecology
- #67 in Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology
#3 top MS university in New York – New York University
New York University was founded in 1831. The university operates 13 global academic and research centers in over 25 countries, making it one of the largest private institutions in the USA.
The university is well recognized globally for its academic excellence and offers over 400 programs under the following schools:
- Graduate School of Arts & Science
- College of Arts & Science
- College of Dentistry
- Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences
- Grossman School of Medicine
- Gallatin School of Individualized Study
- NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine
- The Institute of Fine Arts
- Institute for the Study of the Ancient World
- Leonard N. Stern School of Business
- Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
- School of Global Public Health
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing
- School of Professional Studies
- School of Law
- Silver School of Social Work
- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development
- Tandon School of Engineering
- Tisch School of the Arts
#4 top MS university in New York – University of Rochester
Founded in 1850, the University of Rochester ranked #44 among all national universities by the U.S. News & World Report. As of Fall 2024, the university has 11,946 enrolled students. 5,366 of the student strength is made of graduate students, and 3,593 are international.
As one of the top MS universities in New York or the USA, the difficulty level of admission is higher than that of average institutions. Its acceptance rate is 36%. It also offers hundreds of graduate programs leading to advanced degrees under the following schools/ departments:
- School of Arts & Sciences
- Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences
- Eastman School of Music
- School of Medicine and Dentistry
- School of Nursing
- Simon Business School
- Warner School of Education
#5 top MS university in New York – Stony Brook University–SUNY
Founded in 1957, Stony Brook University has over 26,000 students and 8,400+ graduate students. Ranked as the #1 public university in New York in 2025 by the U.S. News & World Report, Stony Brook University offers over 200 UG programs and more than 140 graduate programs. Some of the most opted-for subjects at Stony Brook University are:
- Biology
- Psychology
- Business Management
- Computer Science
- Health Science
- Economics
- Applied Mathematics
- Statistics
Note: Choosing a university in New York for your master’s is an exciting decision, but it can also feel overwhelming. With so many universities and programs available, how do you know which one truly aligns with your goals? Many students face this challenge and often rely on rankings or advice from friends and family.
But here’s the problem: focusing only on rankings or limited suggestions can lead to a choice that doesn’t maximize your career potential or return on investment. This can impact your future opportunities
GradRight’s university-search platform is designed to take the guesswork out of university selection. It uses 8 million data points and insights from over 40,000 global programs and 4,000 universities to provide personalized recommendations tailored to you.
Here’s how it works:
- You can filter specifically for universities in New York or any other location you’re targeting.
- GradRight considers your budget, academic profile, career goals, and even factors like placement rates and alumni networks.
- Instead of guessing, you’ll have a shortlist of universities that match your aspirations, giving you confidence in your decision.
With GradRight, finding the best university in New York becomes simpler and much more reliable.
Students who complete their master’s from these universities can expect highly rewarding career opportunities.
Career opportunities in New York
New York isn’t called the “Big Apple” for no reason. You’ve seen that it has some of the highest-ranking universities in the world, but it’s also a hub for career opportunities in many sectors.
With a GDP of $4,2+ trillion, New York contributes about 8% of the country’s economy. The city is home to more than 50 Fortune 500 companies, from Pfizer to Verizon to JPMorgan Chase.
From technology to finance to healthcare, master’s graduates earn an average salary ranging from $60,000 to $150,000 per annum. STEM professionals can earn upwards of $130,000 per annum.
MS universities in New York also have highly dedicated career centers that offer resume reviews and personalized advising. Through development plans, students upskill themselves and explore suitable career options.
That’s why we always recommend treating your education in New York as a financial investment. Securing a low-interest student loan can make a big difference, saving you lakhs in the long run. This is where GradRight’s loan-search platform becomes your trusted partner.
With GradRight’s loan-search platform, you can:
- Register and upload your documents: Create a profile and share your academic and financial details.
- Access 15+ lenders: Trusted banks and NBFCs compete to offer you the best loan terms.
- Receive multiple offers: Compare interest rates, repayment terms, and benefits in one place.
- Negotiate with lender assistance: Get help customizing your loan terms for lower interest rates and better deals.
- Take quick disbursement: Once you select the best option, your loan can be disbursed in as little as 10 days.
The entire process is app-based, with no paperwork or bank visits required. It’s designed to make your study-abroad journey stress-free and financially smart.
Life in New York for international students
New York offers an enriching experience to students, making it the city with the second-highest number of international students in the USA. As of 2022-23, it has over 1.2 lakh international students.
Life as an international student in New York is filled with cultural experiences, unparalleled academics, and great career opportunities. In addition to high-ranking universities like Cornell, SUNY, and NYU, the city has more than 36 Broadway theatres and 83 museums.
Since the city is home to big organizations like JPMorgan Chase and Pfizer, the networking opportunities for students are immense. It also helps international students find well-paying part-time jobs while they complete their education in the USA.
Now let’s find out the answers to some FAQs.
FAQs
1. How long is a master’s degree in New York?
The duration of a master’s degree in New York depends on the program delivery format and type. Usually, a full-time master’s program lasts one to two years. Part-time programs can take up to 3 years or more.
2. How much does a master’s cost in New York?
A master’s program in New York can cost between $20,000 and $70,000 or more per annum, and the cost varies for different programs and universities.
3. Is it expensive to study in New York?
New York is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Your tuition at MS universities in New York can cost up to $70,000 per annum. The cost of living can also increase your overall expenses by a margin due to the city’s high cost of real estate.
4. How many units is a master’s degree in New York?
Different master’s programs require you to complete various credit hours to graduate. Usually, the requirement ranges from 30-60 credit hours.
