Best Civil Engineering Schools in New York

New York has 9 colleges offering Civil Engineering programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 605 recent graduates. Graduates in New York earn $65,927 on average within two years — 10% above the national average of $60,166, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

School choice matters significantly: Cornell University graduates earn $73,321 while University at Buffalo graduates earn $56,810 — a $16,511 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

9
Schools in NY
$65,927
NY Avg. Earnings
$60,166
National Avg.
225
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Civil Engineering in New York

Public Schools (2)
$60,758
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (7)
$67,403
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $6,645 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Civil Engineering Schools in New York, Ranked by Earnings

#1
C

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · Private

$73,321
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $67,621
Graduates: 22
Acceptance: 8.2%
#2
M

Manhattan University

Riverdale, NY · Private

$71,351
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $68,261
Graduates: 100
Acceptance: 78.5%
#3
R

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Troy, NY · Private

$68,047
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $67,648
Graduates: 34
Acceptance: 58.5%
#4
N

New York University

New York, NY · Private

$67,420
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $65,906
Graduates: 44
Acceptance: 9.4%
#5
S

Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY · Private

$66,653
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $60,439
Graduates: 63
Acceptance: 41.7%
#6
C

Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY · Private

$64,706
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $69,428
Graduates: 19
Acceptance: 4.2%
#7
C

CUNY City College

New York, NY · Public

$64,706
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $63,686
Graduates: 54
Acceptance: 58.1%
#8
C

Clarkson University

Potsdam, NY · Private

$60,325
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $61,598
Graduates: 152
Acceptance: 77.2%
#9
U

University at Buffalo

Buffalo, NY · Public

$56,810
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $59,397
Graduates: 117
Acceptance: 69.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Civil Engineering in New York?
Cornell University ranks #1 for Civil Engineering in New York with median graduate earnings of $73,321 within two years of graduation. There are 9 schools offering Civil Engineering programs in the state.
How much do Civil Engineering graduates earn in New York?
Civil Engineering graduates in New York earn an average of $65,927 within two years of graduation. This is 10% above the national average of $60,166 for this major.
What is the hardest Civil Engineering school to get into in New York?
Columbia University in the City of New York is the most selective Civil Engineering program in New York with an acceptance rate of 4.2%. The average acceptance rate across Civil Engineering programs in the state is 45.0%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Civil Engineering in New York?
In New York, private Civil Engineering programs produce average earnings of $67,403 vs $60,758 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 2 public and 7 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in New York

All colleges in New York →

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.