2026 Best Value Science & Tech Schools in New York
Looking for the best-value Science & Tech degree programs in New York? This list ranks 408 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated 128 schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in New York
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is Cuny Bronx Community College, our #1 best-value Science & Tech school in New York. Cuny Bronx Community College is a public school based in Bronx, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $5,206, compared with $8,086 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $8,224 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,307 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $8,224 median debt. Get the full Cuny Bronx Community College report
Cuny Laguardia Community College came in at #2 on this year's best-value Science & Tech ranking in New York. Cuny Laguardia Community College is a public school based in Long Island City, NY. Students from in state pay about $5,218 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,098. Graduates carry a median of $8,858 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,653. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Cuny Laguardia Community College
You'll get strong value at Cuny Graduate School And University Center, which ranked #3 this year. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,235, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. Students borrow a median of $17,921 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $65,991 ten years out. Set against $17,921 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Graduate School And University Center has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read the full report on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Science & Tech ranking in New York. This public school is set in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,170, with out-of-state students paying around $8,050. The median Science & Tech program debt is $8,794. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,306. Set against $8,794 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College profile
Cuny Hostos Community College came in at #5 on this year's best-value Science & Tech ranking in New York. Located in Bronx, NY, Cuny Hostos Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,254, compared with $8,134 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $9,007. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,485. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Cuny Hostos Community College
Suffolk County Community College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in Selden, NY. Students from in state pay about $6,630 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,460 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $11,246. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,907. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Suffolk County Community College
Dutchess Community College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Poughkeepsie, NY, Dutchess Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,670, compared with $10,670 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,836 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,929. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Dutchess Community College report
Hudson Valley Community College landed the #8 spot for value in New York this year. Hudson Valley Community College is a public school based in Troy, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,796, while out-of-state students pay about $11,852. The median Science & Tech program debt is $12,868. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,460. Set against $12,868 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Hudson Valley Community College
Nassau Community College landed the #9 spot for value in New York this year. Nassau Community College is a public school based in Garden City, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,330, compared with $12,130 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $11,850. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,248. That is a strong return on a $11,850 median debt. See the full Nassau Community College profile
Cuny Kingsborough Community College landed the #10 spot for value in New York this year. Cuny Kingsborough Community College is a public school based in Brooklyn, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,252, compared with $8,132 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $7,858. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,621 ten years after entry. Set against $7,858 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Cuny Kingsborough Community College report
Genesee Community College landed the #11 spot for value in New York this year. Located in Batavia, NY, Genesee Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,900 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,500 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,991 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,674. Set against $15,991 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Genesee Community College profile
Cuny Queensborough Community College landed the #12 spot for value in New York this year. Based in Bayside, NY, Cuny Queensborough Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,210, compared with $8,090 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $10,052. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,214. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Cuny Queensborough Community College
Mohawk Valley Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Set in Utica, NY, Mohawk Valley Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,218, while out-of-state students pay about $8,851. Mohawk Valley Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $11,900 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,850. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Mohawk Valley Community College
Fashion Institute Of Technology ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in New York, NY, Fashion Institute Of Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,174, compared with $22,696 for out-of-state students. Fashion Institute Of Technology Science & Tech students take on a median of $17,912 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,696 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fashion Institute Of Technology admits about 60% of applicants. Read more about Fashion Institute Of Technology
Niagara County Community College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in Sanborn, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,894, with out-of-state students paying around $12,030. Students borrow a median of $13,970 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,285. Set against $13,970 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Niagara County Community College
Orange County Community College placed #16 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in New York. This public school is set in Middletown, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,526, with out-of-state students paying around $12,334. The median Science & Tech program debt is $14,152. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,117. Set against $14,152 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Orange County Community College profile
Broome Community College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Binghamton, NY, Broome Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,624, with out-of-state students paying around $14,288. Broome Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $16,830 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,710. That is a strong return on a $16,830 median debt. See the full Broome Community College profile
Jefferson Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. This public school is set in Watertown, NY. Students from in state pay about $6,264 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,700. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $14,804. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,991. That is a strong return on a $14,804 median debt. Read the full report on Jefferson Community College
Suny Empire State College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in Saratoga Springs, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,648, while out-of-state students pay about $17,558. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $23,693. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,080 ten years after entry. Set against $23,693 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Suny Empire State College profile
Onondaga Community College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Syracuse, NY, Onondaga Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,102, while out-of-state students pay about $11,392. Graduates carry a median of $12,623 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,190. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Onondaga Community College report
Monroe Community College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Set in Rochester, NY, Monroe Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,006, while out-of-state students pay about $11,056. Students borrow a median of $12,921 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $40,174 ten years out. Set against $12,921 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Monroe Community College
Erie Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Buffalo, NY, Erie Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,100 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,300 for out-of-state students. Erie Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $12,580 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,228. Set against $12,580 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Erie Community College
Suny College At Cortland offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Cortland, NY, Suny College At Cortland is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,874 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,784 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $25,369. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,236 ten years after entry. Set against $25,369 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%. More on Suny College At Cortland
Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in New York, NY, Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,470, with out-of-state students paying around $15,420. Graduates carry a median of $12,678 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,195. Set against $12,678 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice
Suny At Geneseo offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Suny At Geneseo is a public school based in Geneseo, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,999, while out-of-state students pay about $19,569. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $20,976. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,316. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 66%. Read more about Suny At Geneseo
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in New York
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry placed #26 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in New York. Located in Syracuse, NY, Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,303, while out-of-state students pay about $22,263. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,763 ten years after entry. About 63% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry
Finger Lakes Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. This public school is set in Canandaigua, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,258, with out-of-state students paying around $8,442. The median Science & Tech program debt is $16,736. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,054 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Finger Lakes Community College profile
Excelsior College offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Albany, NY. The median Science & Tech program debt is $19,311. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,493 ten years after entry. Set against $19,311 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Excelsior College
Jamestown Community College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Jamestown, NY, Jamestown Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,840. Students borrow a median of $12,800 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,242. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Jamestown Community College
Cuny Medgar Evers College placed #30 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in New York. Cuny Medgar Evers College is a public school based in Brooklyn, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,352, while out-of-state students pay about $15,302. Cuny Medgar Evers College Science & Tech students take on a median of $12,531 in debt. Median earnings reach $46,498 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Cuny Medgar Evers College profile
Suny College At Oneonta placed #31 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in New York. This public school is set in Oneonta, NY. Students from in state pay about $8,831 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,781. Students borrow a median of $22,046 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,386. Set against $22,046 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suny College At Oneonta admits about 70% of applicants. Read more about Suny College At Oneonta
Fulton Montgomery Community College placed #32 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in New York. Located in Johnstown, NY, Fulton Montgomery Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,198, while out-of-state students pay about $6,798. Graduates carry a median of $16,142 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,535. That is a strong return on a $16,142 median debt. Read more about Fulton Montgomery Community College
Cuny York College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This public school is set in Jamaica, NY. Students from in state pay about $7,358 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,308. The median Science & Tech program debt is $12,573. Cuny York College alumni report median earnings of $56,945 a decade after entry. Set against $12,573 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 64%. Get the full Cuny York College report
Cuny Lehman College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Bronx, NY, Cuny Lehman College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,360. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $13,213. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,013 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Lehman College has an acceptance rate of 57%. Get the full Cuny Lehman College report
Farmingdale State College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Farmingdale, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,626, with out-of-state students paying around $18,536. Graduates carry a median of $19,528 in student loans. Median earnings reach $69,781 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,528 median debt. Farmingdale State College admits about 63% of applicants. Read the full report on Farmingdale State College
Cuny Bernard M Baruch College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Bernard M Baruch College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,464, with out-of-state students paying around $15,414. The median Science & Tech program debt is $11,691. Cuny Bernard M Baruch College alumni report median earnings of $75,971 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,691 median debt. Cuny Bernard M Baruch College admits about 48% of applicants. Read the full report on Cuny Bernard M Baruch College
Cuny New York City College Of Technology placed #37 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in New York. Based in Brooklyn, NY, Cuny New York City College Of Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,332, with out-of-state students paying around $15,282. The median Science & Tech program debt is $11,492. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,365. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny New York City College Of Technology admits about 80% of applicants. Read the full report on Cuny New York City College Of Technology
Cuny Hunter College placed #38 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in New York. Set in New York, NY, Cuny Hunter College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,382, compared with $15,332 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,091 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $63,163 ten years out. Set against $11,091 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 54% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Cuny Hunter College report
Suny At Fredonia came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fredonia, NY, Suny At Fredonia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,831 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,771. Suny At Fredonia Science & Tech students take on a median of $25,806 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,247. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny At Fredonia has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read the full report on Suny At Fredonia
Suny College At Brockport landed the #40 spot for value in New York this year. Set in Brockport, NY, Suny College At Brockport is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,752, while out-of-state students pay about $15,822. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $24,757. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,496 ten years after entry. Set against $24,757 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suny College At Brockport admits about 71% of applicants. Read more about Suny College At Brockport
Cuny City College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based in New York, NY, Cuny City College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,340 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,290. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $13,389. Cuny City College alumni report median earnings of $66,039 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,389 median debt. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Cuny City College
Suny College At Old Westbury offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in Old Westbury, NY, Suny College At Old Westbury is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,372 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,842 for out-of-state students. Suny College At Old Westbury Science & Tech students take on a median of $20,274 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,526 ten years out. Set against $20,274 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suny College At Old Westbury admits about 84% of applicants. Read the full report on Suny College At Old Westbury
Cuny Queens College came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Cuny Queens College is a public school based in Queens, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,538, while out-of-state students pay about $15,488. Graduates carry a median of $12,157 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,763. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. More on Cuny Queens College
Cuny College Of Staten Island ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Cuny College Of Staten Island is a public school based in Staten Island, NY. Students from in state pay about $7,490 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,440. The median Science & Tech program debt is $14,688. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,501. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny College Of Staten Island admits about 92% of applicants. More on Cuny College Of Staten Island
Suny College Of Agriculture And Technology At Cobleskill landed the #45 spot for value in New York this year. This public school is set in Cobleskill, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,768, compared with $18,678 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,490 in student loans. Suny College Of Agriculture And Technology At Cobleskill alumni report median earnings of $45,030 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,490 median debt. Suny College Of Agriculture And Technology At Cobleskill has an acceptance rate of 84%. See the full Suny College Of Agriculture And Technology At Cobleskill profile
Cuny Brooklyn College landed the #46 spot for value in New York this year. Based in Brooklyn, NY, Cuny Brooklyn College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,452 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,402 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $13,303. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,752. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 58%. See the full Cuny Brooklyn College profile
State University Of New York At New Paltz placed #47 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in New York. Based in New Paltz, NY, State University Of New York At New Paltz is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,822. Students borrow a median of $21,530 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,073. Set against $21,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 62%. More on State University Of New York At New Paltz
Suny At Binghamton ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in Vestal, NY, Suny At Binghamton is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,567, while out-of-state students pay about $30,447. The median Science & Tech program debt is $20,691. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,596. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Suny At Binghamton
Suny College At Plattsburgh ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in Plattsburgh, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $9,035, compared with $18,945 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $24,217. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,403 ten years after entry. Set against $24,217 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suny College At Plattsburgh has an acceptance rate of 78%. More on Suny College At Plattsburgh
Herkimer County Community College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Located in Herkimer, NY, Herkimer County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,776. Herkimer County Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $16,400 in debt. Median earnings reach $39,199 ten years out. Set against $16,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Herkimer County Community College
More Science & Tech Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 128 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 408 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).