Best Accredited Civil Engineering Schools In New York | 2024

To pursue a career as a civil engineer, you must meet certain educational requirements. Also, the school where you get your degree can influence your career in terms of employment; for instance, attending an Ivy School can be a plus.

So, in line with this, we’ve researched and compiled the necessary information on the best US schools and colleges that offer accredited civil engineering programs in New York (NY).

Basically, civil engineers play a crucial role in building and maintaining society’s infrastructures. A civil engineering career is profitable, comes in many different forms, and can take several unique paths.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, civil engineers pay $87,060 annually. The report has also projected the number of civil engineers to increase by 6% from 2018 to 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

With New York being among the highest employing states for civil engineers, studying a program in this city is good.

To help you select from the schools, we have ranked some of these civil engineering colleges in New York. In this article, you will also learn the cost of studying a civil engineering program and what engineers in New York earn.

Here is a table of what to expect:

Let’s get an overview of the civil engineering field before we go on.

What is Civil Engineering?

Civil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the application of planning, designing, constructing, maintaining, and operating infrastructures while protecting the public and environmental health and improving existing infrastructures that have been neglected.

It covers the “built environment,” including roads, bridges, canals, dams, airports, sewerage systems, pipelines, railways, etc.

Civil engineering is one of the oldest disciplines responsible for maintaining society’s infrastructure.

Who, then, is a civil engineer?

Basically, civil engineers ensure the safe construction, operation, and maintenance of structures, such as roads, bridges, buildings, and dams.

In straightforward terms, we can say that civil engineers are the scientific minds behind the operation of our modern cities.

Why Study Civil Engineering in New York?

Civil Engineering is a great field; if you want to pursue a career here, you must, first and foremost, be interested in it.

Another good reason you should choose civil engineering is that it is one field that gets you involved from the start to the finish of the development process. That is to say; you are needed at every step in maintaining a project’s design.

Also, studying civil engineering opens you up to real-life issues where you gain experience. In other words, coming out inexperienced is not an option. Here is an instance, you get to engage in internships during your program to prepare you for the task ahead.

Now, bringing it down to New York

New York is the 3rd highest state for the employment of civil engineers, with a total of 16,400. Also, the employment rate of civil engineers in NY is 1.72 per thousand jobs in the city

Furthermore, in a situation where you want to continue your studies, there is a wide range of postgraduate options where you can specialize in. For example, environmental engineering, water management, and maritime civil engineering.

What are Civil Engineers Paid in New York?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage of Civil Engineers in New York is $102,820.

How Long Does it Take to Complete A Civil Engineering Degree Program in New York?

The duration for civil engineering programs varies among levels, modes of study (part-time or full-time), and schools in New York.

Basically, it takes about 4-5 years to complete a bachelor’s degree program in civil engineering. On the other hand, it takes about 2 years to complete a master’s degree program in civil engineering.

Meanwhile, it takes about 4 years to complete a Ph.D. or doctorate in civil engineering program.

How Much Does it Cost to Earn A Civil Engineering Degree Program in New York?

Basically, the tuition cost for civil engineering programs varies among the degree programs and schools. Also, since there are so many civil engineering schools in New York, there is a wide range of tuition costs.

The average in-state tuition cost for civil engineering is $18,825, while out-of-state tuition costs $22,072.

As an intending student, you should visit the website of your preferred school to know their current tuition and other costs of attendance.

Which Body Accredits Civil Engineering Degree Programs in New York?

The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) recognizes and accredits New York, USA civil engineering programs.

More precisely, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognizes ABET as the country’s main accrediting body for applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology.

Which Schools Offer The Best Accredited Civil Engineering Programs In New York?

Several schools in New York offer civil engineering programs both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. However, for this article, emphasis will be laid on 10 of them.

So, to effectively rank these 10 schools, we used some factors. With the ABET accreditation of the civil engineering colleges and programs constant, here are the ranking factors.

Several accredited civil engineering programs.

This is self-explanatory. It refers to the number of accredited civil engineering programs the school offers at undergraduate and graduate levels.

Rankings by other ranking websites.

This is about how top-ranking websites see the school’s civil engineering program.

Acceptance rate.

This refers to the rate new students are admitted to the school’s civil engineering program. There is a belief around this, though. The lower the acceptance rate, the more competitive the school’s admission is; hence, the better the school and vice versa.

In some situations, though rare, it may not apply to some schools.

Here are the best colleges where you can study accredited civil engineering programs in New York:

• Cornell University
• Columbia University
• Clarkson University
• New York University
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
• Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
• Manhattan College
• Syracuse University
• University at Buffalo
• CUNY City College

#1. Cornell University

• Accreditation: ABET
• Number of Programs: 3
• Acceptance Rate: 11%

Founded in 1865, Cornell University is a private research university providing an exceptional education for undergraduates, graduates, and professional students. It is among the top schools that offer civil engineering programs in New York.

Cornell School of Civil and Environmental Engineering has a distinguished history and a tradition of teaching, research, and service excellence. There are three broad intellectual areas within the CEE School: Civil Infrastructure, Environment, and Engineering Systems and Management.

Civil Infrastructure deals with creating, operating, and renewing the constructed environment. Its intellectual core areas are physics, solid mechanics, materials science, structural engineering, and geotechnical engineering. 

Cornell’s CEE School offers various programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Available Civil Engineering Programs

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering
• Master of Engineering in Civil and Environmental Engineering
• M.S./Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering

Basically, Cornell CEE facilities include research and instructional laboratories, electronic classrooms, and a conference center. 

Furthermore, Cornell University is currently ranked #2 in Best Colleges with Civil Engineering Degrees in New York by Niche and #5 by College Factual. It is also ranked #11 in Best Civil Engineering Colleges in the USA and #1 in New York by USNEWS.

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#2. Columbia University

• Accreditation: ABET
• Number of Programs:
• Acceptance Rate: 6%

Founded in 1754, Columbia University is a private Ivy League research university in New York City. Its Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science offers one of NYC’s best civil engineering programs.

The FU Foundation’s Department of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics emphasizes a collaborative, hands-on approach to education, combining research and real-world application in a multidisciplinary program of study.

Its goal is to educate and inspire students to become problem solvers and leaders in engineering, technology, computer science, and related disciplines.

In line with this, the Department of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics offers civil engineering programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Available Civil Engineering Programs

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering
• Master of Science (MS) in Civil Engineering
• PhD Degree in Civil Engineering

Furthermore, Columbia University, NY, is currently ranked #1 in Best Colleges with Civil Engineering Degrees in New York by Niche and #6 by College Factual. It is also ranked #14 in Best Engineering Colleges in the USA by USNEWS.

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#3. Clarkson University

• Accreditation: ABET
• Number of Programs: 3
• Acceptance Rate: 36%

At Clarkson University, the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering (CEE) provides students with real-world experience plus a conceptual education.

It focuses on giving our students hands-on experiences that will help improve the world through sustainability and better environmental health. 

Clarkson’s Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering offers majors, minors, and concentrations for a wide range of undergraduate students and master’s and PhD programs at multiple locations.

Available Civil Engineering Programs

• Civil Engineering (BS)
• Civil and Environmental Engineering (MS)
• PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering

Furthermore, Clarkson University, NY, is currently ranked #1 in Best Colleges with Civil Engineering Degrees in New York by College Factual and #23 in Best Colleges in NY by Niche.

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#4. New York University (NYU)

• Accreditation: ABET
• Number of Programs: 3
• Acceptance Rate: 20%

Founded in 1831, New York University is a private research university based in New York City. It is among the top schools offering NYC’s best civil engineering program.

The mission of NYU is to cultivate the next generation of Civil Engineers who will address critical challenges in the built and natural environments. 

Through interdisciplinary education, advanced research, and a collaborative and inclusive environment, they educate tomorrow’s engineers, leaders, and innovators who will positively impact society. 

NYU’s Department of Civil and Urban Engineering offers various programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Available Civil Engineering Programs

• Civil Engineering, B.S.
• PhD in Civil Engineering
• Civil Engineering, B.S.

Furthermore, New York University is currently ranked #5 in Best Colleges in NY by Niche.

So, if you are passionate about making a difference in our world, NYU’s Civil and Urban Engineering might be your course of study.

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#5. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

• Accreditation: ABET
• Number of Programs: 4
• Acceptance Rate: 43%

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private research university in Troy, New York. It is the oldest technological research university in the US and is currently one of the top civil engineering colleges in New York. In fact, Rensselaer is re-inventing higher education in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Civil Engineering at Rensselaer has a long and distinguished history from 1835, when the Institute became the first US school to issue a civil engineering degree.

Rensselaer’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering basically prepares students to provide for the world’s constructed facilities and the infrastructure on which modern civilization depends. Civil and environmental engineers at Rensselaer develop a full range of design, analysis, fabrication, communication, management, and teamwork skills.

Also, Rensselaer’s civil and environmental engineering students are broadly trained and able to deal with the latest technologies. To do this, the school offers various civil engineering programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Available Civil Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science program in Civil Engineering
• Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) program in Civil Engineering
• Master of Science (M.S.) program in Civil Engineering
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in Civil Engineering

Furthermore, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is currently ranked #2 in Best Colleges with Civil Engineering Degrees in New York by College Factual and #10 in Best Colleges in NY by Niche.

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Know more about Civil Engineering Major: Which Option Pays More Than Others Here.

#6. Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art

• Accreditation: ABET
• Number of Programs: 2
• Acceptance Rate: 16%

Founded by inventor, industrialist, and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Artis a private college at Cooper Square on the border of the East Village neighborhood of Manhattan, New York. It is one of the best civil engineering colleges in NY.

The Cooper Civil Engineering Department aims to prepare our students as civil engineering professionals who will have the depth and breadth of knowledge, a sense of social and ethical responsibility, commitment to a safe and sustainable environment, and a desire to serve society in leadership positions.

To achieve this, the college offers various civil engineering programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Available Civil Engineering Programs

• Bachelor’s degree program in civil engineering 
• Master of the Engineering degree program in civil engineering 

Furthermore, Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is currently ranked #3 in Best Colleges with Civil Engineering Degrees in New York by College Factual and #9 in Best Colleges in NY by Niche.

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#7. Manhattan College

• Accreditation: ABET
• Number of Programs: 2
• Acceptance Rate: 74%

Manhattan College is a private, Roman Catholic, liberal arts college in the Bronx in New York City. It is one of the civil engineering colleges in NYC.

The Manhattan Civil & Environmental Engineering Department is one of the largest departments on campus. It offers a wide breadth of engineering courses that tackle important issues, from the safety of our city’s infrastructure to ensure that everyone has access to clean water.

Basically, the civil and environmental engineering programs are highlighted by hands-on learning in the labs, at internships, and on-site at some of the area’s latest and greatest engineering marvels, including the World Trade Center, the Second Avenue Subway, and the New NY Bridge.

In fact, many of their alumni are the engineers responsible for these cutting-edge projects.

Available Civil Engineering Programs

• Civil Engineering – B.S.
• Civil Engineering – M.S.

Furthermore, Manhattan College is currently ranked #4 in Best Colleges with Civil Engineering Degrees in New York by College Factual and #35 in Best Colleges in NY by Niche.

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#8. Syracuse University

• Accreditation: ABET
• Number of Programs: 3
• Acceptance Rate: 40%

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CIE) is one of four departments in the College of Engineering and Computer Science that offers a broad range of programs leading to B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees. 

Basically, the Department offers courses in various technical areas such as environmental, geotechnical, materials, hydraulics, structural, transportation, and water resources engineering.

Also, they support and maintain a variety of computational and experimental laboratories for use in teaching and research in these disciplines.

Available Civil Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science program in Civil Engineering
• Master of Science (M.S.) program in Civil Engineering
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in Civil Engineering

Furthermore, Syracuse University is currently ranked #7 in Best Colleges with Civil Engineering Degrees in New York by College Factual and #15 in Best Colleges in NY by Niche.

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#9. University at Buffalo

• Accreditation: ABET
• Number of Programs: 3
• Acceptance Rate: 33%

The State University of New York at Buffalo, commonly called the University at Buffalo, is a public research university with campuses in Buffalo and Amherst, New York. It is a NY college offering the best civil engineering programs.

The Department of Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering (CSEE) is a vibrant engine for generating the knowledge, tools, and leadership needed to address society’s most challenging problems in the natural and built environments.

It is committed to providing the highest quality undergraduate and graduate education experience.

Available Civil Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science program in Civil Engineering
• Master of Science (M.S.) program in Civil Engineering
• Doctoral (PhD) program in Civil Engineering

Furthermore, the University at Buffalo is currently ranked #8 in Best Colleges with Civil Engineering Degrees in New York by College Factual and #20 in Best Colleges in NY by Niche.

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#10. CUNY City College

• Accreditation: ABET
• Number of Programs: 3
• Acceptance Rate:

Founded in 1847, the City College of the City University of New York is a public college of the City University of New York system in New York City. The City College of New York is the only public institution offering bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees in civil engineering in New York City.

The Department of Civil Engineering is committed to the rigorous training of students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to become future leaders in NYC’s agencies, firms, and professional organizations.

Since the inception of the civil engineering programs, CUNY City College has awarded approximately 45 B.E. degrees, 30 M.E. degrees, and 4 Ph.D. degrees annually. 

Available Civil Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science program in Civil Engineering
• Master of Science (M.S.) program in Civil Engineering
• Doctoral (PhD) program in Civil Engineering

Furthermore, CUNY City College is currently ranked #9 in Best Colleges with Civil Engineering Degrees in New York by College Factual and #23 in Best Colleges in NY by Niche.

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FAQs On The Best Accredited Civil Engineering Schools In New York | 2024

Conclusion

Research has shown that New York is among the highest employing states for civil engineers. To help you select, the article above contains vital information on the best schools and colleges that offer accredited civil engineering programs in New York.

Do well to visit the school’s website for more information.

I hope this article helps you in your decision-making.

Good Luck And Success!!!

References

• US BLS – Occupational Outlook Handbook of Civil Engineers
• CollegeFactual – Best Colleges for Civil Engineering in New York
• Niche – Best Colleges with Civil Engineering Degrees in New York

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