25 Best Computer Science Schools 2024 - Ranking & Fees

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Reviewed by:

Mary Banks

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 2/12/24

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Do you want to pursue a career in computer science but are overwhelmed in your school search? Read on to find out the top 10 computer science programs in the US.

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Did you use Google to find this article? Did you search “best computer science schools” in the bar under the iconic blue, red, yellow, and green letters?

While we all recognize Google and use it on a daily basis, what’s less known about this search engine is that its founder Larry Page, is a computer scientist who graduated from a computer engineering program at Stanford University!

As a growing tech field, computer science has applications in various industries and can open up a world of opportunities for you.

So, whether you want to become the next Larry Page or are just fascinated by the world of technology, this guide will tell you the top 25 best colleges for computer science that can help kick-start your career!

25 Best Computer Science  Schools

As you begin your school search, you’ll probably be overwhelmed by the number of options there are! To save you the hassle and stress, this guide will list the 25 best colleges for computer science with consideration of their ranking, education, and cost. To begin, let’s break down these top schools’ most important admission details: 

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Now, let’s learn more about what each of these schools has to offer!

1.  Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

As no surprise, this university that is dedicated to developing modern technology is ranked as the best school for computer science.

MIT offers the following degrees:

Undergraduate Programs

• Computer Science and Molecular Biology
• Computer Science, Economics, and Data Science
• Urban Science and Planning with Computer Science 
• Computer Science and Engineering
• Electrical Science and Engineering

Graduate Programs

• Computational Science and Engineering, SM and PhD
• Computational Science and Engineering, Interdisciplinary PhD
• Computation and Cognition, MEng*
• Computer Science, PhD
• Computer Science and Engineering, PhD
• Computer Science, Economics, and Data Science, MEng*
• Computer Science and Molecular Biology, MEng*
• Electrical Engineering, PhD
• Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, MEng*, SM*, and PhD
• Electrical Engineer / Engineer in Computer Science**
• Thesis Program with Industry, MEng.*

With these interdisciplinary degrees, MIT students are not only able to find their exact niche but can gain valuable experience and education in related subjects that will expand their knowledge base and boost their chances of finding jobs after graduating.  

2. Stanford University

Stanford University ties with MIT as the best school in computer science. Stanford offers the following programs:

Undergraduate Programs

• Computer Science 
• Electrical Engineering
• Mathematical and Computational Sciences
• Symbolic Systems

Graduate Program

• Computer Science MS Degree

3. University of California - Berkeley

UC Berkeley also ranks as the best school for computer science. This university only offers two computer science degrees:

Undergraduate Programs

• The highly competitive Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) B.S.
• The College of Letters and Science (L&S) Computer Science  B.A.

Graduate Programs

• Computer Science MS

4. Carnegie Mellon University

Ranking fourth as another one of the great computer science colleges to consider is Carnegie Mellon University. This university offers a range of B.S. degrees and Graduate programs. 

Undergraduate Programs

• Computer Science 
• Computer Science and Arts
• Music and Technology
• Language Technologies
• Machine Learning
• Robotics

Graduate Programs

• Master of Science in Automated Science: Biological Experimentation
• Master of Science in Computational Biology
• Fifth Year Master's in Computer Science
• Master of Science in Computer Science

• Accelerated Master of Human-Computer Interaction
• Master of Educational Technology and Applied Learning Science (METALS)
• Master of Human-Computer Interaction
• Master of Science in Product Management

• Master of Computational Data Science
• Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Innovation
• Master of Science in Intelligent Information Systems
• Master of Science in Language Technologies
• Online Graduate Certificate in Computational Data Science Foundations

• Fifth Year Master's in Machine Learning
• Master of Science in Machine Learning

• Master of Science in Computer Vision
• Master of Science in Robotics
• Master's in Robotic Systems Development

• Master of Science in Information Technology - Privacy Engineering
• Master of Software Engineering
• Master of Software Engineering - Embedded Systems
• Master of Software Engineering - Scalable Systems
• Master of Software Engineering Online

With these broad majors, students can explore their options and find their preferred specialty.

While curriculum and experience should factor into your decision, cost should, too, if you want to avoid drawing in debt post-graduation!

5. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is another one of the best colleges for computer science. It offers several degrees in Computer Science:

Undergraduate Programs

• Computer Science 
• Mathematics and Computer Science 
• Statistics and Computer Science 
• Computer Science and X degrees (certain specialties students may add to their degree)

Graduate Programs

• Ph.D. in Computer Science
• M.S. in Computer Science
• M.S. in Bioinformatics
• Professional Master of Computer Science (MCS) on-campus
• Professional Master of Computer (MCS) in Chicago
• Professional Online MCS and Professional MCS in Data Science

While this school doesn't offer as many specialized programs as the others listed, it still offers comprehensive courses that will prepare you for a fulfilling career!

6. University of Washington

Another school that ranks fifth in computer science is the University of Washington.

Like Berkeley, UW offers a B.S. in two majors:

Undergraduate Programs

• Computer Science 
• Computer Engineering

Graduate Programs

• Master of Science in Computer Science & Engineering

For more information on the school, take a look at our complete guide to UWashington.

7. Cornell University

Cornell University is also one of the best computer science schools, coming in at the seventh spot in the rankings.

Much like the other colleges, Cornell offers the following programs:

Undergraduate Programs 

• Computer Science 
• Computer Science  Engineering
• Computer Science  Arts and Science

Graduate Programs

•  CS Master of Science

While Cornell offers broad majors, it offers various research opportunities and diverse electives for students to discover their interests.

8. Georgia Institute of Technology

Ranking eighth in computer science, Georgia Tech is another technology-focused school that made the list of the best computer science colleges.

Undergraduate Programs

• B.S. in Computer Science
• B.S. in Computational Media

Graduate Programs

• Master of Science in Computer Science

Despite this school offering limited computer science majors, it offers nine minors in computing! So, computer science students can still develop key skills in their desired specialty.

9. Princeton University

Which best schools list hasn’t featured Princeton University? This prestigious school has a top-ranking computer science program that ranks eighth in the nation. Students at this school can choose from these degree options:

Undergraduate Programs

• A B.A. in Computer Science 
• A B.S. in Engineering in Computer Science 

Graduate Programs

• M.S.E. program 

While it may seem like Princeton offers a limited number of computer science  programs, it has four pages of diverse courses in computer science students can enroll in!

10. The University of Texas - Austin

If you love hot weather, barbeque, and big cities, this university might be perfect for you! Ranking as the eighth-best school in computer science as well, UT Austin is the final school on this list.

This school offers a computer science degree as a B.S. B.A. or a B.S.A. Depending on your interests and aspirations, you can choose the degree you’d like to pursue.

Undergraduate Programs

• BSA in Computer Science
• BSA in Computer Science (Honors)
• BS in Computer Science: Option 1
• BS in Computer Science: Option 2
• BS in Computer Science: Option 3 (Honors)
• BS in Computer Science: Option 4 (Integrated Program)
• BS in Computer Science: Option 6 (Computer Science & Business Honors)
• Elements of Computing Program
• Evidence and Inquiry
• Quantum Information Science
• Scientific Computation
• UTeach-Natural Sciences Accelerated Track
• UTeach Natural Sciences Secondary Teaching Option

Graduate Programs

• Master's of Computer Science
• Master's of Data Science
• Master's of Artificial Intelligence

11. John Hopkins University

ohns Hopkins University's Department of Computer Science  provides a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs, each tailored to meet the diverse needs and interests of its students.

Undergraduate Programs

• BS in Computer Science 
• BA in Computer Science 

Graduate Programs

• MS in Computer Science 
• MS in Security Informatics
• PhD in Computer Science 

12. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

The Computer Science and Engineering Division at the University of Michigan is renowned worldwide for its program's longstanding excellence in computation.

Undergraduate Programs

• BSE in Computer Science  (Engineering)
• BS in Computer Science  (LSA)
• BSE in Computer Engineering (Engineering)
• BSE in Data Science (Engineering)
• BS in Data Science (LSA)
• Minor in Computer Science 

Graduate Programs

• PhD in Computer Science and Engineering
• MS/MSE in Computer Science and Engineering
• MS in Data Science (LSA)

13. University of California - San Diego

All the Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) programs at the University of California--San Diego offer a robust curriculum designed to prepare students for both the competitive tech job market and advanced studies in graduate school.

Undergraduate Degree Programs

• B.S. in Computer Science 
• B.S. in Computer Engineering
• B.S. in Computer Science with a Specialization in Bioinformatics
• Minor in Computer Science 

Degree Programs

• Doctoral (PhD) Degree Program
• Master of Science (MS) Degree Program
• Master of Data Science (MDS) Online Degree Program
• Bachelor/Master (BS/MS) Combined Degree Program

14. University of Wisconsin - Madison

The University of Wisconsin--Madison offers a cutting-edge undergraduate curriculum influenced by faculty research. 

Undergraduate Programs

• BA in Computer Sciences
• BS in Computer Sciences
• Certificate in Computer Sciences

Graduate Programs

• Professional Master’s CS
• MS – Data Engineering
• MS – Data Science (MDS)
• Mad UX (User Experience Design Capstone Certificate)
• Graduate PhD Minor
• Professional Capstone Certificate

15. California Institute of Technology

The California Institute of Technology boasts top-ranked computer science programs. They offer a wide array of options for both undergraduate and graduate studies:

Undergraduate Programs

• Applied + Computational Mathematics Major
• Computer Science  Major
• Information + Data Sciences Major
• Various Minor options

Graduate Programs

• Applied + Computational Mathematics Degree
• Computer Science  Degree
• Computing + Mathematical Sciences Degree
• Control + Dynamical Systems Degree

16. Columbia University

Columbia University's Computer Science department is on the cutting edge of computing research. Here are the programs they offer:

Undergraduate Programs

• BS in Computer Science 
• BS in Computer Engineering
• BA in Computer Science 
• BA in Computer Science and Mathematics
• BA in Data Science
• BA in Information Science
• Minor/Concentration in Computer Science 

Graduate Track Options

They have specialized tracks to cater to your interests and career aspirations:

• Computational Biology
• Network Systems
• Computer Security
• Software Systems
• Foundations of Computer Science 
• Vision, Graphics, Interaction, and Robotics
• Machine Learning
• MS Personalized (by faculty invite only)
• Natural Language Processing
• MS Thesis (by faculty invite only)

17. University of California - Los Angeles

The Samueli Computer Science Department aims for excellence in computer science  and engineering. They provide comprehensive education, collaborate with industry and government, publish research, and serve the community.

Undergraduate Programs 

• Computer Science  (CS)
• Computer Science and Engineering (CS&E)

Graduate Programs 

• Master of Science (M.S.)
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

18. Harvard University

Harvard's School of Engineering delves into the world of computer science, where they explore the fundamental principles of computation and its real-world applications in its range of programs.

Undergraduate Programs

• A.B. in Computer Science 
• Computer Science  Secondary Field
• A.B./S.M. in Computer Science 

Graduate Programs

• Ph.D. in Computer Science 
• Master's Degrees in Computational Science and Engineering and Data Science

19. University of Maryland - College Park

The University of Maryland--College Park boasts top-tier computer science programs. Their faculty is renowned and covers a wide range of research areas, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, computer vision, and more.

Undergraduate Programs

• Computer Science  Major
• Immersive Media Design Major (CMSC)
• Computer Science  Minor
• Data Science Minor (CMSC)
• Robotics and Autonomous Systems Minor (CMSC)

Graduate Programs

• M.S. in Computer Science 
• Ph.D. in Computer Science 

20. University of Pennsylvania

Penn Engineering, home to the first modern computer, the ENIAC in 1946, continues to lead in computer science innovation for over five decades. Here are the programs offered by the Department of Computer and Information Science at the University of Pennsylvania:

Undergraduate Programs

• BSE in Computer Science  (CSCI)
• BSE in Computer Engineering (CMPE)
• BSE in Digital Media Design (DMD)
• BSE in Networked & Social Systems Engineering (NETS)

Graduate Programs

• Doctoral Program (Ph.D.) in Computer and Information Science
• Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) in Computer and Information Science (CIS)
• Master of Computer and Information Technology (MCIT)
• Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) in Data Science
• Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) in Embedded Systems (EMBS)
• Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) in Robotics (ROBO)
• Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) in Computer Graphics and Game Technology (CGGT)

21. Duke University

Duke University's Computer Science graduate program is ranked #20 in the country by US News & World Report. The department collaborates with other disciplines to make a positive impact on society. 

Undergraduate Programs

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science 
• Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Computer Science 
• Minor in Computer Science 
• Minor in Artificial Intelligence: Applications and Implications
• Minor in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
• Interdepartmental Major (IDM) with Computer Science 

Graduate Programs

• Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science 
• Master of Science (MS) in Economics and Computation

22. Purdue University - West Lafayette

Purdue University-West Lafayette's Department of Computer Science  offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs designed to equip students with cutting-edge knowledge and skills in the field of computer science and related areas.

Undergraduate Programs

• 4+1 BS/MS Degree Program
• Artificial Intelligence Degree Requirements
• Computer Science Degree Requirements
• Computer Science Honors
• Data Science Degree Requirements
• Dual Majors
• Minor in Computer Science

Graduate Programs

• B.S./M.S. Degree Program
• Degree+
• Doctoral
• Master's Program
• Professional Master's in Information and Cybersecurity
• B.S./M.S. Degree Program

23. Yale University

Yale University computer science offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs to cater to student's specific interests and career goals. Here’s a list of their programs:

Undergraduate Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science  (B.S.)
• Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science  (B.A.)
• B.S. / M.S. Program

Specialized Undergraduate Programs

• 4. B.S. in Computer Science  and Economics
• Joint Major in Computer Science  and Mathematics
• Joint Major in Computer Science  and Psychology
• Joint Major in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science 

Graduate Programs

• Master of Science (MS) Program
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Program

24. Ohio State University

Ohio State University's computer science program, ranked #24 nationally, combines 50 years of teaching excellence with exciting topics like AI and cybersecurity.

Undergraduate

• Bachelors of Science in Computer Science and Engineering (BS CSE)
• Bachelors of Science with a major in Computer and Information Science (BS CIS)
• Bachelors of Arts with a major in Computer and Information Science (BA CIS)
• Computer and Information Science minor
• Computational Science and Engineering minor

Graduate

• Master of Science Program
• Doctor of Philosophy Degree in CSE

25. University of California - Santa Barbara

The University of California - Santa Barbara's computer science program is ranked #24 nationally, showcasing its excellence in the field. It offers the following programs:

Undergraduate Programs

• Bachelor of Science

Graduate Programs

• Master of Science (M.S.)
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
• BS/MS Combined Degree

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve gone through the nation’s best computer science schools, you can hopefully narrow your options down and decide which school to attend!

It’s an exciting time to major in such a lucrative degree; doing so can give you the right knowledge and experience to excel and make a name for yourself in the technology field!