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.
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 10 best colleges for computer science that can help kick-start your career!
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 ten 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:
Now, let’s learn more about what each of these schools has to offer!
As no surprise, this university that is dedicated to developing modern technology is ranked as the best school for computer science.
This university offers the following specialized Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees:
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.
Stanford University ties with MIT as the Best School in Computer Science.
Stanford offers the following B.S. undergraduate programs:
UC Berkeley also ranks as the Best School for Computer Science.
This university only offers two computer science degrees:
Ranking fourth in Computer Science as another one of the great computer science colleges to consider is Carnegie Mellon University.
This university offers B.S. degrees in:
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!
Ranking fifth in Computer Science is the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Illinois offers several B.S. degrees in Computer 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!
Another school that ranks fifth in Computer Science is the University of Washington.
Like Berkeley, UW offers a B.S. in two majors:
For more information on the school, take a look at our complete guide to UWashington.
Another one of the top computer science schools is Cornell University, which ranks as the seventh-Best in Computer Science.
Much like the other colleges, Cornell offers B.S. degrees in the following programs:
While Cornell offers broad majors, it offers various research opportunities and diverse electives for students to discover their interests.
Ranking eighth in Computer Science, Georgia Tech is another technology-focused school that made the list of the best computer science colleges.
Despite this school offering limited computer science majors – only a B.S. in Computer Science and B.S. in Computational Media, it offers nine minors in computing! So, computer science students can still develop key skills in their desired specialty.
Which best schools list hasn’t featured Princeton University? This prestigious school has a top-ranking computer science program that takes eighth place in the nation. Students at this school can choose from two degree options:
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!
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 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.
Now that we’ve answered the question, “What are the top colleges for computer science?” let’s dive into how to maximize your chances of getting into these great schools!
The application process varies depending on the program, but you can bet it will be highly competitive!
This means maintaining a high GPA during high school or your undergraduate, gaining relevant experience, joining useful extracurriculars, and keeping up with the latest technology trends.
By far though, the best way to get into your dream computer science school is to trust the professionals! Quad Education eliminates the stress of applying to colleges by giving you all the resources and support you need to gain admission.
These frequently asked questions can answer any remaining concerns you might have.
As more than just famous names, MIT, Stanford, and UC Berkeley are all best known for computer science and rank as the best schools in the field.
Although three schools tie for first place, MIT is considered to have the best computer science programs in the US because of how specialized they are.
Washington ranks as the best state for computer science due to the high number of jobs available for graduates.
To excel in computer science, you have to like research, learning, and of course, technology! You should also be a strong logical thinker who is adaptable and open to challenges. The field of technology is constantly evolving; you have to be willing to evolve with it!
According to a professor of computer science at Columbia University, now is the golden age for computer science. In fact, the job market is expected to grow 13% within the decade!
A more appropriate question would be, what can’t you do with a computer science degree? As the world is taken over by technology, almost every single industry needs programmers, developers, and researchers. A computer science degree is extremely versatile, so the possibilities are endless!
The mean annual wage of computer and information scientists is $155,880. However, depending on your desired path, you can make much more! For instance, Larry Page’s net worth is $99.7 billion. Shoot for the stars, right?
UC Davis’ computer science program ranks 41st in the nation. While it isn’t the top UC campus for computer science, it can still be an excellent option for you! It is well-known for its cutting-edge research projects, expert faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities.
The University of Texas at Austin has the highest-ranked computer science program in the state.
Yes, the University of Illinois ranks as the fifth-best school for computer science.
Carnegie Mellon’s computer science program ranks fourth in the nation.
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!