Top 100 US Universities in Computer Science

Updated on March 6, 2024
At a Glance:
  • The top 5 U.S. universities for computer science are Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Princeton University, Carnegie Mellon University, and University of California (Berkeley).

  • These universities offer comprehensive computer science programs at undergraduate and graduate levels, covering various specializations such as analytics, artificial intelligence, network security, and more.

  • Each university has its unique strengths and features, providing students with excellent educational opportunities in the field of computer science.
  • A career in Computer Science could be one of the most lucrative choices in the United States. No matter, if you aspire to become a web developer, a mobile app developer, a software engineer, a systems architect, a data engineer or want to pursue your career in an academic field, Computer Science indeed opens up a number of opportunities in the US.

    Ideally, most universities in the US claim a placement record of 89-93% and can provide you with an average salary of $105k to $150k. In addition, stats suggest that there are a total of 2-3 offers for each graduate student.

    That said, if you want to study Computer Science in the US are not sure of the school that you should choose to go with, here are some of the best universities you should aim for.

    Top 5 U.S. Universities for Computer Science

    Before diving into the full list, we want to highlight the Top 5 Computer Science schools in the U.S., which include:

    1. Stanford University
    2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
    3. Princeton University
    4. Carnegie Mellon University
    5. University of California (Berkley)

    Each of these schools is explored in more detail below.

    1. Stanford University

    The Computer Science programs at Stanford University come in the forms of Bachelor’s, Master’s, Minor programs, Joint major programs. and finally, Doctoral programs. There are various courses listed under each of these programs.

    The main objectives of these programs revolve around applying the principles of Science, Mathematics, and Engineering methods to analyze data, solve engineering issues, or design hardware or software components.

    Some of the specialization areas include analytics, artificial intelligence, network security, mobile computing, and the likes.

    2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    Computer Science is offered as the EECS program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology or the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science program. At the undergraduate level, this is the most popular and the biggest program.

    The program curriculum focuses on practical experience in solving analytical problems, along with modeling practices. Students passing out from MIT with a Bachelor’s degree in EECS are known to draw salaries well above $100,000. The students here are basically encouraged to try their hands at experiencing the thrill of discovery through engineering methods.

    3. Princeton University

    Princeton University takes pride in its Computer Science department since it has housed residents like Alan Turing, Alonzo Church, and John von Neumann. This is all thanks to the 47 tenure-track and 12 teaching faculty with a strong focus on network security, graphics, programming languages, machine learning techniques, and computational biology.

    In fact, in the entire university, this is the only department that gives the students the chance to get either an A.B degree or a B.S.E degree. Additionally, since the university believes in taking up practical work, every student works through at least one design project or research project to gain hands-on experience.

    Once a Graduate program has been completed, the students can directly get admitted for their Ph.D. program without having to go via a Master’s degree.

    4. Carnegie Mellon University

    Carnegie Mellon University is popular mainly for its Computer Science department. There are a total of seven departments offering undergraduate degrees in Computer Science in this university.

    The graduate admissions are taken by the university’s school of computer science seven degree-granting departments on a case by case basis.

    In addition, there are regular seminars and events held in the department that encourage student engagement in the fields of study. These include events like CyLab Student Seminar, Computer Science Thesis Proposal, and the likes.

    5. University of California (Berkley)

    Very similar to MIT, the University of California- Berkley offers its Computer Science education in the form of EECS or Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. When it comes to instructional computer Science programs or research programs, there is hardly any other name that can compete with the University of California- Berkley.

    The Undergraduate Program offers two courses- Bachelor of Arts in CS and the Bachelor of Science in EECS. While the former deals with Computer Science theory, hardware and software designs, and information management, the latter works with Computer Science engineering applications.

    For the graduate programs, one could either choose the industry-oriented degree programs or the research-oriented degree programs. Once again, the former groom the students for a career in the industry while the latter focuses on R&D and academic lines.

    US Top 100 Universities in Computer Science

    Please note that this is a ranking from the year 2010, which was published by NRC. The ranking includes Regressing and Survey-Based rankings with ranges between the 5th and 95th percentile.

    S Rank (Survey-based Rankings)

    these are based on how faculty weighted or assigned importance to 20 characteristics that the study committee determined to be factors contributing to program quality. The weights of characteristics vary by field based on faculty survey responses in each of those fields. Programs in a field rank higher if they demonstrate strength in the characteristics carrying greater weights.

    R Rank (Regression-based Rankings)

    These depend on the weights calculated from faculty ratings of a sample of programs in their field. These ratings are related through a multiple regression and principal components analysis, to the 20 characteristics that the committee had determined to be factors of program quality. The resulting weights were then applied to data corresponding to those characteristics for each of the programs in the field.

    NoInstitution NameR-RankS-Rank
    1STANFORD UNIVERSITY[1-2][1-2]
    2MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY[2-5][2-12]
    3PRINCETON UNIVERSITY[2-4][1-3]
    4CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY[3-10][3-16]
    5UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-BERKELEY[3-6][3-16]
    6UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN[4-16][8-42]
    7CORNELL UNIVERSITY[5-12][4-21]
    8UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL[5-14][6-36]
    9HARVARD UNIVERSITY[6-22][3-19]
    10UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-LOS ANGELES[6-16][6-29]
    11UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-SANTA BARBARA[6-18][3-16]
    12GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY[7-28][14-57]
    13UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA[7-18][3-15]
    14UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN[8-22][22-66]
    15UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND COLLEGE PARK[9-25][8-45]
    16UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-SAN DIEGO[10-25][7-35]
    17UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN-ANN ARBOR[10-25][12-45]
    18UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON[10-22][10-48]
    19MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY[12-32][10-45]
    20COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK[13-31][6-30]
    21UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER[13-32][7-39]
    22DUKE UNIVERSITY[14-27][9-36]
    23UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST[15-44][13-55]
    24UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON[15-32][17-55]
    25UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA[16-35][16-57]
    26BROWN UNIVERSITY[17-34][24-59]
    27STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT STONY BROOK[17-35][7-39]
    28PURDUE UNIVERSITY MAIN CAMPUS[18-42][16-56]
    29LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY AND AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL COLLEGE[19-39][13-49]
    30UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA-TWIN CITIES[20-41][27-66]
    31PENN STATE UNIVERSITY[22-45][15-51]
    32OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY MAIN CAMPUS[23-46][26-64]
    33UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE[23-41][30-68]
    34TUFTS UNIVERSITY[24-46][23-61]
    35UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-RIVERSIDE[24-59][5-34]
    36UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA[25-43][20-59]
    37TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY[26-48][35-71]
    38UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO[28-50][18-52]
    39UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH PITTSBURGH CAMPUS[29-49][16-57]
    40ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY[30-57][22-63]
    41STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO[30-52][32-66]
    42UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA – LINCOLN[30-60][12-45]
    43UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-DAVIS[31-54][15-51]
    44YALE UNIVERSITY[31-52][17-59]
    45UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-SANTA CRUZ[32-57][31-71]
    46UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA[36-66][18-62]
    47RICE UNIVERSITY[37-60][17-60]
    48INDIANA UNIVERSITY AT BLOOMINGTON[38-65][68-100]
    49NEW YORK UNIVERSITY[39-71][39-81]
    50UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT BOULDER[40-63][45-88]
    51UNIVERSITY OF UTAH[40-68][45-81]
    52WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS[40-72][17-62]
    53LEHIGH UNIVERSITY[42-75][62-102]
    54NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY[42-73][26-69]
    55GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY[43-78][18-57]
    56NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY[43-75][63-100]
    57FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY[45-88][112-124]
    58VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE UNIVERSITY[45-78][45-83]
    59BOSTON UNIVERSITY[46-91][14-51]
    60IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY[47-82][44-83]
    61VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY[48-87][22-64]
    62NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY[50-87][47-94]
    63CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY[51-88][26-67]
    64FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY[51-90][19-64]
    65UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI MAIN CAMPUS[51-91][59-96]
    66UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA[51-85][60-96]
    67UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY[51-95][17-58]
    68OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY[52-88][74-110]
    69RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE[52-93][46-85]
    70RUTGERS THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY NEW BRUNSWICK CAMPUS[52-85][61-97]
    71UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA[52-92][54-87]
    72UNIVERSITY OF IOWA[52-91][81-109]
    73DARTMOUTH COLLEGE[53-90][9-38]
    74UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE[53-88][64-105]
    75UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA NORMAN CAMPUS[53-92][46-92]
    76JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY[54-88][57-94]
    77UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA[54-89][52-89]
    78UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA[54-95][65-98]
    79OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY MAIN CAMPUS[55-91][46-82]
    80BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY[58-90][92-116]
    81CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK GRAD. CENTER[59-98][109-121]
    82KENT STATE UNIVERSITY MAIN CAMPUS[59-92][84-108]
    83UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE[59-95][55-96]
    84UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE COUNTY[60-103][71-113]
    85UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT[61-99][46-87]
    86FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY[62-100][56-101]
    87UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO[62-99][50-93]
    88ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY[65-99][74-109]
    89AUBURN UNIVERSITY[67-106][57-104]
    90UNIVERSITY OF OREGON[68-98][94-116]
    91NEW JERSEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY[70-104][66-104]
    92UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO MAIN CAMPUS[73-109][80-116]
    93STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BINGHAMTON[74-106][74-113]
    94COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY[75-106][102-117]
    95WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY[75-102][62-101]
    96WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY[77-109][60-102]
    97CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY[82-112][62-107]
    98GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY[84-109][101-120]
    99UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA COLUMBIA[84-109][55-97]
    100NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY MAIN CAMPUS[85-111][93-115]

    5 Best Student Loans for computer science school

    In the rapidly evolving world of technology, computer science stands as the backbone of digital innovation. Pursuing a degree in this field promises not just academic enrichment but also a doorway into industries shaping our future. Yet, before diving into algorithms and coding marathons, there’s the pragmatic challenge of financing this academic venture. With tuition and associated costs being significant, the right student loan lender can smoothen your path to tech mastery. Whether you’re just starting to build your credit, have a few financial misadventures, or boast a pristine credit history, there’s a lender out there for you. In this segment, we delve into the top student loan lenders suitable for computer science students across various credit spectrums:

    AmOne (Best for Okay to Good Credit)

    AmOne shines as a beacon for computer science students with okay to good credit histories. Serving as a conduit between potential borrowers and an extensive network of lenders, AmOne prides itself on matching students with the right financial solutions tailored to their credit standing. As the tech industry continues its upward trajectory, computer science students who’ve maintained decent credit can harness AmOne’s offerings to finance their academic pursuits, ensuring they are part of the next wave of tech innovators.

    AmOne Personal Loans

    4.5
    Stilt’s lender ratings reflect the findings and opinions of our editorial staff. Our scoring methodologies consider a wide array of factors and data points for every lender, offering, and financial solution.
    Min. credit score

    600

    Fixed APR

    3.99%-35.99%

    Variable APR

    N/A

    Overview

    • Minimum credit score: 600.
    • Fixed APR: 3.99%-35.99%.
    • Loan amounts: $1,000 to $50,000.
    • Repayment: 1 to 7 years.

    Qualifications

    • Must be at least 18 years old.
    • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
    • While there’s no specific income requirement, a consistent source of income is essential for the applicant.

    Pros

    • Suitable for individuals with lower credit scores.
    • No cost for the matching service.
    • Attractive loan rates.

    Cons

    • Acts as an intermediary, not a direct lender.
    • Risk of multiple contacts from prospective lenders.
    • Lack of clarity on lender details.

    Spring Loans (Best for Bad and No Credit)

    In the rapidly evolving world of computer science, Spring Loans stands out as an ally for those who might have faced credit challenges or are yet to build a credit history. Recognizing the transformative potential of a computer science degree, Spring Loans adopts a broader perspective, going beyond traditional credit evaluations. This ensures that students with limited or no credit aren’t left behind in the tech revolution, providing them with a dependable avenue to fund their studies.

    Spring Loans Personal Loans

    4.2
    Stilt’s lender ratings reflect the findings and opinions of our editorial staff. Our scoring methodologies consider a wide array of factors and data points for every lender, offering, and financial solution.
    Min. credit score

    None

    Fixed APR

    27.00%

    Variable APR

    N/A

    Overview

    • Minimum credit score: None.
    • Fixed APR: 27.00%
    • Loan amounts: $3,000.
    • Repayment: 48 months.

    Qualifications

    • Demonstrate a recurrent income.
    • Minimum age prerequisite: 18 years.
    • Validate U.S. citizenship status with an SSN.
    • Provide a legitimate U.S. driver’s license or a state identity card.
    • Establish a functional bank account for incoming deposits.
    • Adhere to any specific demands by the loan provider.

    Pros

    • Open to applicants with any credit background.
    • Four-year loan period aids in structured financial management.
    • The $3,000 offer addresses several short-term financial challenges.
    • Wide-reaching eligibility criteria invite a broad spectrum of applicants.
    • The focus on dependable income over job title benefits varied income sources.

    Cons

    • The set 27% APR is higher than many alternatives.
    • Restriction to a $3,000 loan might not cover all financial outlays.
    • Possessing specific IDs is mandatory, sidelining some applicants.
    • A prerequisite for an ongoing bank account may limit certain users.

    First Premier Lending (Best for Bad Credit)

    For computer science enthusiasts whose credit histories have seen better days, First Premier Lending provides a glimmer of hope. Understanding that past financial challenges shouldn’t dictate future potential, this lender delves deeper than just credit scores. Through a comprehensive evaluation process, First Premier Lending presents viable loan options to ensure that budding tech professionals can secure the education they seek, regardless of past credit misadventures.

    First Premier Lending Personal Loans

    4.2
    Stilt’s lender ratings reflect the findings and opinions of our editorial staff. Our scoring methodologies consider a wide array of factors and data points for every lender, offering, and financial solution.
    Min. credit score

    None

    Fixed APR

    27.00%

    Variable APR

    N/A

    Overview

    • Minimum credit score: None.
    • Fixed APR: 27.00%.
    • Loan amounts: $3,000.
    • Repayment: 48 months.

    Qualifications

    • Maintain a consistent source of income.
    • Must be at least 18 years of age.
    • Possess valid U.S. citizenship and a legitimate social security number.
    • Hold a current U.S. driver’s license or state-issued ID.
    • Keep an active bank account for direct deposit.
    • Satisfy any lender-specific criteria, such as credit rating, borrowing history, or place of residence.

    Pros

    • No minimum credit score requirement allows accessibility for those with varied credit histories.
    • 48-month term provides clarity and allows for long-term financial planning.
    • Specific loan amount of $3,000 can meet many short-term financial needs.
    • Broad set of qualifications make the loan accessible to a wide range of people.
    • Emphasis on consistent income, not necessarily employment type, allows flexibility for borrowers.

    Cons

    • A fixed APR of 27% is relatively high.
    • Loan amount is capped at $3,000, which might not cater to larger financial requirements.
    • Requirement of a U.S. driver’s license or state-issued ID could exclude some individuals.
    • Mandatory active bank account could be limiting for those who are unbanked.

    College Ave (Best for Good Credit)

    College Ave, with its robust reputation in the realm of student loans, is an ideal match for computer science students who’ve consistently showcased good credit behavior. Offering a combination of competitive interest rates, flexibility, and transparency, College Ave stands as a testament to how good financial habits can yield rewarding outcomes. Computer science students can confidently lean on College Ave’s tailored loan options to fuel their aspirations in the tech domain.

    College Ave Undergraduate Private Student Loans

    4.8
    Stilt’s lender ratings reflect the findings and opinions of our editorial staff. Our scoring methodologies consider a wide array of factors and data points for every lender, offering, and financial solution.
    Min. credit score

    600 or better

    Fixed APR

    4.07% - 15.48%

    Variable APR

    5.59% - 16.69%

    Overview

    • Minimum credit score: 600 or better.
    • Fixed APR: 4.07% – 15.48%.
    • Loan amounts: $1,000 – $150,000.
    • Repayment: 5, 8, 10, 15, and 20 years.

    Qualifications

    • U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
    • For undergraduate loans: Part-time enrollment at an accredited college/university.
    • International students: Need a Social Security number and a co-signer.
    • For refinance loans: Must be 18 years or older.
    • For refinance loans: Graduation from an eligible school is required.

    Pros

    • Prequalify with a soft credit check
    • Flexible repayment options
    • Offers co-signer release for private loans

    Cons

    • Charges late fees
    • Must have graduated to be eligible to refinance
    • Half of repayment term must have passed to release co-signer

    Sallie Mae (Best for Very Good Credit)

    Sallie Mae, an industry stalwart in student financing, emerges as a top-tier choice for computer science students with exceptional credit histories. Catering to the unique financial dynamics of tech education, Sallie Mae tailors its loan offerings to meet the specific needs of computer science scholars. With its commitment to academic excellence, transparent terms, and competitive rates, Sallie Mae ensures that the brightest minds in computer science receive the financial backing commensurate with their credit excellence.

    Sallie Mae Undergraduate Private Student Loans

    4.5
    Stilt’s lender ratings reflect the findings and opinions of our editorial staff. Our scoring methodologies consider a wide array of factors and data points for every lender, offering, and financial solution.
    Min. credit score

    Mid-600's

    Fixed APR

    4.50-15.49%

    Variable APR

    6.37-16.70%

    Overview

    • Minimum credit score: Mid-600’s.
    • Fixed APR: 4.50-15.49%
    • Variable APR: 6.37-16.70%
    • Loan amounts: Minimum of $1,000 per year.
    • Repayment: 10 to 15 years.

    Qualifications

    • Typical credit score of approved borrowers or co-signers: Does not disclose.
    • Minimum income: Did not disclose.
    • Loan amounts: $1,000 up to 100% of the school-certified expenses.

    Pros

    • One of the few lenders to provide loans to part-time students.
    • Non-U.S. citizens, including DACA students, can apply with a U.S. co-signer.

    Cons

    • You can’t see if you’ll qualify and what rate you’ll get without a hard credit check.

    Read More

    Final Thoughts

    With a good track record, intuitive academic lessons, and live projects for hands-on experience, these universities indeed prepare their students for successful careers in the field of Computer Science, both in the industry and in the academic world.

    Top Computer Science Schools FAQ

    Below, you will find some common questions about the top computer science schools and their answers.

    Which University has the best Computer Science program in USA?

    The answer to this question can vary depending on individual preferences and goals. However, some of the top-ranked universities for Computer Science programs in the USA include Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Carnegie Mellon University.

    Is USA best for Computer Science?

    The USA is often considered one of the best destinations for Computer Science education due to its renowned universities, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a thriving tech industry. It offers a wide range of programs to suit various interests and career goals.

    How many universities offer Computer Science in USA?

    There are numerous universities in the USA that offer Computer Science programs. The exact number may change over time, but you’ll find a multitude of options across the country, from Ivy League institutions to state universities.

    What is the GPA requirement for computer science in USA?

    GPA requirements can vary between universities. Typically, competitive Computer Science programs may require a GPA ranging from 3.0 to 3.5 or higher. It’s essential to check the specific admission requirements of the universities you’re interested in.

    How hard is computer science in USA?

    Computer Science programs can be challenging, as they involve complex mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills. Success depends on your dedication, study habits, and passion for the subject. Support and resources are usually available to help students navigate the challenges.

    What are the top 3 computer science colleges?

    While rankings can change, currently, some of the top Computer Science colleges in the USA include Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Carnegie Mellon University.

    Which computer science degree is best?

    The best degree depends on your career goals and interests. Common options include a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BS in CS), a Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS), and a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science (BA in CS). Graduate degrees like a Master’s in Computer Science (MSc in CS) or a Ph.D. can also be valuable for advanced careers and research.

    How to choose a college for computer science?

    Consider factors like location, program reputation, faculty expertise, available resources, internship opportunities, and your specific academic and career goals. Research universities, visit campuses if possible, and seek advice from academic advisors and professionals in the field.

    What is the highest paying computer science job in USA?

    The highest-paying computer science jobs in the USA can vary, but positions such as machine learning engineer, data scientist, software architect, and cybersecurity consultant often offer competitive salaries. Salaries can also vary by location and years of experience.

    Where can I study computer science in USA?

    You can study Computer Science at universities throughout the USA. Some well-known institutions include Stanford University, MIT, Harvard University, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), and University of California, Berkeley, among many others.

    Is computer science in demand in USA?

    Yes, computer science professionals are in high demand in the USA due to the rapid growth of the technology sector. Job opportunities exist in various fields, including software development.

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