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See all posts Frank GogolTop 100 US Universities in 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:
- Stanford University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Princeton University
- Carnegie Mellon University
- 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.
No | Institution Name | R-Rank | S-Rank |
1 | STANFORD UNIVERSITY | [1-2] | [1-2] |
2 | MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | [2-5] | [2-12] |
3 | PRINCETON UNIVERSITY | [2-4] | [1-3] |
4 | CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY | [3-10] | [3-16] |
5 | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-BERKELEY | [3-6] | [3-16] |
6 | UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN | [4-16] | [8-42] |
7 | CORNELL UNIVERSITY | [5-12] | [4-21] |
8 | UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL | [5-14] | [6-36] |
9 | HARVARD UNIVERSITY | [6-22] | [3-19] |
10 | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-LOS ANGELES | [6-16] | [6-29] |
11 | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-SANTA BARBARA | [6-18] | [3-16] |
12 | GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | [7-28] | [14-57] |
13 | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | [7-18] | [3-15] |
14 | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN | [8-22] | [22-66] |
15 | UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND COLLEGE PARK | [9-25] | [8-45] |
16 | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-SAN DIEGO | [10-25] | [7-35] |
17 | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN-ANN ARBOR | [10-25] | [12-45] |
18 | UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON | [10-22] | [10-48] |
19 | MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY | [12-32] | [10-45] |
20 | COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK | [13-31] | [6-30] |
21 | UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER | [13-32] | [7-39] |
22 | DUKE UNIVERSITY | [14-27] | [9-36] |
23 | UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST | [15-44] | [13-55] |
24 | UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON | [15-32] | [17-55] |
25 | UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA | [16-35] | [16-57] |
26 | BROWN UNIVERSITY | [17-34] | [24-59] |
27 | STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT STONY BROOK | [17-35] | [7-39] |
28 | PURDUE UNIVERSITY MAIN CAMPUS | [18-42] | [16-56] |
29 | LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY AND AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL COLLEGE | [19-39] | [13-49] |
30 | UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA-TWIN CITIES | [20-41] | [27-66] |
31 | PENN STATE UNIVERSITY | [22-45] | [15-51] |
32 | OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY MAIN CAMPUS | [23-46] | [26-64] |
33 | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE | [23-41] | [30-68] |
34 | TUFTS UNIVERSITY | [24-46] | [23-61] |
35 | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-RIVERSIDE | [24-59] | [5-34] |
36 | UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA | [25-43] | [20-59] |
37 | TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY | [26-48] | [35-71] |
38 | UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO | [28-50] | [18-52] |
39 | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH PITTSBURGH CAMPUS | [29-49] | [16-57] |
40 | ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY | [30-57] | [22-63] |
41 | STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO | [30-52] | [32-66] |
42 | UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA – LINCOLN | [30-60] | [12-45] |
43 | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-DAVIS | [31-54] | [15-51] |
44 | YALE UNIVERSITY | [31-52] | [17-59] |
45 | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-SANTA CRUZ | [32-57] | [31-71] |
46 | UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA | [36-66] | [18-62] |
47 | RICE UNIVERSITY | [37-60] | [17-60] |
48 | INDIANA UNIVERSITY AT BLOOMINGTON | [38-65] | [68-100] |
49 | NEW YORK UNIVERSITY | [39-71] | [39-81] |
50 | UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT BOULDER | [40-63] | [45-88] |
51 | UNIVERSITY OF UTAH | [40-68] | [45-81] |
52 | WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS | [40-72] | [17-62] |
53 | LEHIGH UNIVERSITY | [42-75] | [62-102] |
54 | NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY | [42-73] | [26-69] |
55 | GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY | [43-78] | [18-57] |
56 | NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY | [43-75] | [63-100] |
57 | FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | [45-88] | [112-124] |
58 | VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE UNIVERSITY | [45-78] | [45-83] |
59 | BOSTON UNIVERSITY | [46-91] | [14-51] |
60 | IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY | [47-82] | [44-83] |
61 | VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY | [48-87] | [22-64] |
62 | NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY | [50-87] | [47-94] |
63 | CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | [51-88] | [26-67] |
64 | FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY | [51-90] | [19-64] |
65 | UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI MAIN CAMPUS | [51-91] | [59-96] |
66 | UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA | [51-85] | [60-96] |
67 | UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY | [51-95] | [17-58] |
68 | OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY | [52-88] | [74-110] |
69 | RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE | [52-93] | [46-85] |
70 | RUTGERS THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY NEW BRUNSWICK CAMPUS | [52-85] | [61-97] |
71 | UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA | [52-92] | [54-87] |
72 | UNIVERSITY OF IOWA | [52-91] | [81-109] |
73 | DARTMOUTH COLLEGE | [53-90] | [9-38] |
74 | UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE | [53-88] | [64-105] |
75 | UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA NORMAN CAMPUS | [53-92] | [46-92] |
76 | JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY | [54-88] | [57-94] |
77 | UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA | [54-89] | [52-89] |
78 | UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA | [54-95] | [65-98] |
79 | OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY MAIN CAMPUS | [55-91] | [46-82] |
80 | BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY | [58-90] | [92-116] |
81 | CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK GRAD. CENTER | [59-98] | [109-121] |
82 | KENT STATE UNIVERSITY MAIN CAMPUS | [59-92] | [84-108] |
83 | UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE | [59-95] | [55-96] |
84 | UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE COUNTY | [60-103] | [71-113] |
85 | UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT | [61-99] | [46-87] |
86 | FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY | [62-100] | [56-101] |
87 | UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO | [62-99] | [50-93] |
88 | ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | [65-99] | [74-109] |
89 | AUBURN UNIVERSITY | [67-106] | [57-104] |
90 | UNIVERSITY OF OREGON | [68-98] | [94-116] |
91 | NEW JERSEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY | [70-104] | [66-104] |
92 | UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO MAIN CAMPUS | [73-109] | [80-116] |
93 | STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BINGHAMTON | [74-106] | [74-113] |
94 | COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY | [75-106] | [102-117] |
95 | WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY | [75-102] | [62-101] |
96 | WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY | [77-109] | [60-102] |
97 | CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY | [82-112] | [62-107] |
98 | GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY | [84-109] | [101-120] |
99 | UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA COLUMBIA | [84-109] | [55-97] |
100 | NORTH 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.
Spring Loans (Best for Bad and No Credit)
In the rapidly evolving world of computer science, Spring
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.
None
27.00%
N/A
College Ave (Best for Good Credit)
College Ave, with its robust reputation in the realm of student
600 or better
4.07% - 15.48%
5.59% - 16.69%
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.
Mid-600's
4.50-15.49%
6.37-16.70%
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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.