Top Colleges for Computer Science Undergraduate Programs

For students passionate about technology, critical thinking, and problem-solving, a career in computer science offers a promising path with strong career outlooks and high earning potential. The computer science field is constantly evolving, providing a fulfilling career for those who embrace lifelong learning and new challenges. This article explores how to identify and gain admission to the best computer science colleges, highlighting top programs and offering insights into the major itself.

Understanding Computer Science

Computer science is the study of how humans and computers interact. Computer science majors spend a significant amount of time coding and programming, developing skills applicable across various work environments. The United States remains one of the most attractive destinations for students pursuing computer science, thanks to its cutting-edge research facilities, top-tier faculty, and extensive industry connections.

Is Computer Science the Right Major For You?

Choosing a college major is a personal decision. Students who excel as computer science majors typically possess strong problem-solving skills and a comfort level with mathematics. Given the focus on programming and understanding computer systems, familiarity with technology is also essential.

How to Get Into the Best Computer Science Colleges

The best computer science colleges attract high-achieving students, making the competition for admission fierce. Prospective students can improve their chances by focusing on academic excellence, relevant extracurricular activities, and compelling letters of recommendation.

Earn High Grades in Relevant Coursework

A high grade point average (GPA) is essential for admission to prestigious colleges. However, aspiring computer science students should also demonstrate their aptitude for the field by excelling in relevant high school courses. Most top computer science colleges recommend advanced science and math classes, such as physics and calculus. If available, courses specifically related to computer science, like robotics or AP Computer Science classes, should also be pursued.

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For students who lack access to computer science classes in high school, community college courses can provide a valuable edge in the college application process. Success in college-level computer science coursework demonstrates a commitment to the field and an ability to handle challenging material.

Engage in Computer Science-Related Extracurriculars

Beyond academics, extracurricular activities play a crucial role in showcasing a student's programming skills and passion for computer science. Joining a computer science or robotics club at school and striving for a leadership role can significantly impress top computer science colleges. If such clubs don't exist, students can take the initiative to start one, demonstrating their enthusiasm and leadership potential.

Structured training programs, such as summer coding programs or robotics competitions, provide additional opportunities to develop programming skills. Self-teaching computer programming languages like C++, HTML, or Javascript can also give students a competitive advantage. Proficiency in at least one programming language demonstrates initiative and a genuine interest in the field.

Complete a Passion Project to Demonstrate Expertise

After exploring their interests through coursework and extracurriculars, students should consider undertaking a passion project in an area of computer science that excites them. This long-term project, requiring dedication and perseverance, allows students to delve deeper into a specific area and demonstrate their expertise.

Submit Strong Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are a crucial component of college applications. Students applying to top computer science schools should seek endorsements from teachers or professionals who can attest to their abilities and potential. Reaching out to teachers from summer bootcamps or AP/IB classes in statistics, physics, or calculus can yield valuable letters.

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When requesting a letter of recommendation, students should provide specific details about their accomplishments and contributions. A generic letter stating that a student is "bright and promising" is less impactful than a letter that highlights specific skills, projects, or contributions.

Top Universities for Computer Science

Many schools now provide computer science degrees and programs to keep up with the growing demand for experts in this field. We’ve carefully examined computer science programs - both on-campus and online - and ranked them based on our comprehensive methodology to create the list of top computer science degrees and programs. Configure your future at one of the top-ranked institutions below. Here are some of the best computer science schools:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- U.S. News & World Report Rank (Undergraduate Computer Science): 1
- Location: Cambridge, MA
- Private or Public: Private
- Undergraduate acceptance rate: 4.5%
- Average GPA: 4.0
- Average SAT score: 780-800 Math / 740-780 ERW
- Average ACT score: 35-36
- Annual cost of attendance: $89,340
- Student-faculty ratio: 3:1
- Median starting salary: $126,841
- Degree options: B.S. in Electrical Science and Engineering; B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; B.S. in Computer Science and Engineering; B.S. in Artificial Intelligence and Decision Making; B.S. in Computer Science and Molecular Biology; B.S. in Computation and Cognition; B.S. in Computer Science, Economics, and Data Science; B.S.
- With 14 different research areas, MIT majors in computer science can focus on what interests them most. The school offers many undergraduate programs in CS and related fields. Specialties for MIT majors range from AI for Healthcare and Life Sciences to Educational Technology. World-renowned for its STEM programs, MIT majors will learn from experienced professors who are leaders in their fields.
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
- U.S. News & World Report Rank (Undergraduate Computer Science): 2 (tie)
- Location: Pittsburg, PA
- Private or Public: Private
- Undergraduate acceptance rate: 12% (*5.2% for Computer Science majors in 2015)
- Average GPA: 3.89
- Average SAT score: 1510-1560
- Average ACT score: 34-35
- Annual cost of attendance: $90,070
- Student-faculty ratio: 7:1
- Median starting salary: $111,814
- Degree options: B.S. in Artificial Intelligence, B.S. in Computational Biology, B.S. in Computer Science, B.S. in Human-Computer Interaction, B.S. in Robotics, Bachelor’s in Computer Science and the Arts; B.S.
- The CMU School of Computer science is among the top computer science universities in USA and the world. Carnegie Mellon majors in CS will learn to improve how people live and work through innovative research. The school’s CS program was founded over 25 years ago. Moreover, CMU is not only one of the best undergraduate computer science schools; it also has a top graduate program for Carnegie Mellon majors in CS. Carnegie Mellon majors also have the option to combine disciplines for a dynamic computer science degree.
Stanford University
- U.S. News & World Report Rank (Undergraduate Computer Science): 2 (tie)
- Location: Stanford, CA
- Private or Public: Private
- Undergraduate acceptance rate: 3.91%
- Average GPA: 3.94
- Average SAT score: 1510-1570
- Average ACT score: 34-35
- Annual cost of attendance: $96,513
- Student-faculty ratio: 6:1
- Median starting salary: $98,900
- Degree options: B.S. in Computer Science; B.S. in Mathematical and Computational Science; B.S.
- Founded in 1965, the Department of Computer Science at Stanford makes up a part of the School of Engineering. When applying to Stanford, students don’t have to declare computer science as their major. Of course, Stanford admissions is selective in general. Students hoping to impress Stanford admissions will want to carefully prepare their application. However, you don’t have to apply directly to the CS program; Stanford admissions will holistically evaluate applicants for all college majors.
University of California - Berkeley
- U.S. News & World Report Rank (Undergraduate Computer Science): 2 (tie)
- Location: Berkeley, CA
- Private or Public: Public
- Undergraduate acceptance rate: 11%
- Average GPA: 3.89-4.0
- Average SAT score: N/A
- Average ACT score: N/A
- Annual cost of attendance: $51,904 (in-state); $89,506 (out-of-state)
- Student-faculty ratio: 19:1
- Median starting salary: N/A
- Degree options: B.A. in Computer Science; B.S.
- Nationally recognized for innovations in teaching and research, UC Berkeley clearly earns a spot as one of the best computer science schools. With over 70 EECS-affiliated labs and research centers, Berkeley offers especially strong research programs.
University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign
- U.S. News & World Report Rank (Undergraduate Computer Science): 5
- Location: Urbana and Champaign, IL
- Private or Public: Public
- Undergraduate acceptance rate: 43.7%
- Average GPA: 3.65-4.0
- Average SAT score: 1390-1510
- Average ACT score: 30-34
- Annual cost of attendance: $41,126 (in-state); $63,226 (out-of-state)
- Student-faculty ratio: 20:1
- Median starting salary: $74,974
- Degree options: B.S. in Computer Science; B.S. in Mathematics and Computer Science; B.S. in Statistics and Computer Science, B.S.
- What makes UIUC one of the best computer science universities in the nation? Student-run CS projects, over 20 degree options, and renowned professors make up just a few of the perks of studying CS at the Grainger College of Engineering. This school’s dedication to excellence shines through in its B.S. in Computer Science. UIUC also has a unique offering called CS + X.
Georgia Institute of Technology
- U.S. News & World Report Rank (Undergraduate Computer Science): 6
- Location: Atlanta, GA
- Private or Public: Public
- Undergraduate acceptance rate: 13.8%
- Average GPA: 3.7
- Average SAT score: 1370-1530
- Average ACT score: 28-34
- Annual cost of attendance: $30,722 (in-state); $54,206 (out-of-state)
- Student-faculty ratio: 22:1
- Average starting salary: $89,942
- Degree options: B.S. in Computer Science; B.S. in Computational Media; B.S./M.S.
- As one of the best colleges in Georgia and one of the top computer science universities in USA, Georgia Tech majors are expected to be “sharp, ambitious, and technologically savvy” students. Computer science Georgia Tech majors will graduate with a solid foundation in the field.
Cornell University
- U.S. News & World Report Rank (Undergraduate Computer Science): 7 (tie)
- Location: Ithaca, NY
- Private or Public: Private
- Undergraduate acceptance rate: 8%
- Average GPA: N/A
- Average SAT score: 1510-1560
- Average ACT score: 33-35
- Annual cost of attendance: $69, 588 (in-state); $92,844 (out-of-state)
- Student-faculty ratio: 9:1
- Median starting salary: $80,000
- Degree options: B.A. or B.S. in Computer Science; B.S. in Information Science, Systems, and Technology; B.S. in Operations Research and Engineering; B.A.
- As an Ivy League university, the Cornell University ranking is high on many “best colleges” lists. It is recognized as one of the best educational institutions in the world. However, Cornell is also one of the best computer science universities. News’ list of best CS programs. The faculty at Cornell are all leaders in their field, ensuring that students will learn from the best. Students interested in studying computer science at Cornell don’t need to declare a major in the application process. However, they should apply to a specific college.
Princeton University
- U.S. News & World Report Rank (Undergraduate Computer Science): 7 (tie)
- Location: Princeton, NJ
- Private or Public: Private
- Undergraduate acceptance rate: 4.5%
- Average GPA: 3.94
- Average SAT score: 1470-1560 ERW
- Average ACT score: 34-35
- Annual cost of attendance: $90,730
- Student-faculty ratio: 5:1
- Average starting salary: $89,144
- Degree options: A.B. or B.S.E.
- Dedicated computer science majors at Princeton may choose to complete an A.B. or B.S.E. degree program.
University of Texas at Austin
- U.S. News & World Report Rank (Undergraduate Computer Science): 7 (tie)
- Location: Austin, TX
- Private or Public: Public
- Undergraduate acceptance rate: 11% (not including in-state applicants admitted via UT Austin’s autoadmit policy)
- Average GPA: N/A
- Average SAT score: 1230-1480
- Average ACT score: 29-34
- Annual cost of attendance: $32,344-$35,152 (in-state); $64,040-$72,682 (out-of-state)
- Student-faculty ratio: 18:1
- Average starting salary: $81,736
- Degree options: B.S.A. in Computer Science; B.S.
- UT Austin majors in the CS undergraduate program can specialize in a variety of areas: AI, computer architecture, human-computer interaction, scientific computing, and many more. UT Austin majors will choose their research subfields based on their interests and future career goals. CS UT Austin Majors will be a part of the College of Natural Sciences.
University of Washington
- U.S. News & World Report Rank (Undergraduate Computer Science): 7 (tie)
- Location: Seattle, WA
- Private or Public: Public
- Undergraduate acceptance rate: 51.8%
- Average GPA: 3.8
- Average SAT score: 1333-1500
- Average ACT score: 28-33
- Annual cost of attendance: $36,189 (in-state); $67,423 (out-of-state)
- Student-faculty ratio: 20:1
- Average starting salary: $67,400
- Degree options: B.S. in Computer Science; B.S. in Computer Engineering; B.S.

These schools represent a selection of the best computer science programs in the United States, each offering unique opportunities and a rigorous academic environment.

Rankings Methodology

A school’s undergraduate computer science rank is solely determined by its average of scores received from these surveys. To be included in this standalone peer assessment survey and ranked, a program must either have been accredited by ABET or have recently awarded 20 or more bachelor's degrees in computer science.

Computer Science Degrees by Level

Computer science degrees are available at every educational level, from associate degrees to PhDs. Most programs combine theoretical study with practical application. Whether pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree, students may have the option to specialize in areas like electrical or computer engineering, cybersecurity, or web development.

Computer Science Associate Degrees

Type of Schools: Community colleges, technical schools, two-year universities
Time to Complete: Approximately two years
Career Opportunities: Web developer, Information Technology (IT) Support Specialist, Systems Administrator, Technology Coordinator

A computer science associate degree provides an ideal entry point into the field, either as a stepping stone to a baccalaureate program or for those seeking immediate employment. These programs typically require 60 credit hours and focus on the fundamentals of computer programming, algorithms, web development, and database applications.

Computer Science Bachelor's Degrees

Type of Schools: Four-year universities, colleges
Time to Complete: Approximately four years
Career Opportunities: Software Developer, Computer Systems Analyst, Database Administrator, Web Developer

A bachelor's degree in computer science provides a comprehensive understanding of the field, covering engineering, programming, and the theory of computer science in approximately 127 credit hours. Bachelor’s programs may also allow students to specialize in a particular field such as Human-Computer Interaction or Artificial Intelligence.

Graduate Degrees in Computer Science: Master’s and Doctorate

Type of Schools: Four-year universities
Time to Complete: Six to eight years
Career Opportunities: Senior Data Scientist (IT), Principal Software Engineer, Staff Software Engineer, Research Scientist

A graduate degree in computer science, whether a master’s or PhD, signifies a high level of expertise and can significantly enhance career prospects. These rigorous programs involve advanced coursework and original research, allowing students to specialize in a particular area of computer science.

Pre-Enrollment Checklist for CS Programs

Before committing to a computer science program, students should ensure that they meet the specific admission requirements of the school and program. It's equally important to verify that the program aligns with their academic and career goals.

Accreditation

Accreditation is essential for a worthwhile education, indicating that a program meets national standards of curriculum and rigor. When searching for a computer science program, look for accreditation from the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Financial Aid

Given the financial commitment involved in pursuing a degree, it's crucial to research the institution's financial aid program. Explore scholarship opportunities, review financial aid requirements, and complete the FAFSA before the deadline.

Professional Networking Opportunities

A university provides an ideal environment for building professional networks. In addition to interacting with professors and peers, check whether the institution offers a student chapter of a professional organization or otherwise facilitates connections with professionals in the field.

Preparation for Certification

In addition to a college education, certifications can demonstrate specialized knowledge and skills to employers. Explore certification opportunities related to specific programs, networks, or job functions offered by organizations like Cisco, CompTIA, and Microsoft.

Pre-Requisites

Different institutions have varying baseline requirements for computer science degree programs. Before applying, ensure that you meet the school's pre-requisites, such as previous coursework or GPA minimums.

Entrance Exams

Meeting a program's pre-requisites and gaining admission often requires strong performance on entrance exams. For undergraduate programs, register for the SAT or ACT. For graduate programs, you'll need to take the GRE.

Career Opportunities for Computer Science Graduates

Earning a degree in computer science opens doors to a wide range of job specialties. Having a clear career goal can guide students in choosing the right courses, specializations, and internship or research opportunities.

Software Developers: Design applications, systems, and programs for computers and other devices. Projected Job Growth (2024-2034): 16%. Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree.
Computer Network Architects: Design data communications networks, such as local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets. Projected Job Growth (2024-2034): 12%. Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree.
Computer and Information Research Scientists: Invent new ways to solve complex computing problems for business, medicine, science, and other fields. Projected Job Growth (2024-2034): 20%. Typical Education: Doctoral degree.
Computer and Information Systems Managers: Plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in their respective organizations. Projected Job Growth (2024-2034): 15%. Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree.
Information Security Analysts: Protect an organization’s computer networks from cyber threats. Projected Job Growth (2024-2034): 29%. Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree.

Graduates from the best computer science colleges may also choose to analyze and organize data as a data administrator. Many graduates from the best colleges for computer science also go on to be computer system analysts or information security analysts.

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