Best 55 Computer Science Schools and Colleges in the U.S.

Stanford University is our #1 ranked best computer colleges in the U.S., along with being one of the best universities in the world. It features a range of degree options, from bachelor’s to PhD. The department also offers computer science minors for individuals with almost any type of major to ensure the most well-rounded education possible. The university also provides students with opportunities in research, events, internships, and job search assistance.

The University of Washington at Seattle is frequently ranked amongst the top best computer colleges in the country with roughly 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students participating in programs each year. The computer science and engineering school received $39 million in research grants and contracts in 2019 that help them provide students with various hands-on training and research experiences. Program participants also have access to the Bill & Melinda Gates Center for Computer Science & Engineering featuring concentrations in software, aerospace, global health, life sciences, and more.

Carnegie Mellon University has a prestigious School of Computer Science, offering computer science degrees along with several interdisciplinary majors such as music, technology, and computational biology. Carnegie Mellon is ranked as our #3 best computer colleges in the US. Students can also choose from eight different minors, as well as the option to double major in computer science and another major outside of the program. Artificial intelligence is also a growing program within the school and you can continue your education with a master’s degree or a PhD program, all at Carnegie Mellon University.

The University of California at Davis (UC Davis) offers a dedicated Department of Computer Science with two undergraduate majors and minors each, graduate programs and PhDs. Students can major in computer science or computer science and engineering. They can minor in computer science and computational biology. The department also allows non-major students to take a variety of computer science courses. Students and graduates are also privy to an extensive and active alumni network and outstanding research opportunities.

The University of California at San Diego provides a range of computer science options, from bachelor’s degrees to master’s degrees including options in computer science, computer engineering, specialization in bioinformatics, and a minor in computer science. Students can even pursue dual degrees to save time and money. The department offers a virtual advising center for all undergraduate students. Roughly 800 students actively participate in MS and PhD programs within the computer science department at any given time.

Johns Hopkins University has a renowned computer science department with a variety of focal areas including general computer science, robotics, graphics, vision, natural language processing, video game design, big data, systems and networking, and more. Graduates are often recruited by Intel, Apple, Google, or Microsoft. They also offer various computer science minors, dual degrees, and master’s degrees along with coordinating programs with the engineering department.

The Hobart William Smith Colleges Department of Mathematics and Computer Science provides innovative teaching methodologies, including independent learning options. The programs offer off-campus studies, honors programs, research opportunities, and graduate programs. All courses and degrees center around the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Computer science program participants at Hobart William Smith Colleges also go on to secure prominent internships at top organizations such as financial institutions, pharmacies, research programs, art galleries, IT corporations, and more.

The University of California at Berkeley features top-ranking computer science degrees in information science, technology, engineering, and more. The university works to formulate strong community connections so that students are able to collaborate on real projects for the ultimate in hands-on experiences that far exceed those available at most other colleges and universities. Students will also be able to complete professional and research graduate degrees, as well as participate in state-of-the-art research centers and labs on campus.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign provides a few computer science undergraduate degrees and minors. The college also offers a software engineering certificate and several fifth-year master’s degree programs for students in computer science. Students can also pursue a variety of computer science master’s degree programs not associated with the fifth-year programs as well as a PhD. Mathematics, statistics, and technical skills will have a strong focus in all programs.

The University of California at Los Angeles has a highly desirable computer science department with over 1,300 undergraduate students and over 375 graduate students. One of the most attractive features of the department is the 30-plus research labs and centers all program participants have access to for more hands-on experiences. Students can select a focus in systems hardware or general computer science. The computer science programs are accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has a bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees in computer science. You can also choose from a number of pathways that incorporate both an undergraduate computer science degree and a graduate-level degree program to reduce the amount of time and money it takes to complete such degrees. The department will also allow for transfer credits, dual majors, and switching majors. In 2018, the bachelor’s degree program had 283 new students.

The University of Florida has computer science degrees in several colleges, including the college of engineering and the college of liberal arts and sciences. Students can complete computer science degrees online and a digital arts and sciences degree, as well as a computer science minor. The departments also offer a senior certificate and a combined BS and MS degree program in addition to a tutoring center, student organizations, fellowship programs, a career connections center, professional development, practical experience, and more.

The University of Texas at Austin has a dedicated department of computer science. The department creates a nurturing environment that fosters intellectual curiosity, strategic and critical thinking, and the development of problem-solving skills. Students have access to an exceptional research facility to test out theories and methodologies in real-life scenarios. Programs can be customized to adhere to the interests of each student rather than using a cookie-cutter approach to higher education. Program participants will also have access to internships, scholarships, honors programs, concentrations, master’s degrees, PhD programs, and startup opportunities.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department and the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences Department have several undergraduate computer science degrees along with a unique post-graduate pathway to a master’s degree and a PhD. The graduate doctoral program consists of roughly 700 students. Coursework at MIT is notorious for offering a hands-on experience with a rigorous and innovative education. Graduates will go on to work in a variety of industries such as econometrics, software, robotics, AI, and bioengineering.

Brigham Young University (BYU) at Provo features several computer science degrees and minors available in animation, bioinformatics, data science, software engineering, and teaching. The animation degree has limited enrollment. Students in these BYU computer science programs will focus on solving complex problems through data structures, algorithms, and mathematics. The computer science department at BYU is ABET-accredited and the university works hard to create seamless career opportunities upon graduation in a variety of fields and industries such as entertainment, science, business, AI, software engineering, systems administration, and more.

Columbia University at NYC provides an extensive list of computer science majors and areas of study unavailable at many other colleges and universities including user interfaces, natural language processing, network systems and architecture, computational biology, robotics, machine learning, AI, graphics, and more. The department offers both BA and BS programs in computer science, dual degrees, graduate degrees, a job center, and more in order to better serve a variety of career paths, from government to entrepreneurship.

The California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) at San Luis Obispo computer science programs are ABET-accredited. Class sizes are kept small, typically less than 35 students per classroom, for a better overall educational experience. Students will work on real industry projections and have access to top laboratories. They will learn technical competence, intellectual growth, professional awareness, and interpersonal skills. It’s also possible to minor in several computer science areas at Cal Poly, along with the option to pursue dual degrees.

Georgia Institute of Technology’s main campus is home to the Georgia Tech College of Computing featuring bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, PhD programs, research opportunities, and online education. Students are able to complete tailored classroom experiences as well as real-life opportunities. Georgia Tech offers several computer science degrees, internships, research, international study, and dual degrees to complete more than one degree in less time and for less money.

The University of Southern California (USC) has a dedicated computer science department offering four majors, a minor, certificates, accelerated dual degree programs, online degrees, and a PhD. The master’s degree offers at least eight specializations including robotics, high-performance computing, game development, computer security, and more. Students can also select a few areas of study jointly offered by the computer science department and the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. The Dornsife College also features a number of IT-related master’s degrees.

Purdue University’s primary campus is home to its computer science department. The department specializes in data science and research in many areas such as scientific visualization, geometric modeling, information security, databases, operating systems, programming languages, and more. Students can complete bachelor’s degrees, minors, master’s degrees, honors courses, and dual majors. The department also offers international study and professional practices.

San Jose State University’s computer science department is ABET accredited with stringent academic requirements for degree completion. These intense programs make graduates more desirable for top employers nationwide in both the private and public sectors. Students will be required to complete research, residency, GPA minimums, mathematics courses, and more. The department has an outstanding reputation for transfer degrees as well. Each student will also have access to academic advisors.

Rutgers University at New Brunswick has a well-respected and premium Computer Science Department that was established in 1966. During their time in undergrad, students will be able to complete either a BA or a BS in computer science, as well as a minor and take computer science honors programs. It is also possible to complete a master’s degree and a PhD. All programs will be centered around research for more practical and well-rounded experience.

The University of Maryland at Baltimore County (UMBC) computer science and computer engineering programs are easy access for students in the Baltimore-Washington corridor. Students can complete a variety of computer science programs, from bachelor’s degrees to certificate programs. The ideal location of this university provides nearly endless opportunities for graduates to secure jobs with partners in public, private, and non-profit sectors including IBM, NASA, Google, the Department of Defense, and more. The university ensures a well-staffed department in both faculty and research professors to improve the class-to-professor ratio.

North Carolina State University at Raleigh has an exclusive CyberCorps Scholarships for Service program available for a number of computer science students. The bachelor’s degree program is ABET accredited, endorsed by the NSA as a Center for Academic Excellence, and prepares students for immediate employment, graduate degrees, and graduate research. Students will learn principles in both engineering and technology, with an emphasis on problem-solving. Undergraduate degree programs offer concentrations in game development, cyber security, and entrepreneurship. It is possible to complete various computer science master’s degrees and PhDs.

The University of California at Irvine’s computer science department provides internationally recognized programs along with a research environment deemed world-class. Students will be exposed to a diverse array of computer science subjects such as multimedia computing, operating systems, computer architecture, algorithms, privacy, security, AI, and biomedical informatics. Most computer science students will find an undergraduate major or minor in the area of focus they wish to study. It is also possible to complete a professional master’s degree and a dual graduate degree program with career counseling at every turn.

Texas A&M University at College Station has over 1,000 undergraduate computer science students and over 350 graduate students most years. These students are able to explore a variety of computer science subjects and degrees, including computer engineering and game design and development. Programs are available at every degree level, and each prepares students for a bright future in most industries including government, academia, and private sectors. The school also offers online programs, research opportunities, study abroad, and career assistance.

The Department of Computer Science at San Diego State University (SDSU) features a BS, minor, and geographic information science certificate. The overall goal of the programs is to provide an exceptional education through hands-on experience and theory while developing programming and problem-solving skills. Graduates are often in-demand with superior tech companies and many continue on to earn an SDSU graduate degree in computer science. In Fall 2019, over 1,100 students were enrolled in both undergraduate and graduate computer science programs.

The University of Massachusetts at Amherst offers every level of computer science degree. The master’s degree was created for careers in research or professional opportunities. The programs provide world-class professors, interdisciplinary coursework, and a variety of concentrations. The bachelor’s degrees are available in both a BS and a BA to ensure the right education for specific career pathways. It is also possible for students outside of computer science to pursue minors in computer science and IT.

The University of Maryland at College Park is located just outside Washington, DC. Partially as a result of this location, the computer science department is one of the most well-rounded in the world. The programs offer top research opportunities along with faculty members who are conducting research of their own in various computer science subjects. The graduate school has over 200 students and various areas of research are available including cyber security, bioinformatics, algorithms, AI, robotics, big data, graphics, VR/AR, information retrieval, and more. The university also offers a Center for Automated Research, Human-Computing Interaction Lab, Maryland Cybersecurity Center, and others.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is most commonly known as Virginia Tech. The computer science department has a long-standing history of excellence spanning 50 years. Over 900 undergraduates and 250 graduate students make up the department. Students will learn a wealth of information designed to make each individual highly employable upon graduation; this includes mobile and web development, graphics, data mining, parallel computing, blockchain, and more. A five-year accelerated program for dual degrees and minors is also available.

George Mason University has a wide range of computer science degree offerings, including accelerated BS to MS programs. Such programs are accredited by ABET and honors programs are also available to those who truly excel in their computer science coursework. Upon graduation, students will be armed with the intellectual prowess, enhanced communication skills, and collaboration capabilities to conquer the computer science and IT world.

Boston University offers impactful courses and resources for all computer science students, including career assistance and a computer science student center. Graduates will be prepared to work in a number of industries and fields such as app design, entrepreneurship, algorithm development, AI, network systems, hardware, software, education, financial services, medical technology, gaming, media, entertainment, and more. Laboratory research is another significant part of student development for greater hands-on experience.

The University of Minnesota at Twin Cities campus features computer science degrees at all levels. The department consists of roughly 600 undergraduate and 400 graduate students. The available undergraduate degree programs have a number of prerequisite courses to be completed before admittance into major-level courses. Computer science courses at the University of Minnesota are designed to provide a well-rounded educational experience, including electives that will be of personal interest to each student.

The Department of Computer and Information Science at the University of Pennsylvania produces graduates of a remarkable caliber who go on to become leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Students will learn a variety of subject matter to ensure a well-rounded education including network design, hardware systems, AI, control systems, robotics, and software development. Program participants can complete both undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as research opportunities.

DePaul University offers one of the most extensive computer science programs for all interests and needs including animation, cyber security, data science, film, game design, information systems, and more. In fact, they offer 17 computer science majors and 22 minors in their undergraduate degree program. The department also offers dual degrees, online programs, study abroad, research opportunities, and graduate degrees. Graduates work in a variety of top computer science industries and fields such as Disney Interactive, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Microsoft, Facebook, Lockheed Martin, and many more.

WPI provides degrees in computer science at every level, including a computer science certificate program. WPI also offers several specializations such as bioinformatics, robotics engineering, game development, computer security, animation, educational data mining, graphics, interactive media, intelligent tutoring, and more. Students will have the opportunity to work on real-world projects for more hands-on experience than many other programs provide. Each graduate will also have access to career assistance.

The Computer Science and Engineering Department at the University of California at Santa Cruz provides in-depth computer science programs for passionate students. These program concentrations are typically only available at select computer science colleges and universities and include FPGAs, design automation, VLSI, machine learning, human-computer interaction, social computing, visual computing, and much more. Students will be able to collaborate with other student departments on research projects. Degrees available include bachelor’s, minors, master’s, and dual degree programs.

Arizona State University at Tempe has a dedicated School of Computing, Informatics and Decision Systems Engineering. Within the school, students will develop a high-level skill set desired by the most in-demand employers including problem-solving, creative and critical thinking, and innovation. Students will be able to select a concentration in either cyber security or software engineering. Computer science programs are available at every degree level, and students have access to research labs, online programs, accelerated degrees, and research centers.

Maharishi International University offers a unique computer science program that pairs an intellectual and mindful experience that appeals to students who wish to be challenged both academically and mentally. Students can participate in daily meditation to encourage creative and personal growth. The programs offer small class sizes, globally recognized professors, and paid internships. Graduates of both the undergraduate and graduate programs have gone on to work in prominent positions for top tech companies and others including mobile app development, user interface, software engineering, in entrepreneurship, and more.

Northeastern University students are able to pursue, quite possibly, the most types of combined major computer science degrees at one university in the country, which includes media arts, design, communication, business administration, music, health science, mathematics, biochemistry, and much more. These unique dual major opportunities allow students to go on to become leaders in any industry. It is also possible to complete a pure computer science degree along with data science and cyber security degree programs. All students will have the opportunity to participate in a co-op to complete 18 months of hands-on, professional experience.

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), formerly the University of Maryland University College, centers its computer science programs around today’s in-demand skills such as analyzing, designing, optimizing, problem-solving, ethics, and more. Students will have the opportunity to learn a range of subjects such as algorithms, visualization, graphics, hardware, software, network infrastructure, gaming, simulation, programming, and more. Programs will accept up to 90 transfer credits and the school provides special offerings to active military personnel and veterans.

The New Jersey Institute of Technology offers several types of computer science degrees at all levels. Students can also pursue BA and BS computer science degrees in computing, business, and bioinformatics. Programs will prepare students to work in adaptive, evolving, and multifaceted environments, as well as to collaborate with others. Many programs also encourage logical thinking, problem-solving, and research projects. Co-op learning and fast-track programs are also available.

The Department of Computer Science at Stevens Institute of Technology features a wealth of knowledge and resources for all program participants. Students have access to the Database and Information Systems Management Lab, the Center for the Advancement of Secure Systems and Information Assurance, and more. Research projects will also be available along with a Scholarship for Service program. The department offers bachelor’s degrees, minors, and graduate degrees as well as certificate programs.

Colorado State University at Fort Collins has an elite computer science department providing computer science and related majors, bachelor’s, concentrations, minors, master’s, PhDs, certificates, and dual degrees. The core of most programs centers around learning the optimal ways to solve complex, real-world problems. Graduates go on to work in a wide range of industries including healthcare, AI, space exploration, and the environment.

The University of Texas at Dallas has one of the largest computer science departments in the country with over 3,000 undergraduate students, over 1,000 master’s degree program participants, and roughly 165 PhD students. The department received over $45 million in research funding from both the public and private sectors to be used in a variety of research areas including intelligent systems, cyber security, computer networks, data science, and more. The department is accredited by the ABET and each program incorporates a fair amount of advanced mathematics.

Binghamton University offers both undergraduate and graduate computer science degrees, as well as an undergraduate minor. The bachelor programs are accredited by ABET. Students participate in courses featuring a variety of essential skills including programming, machine learning, cloud computing, cyber security, mobile computing, computer architecture, data science, and more. Graduate programs center around research studies and computer science and software engineering careers.

NYU’s Computer Science Department centers around the future of computer science rather than the needs of yesterday. Courses are designed to encourage students to question existing practices and to develop new ways of approaching current issues through critical thinking and the development of analytical skills. Both undergraduate and graduate students go on to work in a variety of fields and industries such as law, medicine, entrepreneurship, education, and finance. NYU also offers internships to computer science students.

Villanova University offers a bachelor’s and master’s degree in computer science, a master’s degree in software engineering, and a graduate certificate in health informatics. Students can also pursue a cyber security minor and a five-year BS and MS integrated program. Other major students have the ability to take specialized computer science programs. The skills developed by Villanova graduates help them to secure jobs and include engineering principles, math, and science.

The University of Wisconsin at Madison had 1,820 computer science majors in a recent academic year. Students work in a well-rounded environment consisting of academics, research, and collaboration. Overall, the faculty in the computer science department has won dozens of awards. It is possible to pursue a BA or a BS in computer science, as well as an undergraduate certificate. Students can also complete either dual graduate MS and PhD degrees or a professional master’s degree.

The School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Oregon State University has several ABET accredited programs. Undergraduate and graduate students will have access to research projects and enhanced studies in a variety of areas such as electrical engineering, systems, cyber security, robotics, data science, AI, integrated electronics, and more. The school is also home to one of the top open-source labs in the nation.

The Rochester Institute of Technology has received $12 million in funding since 2018, and there were 272 graduates in the 2019 to 2020 academic school year. Students have access to computer science minors, bachelor’s, master’s, dual degrees, PhDs, and certificate programs in an array of specializations. These specializations include computing security, web and mobile development, game design, new media interactive development, health informatics, software engineering, and more. Program participants will learn both applied research and traditional methodologies.

Florida State University has one of the most extensive computer science degree offerings in the country. Both major and non-major students will have access to a variety of courses and minors for the most well-rounded educational opportunities. Students can choose from dozens of majors, degrees, dual degrees, minors, and certificates including programming, computational biology, cyber criminology, computer networking, and more. The BS in Computer Science is accredited by ABET. The programs also offer groups for women in computer science and students have access to scholarships and fellowship opportunities.

The University of Central Florida Computer Science Department is a three-time National Collegiate Cyber Defense Champion. The department specializes in 13 research areas including computer graphics, digital forensics, video processing, AI, parallel computation, software engineering, virtual reality, quantum computing, and more. Students have the option of completing a number of bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs in computer science, including joint degree programs.

Santa Clara University’s computer science program students have access to professors who are industry leaders, such as former Google and LG staff, and real-life projects for hands-on experience. Students can choose from a few undergraduate computer science degrees, as well as graduate and certificate programs in computer science and engineering. The department also offers a laboratory, research opportunities, and a career center.

The University of Utah is located on the edge of Salt Lake City, not far from the edge of a nearby conservation area and beautiful foothills, which are visible from the campus. They offer degrees in 25+ areas, with a special focus on health professions and a variety of majors in computer science including graphics, information sciences, data modeling, software and media, and computer and software engineering. Though it’s a large school, with over 30,000 students, the student-to-faculty ratio is decent at 17 to 1. Students can expect plenty of teacher attention, things to do in town, and access to great learning.