10 Best Undergraduate Computer Science Programs
With over a thousand computer science degree programs around the world, finding the CS program that fits you best can be quite difficult. To help you narrow down your options, we’ve compiled a list of questions that you should keep in mind when selecting the program that suits you best!
How prestigious is the program?
Research the program's reputation within the field of computer science. CS programs tend to be more selective than other fields so dig deeper into a program’s reputation within the CS field. Look at rankings and the program's history of producing successful graduates.
Does the curriculum align with my goals?
Review the curriculum to ensure it aligns with your interests and career goals. Some programs might offer specializations in areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, or software engineering. Be sure to look into the structure (ex: class size) of the curriculum to ensure that your learning style is supported. Smaller class sizes often allow for more personalized attention and interaction with professors. Adequate student support services, such as academic advising and career counseling, are also important.
What opportunities will I have to pursue CS outside of class?
Investigate the faculty's expertise and research interests. Professors who are leaders in their respective fields can provide valuable insights, mentorship, and opportunities for research collaboration. Also check the program's track record in terms of internship opportunities, co-op programs, and job placements after graduation. Evaluate the program's facilities, labs, and access to cutting-edge technology. A well-equipped campus can enhance your learning experience and research opportunities.
Is the program the right fit for me?
When deciding amongst the hundreds of great computer science programs across the country, you should definitely consider how well you fit into the college community. Your fit will play a role in your overall productivity and a good fit will help you extract more from the resources around you. Consider the program's geographical location. Proximity to tech hubs like Silicon Valley, Seattle, or Boston can provide access to internships, networking events, and potential job opportunities. Also, be sure to evaluate the program's tuition, fees, and available financial aid options. Balancing your desired program with your financial situation is crucial.
It’s extremely important to keep these questions in mind when deciding on a CS degree program and also where you’ll be spending the next few years of your life. Below are examples of excellent CS programs that positively answer most of the questions above. These ten programs are known to be highly prestigious, offer plentiful resources, and have invaluable opportunities to support you on your CS journey!
1) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Private or Public: Private
Location: Cambridge, MA
Annual Cost of Attendance: $82,730
Student to faculty ratio: 3:1
Acceptance Rate: 4.7%
Notable Alumni: Buzz Aldrin, Richard Feynman, Shirley Ann Jackson
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has one of the world's best Computer Science programs. Home to the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), MIT has been the birthplace of transformative technologies, such as the World Wide Web and the Scratch programming language. The institution's prime location in the heart of technological innovation, Cambridge, Massachusetts, provides students unparalleled exposure to startups, research institutions, and tech giants, leading to a seamless transition from classroom to real-world application.
2) Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
Private or Public: Private
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Annual Cost of Attendance: $83,697
Student to faculty ratio: 5:1
Acceptance Rate: 11%
Notable Alumni: Andy Warhol, John Forbes Nash Jr, Holly Hunter
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) has earned its reputation as a renowned computer science institution through their unwavering dedication to research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and pioneering advancements. The institution's Computer Science Department, embedded within the renowned School of Computer Science, boasts a faculty that includes Turing Award recipients and experts in fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, and human-computer interaction. CMU's commitment to innovation is evident in breakthroughs such as the first AI computer program and the development of the world's first emoticon. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and research centers like the Robotics Institute and the Human-Computer Interaction Institute, students are immersed in cutting-edge projects that redefine technological possibilities. Students delve into specialized areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and database management, ensuring a well-rounded education that prepares them for diverse roles in the ever-evolving field of computer science.
Private or Public: Private
Location: Stanford, CA
Annual Cost of Attendance: $87,833
Student to faculty ratio: 5:1
Acceptance Rate: 4%
Notable Alumni: Elon Musk, John F. Kennedy, Tiger Woods
Stanford University's computer science program stands as a beacon of innovation and opportunity, seamlessly blending academic rigor with the dynamic tech landscape of Silicon Valley. Boasting a faculty roster teeming with luminaries like Andrew Ng, co-founder of Google Brain, and Daphne Koller, a leader in machine learning, students are exposed to cutting-edge research and visionary guidance. Stanford's storied history includes the founding of companies like Sun Microsystems and Cisco, exemplifying its deep-rooted impact on the industry. The program offers an array of specialized tracks, from AI and robotics to human-computer interaction, catering to diverse interests. Close ties to renowned companies like Apple, Google, and Facebook afford students unparalleled access to internships, collaborations, and real-world challenges.
4) California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Private or Public: Private
Location: Pasadena, CA
Annual Cost of Attendance: $86,866
Student to faculty ratio: 3:1
Acceptance Rate: 4%
Notable Alumni: Howard Hughes, Richard Feynman, Linus Pauling
Caltech has a reputation for having an incredible STEM program. As home to the Information Science and Technology initiative, Caltech offers an environment where interdisciplinary collaboration flourishes, enabling computer scientists to work closely with experts in fields like biology, physics, and engineering. The computing and mathematical sciences faculty comprises distinguished researchers, including Fields Medal winners, whose expertise spans cryptography, algorithmic game theory, and machine learning. Caltech's cutting-edge research centers, such as the Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies, provide students with a platform to engage in groundbreaking projects with real-world impact.
Private or Public: Private
Location: Princeton, NJ
Annual Cost of Attendance: $83,140
Student to faculty ratio: 5:1
Acceptance Rate: 5.8%
Notable Alumni: Jeff Bezos, Alan Turing, Michelle Obama
Princeton University stands as a distinguished institution for computer science, distinguished by its emphasis on both theoretical exploration and practical application. The Department of Computer Science fosters an environment of academic excellence, with faculty members who have received accolades such as the ACM Turing Award and the MacArthur Fellowship. Princeton's computer science program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing students to engage with experts in areas like mathematics, neuroscience, and public policy. The university's research centers, including the Center for Information Technology Policy and the Princeton Neuroscience Institute, provide unique opportunities for cross-disciplinary research.
Private or Public: Private
Location: Cambridge, MA
Annual Cost of Attendance: $79,450
Student to faculty ratio: 7:1
Acceptance Rate: 3.41%
Notable Alumni: Mark Zuckerburg, Bill Gates, Barack Obama
Harvard University's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) houses the computer science program, offering students an array of specialized tracks ranging from artificial intelligence to cybersecurity. The esteemed faculty includes influential figures such as Leslie Valiant, a Turing Award recipient. Harvard's emphasis on interdisciplinary studies enables computer science students to collaborate with experts in diverse fields, enhancing their problem-solving skills. The university's Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society and Institute for Applied Computational Science provide avenues for impactful research at the intersection of technology and society. Harvard's legacy of innovation, from the development of the first computer bug to advancements in computational linguistics, underscores its role in shaping the digital landscape.
7) Georgia Institute of Technology
Private or Public: Public
Location: Atlanta, GA
Annual Cost of Attendance: $28,584 (in-state) and $49,696 (out of state)
Student to faculty ratio: 21:1
Acceptance Rate: 16%
Notable Alumni: Jimmy Carter, Kary Mullis, Chris Bosh
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) stands as a powerhouse in computer science education, distinguished by its cutting-edge research, innovative programs, and strong industry connections. The College of Computing offers a comprehensive curriculum spanning artificial intelligence, machine learning, and human-centered computing. The Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Machines and the Center for Machine Learning serve as focal points for groundbreaking research, allowing students to collaborate on projects that drive technological advancements. Georgia Tech's strategic location in Atlanta, a burgeoning tech hub, provides students with ample internship opportunities and exposure to companies like Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, and numerous startups.
8) UC Berkeley
Private or Public: Public
Location: Berkeley, CA
Annual Cost of Attendance: $46,168
Student to faculty ratio: 20:1
Acceptance Rate: 11.56%
Notable Alumni: Steve Wozniak, J. Paul Getty, Chris Pine
The University of California, Berkeley's (UC Berkeley) computer science program is rooted in a rich history of technological breakthroughs, including the development of the RISC architecture. The program's expansive curriculum spans cutting-edge topics such as artificial intelligence, data science, and cryptography, allowing students to tailor their education to their passions. UC Berkeley's proximity to the vibrant tech ecosystem of the San Francisco Bay Area provides unparalleled access to industry leaders like Google, Apple, and Facebook, fostering internships, collaborative research, and networking opportunities. The collaborative culture extends to research centers like the Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research Lab, where students contribute to groundbreaking projects.
Private or Public: Private
Location: Ithaca, NY
Annual Cost of Attendance: $88,150
Student to faculty ratio: 9:1
Acceptance Rate: 9.73%
Notable Alumni: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Bill Nye, Tsai Ing-wen
Cornell University's computer science program distinguishes itself with a unique blend of academic rigor, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a commitment to research-driven innovation. Housed within the College of Computing and Information Science, the program offers a diverse array of specialized tracks, from computer graphics to machine learning. With a focus on both theory and practical application, Cornell's computer science classes offer a diverse range of learning experiences, from introductory courses that lay the groundwork for programming and problem-solving, to advanced seminars that delve into specialized topics like natural language processing, robotics, and computer graphics. Renowned for its strong emphasis on research, Cornell provides students with opportunities to engage in groundbreaking projects at research centers like the Cornell Laboratory for Accelerator-Based Sciences and Education (CLASSE) and the Institute for Computational Sustainability. The university's connections to industry and proximity to New York City's tech scene grant students access to internships, networking events, and post-graduation prospects.
10) University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Private or Public: Public
Location: Champaign, IL
Annual Cost of Attendance: $40,474 (in-state) and $61,872 (out of state)
Student to faculty ratio: 21:1
Acceptance Rate: 44.8%
Notable Alumni: Hugh Hefner, Gene Hackman, Larry Ellison
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) stands as a powerhouse in computer science education, celebrated for its comprehensive curriculum and prolific research contributions. The Department of Computer Science offers an extensive array of courses encompassing artificial intelligence, software engineering, and high-performance computing. UIUC's esteemed faculty includes Turing Award winners and prominent experts, fostering a culture of academic excellence and innovation. The university's Research Park provides a unique platform for collaboration with tech companies, offering students opportunities for internships and industry partnerships. With renowned research centers such as the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA), UIUC is at the forefront of advancements in high-performance computing and computational sciences.
Take your time to thoroughly research and visit potential institutions, if possible. Talk to current students, alumni, and faculty members to gain insights into the program's strengths and weaknesses. By considering the factors mentioned above, you can make an informed decision that sets you on a path to a successful and fulfilling career in computer science.
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