The 10 Best Computer Science Schools in the US

Computer science is growing rapidly. In fact, jobs in computer and IT fields are projected to add about 356,700 openings per year from 2023 to 2033—much faster than average. If you’re looking to enter the field, the best computer science schools in the country can help you build a solid foundation while letting you specialize in the areas that interest you most. In this article, we’ll cover ten top schools to consider.

• What Are the Best Schools for Computer Science?
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Stanford University
• University of California, Berkeley
• University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• Cornell University
• Princeton University
• University of Texas, Austin
• University of Washington
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Are the Best Schools for Computer Science?

For this article, we chose the schools based on US News rankings. Here’s a quick look at the best schools for computer science:

In the following sections, we’ll discuss more about why these are the country’s top computer science programs.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Acceptance rate: 4.5%

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) ranks #1 for the country’s best computer science school. However, if you look through the school’s programs, you’ll realize that there’s no single Computer Science major.

Instead, you’ll see that the Electrical Engineering & Computer Science Department heavily takes on an interdisciplinary approach, blending computer science with other disciplines, which allows its graduates to be versatile and seek opportunities in various fields.

These computer science-related programs are:

• Computer Science and Engineering. This is the traditional and most comprehensive computer science major at MIT, giving students a strong theoretical foundation while also developing practical skills in programming, system design, and problem-solving.
• Artificial Intelligence and Decision Making. This major focuses on the theoretical and practical aspects of building intelligent systems that can learn, reason, make decisions, and interact with the world.
• Electrical Engineering with Computing. This program gives you a strong foundation in electrical engineering principles (like circuits, signals, systems, and electromagnetics) and integrates substantial coursework in computing. This major is ideal for those interested in areas where computational power meets physical systems, such as hardware-software interface, embedded systems, and computer architecture.
• Computer Science and Molecular Biology. This interdisciplinary major combines the power of computation with the complexities of biological systems. You’ll learn to apply computational methods (like algorithms, data structures, and machine learning) to solve problems in molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, and computational biology..
• Computer Science, Economics, and Data Science. This major combines computational techniques and data science methods with economic theory and analysis, teaching you how to use data to understand economic phenomena, design markets, and make informed decisions.
• Computation and Cognition. This major studies the intersection of computer science and cognitive science. It looks at how computational models can help us understand the brain and human intelligence and how insights from cognitive science can inform the design of more intelligent artificial systems.
• Urban Science and Planning with Computer Science. This interdisciplinary major uses computational tools and approaches to solve complex urban challenges. You’ll learn to collect, analyze, and visualize urban data, develop smart city solutions, and create computational models for urban systems.

Carnegie Mellon University

Acceptance rate: 11.5%

Carnegie Mellon’s School of Computer Science (SCS) ranks #2 in the country. Many universities tend to have computer science as a department within engineering, but Carnegie Mellon is unique in that it has its own full-fledged school with multiple distinct departments.

SCS has five undergraduate degrees:

• Artificial Intelligence. This specialized major gives you the in-depth knowledge and skills needed to understand, design, and build intelligent systems. It focuses on how complex data like vision, language, and large databases can be used for decision-making and to improve human capabilities.
• Computational Biology. This program will teach you to apply computational methods, algorithms, and data analysis techniques to solve complex problems in biology and medicine—including genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics.
• Computer Science. This is the foundational computer science major that offers a rigorous and comprehensive education in the field’s core principles. However, what’s different about Carnegie Mellon’s computer science program is that you’re required to minor in a second subject, encouraging a broader intellectual foundation beyond just computer science.
• Human-Computer Interaction. This major focuses on the design, evaluation, and implementation of interactive computing systems for human use, including user experience design, usability, cognitive psychology, social computing, and the principles that make technology intuitive and effective for users.
• Robotics. This major emphasizes problem-solving and “systems thinking” to design, control, and apply robotic systems. The curriculum covers core computer science fundamentals, computer vision, sensing, mechanisms, manipulation, planning, control, and hands-on robot-building practices.

On top of the highly specialized programs, Carnegie Mellon also allows you to choose a concentration from various topics, including Algorithms & Complexity, Computational Biology, and Computer Graphics, among others.

Stanford University

Acceptance rate: 3.6%

Stanford University ties with Carnegie Mellon and UC Berkeley for the #2 spot in the top computer science programs. Stanford’s Computer Science Department has a core curriculum that emphasizes important programming techniques and the mathematical foundations of computer science, including data structures and probability.

Outside the core, Stanford has a CS major track system, which lets you explore specialized areas before settling on one you want to pursue. Some tracks you can choose from include:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Computational Biology (Biocomputation)
• Computer Engineering
• Visual Computing (Graphics)
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Information
• Systems
• Theory

Another reason that Stanford is one of the best computer science schools is its location in the heart of Silicon Valley. Stanford actively cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging innovation, risk-taking, and a problem-solving orientation in all aspects of learning and research.

In fact, many alumni go on to found highly successful tech companies—such as Larry Page and Sergey Brin’s Google and Reed Hastings’ Netflix. The tight feedback loop between Stanford and the industry in Silicon Valley ensures that the computer science curriculum remains highly relevant to real-world challenges.

University of California, Berkeley

Acceptance rate: 11%

UC Berkeley also ranks 2nd among the best computer science schools. The curriculum emphasizes a strong theoretical foundation, offering intense core courses like CS 61A (The Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs), CS 61B (Data Structures), and CS 70 (Discrete Mathematics and Probability Theory).

You have two options for getting a computer science degree:

• Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science. This is housed within the College of Computing, Data Science, and Society, giving a strong foundation in core CS principles, while also encouraging a broader, more liberal arts-oriented education. You have more flexibility to take courses outside of STEM, allowing for double majors or minors in humanities, social sciences, or arts.
• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences (EECS). This is housed in the College of Engineering, combining fundamental principles of electrical engineering and computer science. The curriculum has a significant amount of coursework in mathematics, physics, and electrical engineering fundamentals.

The university also offers a 5th Year M.S. Program, which essentially lets you earn a Master’s degree in either Electrical Engineering or Computer Science in just one additional year beyond your Bachelor’s degree.

UC Berkeley is located just across the bay from Silicon Valley, giving you a unique blend of public university accessibility with world-class, cutting-edge innovation. You’ll be a short BART ride away from major tech companies, where you might find internships and other opportunities to connect with industry professionals, alumni, and venture capitalists.

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Acceptance rate: 42.4%

The University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) ranks #5 in computer science in the US, thanks to its programs that offer depth, breadth, and adaptability. The university has several programs that let you specialize in certain areas and even combine the discipline with other fields.

These computer science pathways include:

• Computer Science. This is the most traditional and in-depth computer science degree that’s heavily focused on CS coursework, with supporting requirements in mathematics and basic sciences.
• Mathematics and CS. This program gives you a strong theoretical foundation of computing, with a significant amount of coursework in areas like discrete mathematics, linear algebra, calculus, and mathematical proofs.
• Statistics and CS. This major provides a strong foundation in both CS and statistics, with an emphasis on applying computational tools to statistical problems.
• CS + X degree programs. These are blended Bachelor of Science degrees offered in partnership between the Department of Computer Science and various departments across other colleges at UIUC, preparing you to innovate and apply computing technologies within your chosen field. Examples of academic disciplines you can choose from for this program include animal sciences, education, and anthropology, among many others.

Similar to UC Berkeley, UIUC also offers Fifth Year Masters Programs, which let you take upper-level courses available in the graduate program.

Georgia Institute of Technology

Acceptance rate: 12.7%

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is also one of the best computer science schools in the country, ranking #6. Perhaps one of the most unique aspects of its undergraduate computer science is its “Threads” curriculum. This model allows you to deeply customize your degree by selecting two “threads” (specializations) from a list, which includes:

• Cybersecurity and Privacy
• Devices
• Information Internetworks
• Intelligence
• Media
• Modeling and Simulation
• People
• Systems and Architecture
• Theory

By combining two threads, you prepare yourself for complex, multi-faceted roles in the industry since each thread will give you the skills and credentials that make you valuable in that aspect. For example, you can combine “Intelligence” with “People” to focus on human-centered AI.

Georgia Tech is located in Atlanta, which has actually been named by Business Facilities magazine as the number 1 Tech Hub spot for two years in a row. This means that the school’s computer science students and alumni benefit from strong connections and excellent career prospects in the rapidly growing tech hub.

Even within the school, there are facilities and computing resources that support ambitious academic and research endeavors. For example, the Klaus Advanced Computing Building has research and instructional labs, open collaboration spaces, and study lounges.

Cornell University

Acceptance rate: 8.4%

Cornell University offers two computer science majors: one in the College of Arts and Sciences and the other in the College of Engineering. Together, these programs boost the university to rank #7 among computer science schools in the country.

The Arts & Sciences CS is for students who want a strong technical CS foundation but also want a broader liberal arts education, allowing for double majors or more electives in humanities, social sciences, or arts.

Meanwhile, the Engineering CS provides a more traditional engineering curriculum with additional foundational science and math requirements. This is usually appealing to students interested in hardware, systems, or a more integrated engineering perspective.

Regardless of which CS degree program you’re in, you can expect a robust core curriculum covering:

• Algorithms
• Data structures
• Logic
• Programming languages
• Systems
• Theory

Outside of classes, you can be part of groundbreaking research in a wide range of areas, including computational biology, robotics, and security & privacy.

If you want to continue your computer science education at Cornell after graduation, the university actually has a dedicated campus in New York City called Cornell Tech. This campus offers graduate programs with a unique focus on applied research, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Princeton University

Acceptance rate: 4.6%

Princeton University’s computer science program also ties at #7 in the US. The program places a strong emphasis on the mathematical and theoretical foundation of computer science. You can expect to develop a deep understanding of algorithms, data structures, discrete mathematics, and the principles of computation.

Despite the rigor of the curriculum, you actually have two degree options:

• AB in Computer Science. This gives you a strong CS foundation but also the flexibility to have a broader liberal arts education, allowing for more exploration in humanities, social sciences, or arts. It appeals to those interested in the societal implications of computing, computational social science, or interdisciplinary fields.
• BSE in Computer Science. This is a more engineering-focused degree with additional requirements in mathematics, physics, and general engineering principles. This path is suited for students who want to pursue a more intense study of hardware and systems or who are considering graduate studies in engineering.

Independent work is a big part of a Princeton education. For example, AB concentrators are required to participate in a Junior Research Workshop, sign up for an independent work seminar or a one-on-one independent work project, and complete a two-term thesis. Meanwhile, BSE concentrators should complete at least one term of independent work and have the option to complete a senior thesis.

University of Texas, Austin

Acceptance rate: 28.2%

The computer science program at the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) offers a comprehensive curriculum that balances theoretical foundations with practical, industry-relevant skills. Thanks to this, the school ties at rank #7 for one of the best computer science schools in the country.

You’ll gain a strong core in areas like Data Structures and Algorithms, Computer Architecture, and Operating Systems. Then, you’ll also choose from concentrations that let you specialize in areas that align with current industry trends and faculty research. These are:

• Computer systems
• Cybersecurity
• Game development
• Machine learning & artificial intelligence
• Mobile computing

UT Austin also offers three integrated 5-year programs that let you earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Master of Science in:

• Computer Science (BS CS/MS CS)
• Information Studies (BS CS/MS IS)
• Computational Science, Engineering, and Mathematics (BS CS/MS CSEM)

Another factor that has helped the university house one of the top computer science programs in the country is its location. Austin, Texas is also a rapidly growing and dynamic tech hub that’s usually referred to as “Silicon Hills.” Some major tech companies that started in Austin include Dell, BigCommerce, and Condé Nast. The proximity to tech companies means UT Austin students and alumni have many opportunities for internships, jobs, and collaborations.

University of Washington

Acceptance rate: 45%

The University of Washington closes out our list of best computer science schools, also ranking #7 in the country. The university offers two options:

• BS in Computer Science. This is the more comprehensive computer science degree. You’ll cover core areas like algorithms, operating systems, computer architecture, and theoretical computer science. Beyond that, you can also choose electives in areas like artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, graphics, security, and more.
• BS in Computer Science: Data Science Option. This is a specialized option if you want a strong computer science foundation but with a particular emphasis on the principles, methods, and applications of data science.

The Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering is also a global leader in computer science research that spans many areas, from artificial intelligence to theory & models of computation.

Even as an undergraduate, you’ll have many opportunities to work directly with faculty and graduate students. For example, the Undergraduate Academic Affairs lists various undergraduate research opportunities you can be a part of.

The University of Washington is located in Seattle, which houses tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Apple. Thanks to that, you can get unparalleled access to internships, co-ops, and full-time employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which college has the best computer science program?

MIT has the best computer science program in the country, ranked #1 by US News. It has several computer science-related programs that can let you specialize in a certain area of interest.

2. Which is harder, CS or IT?

Generally, Computer Science (CS) is considered harder because of its deeper focus on theoretical concepts, advanced mathematics, algorithms, and the fundamental design of new software and systems. Meanwhile, Information Technology (IT) emphasizes the practical application, management, and maintenance of existing technology.

3. What is the highest paid job in computer science?

Salaries can vary greatly by experience, company, and location. However, generally, some of the highest paid jobs in computer science include Data Engineer, Cybersecurity Analyst, and Software Engineer. In these positions, you could earn between $49,000 and $83,000 per year.

Takeaways

• The best computer science schools in the country include MIT, Cornell, Carnegie Mellon, Stanford, UC Berkeley, UIUC, Georgia Tech, Princeton, UT Austin, and the University of Washington.
• While these are ranked as the best computer science schools in the US, the institution you choose should still depend on factors like your interests and goals.
• Do you see your target computer science school on this list? Talk to a private admissions consultant to help you build a strong college application that can increase your chances of being accepted.