Best Computer Science Schools and Programs

Computer science has grown in the last few decades from something that only a very few were involved with and with touched the lives of not many more, to something that spans the globe, touches the lives of nearly every person, and is constantly growing and changing in how it functions and how we use it. If you’re interested in getting into any field relating to software, hardware, the Internet of Things, applications, user interfaces, etc., then this is the place for you. There are plenty of schools getting into the computer science field, but here you’ll find the best options from across the country. Take this opportunity to find a school that works for you in terms of budget, location, and the time you’re willing to put into a degree.

Top 10 Best Computer Science Degree Programs


  1. Stanford University

Stanford University has the best computer science programs in the US, 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.

  • Tuition

    • In-State: $53,529

    • Out-of-State: $53,529

  • Rank: #1

  • Total Enrollment: 17,381

  • Graduation Rate: 94%

  • Diplomas Awarded: 606


  1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus

The University of Washington at Seattle is frequently ranked amongst the top computer science programs 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.

  • Tuition

    • In-State: $11,465

    • Out-of-State: $38,166

  • Rank: #2

  • Total Enrollment: 47,400

  • Graduation Rate: 84%

  • Diplomas Awarded: 363



  1. Carnegie Mellon University

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. 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.

  • Tuition

    • In-State: $57,119

    • Out-of-State: $57,119

  • Rank: #3

  • Total Enrollment: 14,029

  • Graduation Rate: 89%

  • Diplomas Awarded: 229



  1. University of California-Davis

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.

  • Tuition

    • In-State: $14,495

    • Out-of-State: $44,249

  • Rank: #4

  • Total Enrollment: 38,167

  • Graduation Rate: 86%

  • Diplomas Awarded: 331


  1. University of California-San Diego

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.

  • Tuition

    • In-State: $14,415

    • Out-of-State: $44,169

  • Rank: #5

  • Total Enrollment: 37,887

  • Graduation Rate: 86%

  • Diplomas Awarded: 678


  1. Johns Hopkins University

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.

  • Tuition

    • In-State: $55,350

    • Out-of-State: $55,350

  • Rank: #6

  • Total Enrollment: 26,152

  • Graduation Rate: 93%

  • Diplomas Awarded: 331


  1. Hobart William Smith Colleges

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 programs 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.

  • Tuition

    • In-State: $57,030

    • Out-of-State: $57,030

  • Rank: #7

  • Total Enrollment: 2,241

  • Graduation Rate: 78%

  • Diplomas Awarded: 17


  1. University of California-Berkeley

The University of California at Berkeley features top-ranking computer science programs 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.

  • Tuition

    • In-State: $14,253

    • Out-of-State: $44,007

  • Rank: #8

  • Total Enrollment: 42,501

  • Graduation Rate: 91%

  • Diplomas Awarded: 633


  1. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

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.

  • Tuition

    • In-State: $15,122

    • Out-of-State: $32,264

  • Rank: #9

  • Total Enrollment: 49,702

  • Graduation Rate: 84%

  • Diplomas Awarded: 800


  1. University of California-Los Angeles

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.

  • Tuition

    • In-State: $13,240

    • Out-of-State: $42,994

  • Rank: #10

  • Total Enrollment: 44,537

  • Graduation Rate: 91%

  • Diplomas Awarded: 399