Computer Science (CS) is one of the most sought-after and popular majors in the United States. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, graduates in this field often secure high-paying positions. For instance, the median annual salary for software engineers, a prominent profession within CS, reached $130,160 in 2023, with a projected 25% growth in demand over the next decade—significantly above the average growth rate.
For high school students interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), pursuing a degree in Computer Science can be an excellent choice. This article will introduce eight top-ranked U.S. universities renowned for their Computer Science programs. These institutions boast strong academic standings and provide abundant resources to help students build promising futures.
Let’s look at these universities and their comprehensive and specialized rankings!
Feeling like computer science is difficult and not sure how to get started?
| 2024 Ranking by CS Major | 2024 Overall Ranking by U.S News | School | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | MIT | Massachusetts |
| 2 | 24 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pennsylvania |
| 2 | 3 | Stanford University | California |
| 2 | 15 | University of California, Berkeley | California |
| 5 | 35 | University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign | Illinois |
| 6 | 12 | Cornell University | New York |
| / | 60 | Rensselaer Polytechnic University | New York |
| 10 | 40 | University of Washington | Washington |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT is globally recognized as a leading institution in STEM education. The university’s Electrical Engineering and Computer Science programs are among the most popular for undergraduates, offering a diverse range of courses. Students can choose from various paths, including pure Computer Science, Computer Science and Molecular Biology, and Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. MIT strongly emphasizes academic research, allowing students to engage with cutting-edge developments in the field and even participate in research projects.
Carnegie Mellon University
With a rich history in Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon is highly regarded, particularly in artificial intelligence, where it launched its first undergraduate AI program in 2018. The university emphasizes undergraduate research, with most students completing their studies through research opportunities in the school or via internships. Additionally, Carnegie Mellon offers interdisciplinary programs combining Computer Science with other disciplines, making it ideal for students interested in robotics, high-quality game design, and interactive arts.
Stanford University
Stanford’s Computer Science department, established in 1965, consistently ranks among the world’s best. Beyond standard coursework, students can engage in Stanford’s undergraduate research initiatives such as CURIS (Computer Science Research), gaining valuable research experience before graduation through internships, classes, and independent studies. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, students have ample opportunities to connect with numerous technology companies.
Online Computer Science Classes Led by Top U.S. Instructors
University of California, Berkeley
Similar to Stanford, UC Berkeley benefits from its proximity to Silicon Valley, making it renowned for its exceptional STEM programs. Computer Science students can tailor their education based on their career aspirations—whether pursuing a Ph.D. or entering the job market. The university offers various courses, allowing students to align their studies with personal interests.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Recognized for its top-tier engineering programs, the University of Illinois has nearly 2,000 undergraduate students enrolled in Computer Science. With over 20 undergraduate pathways available, students can explore interdisciplinary studies that combine Computer Science with fields like advertising, chemistry, music, and philosophy, thereby preparing themselves for specific industries.
Cornell University
Cornell’s Computer Science program equips students with a strong foundation in algorithms, data structures, logic, programming languages, and theory. After completing core courses, students have access to numerous electives to further their studies. The university also promotes small class sizes, allowing for independent research opportunities under the guidance of esteemed professors, and fosters a network through various student organizations focused on Computer Science.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rensselaer is seeing a surge in enrollment for its Computer Science major, with hundreds of students pursuing this field. The program emphasizes flexibility, enabling students to choose various electives, and offers opportunities for double majoring or minoring in other subjects. Students can conduct research at the Rensselaer Center for Open Source and have the option to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Computer Science within five years.
University of Washington
Located in Seattle, home to numerous prestigious tech companies, including Amazon, the University of Washington’s Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering enrolls approximately 2,000 undergraduate students. With a large Computer Science program, students benefit from extensive elective choices and opportunities for research, teaching assistantships, study abroad, and internships.
These eight universities represent the pinnacle of Computer Science education in the United States. For students aspiring to apply for undergraduate programs in CS, particularly those targeting top institutions, it’s essential to maintain strong academic performance while enhancing their applications with extracurricular activities. Participating in competitions like the American Computer Science League (ACSL) can significantly boost technical skills and showcase competitive and soft skills, making candidates more attractive to these prestigious schools.
• The program begins with two weeks of dedicated programming practice to provide participants with an opportunity to enhance their skills.
• Each of the 12 ACSL topics is allocated a two-week period, allowing ample time for in-depth exploration and understanding.
• Prior to each contest, participants are presented with two programming problems that are intentionally unrelated to the current topics.
• A Scholastic National Silver Medal Instructor and award-winning coach for major competitions
• Teach creative writing at a university and mentor young writers
• She holds an MFA in Creative Writing and a Juris Doctor degree
