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2024 Best Computer Science Schools

396 Colleges in the United States
59,565 CompSci Degrees Awarded
$67,538 Avg Early-Career Salary
Computer Science is of the hottest degree programs in the United States, coming in as the #12 most popular major in the country. So, there are lots of possibilities to explore when you're trying to determine where you want to get your degree.

In 2024, College Factual analyzed 396 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best Computer Science Schools ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 59,565 degrees in computer science to qualified students.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Computer Science School

Best Computer Science Schools The compsci program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Computer Science rankings. For our Best Overall Computer Science School rankings, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that level.

You may want to choose one of the degree levels below to find the schools of most interest to you.

Computer Science Rankings by Degree Level

Associate Degrees in CompSci
Bachelor's Degrees in CompSci
Master's Degrees in CompSci
Doctor's Degrees in CompSci

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we've developed the Best Computer Science Schools ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

To further help you make the college decision, we've developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Read more about College Factual's methodology.


 

Best Schools for Computer Science in the United States

The schools below may not offer all types of compsci degrees so you may want to filter by degree level first. However, they are great for the degree levels they do offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Schools in CompSci

1
Stanford crest
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
628 CompSci Degrees Awarded
$147,928 Median Starting Salary

It is difficult to beat Stanford University if you wish to pursue a degree in computer science. Stanford is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Stanford. A Best Colleges rank of #3 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Stanford is a great university overall.

There were about 628 computer science students who graduated with this degree at Stanford in the most recent year we have data available. Computer Science degree recipients from Stanford University get an earnings boost of about $80,390 above the average earnings of computer science majors.

More information about a degree in computer science from Stanford University

2
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
692 CompSci Degrees Awarded
$118,191 Median Starting Salary

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a good decision for students interested in a degree in computer science. Located in the midsize city of Cambridge, MIT is a private not-for-profit school with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #1 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means MIT is a great school overall.

There were about 692 computer science students who graduated with this degree at MIT in the most recent year we have data available. Those computer science students who get their degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology earn $50,653 more than the average compsci student.

More information about a degree in computer science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology

3
Duke crest
Duke University
Durham, NC
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
404 CompSci Degrees Awarded
1.7% Growth in Graduates

Every student pursuing a degree in computer science needs to look into Duke University. Located in the city of Durham, Duke is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #7 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Duke is a great university overall.

There were about 404 computer science students who graduated with this degree at Duke in the most recent year we have data available. Those computer science students who get their degree from Duke University make $47,597 more than the typical compsci graduate.

More information about a degree in computer science from Duke University

4
Harvard crest
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
187 CompSci Degrees Awarded
$140,072 Median Starting Salary

It is difficult to beat Harvard University if you wish to pursue a degree in computer science. Harvard is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Cambridge. A Best Colleges rank of #6 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Harvard is a great university overall.

There were roughly 187 computer science students who graduated with this degree at Harvard in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the computer science degree program at Harvard University earn $72,534 more than the average college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in computer science from Harvard University

5
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
744 CompSci Degrees Awarded
6.7% Growth in Graduates

Cornell is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Ithaca. This university ranks 3rd out of 142 colleges for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were approximately 744 computer science students who graduated with this degree at Cornell in the most recent year we have data available. Those computer science students who get their degree from Cornell University earn $69,965 more than the average compsci grad.

More information about a degree in computer science from Cornell University

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
340 CompSci Degrees Awarded
$161,723 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #9 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Carnegie Mellon is a great university overall.

There were roughly 340 computer science students who graduated with this degree at Carnegie Mellon in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the computer science program at Carnegie Mellon University get $94,185 above the typical college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in computer science from Carnegie Mellon University

7
Brown crest
Brown University
Providence, RI
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
319 CompSci Degrees Awarded
$130,101 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Providence, Brown is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 9 schools for overall quality in the state of Rhode Island.

There were roughly 319 computer science students who graduated with this degree at Brown in the most recent data year. Computer Science degree recipients from Brown University earn a boost of approximately $62,563 over the typical income of computer science majors.

More information about a degree in computer science from Brown University

8
UPenn crest
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
199 CompSci Degrees Awarded
$127,623 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Philadelphia, UPenn is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #4 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UPenn is a great university overall.

There were roughly 199 computer science students who graduated with this degree at UPenn in the most recent data year. Computer Science degree recipients from University of Pennsylvania get an earnings boost of around $60,085 over the average earnings of computer science graduates.

More information about a degree in computer science from University of Pennsylvania

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
898 CompSci Degrees Awarded
7.7% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of New York, Columbia is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #14 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Columbia is a great university overall.

There were roughly 898 computer science students who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent year we have data available. Computer Science degree recipients from Columbia University in the City of New York receive an earnings boost of about $53,839 above the typical earnings of computer science majors.

More information about a degree in computer science from Columbia University in the City of New York

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
856 CompSci Degrees Awarded
$125,250 Median Starting Salary

UC Berkeley is a very large public university located in the midsize city of Berkeley. A Best Colleges rank of #18 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UC Berkeley is a great university overall.

There were approximately 856 computer science students who graduated with this degree at UC Berkeley in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the computer science program at University of California - Berkeley get $57,712 more than the typical graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in computer science from University of California - Berkeley

11
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
337 CompSci Degrees Awarded
21.7% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Chicago, UChicago is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #2 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UChicago is a great university overall.

There were roughly 337 computer science students who graduated with this degree at UChicago in the most recent data year. Computer Science degree recipients from University of Chicago get an earnings boost of around $33,468 over the typical income of computer science majors.

More information about a degree in computer science from University of Chicago

12
Vanderbilt crest
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
229 CompSci Degrees Awarded
19.2% Growth in Graduates

Vanderbilt is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Nashville. This university ranks 1st out of 45 colleges for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.

There were approximately 229 computer science students who graduated with this degree at Vanderbilt in the most recent year we have data available. Computer Science degree recipients from Vanderbilt University earn a boost of about $34,176 over the average earnings of computer science majors.

More information about a degree in computer science from Vanderbilt University

13
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
84 CompSci Degrees Awarded
13.1% Growth in Graduates

Caltech is a small private not-for-profit school located in the medium-sized city of Pasadena. This school ranks 6th out of 168 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were roughly 84 computer science students who graduated with this degree at Caltech in the most recent data year. Those computer science students who get their degree from California Institute of Technology receive $62,155 more than the average compsci grad.

More information about a degree in computer science from California Institute of Technology

14
Dartmouth crest
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
141 CompSci Degrees Awarded
14.9% Growth in Graduates

Dartmouth is a medium-sized private not-for-profit college located in the remote town of Hanover. This college ranks 1st out of 17 schools for overall quality in the state of New Hampshire.

There were about 141 computer science students who graduated with this degree at Dartmouth in the most recent year we have data available. Computer Science degree recipients from Dartmouth College receive an earnings boost of about $43,721 over the typical income of computer science graduates.

More information about a degree in computer science from Dartmouth College

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
280 CompSci Degrees Awarded
$94,849 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large suburb of Saint Louis, WUSTL is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #17 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means WUSTL is a great university overall.

There were about 280 computer science students who graduated with this degree at WUSTL in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the computer science degree program at Washington University in St Louis earn $27,311 above the average graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in computer science from Washington University in St Louis

16
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,386 CompSci Degrees Awarded
8.2% Growth in Graduates

USC is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Los Angeles. A Best Colleges rank of #11 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means USC is a great university overall.

There were about 1386 computer science students who graduated with this degree at USC in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the computer science program at University of Southern California earn $40,009 more than the standard graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in computer science from University of Southern California

17
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
901 CompSci Degrees Awarded
19.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the small city of Champaign, UIUC is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 85 schools for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were about 901 computer science students who graduated with this degree at UIUC in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the computer science program at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign earn $55,193 above the typical college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in computer science from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

18
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
470 CompSci Degrees Awarded
10.4% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Seattle, UW Seattle is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 51 colleges for overall quality in the state of Washington.

There were about 470 computer science students who graduated with this degree at UW Seattle in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the computer science major at University of Washington - Seattle Campus make $34,172 above the standard college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in computer science from University of Washington - Seattle Campus

19
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
572 CompSci Degrees Awarded
3.0% Growth in Graduates

Purdue is a very large public university located in the small city of West Lafayette. This university ranks 2nd out of 42 colleges for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were approximately 572 computer science students who graduated with this degree at Purdue in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the computer science major at Purdue University - Main Campus earn $14,211 more than the standard college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in computer science from Purdue University - Main Campus

20
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In MD
929 CompSci Degrees Awarded

UMCP is a fairly large public university located in the suburb of College Park. This university ranks 2nd out of 36 schools for overall quality in the state of Maryland.

There were roughly 929 computer science students who graduated with this degree at UMCP in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in computer science from University of Maryland - College Park

21
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
227 CompSci Degrees Awarded
19.4% Growth in Graduates

Northwestern is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the small city of Evanston. A Best Colleges rank of #5 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Northwestern is a great university overall.

There were about 227 computer science students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent year we have data available. Those computer science students who get their degree from Northwestern University make $25,066 more than the typical compsci student.

More information about a degree in computer science from Northwestern University

22
Tufts crest
Tufts University
Medford, MA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
237 CompSci Degrees Awarded
$96,349 Median Starting Salary

Tufts is a large private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Medford. This university ranks 4th out of 63 schools for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.

There were roughly 237 computer science students who graduated with this degree at Tufts in the most recent year we have data available. Those computer science students who get their degree from Tufts University earn $28,811 more than the typical compsci student.

More information about a degree in computer science from Tufts University

23
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
868 CompSci Degrees Awarded
11.6% Growth in Graduates

UCSD is a fairly large public university located in the large city of La Jolla. This university ranks 8th out of 168 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 868 computer science students who graduated with this degree at UCSD in the most recent data year. Those computer science students who get their degree from University of California - San Diego earn $40,215 more than the typical compsci graduate.

More information about a degree in computer science from University of California - San Diego

24
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
461 CompSci Degrees Awarded
9.3% Growth in Graduates

UNC Chapel Hill is a very large public university located in the city of Chapel Hill. This university ranks 2nd out of 93 schools for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were about 461 computer science students who graduated with this degree at UNC Chapel Hill in the most recent year we have data available. Those computer science students who get their degree from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill make $6,624 more than the typical compsci student.

More information about a degree in computer science from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

25
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
15th Most Popular In MA
39 CompSci Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Boston, BHCC is a public college with a moderately-sized student population. This college ranks 22nd out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.

There were approximately 39 computer science students who graduated with this degree at BHCC in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in computer science from Bunker Hill Community College

Rest of the Top Best Computer Science Schools

26
Georgetown crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC
27
28
29
Harvey Mudd College crest
Harvey Mudd College
Claremont, CA
30
31
Boston U crest
Boston University
Boston, MA
32
Emory crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA

33
Pomona crest
Pomona College
Claremont, CA

34
35
36
37
38
Lehigh crest
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA
39
40
41

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45
46
47
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49
Williams crest
Williams College
Williamstown, MA
50

 

Remaining Award Winners

This list shows the rest of the schools awarded a Best Computer Science Schools badge. Showing in this list means the school was ranked in the top 15% of the 396 different United States computer science schools we analyzed.

Rank College Location
51 Rose - Hulman Institute of Technology Terre Haute, IN
52 Southern Methodist University Dallas, TX
53 Amherst College Amherst, MA
54 University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO
55 University of Miami Coral Gables, FL
56 Brigham Young University - Provo Provo, UT
57 Indiana University - Bloomington Bloomington, IN
58 Carleton College Northfield, MN
59 Grinnell College Grinnell, IA

Additional Noteworthy Schools

Here are some additional great schools for Computer Science students that almost earned our Best Computer Science Schools award.

Rank College Location
60 University of Maryland - Baltimore County Baltimore, MD
61 Drexel University Philadelphia, PA
62 Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, LA
63 University of Arizona Tucson, AZ
64 University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL
65 California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA
66 Iowa State University Ames, IA
67 Boston College Chestnut Hill, MA
68 Seattle University Seattle, WA
69 University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT
70 Oregon State University Corvallis, OR
71 Villanova University Villanova, PA
72 Arizona State University - Tempe Tempe, AZ
73 Middlebury College Middlebury, VT
74 Colgate University Hamilton, NY
75 Lake Area Technical Institute Watertown, SD
76 San Diego State University San Diego, CA
77 William & Mary Williamsburg, VA
78 Wake Forest University Winston-Salem, NC
79 University of San Francisco San Francisco, CA

Computer Science by Region

View the Best Computer Science Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Other U.S. Territories
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

Computer Science is one of 10 different types of Computer & Information Sciences programs to choose from.

CompSci Focus Areas

Major Annual Graduates
Computer Science 59,565

View All CompSci Concentrations >

Majors Similar to CompSci

Related Major Annual Graduates
Computer Information Systems 88,434
Information Technology 40,555
Information Science 18,325
Computer Systems Networking 14,700
Computer Software & Applications 14,336
Computer Programming 11,939
Computer Systems Analysis 2,338
Data Processing 1,955
Other Computer & Information Sciences 1,755
Data Entry 552

View All CompSci Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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