Best Computer Science Schools In United States

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Student-Faculty Ratio: 3:1

Massachusetts Institute of Technology commonly known as MIT is one of the finest institutions for computer science degrees in the US. The university campus expands to an area of 166 acres.

The campus of MIT is often compared to a small city which facilitates the living and learning activities of over 11,000 students every year.

The institution offers several courses in the field of computer science with ample research opportunities. The Institution has also integrated several departments to offer hybrid courses to undergraduate and graduate students.

However, the large campus area, multiple courses, and world-class research facilities are not the only reason for MIT to rank as the top institution in the United States for a computer science degree. Its 3:1 student-faculty ratio ensures every student gets the perfect guidance maintaining the institution's 95% graduation rate.

Location: Stanford, California

Student-Faculty Ratio: 6:1

Stanford University is another top institution for computer science degrees. The institution has a dedicated computer science department for the facilitation of classes for all levels, undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate.

The campus covers 8,180 acres making it one of the largest university campuses in the US. It accommodates over 35000 students every year facilitating their learning and living activities. It has a 6:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring quality guidance for every student.

Stanford offers nine fields of specialization for undergraduate students and many research opportunities for graduate and post-graduate students. The advanced research facilities and intellectual atmosphere at the institution play a key role in making Stanford among the best institutions for computer science in America.

Location: Berkeley, California

Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1

University of California at Berkeley offers one of the highest number of programs within the computer science field. The institution has programs for all three levels of higher education with graduate and post-graduate students being able to choose between pursuing industry or research-oriented courses.

UC Berkeley has a campus covering an area of 178 acres facilitating over 45,307 students every year. The majority of students enroll in undergraduate programs but enrolment in graduate and postgraduate programs is also equally impressive. 

However, the large number or enrollment or the huge campus size are not just the determining factors making this institution rank among the best. UC Berkeley also offers exceptional research facilities and guidance to prepare graduate and post-graduate students for academia or research.

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1

CMU School of Computer Science ranks at 24 out of 439 national universities. The school offers several specializations within computer science but also has courses in collaboration with other departments. The university campus covers an area of 157.2 acres.

The university offers specialization in Artificial Intelligence, Computational Biology, Human-Computer Interaction, and Robotics, in addition to Computer Science for undergraduate students.

There is an option for a fifth-year MS in Computer Science and or a normal MS for Master's students. Other areas graduate students can explore include Computational Biology, Computational Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence and Innovation.

While there is no doubt that CMU is one of the best universities in the US, getting into the institution can be challenging. The university has an 11% acceptance rate on average making the competition high among people trying to get into the university.

Location: Champaign–Urbana, Illinois

Student-Faculty Ratio: 21:1

University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign is a research educational institution. It is one of the finest institutions consistently ranking among the Top 5 in the United States on different rankings and websites. The Computer Science department is one of the leading departments of the institute.

The CS department offers a variety of courses from a Bachelor of Science in CS, to a Master of Computer Science, among others. The institution also allows specialization in several fields ensuring students can pursue their field of interest. In addition to programs and degrees, the institution also offers cutting-edge technologies and world-class research facilities.

In addition to several interesting degrees and exceptional research opportunities, the graduation rate of the institution at 85.1% is also lucrative. However, getting enrolled in the facility can be competitive as only around 45% of applicants are accepted.

Location: Seattle, Washington

Student-Faculty Ratio: 21:1

The University of Washington offers computer science programs to all levels from undergraduate to PhD through its Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering. Often ranking among the top facilities for the degree, it is one of the most desired institutions for anyone interested in a Computer Science degree.

In addition to several innovative programs designed to meet the needs of tomorrow, the school also has a state-of-the-art research facility housing advanced labs and research equipment. With a nearly 47% acceptance rate, getting into the institution can be slightly tougher. The university has a graduation rate of over 82%.

In addition to excellent programs and research facilities, the location of the institution near tech giants in Seattle, Washington provides an advantage for students. So, the combination of a rigorous curriculum, renowned faculty, and unparalleled access to the tech world positions UW as a top choice for aspiring computer scientists.

Location: Ithaca, New York

Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1

This Ivy League institution is one of the most prestigious universities for computer science degrees. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate degrees in several subjects and fields within computer science.

Cornell University allows undergraduates to choose electives among several courses to align with their best interests. Similarly, research opportunities and facilities are also ample for graduate and post-graduate students ensuring their interests are met.

Their state-of-the-art labs and equipment are used for research purposes. Cornell University also has a strong connection with industry enabling students to learn and work for industry leaders.

As one of the Ivy League universities, Cornell has a strict screening process for applicants and only about 7.5% of applicants are selected for admission. However, this tough screening process helps keep the graduation rate of the institution at around 95%, making it a lucrative institution to attend.

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Student-Faculty Ratio: 22:1

This public research institution is known for its excellent computer science programs at all levels including undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate. As one of the most important research institutions in Georgia, GIT serves nearly 48,000 students of different levels every year.

Like many other institutions, Georgia Institute of Technology offers a 5-year BS/MS program in Computer Science enabling students to graduate with an MS degree in 5 years. It also has another area of specialization including cybersecurity, intelligence, analytics, and robotics among others.

However, the research opportunities and facilities draw the interest of students to this institution due to the advanced technologies and labs available for research purposes.

With just a 17% acceptance rate, the competition can get tough to get into the institution. While getting into the institution might be difficult, the chances of a successful graduation are very high at about 90%.

Location: Princeton, New Jersey

Student-Faculty Ratio: 5:1

Princeton is another private Ivy League university on our list. This exceptional institution has ranked among the best for computer science degrees consistently for decades. It offers degrees in all levels, undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate with several areas for specialization within the field of study.

Furthermore, Princeton's advanced and technologically advanced laboratories and research facilities help researchers excel. The institution's academically rich intellectual atmosphere helps students succeed in their area of interest with proper guidance from faculties and mentors.

The exceptional research facilities and innovative degrees just play a part in making Princeton rank among the best. Additional facilities like low student-to-faculty ratio and vibrant learning culture and atmosphere within the 600-acre campus add to the overall appeal. Getting into Princeton might get competitive as only 5.7% of applicants are enrolled through the screening process.

Location: Austin, Texas

Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1

University of Texas, Austin offers several undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate degrees in Computer Science. You can choose from BS, BSA, BA, or BS/MS degrees at the undergraduate level for majoring in computer science. Graduate-level courses focus on research and thesis.

Graduate degrees offered by the institution include Ph.D. programs and Master's degrees in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, and Data Science. The ample choices to complete the studies and consistent high rank make it an ideal institution for a CS degree.

Moreover, not to mention the advanced and state-of-the-art technologies and research facilities offering endless research opportunities. To access these facilities, students must go through a competitive selection process and only about 31% make it through. The graduation rate is over 85%.

Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1

The University of Michigan ranks among the best in the computer science field, offering numerous pathways and specializations at all levels, undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate.

In addition to several programs offered, the university also provides research opportunities, especially to graduate students. The research facilities also allow students to pursue their areas of interest and make innovative discoveries.

The campus of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor is located in an area of 3,177 acres facilitating over 52,065 students. Their acceptance rate is about 17.7% but the graduation rate of the institution is lucrative sitting at 93.3% making it one of the sought-after universities for students.

Location: San Diego, California

Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1

The University caters to over 43,381 students every year pursuing different fields of studies at all levels of higher education. However, the university is particularly known for Computer Science.

The institution offers undergraduate degrees in B.S. Computer Science, B.S. Computer Science with a Specialization in Bioinformatics, and B.S. Computer Engineering. Likewise, the graduate degrees offered include a Bachelor/Master (BS/MS) Combined Degree Program, a Master of Data Science (MDS) Online Degree Program, a Master of Science (MS) Degree Program, and a Doctoral (PhD) Degree Program, among others.

Their technologically advanced research facilities help scholars get in-depth research outcomes further contributing to the quality of education. However, the acceptance rate is just about 24% making it challenging to get into the institution while the graduation rate of 84% works in the student's favor.

Content Sources:

US News

EduRank

Scimago Institutions Ranking

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Stanford University

University of California

CMU School of Computer Science