Best Computer Science Degrees - Top School 2016
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April 2016

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the computer science industry is projected to grow 12% by 2024. That’s faster than the average for all occupations in the United States. This growth has made computer science a popular major for undergraduate and graduate students alike, prompting universities across the country to invest in robust computer science departments. In an effort to help students choose a school and program in computer science that will prepare them for lucrative careers in the field, we’ve compiled this list of the 50 most advanced university computer science departments.

50 Most Advanced University Computer Science Departments 2016

Rating and Ranking Methodology

Graduate Degree Opportunities in Computer Science
Presence of Master’s Degree Program – 1 point
Presence of Doctoral Degree Program – 1 point

Awards and Recognition (Related to Computer Science)
National Level – 2 points
Regional Level – 1 point

Individual Areas
Computer Science Research Opportunities – 1 point
Innovative Programs and/or Teaching Methods in Computer Science – 1 point
Study Abroad Opportunities in Computer Science – 1 point
Computer Science Internship Opportunities – 1 point
Computer Science Scholarship Opportunities – 1 point
Affiliated Centers and Institutes on Campus – 1 point
Related Student Organizations and Societies – 1 point
“Wow” Factor – 1 point awarded for each unique feature or program that “wowed” us

Ranking the 50 Most Advanced University Computer Science Departments

The schools presented below have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in the field of computer science. With advanced degree programs, enrichment opportunities, and progressive teaching methods, each of the colleges and universities on this list have computer science departments that promise to prepare students for lucrative careers in the industry. We present these schools according to their rankings based on the rating and ranking methodology above. In cases where two or more schools received the same rating, we’ve used the school’s net price to break the tie.

#50 – Hampton University

Hampton, West Virginia

Website

Points: 4
Net Price: $22,529

Hampton University’s Computer Science program provides students with a well-rounded education, experiential learning opportunities, and recruitment opportunities. Both research and industry internships are available over the summer due to strong partnerships with companies and other schools. Student success is a priority, and freshmen mentoring and curriculum advisement resources ensure that Hampton students are able to thrive. Nearly all students who graduate from this program are highly competent in multiple areas of computer science and quickly find jobs or enter a graduate program.

#49 – Maharishi University of Management

Fairfield, Iowa

Website

Points: 4
Net Price: $18,784

The Computer Science Program at Maharishi University of Management provides students with a unique atmosphere that helps them balance rest with schoolwork. MUM does this primarily through the Transcendental Meditation technique, which gives students the relaxation opportunities needed to counter stress and stay focused during work. The university’s approach and culture develops students not only in the field of Computer Science, but also in other areas of life such as time management. This makes students extremely competitive when applying for jobs and graduate programs.

#48 – Georgetown University

Washington, D.C.

Website

Points: 5
Net Price: $25,786

Georgetown University’s small Department of Computer Science fosters interaction and collaboration between students and faculty. Students are able to participate in faculty research or undertake independent research under faculty supervision. The department also has active student organizations, including a programming team and a computer science women’s group. Students are encouraged to make presentations, go to competitions, and participate in other enrichment opportunities. This program is ideal for students looking for community and fun activities related to their major.

#47 – Chicago State University

Chicago, Illinois

Website

Points: 5
Net Price: $10,610

Chicago State University’s Computer Science program offers its students a thorough education in both fundamentals and several focused study areas such as Information Security, Distributed Computing, and Artificial Intelligence. The Mathematics and Computer Science Department’s facilities include the Data Center and the Minorities Retirement Security Center. Both of these centers give students opportunities to gain hands-on experience while serving the community and the CSU campus. Students also have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through internships and study abroad.

#46 – California State University – Long Beach

Long Beach, California

Website

Points: 5
Net Price: $7,672

California State University – Long Beach offers a cutting-edge program in Computer Science that prepares students to work in a wide variety of areas through electives. These electives include Artificial Intelligence, Network Administration, and Embedded Systems. The Computer Engineering and Computer Science department is constantly upgrading laboratory hardware and software as well as curriculum using input from students, industry, and professional societies. This commitment to high-quality makes this one of the most up-to-date programs in the country.

#45 – Brooklyn College

Brooklyn, New York

Website

Points: 5
Net Price: $7,220

Brooklyn College’s Department of Computer and Information Science is one of the largest and most updated of its kind in New York. Students have access to over 1,000 computers on campus as well as high-quality facilities and equipment. Students also have access to internships at well-known companies such as IBM through the department’s connections to local technology companies. Students in this program can enrich their education through independent study, research under faculty supervision, and seminars.

#44 – The City College of New York

New York, New York

Website

Points: 5
Net Price: $7,125

The City College of New York promotes interactive learning through technology in classrooms and undergraduate research opportunities. City College is home to many state-of-the-art research labs where faculty and students can research topics such as Software Engineering, Computer Security, and Pattern Recognition. Students in the Computer Science program can also choose from several specializations, including Networking, Artificial Intelligence, and Computer-Human Interaction. The curriculum for all of these specializations is kept up-to-date through faculty research, making courses as relevant as possible.

#43 – Marist College

Poughkeepsie, New York

Website

Points: 6
Net Price: $34,255

Marist College offers its computer science students multiple degree options in order to meet their needs. This includes a five-year BS/MS degree in Computer Science/Software Development. Thanks to the department’s network of corporate and government partners, students are able to study and research alongside faculty in state-of-the-art environments. These partnerships also allow the school to award full-tuition scholarships to aspiring computer science and technology majors. Marist College prioritizes its support of students by providing them with these opportunities and environments, as well as making faculty advisors available to students.

#42 – Boston University

Boston, Massachusetts

Website

Points: 6
Net Price: $32,539

The Computer Science program at Boston University not only thoroughly educates its students in current technology, but also trains students to adapt to future advances in technology. All students take a foundation of core classes that equips them with the versatile problem-solving skills required to work in this rapidly-changing field. These classes are complemented with electives in one of many offered concentrations. Offered concentrations include artificial intelligence, graphics, security, and data mining. Students from all of these concentrations have opportunities to participate in internships and laboratory research alongside experienced faculty.

#41 – Emory University

Atlanta, Georgia

Website

Points: 6
Net Price: $28,203

Emory University’s Computer Science program is known for its interdisciplinary research and state-of-the-art facilities. These facilities include high-performance research computers, teaching labs, and a comprehensive collection of software. Emory also equips all of its classrooms with advanced technology. Students seeking enrichment or a more rigorous education are able to enter a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program and may be invited to enter the Mathematics and Computer Science Department’s Honors program. This program is ideal for students interested in an academic challenge.

#40 – University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Website

Points: 6
Net Price: $22,694

The University of Pennsylvania’s Computer Science Department offers a wide variety of degree programs for students interested in computer and information science. In addition to the 10 main undergraduate degrees offered, the university offers dual majors, dual degrees, second majors, and submatriculation. No matter the student’s interests, there’s a degree option that meets their needs. The department also hosts several events and colloquia over the course of the year. Between classroom work, experiential learning, and fun extracurricular opportunities, computer science majors have plenty of relevant activities to participate in.

#39 – California Polytechnic State University

San Luis Obispo, California

Website

Points: 6

Net Price: $16,783

The Computer Science Department at California Polytechnic State University trains its students to apply software engineering and computer science in a socially-responsible way. The Computer Science program emphasizes small class sizes and hands-on learning. Students have opportunities to participate in internship programs, industry-sponsored projects, research, and national contests. Cal Poly has 14 specialized computer labs for research, architecture, database, graphics, software development, networking, and operating systems. The curriculum is also frequently updated to stay relevant to current issues in the field.

#38 – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Website

Points: 6
Net Price: $10,936

One of the first independent computer science departments in the nation, the Department of Computer Science at UNC – Chapel Hill values collaboration and problem-solving. Students are highly encouraged to work with peers, faculty, and others in the industry through research and internships. A heavy emphasis is placed on solving real-world problems. The department houses multiple labs, including the Applied Engineering Laboratory and the Graphics, Imaging, and Robotics Laboratory. All of these facilities include specialized equipment, including a small, humanoid robot, motion capture systems, and 3D cameras.

#37 – University of Chicago

Chicago, Illinois

Website

Points: 7
Net Price: $34,352

The University of Chicago’s Department of Computer Science promotes research and community. The department has recently launched the Center for Unstoppable Computing (CERES), a new research center that aims to promote and take advantage of industry partnerships. This center’s collaboration with tech companies gives university researchers access to some of the most advanced equipment in the industry. The department also fosters community and collaboration at a smaller level through support of its active student organizations and on-campus events.

#36 – University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California

Website

Points: 7
Net Price: $31,189

The Department of Computer Science at the University of Southern California and its faculty have a long history of innovation. Their research has led to the invention of DNA computing and one of the first computer viruses. Research is one of the department’s priorities. There are several affiliated centers and institutes on campus, including the Center for Systems and Software Engineering and the Institute for Robotics and Autonomous Systems Center. Thanks to the university’s industrial affiliates, these centers are equipped with advanced computing resources that students are encouraged to utilize.

#35 – Northwestern University

Evanston, Illinois

Website

Points: 7
Net Price: $28,667

Northwestern University’s Computer Science Division fosters interdisciplinary research and education through its partnership with the other divisions in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science as well as other departments at the university. Facilities such as labs are designed to encourage this collaboration and community. Students in the Computer Science program are educated in the basics of the field and then choose two areas in which to specialize. Available areas of specialization include Interfaces, Theory, and Artificial Intelligence.

#34 – Cornell University

Ithaca, New York

Website

Points: 7
Net Price: $28,537

Located in both the College of Arts and Science and the College of Engineering, Cornell University’s Computer Science program offers multiple degree options to meet its students’ needs. The BS program and the BA program both give students a strong foundation in topics such as Scientific Computing, Programming Languages, and Algorithms, but are different enough to be relevant to students’ secondary interests. Students can also choose to double major or participate in the Computer Science Honors Program. Undergraduate students also have the opportunity to conduct research one-on-one with their professor and showcase their research at the department’s Computer Science Fair.

#33 – California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, California

Website

Points: 7
Net Price: $26,910

The California Institute of Technology prides itself in its small size, scientific foundations, and broad interdisciplinary reach. All students are encouraged to participate in research, most of which involve collaboration with other fields such as Biology, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, and Bioengineering. Several undergraduate students publish papers in journals or conferences before they graduate. The Computing and Mathematical Sciences program provides all students with a strong foundation in critical and computational thinking, but is also flexible enough for its students to tailor their education to their individual needs.

#32 – Tufts University

Medford, Massachusetts

Website

Points: 7
Net Price: $26,103

Located just a few miles from Boston, the Department of Computer Science at Tufts University offers its students a wide variety of opportunities and a more relaxed atmosphere. Students have the resources of a large university without sacrificing the friendly, flexible environment of smaller programs. Classes are small and allow for meaningful classroom discussions and interaction with expert faculty. Students also have many opportunities to participate in interdisciplinary research or internships at the nearby tech companies. Tufts prides itself in the flexibility of the program. At Tuft, students can personalize their education to a greater extent than most computer science programs allow, ensuring that students only take courses that are relevant to their goals.

#31 – Colorado School of Mines

Golden, Colorado

Website

Points: 7
Net Price: $25,138

The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the Colorado School of Mines works to foster community among its students, and many students consider the Computer Science program one of the most supportive programs on campus. The Department has several labs where students and faculty conduct ground-breaking research on Machine Learning, Human-Centered Robotics, Security, and many other topics. All of these affiliated centers and laboratories are equipped with the high-power computers and technology required for students to explore their interests and enrich their education.

#30 – Stanford University

Stanford, California

Website

Points: 7
Net Price: $17,952

The Computer Science Department at Stanford University prioritizes hands on experience. All students are able to participate in research, including the department’s CURIS summer research program. Undergraduate students even get opportunities to get involved in teaching. Stanford’s location in Silicon Valley also gives students connections to local tech companies for both internships and permanent positions after graduation. Students who complete this program leave with the experience and connections needed to succeed after they leave Stanford.

#29 – Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Website

Points: 8
Net Price: $33,670

Carnegie Mellon University is highly regarded for its Computer Science program. It is especially well-known for its education in specialty areas including Artificial Intelligence and Programming Languages. Carnegie Mellon’s School of Computer Science also works alongside industry clients and non-profits in cutting-edge research. Both this research and the available degree programs are interdisciplinary. Students have the opportunity to double major or participate in Carnegie Mellon’s unique IDEATE: Technology, Design, and Arts Study program. Both of these options allow students to work with students and faculty across disciplines, preparing them for work in a diverse industry.

#28 – Brandeis University

Waltham, Massachusetts

Website

Points: 8
Net Price: $26,367

Brandeis University offers several degree programs in Computer Science, including a master’s program and a doctoral program. Undergraduate students can enter either the BA program or the more rigorous BS program. Undergraduates who want to take extra classes during their senior year also have the option to complete a combined BA/MA program, allowing them to complete their MA only a year after obtaining their undergraduate degree. Brandeis provides its students with several opportunities to enrich their education, including research, colloquia, and field projects.

#27 – Duke University

Durham, North Carolina

Website

Points: 8
Net Price: $21,764

The Computer Science Department at Duke University prides itself in its collaboration with other departments, other universities, and prominent companies in the industry. This collaboration and faculty research are integrated into classroom teaching to educate students on the most recent developments in computer science. Duke University also equips its Computer Science Lab with an extensive collection of advanced hardware and software. Both graduate and undergraduate students have opportunities to use these resources for their education and research alongside expert faculty.

#26 – University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, California

Website

Points: 8
Net Price: $16,655

The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences is the University of California – Berkeley’s largest department. The department is home to several high-tech labs and student resources, including the unique student-run Supernode. The Supernode contains electronics workbenches, 3D printers, a machine shop, and other equipment available to students for free at almost any time. The university also hosts the Berkeley EECS Annual Research Symposium, an exciting event where students can make presentations and listen to highly-regarded speakers.

#25 – University of California- Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, California

Website

Points: 8
Net Price: $14,966

The Computer Science department at the University of California – Santa Barbara features a beautiful campus, Nobel Prize-winning faculty, a large study abroad program, and one of the field’s best computer science research programs. Faculty are approachable and exceptionally involved in undergraduate research and advising. Facilities include the Graduate Student Lab and the Computer Science Instructional Lab, both of which are equipped with high-powered computers. The department also offers multiple degree programs to meet students’ needs, including three five-year programs and a double major option.

#24 – College of William & Mary

Williamsburg, Virginia

Website

Points: 8
Net Price: $12,406

The College of William and Mary offers its Computer Science students the benefits of both a small liberal arts school and a large research university. All students are encouraged to participate in research in the department’s state-of-the-art computing environment, and students are able to have frequent, meaningful interactions with peers and faculty thanks to the department’s small size. WM offers both a graduate program and an undergraduate program, as well as a five-year program that leads to both a BS or BA degree and a one-year MS degree. All available programs prepare students to work in their field or pursue further education.

#23 – University of California- Irvine

Irvine, California

Website

Points: 8
Net Price: $12,072

Part of the only computing-focused school in the University of California system, the University of California – Irvine Department of Computer Science strives for excellence in both research and education. Much like real-world computer science jobs, both the hands-on and classroom aspects of the program are interdisciplinary. Students learn to approach problems from multiple perspectives as part of a diverse team. The department also offers many unique degrees and courses that benefit both students and potential employers.

#22 – New Mexico Tech

Socorro, New Mexico

Website

Points: 8
Net Price: $11,789

New Mexico Tech’s Department of Computer Science and Technology trains its students to both use current technology effectively and advance computing science in the future. NMT educates its students in both theoretical and applied computer science to give them a strong foundation they can apply to nearly all problems and tasks in the industry. After completing these fundamental courses, students can specialize in one of many computer science areas by taking technical electives. This approach gives students the skills and flexibility they need to be successful in a constantly evolving industry without neglecting students’ personal interests.

#21 – Prairie View A&M University

Prairie View, Texas

Website

Points: 8
Net Price: $8,628

As part of a land-grant university, the Department of Computer Science at Prairie View A&M University prioritizes innovative research. As a result, computer science students have access to advanced technology and experiential learning opportunities. This focus also ensures that students receive the most up-to-date education possible because faculty integrate their research into classroom teaching. The department has six laboratories, including the Network Research Laboratory, the Virtual Reality and Scientific Visualization Research Laboratory, and the Human Computer Interface Research Laboratory.

#20 – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Troy, New York

Website

Points: 9
Net Price: $36,374

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Computer Science Department prides itself in its advanced facilities. It is home to the Landgraf Center for Computer Vision, Graphic, and Robotics, an impressive facility equipped with mobile robots, a light-duty machine shop, an industrial robot arm, and several other resources. The department also offers computer science students access to several smaller labs containing specialized computers. These facilities foster collaboration and hands-on learning while giving students experience with industry-level equipment.

#19 – University of Rochester

Rochester, New York

Website

Points: 9
Net Price: $32,996

The University of Rochester’s Computer Science program is rigorous, but still flexible enough to meet students’ needs. All students must take intensive core and advanced classes, but there are a wide variety to choose from. There are also several special programs available, including study abroad, summer research, and fifth-year, tuition-free study. Students are also able to take advantage of the university’s location: Rochester is home to several tech companies, giving students access to many internships and potential employers.

#18 – Northeastern University

Boston, Massachusetts

Website

Points: 9
Net Price: $30,546

Northeastern University is home to the first college in the U.S. completely devoted to computer science. The university and its College of Computer and Information Science offer the individual attention and community of a smaller school while still providing students with state-of-the-art resources and many experiential learning opportunities. Hands-on experience is a priority. All undergraduate students in the Computer Science program are required to complete at least one Co-op, International Co-op, Research, or Study Abroad experience. By graduation, students have both the knowledge and experience needed to be competitive in the industry.

#17 – Case Western Reserve University

Cleveland, Ohio

Website

Points: 9
Net Price: $29,140

The Computer Science program at Case Western Reserve University strives to give its students the foundation they need to develop new techniques and adapt to changes in the field. The computer facilities the program uses for research and instruction include high-end computing workstations that are connected to laboratories, offices, and the rest of the campus through a high-speed fiber optic network. The university also includes several other computer science facilities, such as the Microfabrication Laboratory, the Virtual Worlds Gaming and Simulation Lab, and the Sears Undergraduate Design Laboratory.

#16 – Lehigh University

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Website

Points: 9
Net Price: $27,848

Lehigh University prides itself in its state-of-the-art facilities, small size, and flexibility. All students receive a solid education in the fundamentals of computer science, but they can customize their degree by choosing one of multiple offered programs and by taking electives in areas that they find interesting. Students are able to have one-on-one interactions with faculty, many of whom are winners of the NSF CAREER award. Students have many opportunities to gain hands-on experience through research alongside these exceptional faculty and internships at highly-regarded companies.

#15 – Vanderbilt University

Nashville, Tennessee

Website

Points: 9
Net Price: $22,173

Vanderbilt University continuously works to update and improve its Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department. This department is one of the School of Engineering’s largest departments in terms of faculty and research awards. Students in this program have the opportunity to research topics such as Robotics, Space and Defense Electronics, and Cyber-Physical Systems alongside faculty. Vanderbilt’s many facilities not only help faculty conduct cutting-edge research, but also give students the opportunity to solve real-world problems with advanced, industry-standard equipment.

#14 – Dartmouth College

Hanover, New Hampshire

Website

Points: 9
Net Price: $21,277

Dartmouth College’s Computer Science program equips its students with the skills and knowledge necessary to adapt and innovate in the field. Computer Science majors are able to work closely with faculty in multiple settings, and several hands-on learning opportunities are available to students both on and off campus. One of Dartmouth’s most exciting enrichment opportunities is its Computer Science Research Symposium. At this exhibition, students can present their own research, hear keynote talks from respected computer scientists, and gain a wider understanding of the field outside of Dartmouth. All of these opportunities give students the experience they need to be competitive to employers.

#13 – Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, New York

Website

Points: 9
Net Price: $20,836

Columbia University in the City of New York’s Computer Science program prides itself on its small size and many opportunities for hands-on experience. Students are able to participate in research as early as their junior year, and there are several internship and fellowship opportunities available throughout the year. The university’s location in New York City also gives students access to potential employers and enrichment opportunities. Students who graduate from this program gain the flexibility and problem solving skills needed to be competitive in their field, and most students successfully find employment or enter a graduate program quickly after graduation.

#12 – The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, Texas

Website

Points: 9
Net Price: $16,832

The University of Texas at Austin’s Computer Science program is one of the highest ranked in the nation. It is home to more than 10 research labs equipped with state-of-the-art computer resources, including the Virtual Reality Laboratory, the Graphics Lab, and the Artificial Intelligence Laboratories. Student engagement is a priority. The department offers several special programs such as an honors program and a STEM teacher preparation program. The department also supports student organizations, undergraduate research, and study abroad to give students the enrichment opportunities they need.

#11 – Harvard University

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Website

Points: 9
Net Price: $15,095

Harvard University actively works to include its computer science students in research and other initiatives, and it continues to expand its Computer Science program through additional faculty and facilities. The university facilitates networking and enrichment through seminars, internships with companies such as Microsoft and Google, and department-wide events. By the time students graduate, they gain the real-world experience, classroom knowledge, and professional connections needed to be successful in the industry or a rigorous graduate program.

#10 – University of California- Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California

Website

Points: 9
Net Price: $12,510

The University of California – Los Angeles’s Computer Science Department prides itself in its research, faculty, and facilities. The department consistently does research in collaboration with the industry and government. Students are encouraged to participate in these projects alongside the department’s award-winning faculty to gain real-world experience. UCLA is also home to several research centers that facilitate these advanced projects and will open a brand new 90,000-square-foot building equipped with a technology-enabled learning center, offices, and labs in 2017.

#9 – Georgia Institute of Technology

Atlanta, Georgia

Website

Points: 9
Net Price: $12,187

As the second university in the U.S. to devote an academic unit to studying computing, the Georgia Institute of Technology has a history of innovation and research in computer science. Georgia Tech’s School of Computational Science and Education partners with other departments, institutions, and industry leaders. This partnership benefits students through recruitment opportunities, access to cutting-edge equipment, and education in the latest developments in technology. Georgia Tech also has several research centers and other facilities available as a resource to students.

#8 – New York University

New York, New York

Website

Points: 10
Net Price: $35,543

The Computer Science Department at New York University boasts six undergraduate degree programs for computer science majors, exceptional faculty experienced in several computer science areas, and multiple research centers equipped with advanced technology. All of the department’s degree programs give students intellectually rewarding experiences, but students looking for an extra challenge can choose to double major, apply to the Accelerated Bachelor’s-Master’s program, or enter one of three computer science honors programs. The department strives to keep its undergraduate students involved and consistently provides them with the support, opportunities, and resources needed to be successful.

#7 – Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, Maryland

Website

Points: 10
Net Price: $25,207

Johns Hopkins University’s Department of Computer Science is small enough to provide students with access to faculty, but it does not lack in research opportunities and other resources usually found at larger schools. Students are able to work closely with faculty to customize their education. They have the option to double major, study across disciplines, apply for the Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Program, and focus on areas most relevant to their career goals. Students also have unlimited access to computer labs designed to accommodate both individual and group work. These labs are equipped with workstations, writeable walls, projectors, conference tables, and several ports and outlets for student use.

#6 – Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Points: 10
Net Price: $22,212

The Computer Science program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is consistently ranked as one of the world’s best programs in the field. This is largely due to the program’s rigorous, yet flexible nature. Students are able to choose challenging courses that give them a deep understanding of the topics that interest them. Students also have ample opportunities to put their classroom knowledge to practice through research, study abroad, and internships at large, multinational companies. MIT’s unparalleled experiential learning opportunities and intense curriculum thoroughly prepare students to pursue their professional and educational goals.

#5 – Brown University

Providence, Rhode Island

Website

Points: 10
Net Price: $21,193

Brown University’s Computer Science program is considered one of the best programs in the nation for its innovative research and teaching methods. The Computer Science Department is multidisciplinary, offering multiple joint concentrations in subjects such as mathematics, economics, and computational biology. Graduate, post-doctoral, and undergraduate students have opportunities to do research in collaboration with faculty and students from other disciplines. Brown’s facilities are state-of-the art, with multiple high-performance computer clusters and even a “Virtual Reality Cave.” Brown’s Center for Information Technology is also designed with modern, open-plan spaces to facilitate collaboration and interaction between students.

#4 – Rice University

Houston, Texas

Website

Points: 10
Net Price: $20,512

Rice University’s Computer Science Department is highly ranked by multiple publications for its rigorous curriculum, active community, and enrichment opportunities. Students are able to participate in multidisciplinary research alongside faculty in state-of-the-art labs, as well as work with people already in the industry through internships. These opportunities are available largely through the university’s partnerships with local tech companies. Students can also collaborate with their peers through active computer science clubs and competitions. These opportunities to collaborate across disciplines prepare students for the environment they will work in after they leave college.

#3 – Yale University

New Haven, Connecticut

Website

Points: 10
Net Price: $19,317

Yale University’s Computer Science Department offers its students an impressive amount of computing resources. All students and faculty are given access to high-powered computers and workstations. Specialized equipment is also available for groups researching robotics, networking, and computer vision. One of the most distinct features of the department is the “Zoo.” The Zoo is the department’s educational laboratory, which is equipped with 38 workstations that allow for both on-site and remote access. Students at Yale University have an amazing amount of access to advanced technology compared to most schools.

#2 – University of California- San Diego

La Jolla, California

Website

Points: 10
Net Price: $13,693

The University of California – San Diego’s location makes it one of the best schools for computer science majors. Not only is the scenery stunning, but San Diego is home to some of the best tech companies in the industry. Students have ample opportunities to research and learn in state-of-the-art centers both on and off campus. The university’s Computer Science and Engineering department provides an impressive amount of computing resources to students, including over 300 workstations, supercomputers, and specialized equipment. Off campus, students are able to connect with companies such as Amazon and Qualcomm through their partnership with the university.

#1 – Queens College

Queens, New York

Website

Points: 10
Net Price: $6,728

The Queens College Department of Computer Science faculty is made up of the field’s leading researchers. These professors implement the findings from their cutting-edge research in their lessons, giving students the most up-to-date information in a rapidly changing field. Queens College also has many advanced on-campus centers and facilities, including the Center for Computational Infrastructure for the Sciences and the CUNY Institute for Software Design and Development. Students who complete this program are highly sought-after by employers and are prepared to enter a graduate program.

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