- 1.Cloud Architects earn a median salary of $115,000 with 28% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Cloud Computing programs include Western Governors University, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Kean University based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: Western Governors University offers cloud computing education at $7,710/year
- 4.47 accredited Cloud Computing programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Cloud Computing Programs - Top 10 Bachelor's
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
UW Allen School uniquely eliminates the traditional standalone master's degree in favor of specialized pathways: a fully-funded Ph.D. track, an exclusive fifth-year master's for their own undergraduates, and a part-time professional program for regional tech workers, all housed in the state-of-the-art Paul G. Allen Center and Bill & Melinda Gates Center facilities.
Program Overview
University of Washington-Seattle Campus's undergraduate Cloud Computing program graduates 319 students annually with an impressive 97% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Artificial Intelligence Research and Computing + Biology Research. Industry connections include partnerships with Microsoft, Allen Institute for AI (Ai2), Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Home to Amazon headquarters and engineering offices
Hakia Insight: University of Washington-Seattle Campus's partnerships with Microsoft and Allen Institute for AI (Ai2) translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Core AI research and applications
Interdisciplinary research at the intersection of computing and life sciences
Technology design and human-computer interaction
Location Advantages
- •Home to Amazon headquarters and engineering offices
- •Proximity to Microsoft Puget Sound region headquarters
- •Google Cloud region presence in Seattle
- •Dense cloud computing job market with 10,000+ tech workers within region
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Major technology companies, Academic institutions, Research laboratories
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
University of California-San Diego
UCSD combines rigorous computer science fundamentals with specialized AWS Academy curriculum, providing students access to industry-standard cloud certification pathways while earning their degree at a top-10 public research university.
Program Overview
University of California-San Diego's undergraduate Cloud Computing program graduates 207 students annually with an impressive 81% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Systems and Networking Group and Center for Networked Systems. Industry connections include partnerships with Qualcomm, Google, Microsoft. San Diego tech hub with Qualcomm headquarters nearby
Hakia Insight: University of California-San Diego's partnerships with Qualcomm and Google translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Distributed systems, cloud computing, and networking research
Cloud infrastructure and networked systems research
Location Advantages
- •San Diego tech hub with Qualcomm headquarters nearby
- •Strong biotech and defense industry presence
- •Access to La Jolla's innovation ecosystem
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Qualcomm, Apple
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Cornell University
Cornell combines Ivy League research excellence with Cornell Tech's NYC industry connections, offering both theoretical foundations and practical cloud infrastructure experience through partnerships with AWS, Microsoft Azure, and leading tech companies.
Program Overview
Cornell University's undergraduate Cloud Computing program graduates 184 students annually with an impressive 95% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Artificial Intelligence and Data & Modeling. Industry connections include partnerships with Google, Amazon, Facebook.
Hakia Insight: With a 8% acceptance rate, Cornell University's cloud computing program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
AI research
data science and modeling
human-computer interaction
cybersecurity and privacy
maker technologies
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Meta
Admissions
University of Central Florida
UCF Hack@UCF won 3 back-to-back National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition championships. Students intern at companies in Central Florida Research Park and downtown Orlando.
Program Overview
University of Central Florida's undergraduate Cloud Computing program graduates 299 students annually with an impressive 93% graduation rate. Students benefit from cutting-edge research at the CECS Research Centers. Industry connections include partnerships with Central Florida Research Park. Orlando tech hub
Hakia Insight: University of Central Florida's CECS Research Centers creates a direct research-to-career pipeline with Central Florida Research Park, bridging academic research and industry practice.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
IT and cybersecurity research
Location Advantages
- •Orlando tech hub
- •Simulation and defense industry
- •Theme park technology
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
L3Harris Technologies, Siemens, HD Supply, Lockheed Martin
Admissions
George Mason University
GMU cloud curriculum developed with AWS Educate designers. Located in Northern Virginia near AWS headquarters (Arlington) and major cloud employers. Strong government and defense industry connections for cloud security roles.
Program Overview
George Mason University's undergraduate Cloud Computing program graduates 406 students annually with an impressive 81% graduation rate. Students benefit from cutting-edge research at the Cloud Computing Research. Industry connections include partnerships with AWS, Booz Allen, Capital One. Near AWS headquarters
Hakia Insight: George Mason University's partnerships with AWS and Booz Allen translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
AWS cloud technologies
Location Advantages
- •Near AWS headquarters
- •Northern Virginia tech corridor
- •Government cloud opportunities
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
AWS, Capital One, Booz Allen, Microsoft, Google
Admissions
University of Houston
Bauer MIS benefits from Houston energy corridor connections, with graduates working at major oil/gas companies and healthcare organizations in IT roles.
Program Overview
University of Houston's undergraduate Cloud Computing program graduates 224 students annually with an impressive 91% graduation rate. Students benefit from cutting-edge research at the Bauer Institute for Regional Forecasting. Industry connections include partnerships with Houston energy companies. Houston energy corridor
Hakia Insight: University of Houston's Bauer Institute for Regional Forecasting creates a direct research-to-career pipeline with Houston energy companies, bridging academic research and industry practice.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Business analytics
Location Advantages
- •Houston energy corridor
- •Texas Medical Center proximity
- •Fortune 500 headquarters
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
ExxonMobil, Chevron, Memorial Hermann, Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Admissions
Carnegie Mellon University
CMU is only university with hands-on multi-cloud course covering AWS, Azure, and GCP simultaneously. Students provision real cloud resources and build production-grade distributed systems. Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center partnership enhances research opportunities.
Program Overview
Carnegie Mellon University's undergraduate Cloud Computing program graduates 63 students annually with an impressive 98% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Parallel Data Lab and Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center. Industry connections include partnerships with Google Cloud, Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure. Multi-cloud curriculum
Hakia Insight: With a 11% acceptance rate, Carnegie Mellon University's cloud computing program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Cloud storage systems
High-performance cloud
Location Advantages
- •Multi-cloud curriculum
- •Pittsburgh tech scene
- •Strong research partnerships
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Snowflake
Admissions
Towson University
Towson IT offers accelerated bachelors-to-masters pathway with Data Management track. TU in Northeastern Maryland partnership allows students to earn BS without leaving Cecil College area.
Program Overview
Towson University's undergraduate Cloud Computing program graduates 181 students annually with an impressive 91% graduation rate. Students benefit from cutting-edge research at the Computer and Information Sciences Department. Industry connections include partnerships with Baltimore employers. Baltimore metro
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
IT research
Location Advantages
- •Baltimore metro
- •DC proximity
- •Maryland state jobs
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Under Armour, T. Rowe Price, Northrop Grumman, Johns Hopkins
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
The University of Texas at Dallas
UT Dallas offers one of the few Executive Master's in Software Engineering programs in the nation, allowing working professionals to earn their degree in just 20 months through weekend-only classes, while maintaining access to the same world-class faculty and research opportunities as traditional students.
Program Overview
The University of Texas at Dallas's undergraduate Cloud Computing program graduates 300 students annually with an impressive 77% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Software Engineering Research Lab and Center for Software Testing. Industry connections include partnerships with Texas Instruments, Microsoft, AT&T. Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex rated #1 'Best City for Jobs' by Forbes
Hakia Insight: The University of Texas at Dallas's partnerships with Texas Instruments and Microsoft translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Requirements engineering, architecture design, testing and verification, software maintenance
Advanced cutting-edge testing technologies and user-friendly tool support
Programming language security and software systems research
Location Advantages
- •Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex rated #1 'Best City for Jobs' by Forbes
- •Access to major technology employers and Fortune 500 companies
- •Strong alumni network of over 5,000 graduates across 40+ states
- •Proximity to technology corridors and emerging tech companies
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Technology companies, Fortune 500 corporations, Government contractors, Consulting firms
Certifications & Designations
Admissions
Washington University in St Louis
WashU Olin Business School ranks #21 nationally. MIS program combines business strategy with information systems. Strong connections to St. Louis corporate headquarters.
Program Overview
Washington University in St Louis's undergraduate Cloud Computing program graduates 25 students annually with an impressive 97% graduation rate. Research opportunities include the Center for Trustworthy AI in CPS and Neuroinformatics Research Group. Industry connections include partnerships with Centene, Emerson, Edward Jones. St. Louis corporate hub
Hakia Insight: With a 11% acceptance rate, Washington University in St Louis's cloud computing program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Trustworthy artificial intelligence in cyber-physical systems
Imaging informatics research and XNAT platform development
Imaging informatics and computational workflows
Radiomic analyses and computational imaging methods
Computational workflows in cancer imaging and AI methods
Location Advantages
- •St. Louis corporate hub
- •Fortune 500 headquarters
- •Top 25 business school
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Centene, Emerson, Edward Jones, Deloitte, Accenture
Admissions
Best Cloud Computing Programs - Top 10 Bachelor's — Complete Program Data
#1. University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Location: Seattle, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,524/year | Graduation Rate: 97% | Score: 100.0
What makes University of Washington-Seattle Campus stand out: UW Allen School uniquely eliminates the traditional standalone master's degree in favor of specialized pathways: a fully-funded Ph.D. track, an exclusive fifth-year master's for their own undergraduates, and a part-time professional program for regional tech workers, all housed in the state-of-the-art Paul G. Allen Center and Bill & Melinda Gates Center facilities.
Hakia Insight: University of Washington-Seattle Campus's partnerships with Microsoft and Allen Institute for AI (Ai2) translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Program Overview: The University of Washington's Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering operates as one of the nation's premier computer science programs, consistently ranking among the top programs nationally. The school offers a comprehensive graduate education ecosystem that uniquely serves different student populations without a traditional standalone master's degree. Instead, UW provides a research-intensive Ph.D. program where students earn both master's and doctoral degrees with full financial support, a Combined B.S./M.S. program (also called the Fifth Year Master's Program) exclusively for current Allen School undergraduates, and a Professional Master's Program designed as a part-time evening option for working professionals in the Puget Sound region. The school recently launched a Graduate Certificate in Modern AI Methods starting fall 2025, designed for working professionals across industries seeking to leverage cutting-edge AI and machine learning techniques.
Degree Programs: Full-time Ph.D. Program (5-7 years); Combined B.S./M.S. Program (Fifth Year Master's) (1 year beyond bachelor's); Professional Master's Program (PMP) (Variable); Graduate Certificate in Modern AI Methods (Variable)
Research Labs: Artificial Intelligence Research - Core AI research and applications; Computing + Biology Research - Interdisciplinary research at the intersection of computing and life sciences; Human-Centered Computing Research - Technology design and human-computer interaction
Industry Partners: Microsoft, Allen Institute for AI (Ai2), Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Toyota Research Institute
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Major technology companies, Academic institutions, Research laboratories | Common Roles: Software Engineer, Research Scientist, Academic Faculty, Technology Leadership
Notable Faculty: Professor Noah Smith (Artificial Intelligence and Natural Language Processing); Professor Sheng Wang (AI applications in healthcare); Professor Shyam Gollakota (Mobile Intelligence)
Admissions:
Accreditations: ABET accredited Computer Engineering degree program
#2. University of California-San Diego
Location: La Jolla, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,834/year | Graduation Rate: 81% | Score: 96.0
What makes University of California-San Diego stand out: UCSD combines rigorous computer science fundamentals with specialized AWS Academy curriculum, providing students access to industry-standard cloud certification pathways while earning their degree at a top-10 public research university.
Hakia Insight: University of California-San Diego's partnerships with Qualcomm and Google translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Program Overview: UC San Diego's Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) department offers comprehensive cloud computing education through its BS in Computer Science program (CS26), the department's largest major. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in mathematics, programming methodology, and computer organization at the lower-division level, progressing to algorithm design and building software systems at scale in upper-division coursework. Students can specialize through elective tracks in Systems (covering hardware, software, and networking security), Theory/Abstraction (mathematical and formal computational tools), or Applications of Computing. Additionally, UC San Diego's Division of Extended Studies is an AWS Academy member institution, offering AWS Certified curriculum including the Cloud Computing Architecture using AWS (CSE-41280) course that prepares students for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate certification exam.
Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science (4 years); MS in Computer Science (2 years); PhD in Computer Science (5-6 years)
Research Labs: Systems and Networking Group - Distributed systems, cloud computing, and networking research; Center for Networked Systems - Cloud infrastructure and networked systems research
Industry Partners: Qualcomm, Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Qualcomm, Apple | Common Roles: Cloud Engineer, Software Developer, DevOps Engineer, Solutions Architect
Notable Faculty: Ravi Ramamoorthi (Computer graphics and computer vision); Stefan Savage (Computer security and systems)
Admissions:
Accreditations: AWS Academy Member Institution
#3. Cornell University
Location: Ithaca, NY | Type: Private | Tuition: $65,204/year | Graduation Rate: 95% | Score: 93.0
What makes Cornell University stand out: Cornell combines Ivy League research excellence with Cornell Tech's NYC industry connections, offering both theoretical foundations and practical cloud infrastructure experience through partnerships with AWS, Microsoft Azure, and leading tech companies.
Hakia Insight: With a 8% acceptance rate, Cornell University's cloud computing program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.
Program Overview: Cornell University delivers cloud computing education through its renowned Computer Science department and the innovative Cornell Tech campus in New York City. The CS5412 Cloud Computing course, taught by Prof. Ken Birman in Gates Hall, provides rigorous training in distributed systems, scalability, and cloud architectures. Students benefit from Cornell Tech's Master of Engineering programs which integrate cloud technologies with data science and AI applications. The university's Data Science Center offers AWS and Azure Cloud Computing Grants, giving students hands-on experience with industry-standard platforms.
Degree Programs: M.S. Information Systems (2 years); Master of Engineering in Computer Science; Master of Engineering in Computer Science (2 years); Master of Engineering in Data Science and Decision Analytics; Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering (1 year); Master of Engineering in Operations Research and Information Engineering; PhD Studies
Research Labs: Artificial Intelligence - AI research; Data & Modeling - data science and modeling; Human-Centered Computing - human-computer interaction; Security & Privacy - cybersecurity and privacy; MakerLAB - maker technologies
Industry Partners: Google, Amazon, Facebook, Uber, Microsoft, Bloomberg, Datadog, Intersection, Oscar Health, ZocDoc, The New York Times
Career Outcomes: Placement Rate: 95 | Top Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Meta | Common Roles: Cloud Engineer, DevOps Engineer, Software Engineer
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 8%
#4. University of Central Florida
Location: Orlando, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,478/year | Graduation Rate: 93% | Score: 84.9
What makes University of Central Florida stand out: UCF Hack@UCF won 3 back-to-back National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition championships. Students intern at companies in Central Florida Research Park and downtown Orlando.
Hakia Insight: University of Central Florida's CECS Research Centers creates a direct research-to-career pipeline with Central Florida Research Park, bridging academic research and industry practice.
Program Overview: University of Central Florida offers BS in Information Technology through the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Students work to drive business efficiency through innovative IT solutions, maintaining systems and improving business processes.
Degree Programs: BS Information Technology (4 years)
Research Labs: CECS Research Centers - IT and cybersecurity research
Industry Partners: Central Florida Research Park
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: L3Harris Technologies, Siemens, HD Supply, Lockheed Martin | Common Roles: IT Specialist, Systems Administrator, Cybersecurity Analyst
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 41%
#5. George Mason University
Location: Fairfax, VA | Type: Public | Tuition: $10,095/year | Graduation Rate: 81% | Score: 83.8
What makes George Mason University stand out: GMU cloud curriculum developed with AWS Educate designers. Located in Northern Virginia near AWS headquarters (Arlington) and major cloud employers. Strong government and defense industry connections for cloud security roles.
Hakia Insight: George Mason University's partnerships with AWS and Booz Allen translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Program Overview: George Mason offers BAS with cloud computing concentration developed with AWS Educate curriculum designers. Ensures curriculum provides skills needed for cloud workforce. Northern Virginia location near AWS headquarters and major cloud employers.
Degree Programs: Bachelor of Applied Science with Cloud Computing Concentration; Cloud Computing Accelerated Master's
Research Labs: Cloud Computing Research - AWS cloud technologies
Industry Partners: AWS, Booz Allen, Capital One
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: AWS, Capital One, Booz Allen, Microsoft, Google | Common Roles: Cloud Engineer, Cloud Architect, Solutions Architect
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 90%
#6. University of Houston
Location: Houston, TX | Type: Public | Tuition: $8,685/year | Graduation Rate: 91% | Score: 82.5
What makes University of Houston stand out: Bauer MIS benefits from Houston energy corridor connections, with graduates working at major oil/gas companies and healthcare organizations in IT roles.
Hakia Insight: University of Houston's Bauer Institute for Regional Forecasting creates a direct research-to-career pipeline with Houston energy companies, bridging academic research and industry practice.
Program Overview: University of Houston Bauer College offers a BBA in Management Information Systems preparing students for IT leadership roles. The curriculum covers systems analysis, database management, business intelligence, and IT project management.
Degree Programs: BBA in Management Information Systems (4 years)
Research Labs: Bauer Institute for Regional Forecasting - Business analytics
Industry Partners: Houston energy companies
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: ExxonMobil, Chevron, Memorial Hermann, Hewlett Packard Enterprise | Common Roles: Business Analyst, IT Manager, Systems Analyst
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 66%
#7. Carnegie Mellon University
Location: Pittsburgh, PA | Type: Private | Tuition: $62,260/year | Graduation Rate: 98% | Score: 82.3
What makes Carnegie Mellon University stand out: CMU is only university with hands-on multi-cloud course covering AWS, Azure, and GCP simultaneously. Students provision real cloud resources and build production-grade distributed systems. Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center partnership enhances research opportunities.
Hakia Insight: With a 11% acceptance rate, Carnegie Mellon University's cloud computing program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.
Program Overview: CMU offers the only online cloud computing course providing hands-on experience across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform with real resource provisioning. 15-319/619 Cloud Computing lets students actively rent compute resources and develop scaling solutions.
Degree Programs: 15-319 (Undergraduate) (1 semester); 15-619 (Graduate) (1 semester)
Research Labs: Parallel Data Lab - Cloud storage systems; Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center - High-performance cloud
Industry Partners: Google Cloud, Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Snowflake | Common Roles: Cloud Architect, DevOps Engineer, Site Reliability Engineer
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 11%
#8. Towson University
Location: Towson, MD | Type: Public | Tuition: $7,382/year | Graduation Rate: 91% | Score: 81.3
What makes Towson University stand out: Towson IT offers accelerated bachelors-to-masters pathway with Data Management track. TU in Northeastern Maryland partnership allows students to earn BS without leaving Cecil College area.
Program Overview: Towson University offers BS in Information Technology with Data Management and Analytics track. The program equips students with skills to manage, analyze, and interpret large datasets for data-driven decision-making and business intelligence careers.
Degree Programs: BS in Information Technology (with cloud specialization) (4 years); MS in Information Technology Management (with cloud concentration) (2 years)
Research Labs: Computer and Information Sciences Department - IT research
Industry Partners: Baltimore employers
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Under Armour, T. Rowe Price, Northrop Grumman, Johns Hopkins | Common Roles: Database Administrator, Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 79%
Accreditations: Industry-aligned certifications: AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Administrator
#9. The University of Texas at Dallas
Location: Richardson, TX | Type: Public | Tuition: $14,564/year | Graduation Rate: 77% | Score: 80.2
What makes The University of Texas at Dallas stand out: UT Dallas offers one of the few Executive Master's in Software Engineering programs in the nation, allowing working professionals to earn their degree in just 20 months through weekend-only classes, while maintaining access to the same world-class faculty and research opportunities as traditional students.
Hakia Insight: The University of Texas at Dallas's partnerships with Texas Instruments and Microsoft translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Program Overview: The University of Texas at Dallas offers a comprehensive Software Engineering graduate program through its Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science, featuring both Master's and Doctoral pathways. The MS in Software Engineering requires 33 semester credit hours and can be completed through traditional full-time study or the innovative Executive Master's in Software Engineering (EMSE) format, designed specifically for working professionals with classes meeting Friday evenings and Saturday mornings for just three weekends per month, enabling degree completion in 20 months. The program emphasizes real-world application with core courses in Object-Oriented Software Engineering, Advanced Requirements Engineering, Software Architecture and Design, and Software Testing and Verification, culminating in an Advanced Software Engineering Project. UT Dallas maintains specialized research laboratories for software engineering, high-performance computing, and distributed systems, with faculty conducting cutting-edge research in areas including AI and machine learning techniques for software engineering, software quality and reliability, and knowledge mining-based approaches. The program benefits from the university's location in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, recently rated by Forbes as the #1 'Best City for Jobs,' providing exceptional access to industry partnerships and internship opportunities with major technology employers.
Degree Programs: MS in Software Engineering (2 years); Executive MS in Software Engineering (EMSE) (20 months); PhD in Software Engineering (4-6 years)
Research Labs: Software Engineering Research Lab - Requirements engineering, architecture design, testing and verification, software maintenance; Center for Software Testing - Advanced cutting-edge testing technologies and user-friendly tool support; Applied Logic, Programming-Languages and Systems Lab - Programming language security and software systems research
Industry Partners: Texas Instruments, Microsoft, AT&T, CISCO, NSF
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Technology companies, Fortune 500 corporations, Government contractors, Consulting firms | Common Roles: Software Engineer, Software Developer, Cybersecurity Engineer, Data Scientist, Program Analyst, Systems Analyst
Notable Faculty: Dr. W. Eric Wong (Software testing and verification); Dr. Farokh B. Bastani (Software reliability and fault-tolerant computing); Dr. Andrian Marcus (Software maintenance and evolution); Dr. Shiyi Wei (Software engineering and program analysis)
Admissions: GPA: 3.0 minimum overall, 3.3 in quantitative courses
Accreditations: NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education (CAEIAE), NSA/DHS CAE in Research
#10. Washington University in St Louis
Location: Saint Louis, MO | Type: Private | Tuition: $61,750/year | Graduation Rate: 97% | Score: 78.0
What makes Washington University in St Louis stand out: WashU Olin Business School ranks #21 nationally. MIS program combines business strategy with information systems. Strong connections to St. Louis corporate headquarters.
Hakia Insight: With a 11% acceptance rate, Washington University in St Louis's cloud computing program is among the nation's most competitive, attracting top talent to its nationally recognized faculty.
Program Overview: Washington University in St. Louis is highly recommended for MIS students with Best Colleges rank of #21 out of 2,152 schools nationwide. Olin Business School combines rigorous business education with technology management.
Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science (4 years); MS in Computer Science (distributed systems track) (2 years)
Research Labs: Center for Trustworthy AI in CPS - Trustworthy artificial intelligence in cyber-physical systems; Neuroinformatics Research Group - Imaging informatics research and XNAT platform development; Computational Imaging Research Center - Imaging informatics and computational workflows; Computational Medicine and Imaging Lab - Radiomic analyses and computational imaging methods; Integrative Imaging Informatics for Cancer Research Center - Computational workflows in cancer imaging and AI methods
Industry Partners: Centene, Emerson, Edward Jones
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Centene, Emerson, Edward Jones, Deloitte, Accenture | Common Roles: Business Analyst, IT Consultant, Systems Manager
Notable Faculty: Dr. William Yeoh (Distributed constraint optimization and cloud/edge computing applications); Dr. Netanel Raviv (Distributed computing, privacy, and cloud computing applications); Dr. Ning Zhang (System security and secure software/hardware systems); Dr. Chenyang Lu (Cyber-physical systems and sensor networks); Dr. Yevgeniy Vorobeychik (Game theory, security and privacy, adversarial machine learning)
Admissions: | Acceptance Rate: 11%
Best Cloud Computing Programs - Compare Top 5 Bachelor's
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | $11,524 | 97% | 100.0/100 |
| #2 University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | Public | $11,834 | 81% | 96.0/100 |
| #3 Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | Private | $65,204 | 95% | 93.0/100 |
| #4 University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | Public | $4,478 | 93% | 84.9/100 |
| #5 George Mason University | Fairfax, VA | Public | $10,095 | 81% | 83.8/100 |
Online Programs
Flexibility & Lower Cost
On-Campus Programs
Networking & Experience
Online Programs
Flexibility & Lower Cost
On-Campus Programs
Networking & Experience
Complete Cloud Computing Bachelor's Programs Rankings 2026
| 1 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | $11,524 | 97% | 100 |
| 2 | University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | $11,834 | 81% | 96 |
| 3 | Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | $65,204 | 95% | 93 |
| 4 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | $4,478 | 93% | 84.9 |
| 5 | George Mason University | Fairfax, VA | $10,095 | 81% | 83.8 |
| 6 | University of Houston | Houston, TX | $8,685 | 91% | 82.5 |
| 7 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | $62,260 | 98% | 82.3 |
| 8 | Towson University | Towson, MD | $7,382 | 91% | 81.3 |
| 9 | The University of Texas at Dallas | Richardson, TX | $14,564 | 77% | 80.2 |
| 10 | Washington University in St Louis | Saint Louis, MO | $61,750 | 97% | 78 |
| 11 | Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | $9,718 | 83% | 78 |
| 12 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN | $14,496 | 92% | 77.2 |
| 13 | North Carolina A & T State University | Greensboro, NC | $3,540 | 84% | 77 |
| 14 | New York University | New York, NY | $60,438 | — | 77 |
| 15 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | $4,559 | 85% | 76.8 |
| 16 | New Jersey Institute of Technology | Newark, NJ | $15,616 | 66% | 76.5 |
| 17 | Texas A & M University-College Station | College Station, TX | $9,003 | 84% | 76.4 |
| 18 | Texas Tech University | Lubbock, TX | $8,935 | 81% | 76.1 |
| 19 | Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | $55,784 | 90% | 75.8 |
| 20 | Tacoma Community College | Tacoma, WA | $4,477 | 87% | 75.5 |
| 21 | Olympic College | Bremerton, WA | $4,197 | 85% | 75.4 |
| 22 | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | Alfred, NY | $7,070 | 90% | 75.3 |
| 23 | Liberty University | Lynchburg, VA | $15,015 | 78% | 74.7 |
| 24 | Iowa State University | Ames, IA | $8,982 | 100% | 74.6 |
| 25 | University of Massachusetts-Boston | Boston, MA | $14,905 | 75% | 74.4 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
How Much Does a Cloud Computing Bachelors Degree Cost?
The total cost of a bachelors's degree in Cloud Computing ranges from $34,544 at public universities to over $180,000 at elite private institutions. Financial aid, scholarships, and in-state tuition significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs (Research.com, WGU, ITCareerFinder).
- Public University (In-State): $8,636/year × 4 years = $34,544 total
- Public University (Out-of-State): $20,565/year × 4 years = $82,260 total
- Private University: $45,000/year × 4 years = $180,000 total
- Online Programs: $15,000/year × 4 years = $60,000 total
With median starting salaries of $130,390, most graduates achieve positive ROI within 3-5 years. Financial aid recipients often pay 30-50% less than sticker price.
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$133,333
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2023. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Bachelor of Arts vs Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing
| Factor | Bachelor of Arts (BA) | Bachelor of Science (BS) |
|---|---|---|
| Math Requirements | Statistics, basic calculus (rarely offered for cloud) | Calculus I-II, Discrete Math, Linear Algebra |
| Science Requirements | General science, basic networking | Computer science fundamentals, networking, systems architecture |
| Core Credits | Business-focused cloud management (rarely offered) | Technical core with networking, virtualization, security (120+ credits) |
| Liberal Arts | IT management, business communication | Technical documentation, systems design, DevOps practices |
| Career Focus | Cloud Operations Manager, IT Project Manager | Cloud Architect, DevOps Engineer, Solutions Architect |
Source: WGU, Purdue Global curriculum analysis
2026 Cloud Computing Bachelor's Rankings Overview
Cloud computing has become the backbone of modern technology infrastructure, driving explosive demand for skilled professionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 15% job growth for cloud architects through 2032, far exceeding the national average.
Our analysis of 127 bachelor's programs reveals significant variation in curriculum quality, industry partnerships, and graduate outcomes. Top-tier programs like Georgia Tech and University of Washington combine rigorous computer science fundamentals with extensive hands-on cloud platform experience. These programs maintain direct recruiting relationships with major cloud providers and consistently place graduates in high-paying roles.
The strongest programs emphasize distributed systems architecture, containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes, and infrastructure-as-code practices. Students gain practical experience through capstone projects involving real cloud deployments and often complete internships with companies like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform.
Regional differences matter significantly in cloud computing education. Programs near major tech hubs benefit from industry partnerships and internship opportunities, while online programs from established universities provide flexibility for working professionals seeking career transitions. Many students supplement their degrees with cloud certifications to demonstrate practical skills to employers.
Getting Started: No Prior Experience Needed
A Cloud Computing bachelor's degree requires no prior programming or technical experience. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 70% of students entering technical degree programs have no prior coding background. Programs are designed to take complete beginners to job-ready professionals over four years.
What to Expect Your First Year:
- Introduction to programming fundamentals (typically Python or Java)
- Mathematics foundations including calculus, discrete math, and linear algebra
- Computer systems basics and computational thinking
- Problem-solving methodologies and algorithmic thinking
Research from Computing Research Association shows that students who engage with tutoring services and study groups in their first year have 23% higher retention rates. Most universities offer dedicated support including office hours, peer tutoring, and programming labs. Success comes from consistent practice—not prior experience.
General Education Requirements
Bachelor's programs typically require 40-60 credit hours of general education courses alongside your Cloud Computing major. These requirements, mandated by regional accreditation bodies, ensure graduates develop well-rounded communication and critical thinking skills valued by employers.
Common General Education Requirements:
- English Composition (6 credits) — Technical writing skills are essential; 89% of developers write documentation weekly (Stack Overflow Survey 2024)
- Mathematics (6-12 credits) — Calculus I & II, plus statistics for data-focused roles
- Natural Sciences (6-8 credits) — Physics is particularly relevant for hardware-adjacent specializations
- Social Sciences/Humanities (6-12 credits) — Ethics courses increasingly important given AI regulation
- Communication (3 credits) — Presentation skills for technical demos and stakeholder meetings
Pro tip: Many schools allow AP/IB credits or CLEP exams to satisfy gen-ed requirements, potentially saving $3,000-$10,000 in tuition. Check your target school's transfer credit policies before enrolling.
Campus Resources for Students
Top Cloud Computing programs provide extensive support infrastructure to help students succeed. According to EDUCAUSE research, students who utilize campus resources are 34% more likely to graduate on time.
Essential Campus Resources:
- Computer Labs — 24/7 access to high-performance workstations, often with specialized software (MATLAB, AWS credits, GPU clusters)
- Career Services — Resume reviews, mock interviews, and direct recruiter connections; top programs host 50+ tech companies annually
- Tutoring Centers — Free peer tutoring for programming, math, and core courses; many offer drop-in hours
- Student Organizations — ACM chapters, hackathon teams, and Women in Computing groups provide networking and project experience
- Research Opportunities — Undergraduate research positions with faculty can lead to publications and graduate school recommendations
When evaluating programs, ask about student-to-advisor ratios. The NACADA recommends no more than 300:1 for effective academic advising, though top tech programs often achieve 150:1 or better.
Internships & Co-op Programs
Cloud Computing internships offer the highest compensation of any undergraduate major, with an average hourly wage of $24.76 according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 2024 Report. Top-tier companies pay significantly more—often 3-5x the average rate.
Top Employers for Cloud Computing Interns:
- Google — $8,000-$10,000/month plus housing stipends at major tech hubs
- Amazon — $7,500-$9,500/month plus housing stipends at major tech hubs
- Microsoft — $7,000-$9,000/month plus housing stipends at major tech hubs
- Meta — $6,500-$8,500/month plus housing stipends at major tech hubs
- Apple — $6,000-$8,000/month plus housing stipends at major tech hubs
53% of interns receive full-time job offers from their internship employers (NACE 2024). For paid internships specifically, the conversion rate jumps to 70-75%. Most applications open August-October for the following summer—start preparing early.
For salary expectations after graduation, see our cloud architect salary guide.
Career Paths
Cloud Solutions Architect
SOC 15-1299Design and implement scalable cloud infrastructure for enterprise applications
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1252Automate deployment processes and manage cloud-based development workflows
Cloud Security Specialist
SOC 15-1212Implement security controls and compliance measures for cloud environments
Site Reliability Engineer
SOC 15-1254Ensure high availability and performance of cloud-based systems
Cloud Data Engineer
SOC 15-1243Build and maintain data pipelines and analytics platforms in the cloud
Bachelor's vs Associate's vs Bootcamp
Choosing between a bachelor's degree, associate's degree, or coding bootcamp depends on your career goals, timeline, and budget. Each path offers distinct advantages for entering the Cloud Computing field.
Bachelor's Degree (4 years, $40K-$160K)
- Comprehensive theoretical foundation plus hands-on skills
- Required for most senior/management positions and graduate school
- Median starting salary: $75,000 (NACE 2024)
- Best for: Students seeking long-term career growth and research opportunities
Associate's Degree (2 years, $10K-$30K)
- Faster entry into entry-level positions
- Many credits transfer to 4-year programs (2+2 pathway)
- Median starting salary: $50,000-$60,000
- Best for: Career changers or those testing interest before committing to 4 years
Coding Bootcamp (12-24 weeks, $10K-$20K)
- Intensive, job-focused training on current industry tools
- Many offer income share agreements (ISAs) or deferred tuition
- Median starting salary: $65,000-$80,000 for graduates with strong portfolios
- Best for: Career changers with self-discipline; see our Cloud Computing bootcamp rankings
For a detailed ROI comparison, read our analysis: Bootcamp vs Master's Degree: Which Has Better ROI?
Preparing for Graduate School
A bachelor's in Cloud Computing provides an excellent foundation for graduate study. According to the Computing Research Association, 25% of CS bachelor's graduates pursue advanced degrees within five years of graduation, with master's holders earning 20-30% more than bachelor's-only peers.
Preparing for Graduate School During Your Bachelor's:
- Maintain GPA above 3.5 — Most competitive programs require 3.3+ minimum; top-10 programs average 3.7+
- Secure research experience — 2+ semesters with faculty dramatically improves PhD admission chances
- Build faculty relationships — You will need 3 strong recommendation letters; start early
- Take graduate-level courses — Many programs allow undergrads to enroll; demonstrates readiness
- Prepare for GRE (if required) — Quantitative scores above 165 expected for top programs
Graduate Degree Options:
- Master's (1-2 years) — Career-focused; average salary boost of $15,000-$25,000; see our best Cloud Computing master's programs
- PhD (4-6 years) — Research-focused; typically fully funded with $30,000-$45,000 stipend; required for professorships and research scientist roles
- Professional Master's — Industry-sponsored programs (Google, Facebook) combine coursework with company projects
Coding Bootcamps: An Alternative to a Cloud Computing Degree
Coding bootcamps offer an accelerated pathway into tech careers, typically lasting 3-6 months. While they can't replace the depth of a formal degree, they provide practical skills for entry-level positions.
What is a Coding Bootcamp?
A coding bootcamp is an intensive, short-term training program designed to teach practical programming and tech skills. Unlike traditional degrees, bootcamps focus on job-ready skills and real-world projects.
Who Bootcamps Are Best For
- Career changers looking for a fast entry into tech
- Professionals wanting to add coding skills
- Those who prefer hands-on learning over academics
- Budget-conscious learners
What People Love
Based on discussions from r/codingbootcamp, r/cscareerquestions, and r/learnprogramming
- Fast-track to employment—many graduates land jobs within 3-6 months
- Hands-on, project-based learning builds real portfolio pieces
- Career services and interview prep included in most programs
- Strong alumni networks for job referrals and mentorship
- Structured curriculum keeps you accountable and on track
Common Concerns
Honest feedback from bootcamp graduates and industry professionals
- Intense pace can be overwhelming—expect 60-80 hour weeks
- Some employers still prefer traditional CS degrees for certain roles
- Quality varies widely between programs—research carefully
- Job placement stats can be misleading—ask for CIRR audited reports
- May lack depth in computer science fundamentals like algorithms
Explore Bootcamps with Springboard
Springboard offers career-focused bootcamps with 1-on-1 mentorship from industry professionals. Their programs include a job guarantee—complete all requirements, and if you don't land a qualifying role, you may be eligible for a full tuition refund.
Programs for Cloud Computing careers:
- Software Engineering Career Track
- Data Science Career Track
- Cybersecurity Career Track
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cloud Computing Degrees
Based on 127 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Ranking Factors
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Degree completions (sqrt normalized, capped at 500)
Admission rate (lower = more selective)
State-specific salary data from BLS OES 2024
Return on investment from tuition costs relative to expected earnings.
Data Sources and Methodology
Employment projections and salary data for cloud computing occupations
Institutional data, graduation rates, and program offerings
Graduate earnings and employment outcomes by program
Accreditation standards and program quality assessment
What Makes a Great Cloud Computing Bachelor's Program
Exceptional cloud computing programs blend theoretical computer science foundations with intensive practical training on current cloud platforms. The best programs require coursework in distributed systems, network architecture, and database management before advancing to cloud-specific topics like containerization, microservices, and infrastructure automation.
Hands-on laboratory experience distinguishes top programs from theoretical offerings. Georgia Tech's cloud computing track includes dedicated lab time with AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform environments. Students deploy real applications, manage scaling challenges, and troubleshoot distributed system failures. This practical experience proves invaluable during technical interviews and entry-level positions.
- Core computer science fundamentals: data structures, algorithms, and systems programming
- Distributed systems architecture and design patterns
- Cloud platform specialization (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
- DevOps practices including CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure as code
- Security considerations for cloud environments and data protection
- Performance optimization and cost management strategies
Industry partnerships significantly impact program quality and student outcomes. Top programs maintain formal relationships with cloud providers, enabling guest lectures from practicing engineers, early access to new technologies, and structured internship pipelines. These connections often translate directly into job offers for graduating students.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.