- 1.Software Developers earn a median salary of $136,620 with 25% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Computer Science programs include University of California-Berkeley, University of Washington-Seattle Campus, Carnegie Mellon University based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: University of California-Berkeley offers computer science education at $11,834/year with 96% graduation rate
- 4.50 accredited Computer Science programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Computer Science Programs - Top 10 Bachelor's
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley EECS created BAIR, one of the world's most influential AI research labs, and maintains unique Silicon Valley connections where the most exceptional teachers are often also the most exceptional researchers, unlike many peer institutions.
Program Overview
UC Berkeley's Computer Science program stands as one of the world's most prestigious and influential CS programs, housed within the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS). The program offers multiple pathways including a PhD in Computer Science, MS in Computer Science, and the innovative one-year Master of Engineering (MEng) designed for industry professionals. Berkeley's CS program is uniquely positioned in the Bay Area, where regular faculty - many of whom are leading researchers - teach the majority of courses, ensuring students learn from the most exceptional minds in the field. The program spans cutting-edge research areas from artificial intelligence and robotics at the Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research Lab (BAIR) to quantum computing at the Berkeley Quantum Information and Computation Center (BQIC). With over 200 graduate programs university-wide and consistently ranking among the top doctoral programs nationwide, Berkeley offers an unparalleled academic environment where students work alongside faculty on projects that cross disciplinary boundaries to improve everyday life.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Brings together researchers across computer vision, machine learning, NLP, planning, and robotics with over two dozen faculty and hundreds of graduate students
Quantum information processing investigating computational tasks like integer factorization and secure quantum communication
Research center focused on communications, information and coding theory, optimization, statistics and control
Research at intersection of computer security, online privacy, and human-computer interaction
Brings together domain experts from life, social, and physical sciences with methodological experts from computer science and statistics
Industry Partners
Admissions
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
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
Research Labs & Institutes
Core AI research and applications
Interdisciplinary research at the intersection of computing and life sciences
Technology design and human-computer interaction
Industry Partners
Admissions
Carnegie Mellon University
CMU Computer Science Department is home to the birthplace of the emoticon smiley :-) created by faculty member Scott Fahlman, and consistently produces graduates with median starting salaries of $135,000 who secure positions at elite firms like Jane Street (13 hires in 2023), with the program's flexible, advisor-guided curriculum allowing students to craft personalized study paths rather than following fixed course sequences.
Program Overview
Carnegie Mellon University's Computer Science Department offers a flagship Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program that embodies the institution's pioneering legacy in computational sciences. Established in 1965 with a $5 million grant from the Richard K. Mellon Foundation and led by Alan Perlis as its first department head, CMU CS has consistently ranked among the top computer science programs globally. The MSCS program is uniquely flexible, requiring no fixed curriculum but instead allowing students to construct their own course of study in consultation with advisors. Most students complete the program in three semesters (though those transitioning from other fields may need an additional semester), taking 8-9 courses across Systems, Theoretical Foundations, and Artificial Intelligence requirements. The program is coursework-focused with optional research opportunities, and about one-third of students engage in research during their studies. The department spans six major research areas including Artificial Intelligence, Graphics, Programming Languages, Security, Systems, and Theory, with faculty maintaining individual research summaries available through their comprehensive Faculty Research Guide.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Six major research divisions: Artificial Intelligence, Graphics, Programming Languages, Security, Systems, and Theory
Industry Partners
Admissions
Cornell University
Cornell uniquely offers both a fully-funded research MS in Ithaca with mandatory teaching experience and a one-year industry-focused MEng at Cornell Tech in NYC, where students build actual products for real companies through the first-of-its-kind Studio curriculum.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT EECS is home to CSAIL, the largest interdepartmental laboratory at MIT, and uniquely structures computer science within three overlapping domains including a dedicated AI and decision-making unit, reflecting MIT's pioneering role in artificial intelligence research.
University of California-San Diego
UCSD's CS program uniquely combines access to the San Diego Supercomputer Center's national-scale computing infrastructure with an interdisciplinary curriculum option, while maintaining direct pathways for exceptional MS students to transition into the PhD program.
Purdue University-Main Campus
Purdue CS faculty have had research collaborations with every other college at Purdue in the past five years, demonstrating the program's unique interdisciplinary reach and practical application across all fields of study.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Illinois created one of the first and most extensive CS + X blended degree programs in the nation, allowing students to combine computer science with fields ranging from crop sciences to music, while maintaining guaranteed admission pathways for Illinois graduates into their nationally-ranked MCS programs.
University of Southern California
USC launched the School of Advanced Computing in 2024 as the university's 23rd school, making it the hub for advanced computing research across USC and positioning computer science at the center of an unprecedented interdisciplinary computing initiative.
University of California-Irvine
467 computer science graduates annually
Best Computer Science Programs - Compare Top 5 Bachelor's
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of California-Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | 100/100 |
| #2 University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | $11,524 | 97% | 97.4/100 |
| #3 Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $62,260 | 98% | 95.1/100 |
| #4 Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | Private | $65,204 | 95% | 94.1/100 |
| #5 Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, MA | Private | $59,750 | N/A | 89.8/100 |
Top 50 Computer Science Bachelor's Programs 2026
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California-Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | — | 100 |
| 2 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | $11,524 | 97% | — | 97.4 |
| 3 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $62,260 | 98% | — | 95.1 |
| 4 | Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | Private | $65,204 | 95% | — | 94.1 |
| 5 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, MA | Private | $59,750 | — | — | 89.8 |
| 6 | University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | Public | $11,834 | 81% | — | 88.8 |
| 7 | Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | Public | $9,718 | 83% | — | 88.2 |
| 8 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | Public | $14,768 | 90% | — | 87.5 |
| 9 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | 92% | — | 87 |
| 10 | University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | — | 85.8 |
| 11 | Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | Private | $64,526 | 100% | — | 85.1 |
| 12 | University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD | Public | $9,889 | 84% | — | 84.9 |
| 13 | Princeton University | Princeton, NJ | Private | $59,710 | 96% | — | 84.7 |
| 14 | Stanford University | Stanford, CA | Private | $61,731 | — | — | 83.7 |
| 15 | University of California-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | Public | $11,834 | 92% | — | 83 |
| 16 | University of California-Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz, CA | Public | $11,834 | 93% | — | 82.2 |
| 17 | University of California-Davis | Davis, CA | Public | $11,834 | 91% | — | 81.7 |
| 18 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | Public | $7,019 | 93% | — | 80.8 |
| 19 | California Institute of Technology | Pasadena, CA | Private | $60,816 | 88% | — | 80.5 |
| 20 | University of Massachusetts-Amherst | Amherst, MA | Public | $16,591 | 90% | — | 80.4 |
| 21 | Texas A & M University-College Station | College Station, TX | Public | $9,003 | 84% | — | 79.4 |
| 22 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN | Public | $14,496 | 92% | — | 76.7 |
| 23 | Brown University | Providence, RI | Private | $65,656 | 96% | — | 76.2 |
| 24 | University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO | Public | $13,910 | 87% | — | 76.1 |
| 25 | Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN | Private | $61,618 | 99% | — | 76.1 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Computer Science Bachelor's Degree Overview
Computer science education has evolved dramatically over the past decade, with 742 ABET-accredited bachelor's programs now offering comprehensive training in software development, algorithms, systems design, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning. Our analysis of IPEDS 2023 data reveals significant variations in program quality, cost, and outcomes across institutions.
The job market for computer science graduates remains exceptionally strong, with software engineers earning median salaries of $130,160 according to BLS 2024 data. Top-tier programs consistently produce graduates who secure positions at major technology companies, with starting salaries ranging from $75,000 at regional firms to over $150,000 at companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft.
Public universities dominate our affordability rankings, offering ABET-accredited programs at median in-state tuition of $8,290 annually. Schools like UC Berkeley, Georgia Tech, and University of Washington provide world-class education at a fraction of private school costs, making them excellent choices for value-conscious students.
For students seeking flexibility, online computer science degree programs have matured significantly, with top-ranked online programs achieving graduation rates comparable to their on-campus counterparts. Schools like Arizona State University Online and Penn State World Campus offer fully accredited bachelor's degrees with strong industry partnerships and career placement services.
Career Paths
Software Developer/Engineer
SOC 15-1252Design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex data sets to inform business decision-making
AI/Machine Learning Engineer
SOC 15-1299Develop artificial intelligence systems and machine learning models
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect computer networks and systems from security threats
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1252Bridge development and operations to improve software delivery
Computer Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Study computer systems and recommend improvements to efficiency
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Store and organize data using specialized database software
Web Developer
SOC 15-1254Design and create websites and web applications
Top States for Computer Science Education
California
Texas
New York
Pennsylvania
Florida
Illinois
Ohio
North Carolina
Virginia
Georgia
Michigan
Washington
Financial Aid and Funding Options for Computer Science Students
Computer science students have access to numerous funding opportunities beyond traditional financial aid. STEM-focused scholarships and grants are particularly abundant, with many technology companies offering substantial support to encourage diversity in the field. The National Science Foundation and other federal agencies provide competitive research fellowships that can cover tuition and provide living stipends.
Many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees pursuing computer science degrees part-time. Major technology companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google provide up to $5,250 annually in tuition assistance, making it possible to earn a degree while working in the field. This approach allows students to gain practical experience while completing their education debt-free.
Graduate assistantships in computer science programs often provide full tuition coverage plus stipends ranging from $18,000 to $35,000 annually. Research assistantships allow students to work directly with faculty on cutting-edge projects while funding their education. Teaching assistantships develop valuable communication skills while providing financial support.
Analysis of Top Computer Science Programs
The top 50 computer science bachelor's programs demonstrate clear patterns in quality and value. MIT, Stanford, and Carnegie Mellon form an elite tier with graduation rates exceeding 90% and starting salaries above $100,000. These programs combine rigorous academics with unparalleled industry connections, though tuition costs range from $56,169 to $61,344 annually.
Public universities provide exceptional value in the top rankings. UC Berkeley (#4), Georgia Tech (#5), and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (#7) offer world-class education at in-state tuition rates below $16,000. These schools produce graduates who compete successfully with their private school peers for positions at top technology companies.
Regional variations play a significant role in program strength. California leads with 89 programs, benefiting from Silicon Valley proximity. Texas follows with 54 programs, supported by a growing tech ecosystem in Austin and Dallas. East Coast schools in Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania maintain strong industry partnerships with financial and consulting firms.
Which Program Type is Right for You?
- You can afford $60K+ annual tuition or qualify for substantial aid
- You want maximum prestige and networking opportunities
- You're interested in cutting-edge research and PhD preparation
- You plan to start your own company or join competitive tech firms
- Small class sizes and intensive mentorship appeal to you
- You want world-class education at an affordable price
- You qualify for in-state tuition at a top-ranked program
- You're comfortable with larger class sizes in exchange for lower costs
- You value diversity and want access to a broad range of research opportunities
- You plan to work in industry rather than pursue graduate school immediately
- You want to minimize debt while earning an accredited degree
- You prefer staying close to home or in a specific geographic region
- You plan to work locally or for government agencies
- You want smaller class sizes than flagship state universities offer
- You're interested in teaching high school computer science
- You're currently working and need flexible scheduling
- You have family commitments that prevent relocation
- You want to minimize living expenses during your education
- You're changing careers and need to maintain income during studies
- You're comfortable with self-directed learning and virtual collaboration
Frequently Asked Questions About Computer Science Bachelor's Programs
Based on 742 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Degree completions (sqrt normalized, capped at 500)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
State-specific salary data from BLS OES 2024
Admission rate (lower = more selective)
Institution type (R1/R2 research bonus)
CAE-CD designation, curator bonuses
Data completeness proxy
Reporting completeness
Data Sources and Methodology
Institutional characteristics, tuition, enrollment, and graduation data for 742 ABET-accredited programs
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2024 for computer and mathematical occupations
Verification of accreditation status for all ranked programs
Federal data on college costs, graduation rates, and post-graduation earnings
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.