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Harvard University
Doctorate in Computer ScienceOn-campus
Cambridge, MAPrivate nonprofit
$116,580 median salary · 98% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 98% graduation rate
- $116,580 median salary
- $56,550 in-state tuition
- 23 graduates annually
On this page
Key Takeaways
- 1.computer science PhD graduates in industry research earn $150,000 median salary (BLS, 2024), while tenure-track faculty earn $120,000-$180,000.
- 2.Our top-ranked doctoral programs are University of California-Berkeley, University of California-Los Angeles, University of Southern California, selected for research output, funding, and graduate placement.
- 3.Most PhD programs are fully funded: tuition waiver + $25,000-40,000/year stipend. You shouldn't pay for a PhD.
- 4.Average time to degree is 5-6 years, though it varies by research area and advisor.
- 5.60% of computer science PhD graduates enter industry research (Google, Meta, Microsoft Research). 40% pursue academic careers.
Quick Answer: Is a Computer Science PhD Worth It?
Answer
Yes for research careers - fully funded with $150,000+ outcomes
Source: A computer science PhD is worth it if you want to conduct original research, whether in academia or industry research labs. Unlike master's programs, PhDs are typically fully funded (tuition + ~$35K/year stipend). Industry research scientists at Google, Meta, and OpenAI earn $200K-400K+. Academic faculty earn less but enjoy research freedom and job security.
Why Pursue a Computer Science PhD?
A PhD is the terminal research degree in computer science, required for tenure-track faculty positions and highly valued for industry research scientist roles. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Software Developers with advanced degrees can earn $208,000+ or more, especially in research-focused positions.
Who Should Consider a PhD?
- Aspiring academics: Tenure-track faculty positions require a PhD
- Research scientists: Industry labs (Google Research, Microsoft Research, Meta AI) recruit PhDs for advanced research
- Deep specialists: Those who want to push the boundaries of computer science
- Intellectually curious: People who find fulfillment in solving hard, unsolved problems
The PhD Value Proposition
- Fully funded: No tuition + $25K-45K/year stipend (you're paid to learn)
- Research freedom: Work on problems that interest you with expert guidance
- Career options: Both academic ($100K-200K faculty) and lucrative industry paths ($150K-400K+ research scientist)
- Expertise: Become a world expert in computer science
Important: Don't pursue a PhD just for salary gains. If your goal is maximizing income quickly, a master's + industry experience often yields better short-term returns. A PhD is a 5-6 year commitment to research mastery.
Best Computer Science PhD Programs - Top 10
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Columbia University in the City of New York
Doctorate in Computer ScienceOn-campus
New York, NYPrivate nonprofit
$116,580 median salary · 96% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- $116,580 median salary
- $66,722 in-state tuition
- 29 graduates annually
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University of California-Los Angeles
Doctorate in Computer ScienceOn-campus
Los Angeles, CAPublic
$116,580 median salary · 93% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- $116,580 median salary
- $12,260 in-state tuition
- 44 graduates annually
#4
University of California-Berkeley
Doctorate in Computer ScienceOn-campus
Berkeley, CAPublic
$116,580 median salary · 93% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- $116,580 median salary
- $12,260 in-state tuition
- 39 graduates annually
#5
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Doctorate in Computer ScienceOn-campus
Cambridge, MAPrivate nonprofit
$116,580 median salary · 96% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- $116,580 median salary
- $61,990 in-state tuition
- 86 graduates annually
#6
Princeton University
Doctorate in Computer ScienceOn-campus
Princeton, NJPrivate nonprofit
$116,580 median salary · 98% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 98% graduation rate
- $116,580 median salary
- $62,400 in-state tuition
- 39 graduates annually
#7
University of Chicago
Doctorate in Computer ScienceOn-campus
Chicago, ILPrivate nonprofit
$116,580 median salary · 96% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- $116,580 median salary
- $67,446 in-state tuition
- 16 graduates annually
#8
Stanford University
Doctorate in Computer ScienceOn-campus
Stanford, CAPrivate nonprofit
$116,580 median salary · 92% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- $116,580 median salary
- $65,127 in-state tuition
- 53 graduates annually
#9
Northwestern University
Doctorate in Computer ScienceOn-campus
Evanston, ILPrivate nonprofit
$116,580 median salary · 95% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- $116,580 median salary
- $67,158 in-state tuition
- 18 graduates annually
#10
Cornell University
Doctorate in Computer ScienceOn-campus
Ithaca, NYPrivate nonprofit
$116,580 median salary · 95% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- $116,580 median salary
- $68,380 in-state tuition
- 35 graduates annually
Best Computer Science PhD Programs - Top 10, Complete Program Data
#1. Harvard University — Doctorate Computer Science
Hakia ranks Harvard University's doctorate computer science program #1. Degree: Doctorate (research). Delivery: on-campus. Location: Cambridge, MA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $56,550/year | Graduation Rate: 98% | Median Salary: $116,580 | Score: 94.5
#2. Columbia University in the City of New York — Doctorate Computer Science
Hakia ranks Columbia University in the City of New York's doctorate computer science program #2. Degree: Doctorate (research). Delivery: on-campus. Location: New York, NY | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $66,722/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Median Salary: $116,580 | Score: 93.7
#3. University of California-Los Angeles — Doctorate Computer Science
Hakia ranks University of California-Los Angeles's doctorate computer science program #3. Degree: Doctorate (research). Delivery: on-campus. Location: Los Angeles, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $12,260/year | Graduation Rate: 93% | Median Salary: $116,580 | Score: 93.1
#4. University of California-Berkeley — Doctorate Computer Science
Hakia ranks University of California-Berkeley's doctorate computer science program #4. Degree: Doctorate (research). Delivery: on-campus. Location: Berkeley, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $12,260/year | Graduation Rate: 93% | Median Salary: $116,580 | Score: 92.1
#5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Doctorate Computer Science
Hakia ranks Massachusetts Institute of Technology's doctorate computer science program #5. Degree: Doctorate (research). Delivery: on-campus. Location: Cambridge, MA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $61,990/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Median Salary: $116,580 | Score: 92.0
#6. Princeton University — Doctorate Computer Science
Hakia ranks Princeton University's doctorate computer science program #6. Degree: Doctorate (research). Delivery: on-campus. Location: Princeton, NJ | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $62,400/year | Graduation Rate: 98% | Median Salary: $116,580 | Score: 91.6
#7. University of Chicago — Doctorate Computer Science
Hakia ranks University of Chicago's doctorate computer science program #7. Degree: Doctorate (research). Delivery: on-campus. Location: Chicago, IL | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $67,446/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Median Salary: $116,580 | Score: 91.5
#8. Stanford University — Doctorate Computer Science
Hakia ranks Stanford University's doctorate computer science program #8. Degree: Doctorate (research). Delivery: on-campus. Location: Stanford, CA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $65,127/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Median Salary: $116,580 | Score: 91.3
#9. Northwestern University — Doctorate Computer Science
Hakia ranks Northwestern University's doctorate computer science program #9. Degree: Doctorate (research). Delivery: on-campus. Location: Evanston, IL | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $67,158/year | Graduation Rate: 95% | Median Salary: $116,580 | Score: 91.1
#10. Cornell University — Doctorate Computer Science
Hakia ranks Cornell University's doctorate computer science program #10. Degree: Doctorate (research). Delivery: on-campus. Location: Ithaca, NY | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $68,380/year | Graduation Rate: 95% | Median Salary: $116,580 | Score: 91.1
Full Computer Science Doctoral Rankings 2026
| Rank | Program & School | Delivery | Annual Tuition | Grad Rate | Median Salary | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Doctorate in Computer Science Harvard UniversityCambridge, MA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $56,550 | 98% | $116,580 | 94.5 |
| #2 | Doctorate in Computer Science Columbia University in the City of New YorkNew York, NY · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $66,722 | 96% | $116,580 | 93.7 |
| #3 | Doctorate in Computer Science University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles, CA · Public | On-campus | $12,260 | 93% | $116,580 | 93.1 |
| #4 | Doctorate in Computer Science University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley, CA · Public | On-campus | $12,260 | 93% | $116,580 | 92.1 |
| #5 | Doctorate in Computer Science Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, MA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $61,990 | 96% | $116,580 | 92.0 |
| #6 | Doctorate in Computer Science Princeton UniversityPrinceton, NJ · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $62,400 | 98% | $116,580 | 91.6 |
| #7 | Doctorate in Computer Science University of ChicagoChicago, IL · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $67,446 | 96% | $116,580 | 91.5 |
| #8 | Doctorate in Computer Science Stanford UniversityStanford, CA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $65,127 | 92% | $116,580 | 91.3 |
| #9 | Doctorate in Computer Science Northwestern UniversityEvanston, IL · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $67,158 | 95% | $116,580 | 91.1 |
| #10 | Doctorate in Computer Science Cornell UniversityIthaca, NY · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $68,380 | 95% | $116,580 | 91.1 |
| #11 | Doctorate in Computer Science University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $69,904 | 92% | $116,580 | 90.9 |
| #12 | Doctorate in Computer Science Duke UniversityDurham, NC · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $66,325 | 97% | $116,580 | 90.7 |
| #13 | Doctorate in Computer Science University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill, NC · Public | On-campus | $7,019 | 91% | $116,580 | 90.1 |
| #14 | Doctorate in Computer Science Brown UniversityProvidence, RI · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $68,612 | 96% | $116,580 | 89.8 |
| #15 | Doctorate in Computer Science Georgia Institute of Technology-Main CampusAtlanta, GA · Public | On-campus | $10,512 | 94% | $116,580 | 89.4 |
| #16 | Doctorate in Computer Science Vanderbilt UniversityNashville, TN · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $65,008 | 94% | $116,580 | 88.8 |
| #17 | Doctorate in Computer Science Carnegie Mellon UniversityPittsburgh, PA · Private nonprofit | Online | $64,596 | 94% | $116,580 | 88.6 |
| #18 | Doctorate in Computer Science Dartmouth CollegeHanover, NH · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $66,123 | 96% | $116,580 | 88.5 |
| #19 | Doctorate in Computer Science University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla, CA · Public | On-campus | $12,260 | 86% | $116,580 | 88.2 |
| #20 | Doctorate in Computer Science University of Maryland-College ParkCollege Park, MD · Public | On-campus | $10,087 | 89% | $116,580 | 88.2 |
| #21 | Doctorate in Computer Science University of California-IrvineIrvine, CA · Public | On-campus | $12,260 | 87% | $116,580 | 88.0 |
| #22 | Doctorate in Computer Science Boston UniversityBoston, MA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $66,670 | 89% | $116,580 | 87.5 |
| #23 | Doctorate in Computer Science Washington University in St LouisSt. Louis, MO · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $64,500 | 94% | $116,580 | 87.4 |
| #24 | Doctorate in Computer Science Emory UniversityAtlanta, GA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $63,400 | 91% | $116,580 | 86.8 |
| #25 | Doctorate in Computer Science University of GeorgiaAthens, GA · Public | On-campus | $10,034 | 90% | $116,580 | 86.8 |
| #26 | Doctorate in Computer Science Georgetown UniversityWashington, DC · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $67,896 | 95% | $116,580 | 86.6 |
| #27 | Doctorate in Computer Science Tufts UniversityMedford, MA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $69,146 | 94% | $116,580 | 86.4 |
| #28 | Doctorate in Computer Science University of California-DavisDavis, CA · Public | On-campus | $12,260 | 86% | $116,580 | 85.4 |
| #29 | Doctorate in Computer Science University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign, IL · Public | On-campus | $14,975 | 85% | $116,580 | 85.4 |
| #30 | Doctorate in Computer Science North Carolina State University at RaleighRaleigh, NC · Public | On-campus | $6,535 | 85% | $116,580 | 85.2 |
| #31 | Doctorate in Computer Science University of California-Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara, CA · Public | On-campus | $12,260 | 83% | $116,580 | 83.4 |
| #32 | Doctorate in Computer Science Purdue University-Main CampusWest Lafayette, IN · Public | On-campus | $9,718 | 83% | $116,580 | 82.7 |
| #33 | Doctorate in Computer Science Binghamton UniversityVestal, NY · Public | On-campus | $7,070 | 82% | $116,580 | 82.3 |
| #34 | Doctorate in Computer Science Tulane University of LouisianaNew Orleans, LA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $64,372 | 86% | $116,580 | 82.1 |
| #35 | Doctorate in Computer Science Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland, OH · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $66,020 | 87% | $116,580 | 82.0 |
| #36 | Doctorate in Computer Science University of RochesterRochester, NY · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $65,870 | 85% | $116,580 | 81.4 |
| #37 | Doctorate in Computer Science Pennsylvania State University-Main CampusUniversity Park, PA · Public | On-campus | $20,066 | 86% | $116,580 | 81.3 |
| #38 | Doctorate in Computer Science Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook, NY · Public | On-campus | $7,070 | 76% | $116,580 | 81.1 |
| #39 | Doctorate in Computer Science Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station, TX · Public | On-campus | $9,092 | 84% | $116,580 | 81.1 |
| #40 | Doctorate in Computer Science University of Massachusetts-AmherstAmherst, MA · Public | On-campus | $17,006 | 83% | $116,580 | 80.3 |
| #41 | Doctorate in Computer Science Lehigh UniversityBethlehem, PA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $63,930 | 88% | $116,580 | 80.3 |
| #42 | Doctorate in Computer Science Stevens Institute of TechnologyHoboken, NJ · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $61,028 | 87% | $116,580 | 80.2 |
| #43 | Doctorate in Computer Science University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh, PA · Public | On-campus | $20,556 | 85% | $116,580 | 80.2 |
| #44 | Doctorate in Computer Science University of MiamiCoral Gables, FL · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $60,720 | 84% | $116,580 | 80.1 |
| #45 | Doctorate in Computer Science George Washington UniversityWashington, DC · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $67,420 | 84% | $116,580 | 78.5 |
| #46 | Doctorate in Computer Science University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis, MN · Public | On-campus | $15,148 | 85% | $116,580 | 78.3 |
| #47 | Doctorate in Computer Science Brandeis UniversityWaltham, MA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $67,082 | 86% | $116,580 | 78.0 |
| #48 | Doctorate in Computer Science The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville, TN · Public | On-campus | $11,560 | 74% | $116,580 | 77.6 |
| #49 | Doctorate in Computer Science Brigham Young UniversityProvo, UT · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $6,688 | 81% | $116,580 | 77.4 |
| #50 | Doctorate in Computer Science Worcester Polytechnic InstituteWorcester, MA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $59,700 | 90% | $116,580 | 77.3 |
Showing all 50 ranked programs.
Industry Research vs Academic Faculty Careers
| Factor | Industry Research | Academic Faculty |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Salary | $150,000-$200,000+ | $100,000-$140,000 |
| Salary Ceiling | $300,000-$500,000+ (with equity) | $150,000-$250,000 |
| Job Security | Project-dependent, at-will | Tenure after 6-7 years |
| Research Freedom | Aligned with company goals | High autonomy after tenure |
| Publication Pressure | Varies by company | Essential for tenure |
| Resources | Well-funded, large compute | Grant-dependent |
| Work-Life Balance | Better | Highly variable |
| Impact Timeline | Faster deployment | Long-term influence |
| Typical Employers | Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI | Universities, research institutes |
Source: Salary data from [CRA Taulbee Survey](https://cra.org/resources/taulbee-survey/) and [Glassdoor](https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/)
Top States for Computer Science Doctoral Programs
Best Computer Science Doctoral Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $9,500
Best Computer Science Doctoral Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 20
- Median Tuition
- $8,500
Best Computer Science Doctoral Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 18
- Median Tuition
- $12,000
Best Computer Science Doctoral Programs in Florida
- Total Programs
- 15
- Median Tuition
- $6,500
Best Computer Science Doctoral Programs in Virginia
- Total Programs
- 12
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
Best Computer Science Doctoral Programs in Pennsylvania
- Total Programs
- 14
- Median Tuition
- $14,000
Computer Science PhD Frequently Asked Questions
Should I pay for a PhD program?
No. Legitimate research-focused PhD programs are fully funded (tuition waiver + stipend). If a program asks you to pay, it's likely not worth your time. Self-funded PhD programs are often cash cows for universities with poor placement outcomes.
How long does a PhD take?
Median time-to-degree in computer science is 5-6 years. Machine learning and applied areas tend to be faster (5 years). Theory and systems sometimes longer (6+ years). Very few finish in 4 years. Some take 7+.
Do I need a master's degree before a PhD?
No. Most U.S. PhD programs admit students directly from bachelor's. In fact, a separate master's can slow you down, many PhD programs don't transfer master's credits. Exception: career changers sometimes benefit from a master's to build prerequisites.
What GPA do I need for PhD admission?
Most top programs expect 3.5+ GPA, but research experience matters far more than GPA. A student with a 3.4 GPA and multiple research publications will beat a 4.0 student with no research experience.
Is the GRE required for PhD programs?
Increasingly optional. Many top programs (MIT, Stanford, Berkeley, CMU) made GRE optional post-2020. Where required, strong scores help but can't compensate for weak research experience.
How competitive is PhD admission?
Very competitive. Top-10 programs accept 5-15% of applicants. However, there are 50+ excellent PhD programs. Applying broadly across ranking tiers (8-12 schools) is essential.
Can I do a PhD part-time while working?
No. PhD programs expect full-time commitment. Some industry research positions (Google PhD Program) allow you to work while completing a PhD, but this is rare and highly competitive.
What's the ROI of a PhD vs master's?
Financially complex. PhDs take longer but are free (funded), while master's programs are often self-paid. Industry research salaries are very high ($200K-400K+), but you could have earned ~$600K-900K working those 5-6 years instead. The ROI is best for those pursuing research passions, not pure salary maximization.
How We Rank Computer Science Degree Programs
Based on 742 programs from IPEDS 2024
We scored 50 doctoral computer science programs on the Hakia Score, a 0 to 100 composite drawn from federal IPEDS 2024 and BLS figures, and Harvard University's Doctorate in Computer Science sits at the top. Graduates step into a field where the median wage runs about $116,580.
Ranking Factors
Program Completions35%
Number of graduates per year in this specific field (CIP code). Larger programs indicate established departments with more resources, course offerings, and career services. Measured from IPEDS Completions data.
Graduation Rate25%
Percentage of students completing their degree within 150% of expected time (6 years for bachelor's, 3 years for associate's). Higher rates indicate better student support and program quality. Source: IPEDS Graduation Rates survey.
Selectivity20%
Admission rate (lower = more selective). More selective institutions have stronger academic environments and more competitive graduates. For open-admission institutions, we use graduation rates as a proxy for quality.
Career Outcomes20%
National salary data for computer science graduates, factored into institutional scores based on job market strength.
Ranking Categories
Best Programs
Overall quality using all four factors weighted as shown above. Ideal for students seeking the strongest academic experience.
Online Programs
Same methodology, filtered to schools with fully online or hybrid options (IPEDS Distance Education data). Some schools may have lower graduation rates due to different student demographics.
Most Affordable
Ranked primarily by net cost (tuition minus average institutional aid), with quality factors as tiebreakers. Best for cost-conscious students.
Data Sources
- IPEDS 2024 — Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
- BLS OEWS 2024 — National and metro salary data by occupation
- CIP Code Mapping — Programs identified using Classification of Instructional Programs codes
Data Sources
Federal database of U.S. postsecondary institutions
Computer science research publication rankings by faculty
May 2024 salary data for research positions
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.