- 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 Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Southern California, University of California-San Diego based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers computer science education at $14,768/year with 90% graduation rate
- 4.50 accredited Computer Science programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Computer Science Programs - Top 10 Master's
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.
Program Overview
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Siebel School of Computing and Data Science offers one of the nation's most distinguished computer science programs, consistently ranked #7 overall in undergraduate CS by U.S. News & World Report. The school provides multiple pathways including a traditional B.S. in Computer Science, over a dozen innovative CS + X blended degrees (combining CS with fields like astronomy, bioengineering, advertising, and music), and flexible graduate options. At the graduate level, students can pursue a research-focused M.S. or Ph.D., a professional Master of Computer Science (MCS) available on-campus, online through Coursera partnership, or at their Chicago location. The online MCS is particularly noteworthy as a 32-credit hour, coursework-only degree that can be completed in 1-5 years with full flexibility.
The program leverages world-class research infrastructure including partnerships with major tech companies and government agencies. Students learn in the Thomas M. Siebel Center for Computer Science and benefit from extensive research opportunities across eleven specialized areas from artificial intelligence to quantum computing. The school's 95% undergraduate internship participation rate and 96% job placement rate within six months demonstrate strong industry connections, with graduates regularly joining Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Meta, and other top-tier employers.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Novel technologies for scalable distributed computing to improve performance and energy efficiency by 100x
Synthetic strategy and manufacturing through artificial intelligence
Conversational AI and human-computer interaction
AI, machine learning, and digital transformation research
Technology applications in agricultural productivity and sustainability
Hybrid cloud, AI, quantum computing, and materials discovery
Industry Partners
Admissions
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.
Program Overview
USC Viterbi's MS in Computer Science stands at the heart of the newly established USC School of Advanced Computing, representing the most ambitious initiative in USC computing history. The Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science offers a comprehensive 32-unit Master of Science program that provides intensive preparation in computing system design, programming, and application. Students can pursue the degree on-campus or entirely online through DEN@Viterbi, with both tracks maintaining identical academic rigor and resulting in the same USC degree. The program typically takes 1.5-2 years full-time or 2.5-3 years part-time, with an optional thesis track adding 4 additional units.
The department houses over 40 research labs spanning four major areas: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Theory and Computation, Systems and Security, and Computer Vision and Robotics. Notable research centers include the USC Center for Artificial Intelligence in Society, the Robotics and Autonomous Systems Center, and the Information Sciences Institute. With faculty like Gaurav Sukhatme (inaugural director of the School of Advanced Computing) and pioneers in AI safety, natural language processing, and autonomous systems, USC offers specializations in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Game Development, alongside the general track.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
AI applications for social good, combating human trafficking, wildlife conservation
Socially assistive robotics, human-robot interaction, multi-robot systems
Advanced computing research, natural language processing, cybersecurity
Human-robot interaction, socially assistive robotics with Maja Matarić
Industry Partners
Admissions
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.
Program Overview
UC San Diego's Computer Science and Engineering Department offers both Master of Science in Computer Science and Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering (Computer Engineering) degrees, designed to serve diverse post-graduate educational needs. The program provides three distinct pathways: a Thesis Plan for research-oriented students, a Comprehensive Standard Plan, and a unique Comprehensive Interdisciplinary Plan that requires additional coursework in another department. What sets UCSD apart is its rigorous three-pronged curriculum structure ensuring students master fundamental concepts, gain breadth across multiple CS domains (Theory, Systems, and Applications), and develop deep expertise in their chosen specialization area. The program accommodates both full-time students and working professionals through part-time options, with a minimum three-quarter residency requirement. Located in La Jolla with proximity to the San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC), students gain access to cutting-edge computational resources including the Expanse supercomputer and AI-integrated computing environments that have powered breakthrough scientific research since the early Cray systems era.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
High-performance computing, AI-integrated systems, and cyberinfrastructure from early Cray systems to modern supercomputers
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.
Columbia University in the City of New York
Columbia CS uniquely combines Ivy League academic rigor with Manhattan's tech ecosystem, offering specialized pathways like the dual MS in Journalism and Computer Science and faculty-invite-only personalized tracks that leverage the university's position as a global research hub in one of the world's major technology centers.
Stanford University
383 computer science graduates annually
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.
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.
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.
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.
Best Computer Science Programs - Compare Top 5 Master's
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | Public | $14,768 | 90% | 92.8/100 |
| #2 University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | 92% | 92.5/100 |
| #3 University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | Public | $11,834 | 81% | 88.8/100 |
| #4 Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | Private | $65,204 | 95% | 88.1/100 |
| #5 Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | Private | $64,526 | 1% | 88/100 |
Top 50 Computer Science Master's Programs 2026
| Rank | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | Public | $14,768 | 90% | — | — | 92.8 |
| 2 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | 92% | — | — | 92.5 |
| 3 | University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | Public | $11,834 | 81% | — | — | 88.8 |
| 4 | Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | Private | $65,204 | 95% | — | — | 88.1 |
| 5 | Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | Private | $64,526 | 100% | — | — | 88 |
| 6 | Stanford University | Stanford, CA | Private | $61,731 | — | — | — | 86.5 |
| 7 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, MA | Private | $59,750 | — | — | — | 85.9 |
| 8 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $62,260 | 98% | — | — | 85.5 |
| 9 | University of California-Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | — | — | 82 |
| 10 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | $11,524 | 97% | — | — | 81.1 |
| 11 | Stevens Institute of Technology | Hoboken, NJ | Private | $58,680 | 74% | — | — | 80.8 |
| 12 | University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | — | — | 77.7 |
| 13 | Princeton University | Princeton, NJ | Private | $59,710 | 96% | — | — | 77.1 |
| 14 | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA | Private | $58,620 | 100% | — | — | 76.2 |
| 15 | University of California-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | Public | $11,834 | 92% | — | — | 76.2 |
| 16 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh | Raleigh, NC | Public | $6,535 | 85% | — | — | 76.1 |
| 17 | Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | Public | $9,718 | 83% | — | — | 75.6 |
| 18 | University of Missouri-Kansas City | Kansas City, MO | Public | $11,190 | 98% | — | — | 75.4 |
| 19 | University of Massachusetts-Amherst | Amherst, MA | Public | $16,591 | 90% | — | — | 74.6 |
| 20 | Northwestern University | Evanston, IL | Private | $64,887 | 90% | — | — | 74 |
| 21 | Stony Brook University | Stony Brook, NY | Public | $7,070 | 89% | — | — | 73.8 |
| 22 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion | Tempe, AZ | Public | $11,308 | 81% | — | — | 73 |
| 23 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Charlotte, NC | Public | $3,812 | 76% | — | — | 72.7 |
| 24 | California Institute of Technology | Pasadena, CA | Private | $60,816 | 88% | — | — | 72.5 |
| 25 | Washington University in St Louis | Saint Louis, MO | Private | $61,750 | 97% | — | — | 72.2 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Computer Science Master's Programs Overview
A computer science master's degree represents one of the most valuable investments in today's technology-driven economy. With software engineering roles experiencing 25% growth and data scientist positions growing 36% through 2032, advanced CS education provides the specialized knowledge and research experience that top employers demand.
Our comprehensive analysis of 487 accredited programs reveals significant variation in outcomes, costs, and specializations. Elite programs like MIT and Stanford command premium tuition but deliver exceptional ROI through higher starting salaries, extensive research opportunities, and unparalleled industry connections. Public universities like UC Berkeley and Georgia Tech offer world-class education at substantially lower costs for in-state residents.
Master's programs typically offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, with thesis options better suited for students considering PhD programs or research careers. Professional master's programs focus on industry-relevant skills and often include internship requirements. Online programs have gained significant credibility, with institutions like Georgia Tech's OMSCS delivering the same curriculum as on-campus programs at a fraction of the cost.
Career Paths
Senior Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Lead complex software development projects, architect systems, and mentor junior developers at major technology companies.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze large datasets, build predictive models, and drive data-driven decision making across industries.
AI/Machine Learning Engineer
SOC 15-1299Design and implement AI systems, develop machine learning models, and create intelligent applications.
Principal/Staff Engineer
SOC 15-1252Technical leadership roles involving system architecture, cross-team coordination, and strategic technical decisions.
Research Scientist
SOC 15-1221Conduct applied research in corporate R&D labs, develop new technologies, and publish in top-tier venues.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1252Build and maintain infrastructure, implement CI/CD pipelines, and ensure system reliability and scalability.
Cybersecurity Architect
SOC 15-1212Design secure systems, conduct threat modeling, and develop enterprise security strategies for organizations.
Technology Consultant
SOC 15-1199Advise organizations on technology strategy, lead digital transformation initiatives, and solve complex technical challenges.
Top States for Computer Science Master's Programs
California
New York
Texas
Massachusetts
Pennsylvania
Illinois
Florida
Georgia
Washington
Michigan
Ohio
North Carolina
Financial Aid and Funding Opportunities
Graduate students have access to funding opportunities unavailable to undergraduates, including research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and industry fellowships. Top CS programs often provide full funding packages that cover tuition and provide living stipends in exchange for research or teaching duties. Understanding these options is crucial for minimizing educational debt while pursuing advanced degrees.
Research assistantships (RAs) are the most common funding mechanism, providing $25,000-$35,000 annually plus tuition remission in exchange for 20 hours weekly of research work. Teaching assistantships (TAs) offer similar compensation for helping with undergraduate courses. Many students combine part-time industry internships with their studies, particularly in programs near major tech hubs.
Industry fellowships from companies like Google, Microsoft, and Meta provide substantial funding ($40,000-$60,000 annually) for promising graduate students, often leading to full-time employment opportunities. FAFSA and federal aid options remain available for graduate students, though subsidized loan limits are lower than undergraduate programs.
Program Selection Framework
- You want maximum career optionality and prestigious alumni network
- Starting salaries and career acceleration justify high tuition costs
- You're interested in cutting-edge research or academic career paths
- You have strong academic credentials and can gain admission
- You want world-class education at significantly lower cost
- You're a state resident eligible for in-state tuition rates
- You prefer larger, more diverse academic communities
- You want excellent ROI without sacrificing program quality
- You're working full-time and need flexible scheduling
- Cost is a primary concern and you want minimal debt
- You're comfortable with self-directed learning and virtual collaboration
- You want to maintain current income while advancing education
- You want to work in specific geographic markets
- You prefer smaller cohorts and closer faculty relationships
- Local industry partnerships align with your career interests
- You want lower living costs during your studies
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on 487 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
Federal database providing institutional characteristics, enrollment, graduation rates, and tuition data for all accredited institutions
Comprehensive salary and employment data for computer and mathematical occupations across all geographic regions
Faculty research output analysis based on publications in top-tier computer science conferences and journals
Federal data on college costs, graduation rates, post-graduation earnings, and student loan default rates
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.