Compare 487 accredited computer science master's degree programs using data from IPEDS 2024, BLS 2024, and CSRankings. Programs are evaluated by research output, faculty quality, graduation rates, and career outcomes to identify the top MS and MEng programs nationwide.
$116,580 median salary · 96% graduation rate
$116,580 median salary · 97% graduation rate
$116,580 median salary · 94% graduation rate
$116,580 median salary · 98% graduation rate
$116,580 median salary · 93% graduation rate
$116,580 median salary · 92% graduation rate
$116,580 median salary · 96% graduation rate
$116,580 median salary · 95% graduation rate
$116,580 median salary · 92% graduation rate
$116,580 median salary · 95% graduation rate
Hakia ranks Columbia University in the City of New York's master's computer science program #1. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: New York, NY | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $66,722/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Median Salary: $116,580 | Score: 95.3
Hakia ranks University of Pennsylvania's master's computer science program #2. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Philadelphia, PA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $60,920/year | Graduation Rate: 97% | Median Salary: $116,580 | Score: 94.7
Hakia ranks Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus's master's computer science program #3. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Atlanta, GA | Type: Public | Tuition: $10,512/year | Graduation Rate: 94% | Median Salary: $116,580 | Score: 94.4
Hakia ranks Harvard University's master's computer science program #4. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Cambridge, MA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $56,550/year | Graduation Rate: 98% | Median Salary: $116,580 | Score: 94.4
Hakia ranks University of California-Los Angeles's master's computer science program #5. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Los Angeles, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $12,260/year | Graduation Rate: 93% | Median Salary: $116,580 | Score: 94.3
Hakia ranks University of Southern California's master's computer science program #6. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Los Angeles, CA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $69,904/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Median Salary: $116,580 | Score: 93.8
Hakia ranks University of Chicago's master's computer science program #7. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Chicago, IL | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $67,446/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Median Salary: $116,580 | Score: 93.8
Hakia ranks Cornell University's master's computer science program #8. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Ithaca, NY | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $68,380/year | Graduation Rate: 95% | Median Salary: $116,580 | Score: 93.7
Hakia ranks Stanford University's master's computer science program #9. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Stanford, CA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $65,127/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Median Salary: $116,580 | Score: 93.6
Hakia ranks Northwestern University's master's computer science program #10. Degree: Master's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Evanston, IL | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $67,158/year | Graduation Rate: 95% | Median Salary: $116,580 | Score: 93.4
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Atlanta, GA | Public | $10,258 | 76% | 100.0/100 |
| #2 University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | 92% | 99.9/100 |
| #3 Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | Private | $64,526 | 100% | 99.4/100 |
| #4 University of California-Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | 98.7/100 |
| #5 University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | $11,524 | 97% | 92.4/100 |
Data from IPEDS 2024. Tuition shown is in-state for public schools.
Flexibility & Lower Cost
Networking & Experience
Flexibility & Lower Cost
Networking & Experience
| Rank | Program & School | Delivery | Annual Tuition | Grad Rate | Median Salary | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Master's in Computer Science Columbia University in the City of New YorkNew York, NY · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $66,722 | 96% | $116,580 | 95.3 |
| #2 | Master's in Computer Science University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $60,920 | 97% | $116,580 | 94.7 |
| #3 | Master's in Computer Science Georgia Institute of Technology-Main CampusAtlanta, GA · Public | On-campus | $10,512 | 94% | $116,580 | 94.4 |
| #4 | Master's in Computer Science Harvard UniversityCambridge, MA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $56,550 | 98% | $116,580 | 94.4 |
| #5 | Master's in Computer Science University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles, CA · Public | On-campus | $12,260 | 93% | $116,580 | 94.3 |
| #6 | Master's in Computer Science University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $69,904 | 92% | $116,580 | 93.8 |
| #7 | Master's in Computer Science University of ChicagoChicago, IL · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $67,446 | 96% | $116,580 | 93.8 |
| #8 | Master's in Computer Science Cornell UniversityIthaca, NY · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $68,380 | 95% | $116,580 | 93.7 |
| #9 | Master's in Computer Science Stanford UniversityStanford, CA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $65,127 | 92% | $116,580 | 93.6 |
| #10 | Master's in Computer Science Northwestern UniversityEvanston, IL · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $67,158 | 95% | $116,580 | 93.4 |
| #11 | Master's in Computer Science Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, MA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $61,990 | 96% | $116,580 | 93.1 |
| #12 | Master's in Computer Science University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla, CA · Public | On-campus | $12,260 | 86% | $116,580 | 92.6 |
| #13 | Master's in Computer Science Boston UniversityBoston, MA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $66,670 | 89% | $116,580 | 92.6 |
| #14 | Master's in Computer Science University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill, NC · Public | On-campus | $7,019 | 91% | $116,580 | 92.4 |
| #15 | Master's in Computer Science Brown UniversityProvidence, RI · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $68,612 | 96% | $116,580 | 92.3 |
| #16 | Master's in Computer Science Duke UniversityDurham, NC · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $66,325 | 97% | $116,580 | 92.2 |
| #17 | Master's in Computer Science University of California-IrvineIrvine, CA · Public | On-campus | $12,260 | 87% | $116,580 | 92.1 |
| #18 | Master's in Computer Science Washington University in St LouisSt. Louis, MO · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $64,500 | 94% | $116,580 | 91.4 |
| #19 | Master's in Computer Science Princeton UniversityPrinceton, NJ · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $62,400 | 98% | $116,580 | 91.4 |
| #20 | Master's in Computer Science University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley, CA · Public | On-campus | $12,260 | 93% | $116,580 | 91.3 |
| #21 | Master's in Computer Science North Carolina State University at RaleighRaleigh, NC · Public | On-campus | $6,535 | 85% | $116,580 | 91.3 |
| #22 | Master's in Computer Science Vanderbilt UniversityNashville, TN · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $65,008 | 94% | $116,580 | 91.3 |
| #23 | Master's in Computer Science University of Maryland-College ParkCollege Park, MD · Public | On-campus | $10,087 | 89% | $116,580 | 91.2 |
| #24 | Master's in Computer Science University of GeorgiaAthens, GA · Public | On-campus | $10,034 | 90% | $116,580 | 91.1 |
| #25 | Master's in Computer Science University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign, IL · Public | On-campus | $14,975 | 85% | $116,580 | 91.1 |
| #26 | Master's in Computer Science Carnegie Mellon UniversityPittsburgh, PA · Private nonprofit | Online | $64,596 | 94% | $116,580 | 91.1 |
| #27 | Master's in Computer Science Tufts UniversityMedford, MA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $69,146 | 94% | $116,580 | 90.6 |
| #28 | Master's in Computer Science Georgetown UniversityWashington, DC · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $67,896 | 95% | $116,580 | 90.5 |
| #29 | Master's in Computer Science California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo, CA · Public | On-campus | $6,084 | 86% | $116,580 | 90.4 |
| #30 | Master's in Computer Science University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle, WA · Public | On-campus | $11,869 | 85% | $116,580 | 90.4 |
| #31 | Master's in Computer Science Binghamton UniversityVestal, NY · Public | On-campus | $7,070 | 82% | $116,580 | 90.2 |
| #32 | Master's in Computer Science University of California-DavisDavis, CA · Public | On-campus | $12,260 | 86% | $116,580 | 89.8 |
| #33 | Master's in Computer Science Dartmouth CollegeHanover, NH · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $66,123 | 96% | $116,580 | 89.7 |
| #34 | Master's in Computer Science San Diego State UniversitySan Diego, CA · Public | On-campus | $6,084 | 76% | $116,580 | 89.5 |
| #35 | Master's in Computer Science Emory UniversityAtlanta, GA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $63,400 | 91% | $116,580 | 89.3 |
| #36 | Master's in Computer Science Purdue University-Main CampusWest Lafayette, IN · Public | On-campus | $9,718 | 83% | $116,580 | 88.9 |
| #37 | Master's in Computer Science University of California-Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara, CA · Public | On-campus | $12,260 | 83% | $116,580 | 88.6 |
| #38 | Master's in Computer Science Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook, NY · Public | On-campus | $7,070 | 76% | $116,580 | 88.3 |
| #39 | Master's in Computer Science Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland, OH · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $66,020 | 87% | $116,580 | 88.1 |
| #40 | Master's in Computer Science George Washington UniversityWashington, DC · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $67,420 | 84% | $116,580 | 87.8 |
| #41 | Master's in Computer Science Texas A&M University-College StationCollege Station, TX · Public | Online | $9,092 | 84% | $116,580 | 87.8 |
| #42 | Master's in Computer Science University of Massachusetts-AmherstAmherst, MA · Public | Online | $17,006 | 83% | $116,580 | 87.7 |
| #43 | Master's in Computer Science California State University-Long BeachLong Beach, CA · Public | On-campus | $6,084 | 69% | $116,580 | 87.4 |
| #44 | Master's in Computer Science Villanova UniversityVillanova, PA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $66,838 | 92% | $116,580 | 87.4 |
| #45 | Master's in Computer Science University of South FloridaTampa, FL · Public | On-campus | $4,559 | 77% | $116,580 | 87.3 |
| #46 | Master's in Computer Science Stevens Institute of TechnologyHoboken, NJ · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $61,028 | 87% | $116,580 | 87.2 |
| #47 | Master's in Computer Science Pennsylvania State University-Main CampusUniversity Park, PA · Public | On-campus | $20,066 | 86% | $116,580 | 86.9 |
| #48 | Master's in Computer Science University of RochesterRochester, NY · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $65,870 | 85% | $116,580 | 86.5 |
| #49 | Master's in Computer Science Arizona State University Digital ImmersionScottsdale, AZ · Public | Online | $11,478 | — | $116,580 | 86.4 |
| #50 | Master's in Computer Science Lehigh UniversityBethlehem, PA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $63,930 | 88% | $116,580 | 86.2 |
Showing all 50 ranked programs.
The total cost of a masters's degree in Computer Science ranges from $119,640 at public universities to over $168,200 at elite private institutions. Financial aid, scholarships, and in-state tuition significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs (College Board Trends in College Pricing 2024-25, IPEDS 2024-24).
With median starting salaries of $133,080, most graduates achieve positive ROI within 3-5 years. Financial aid recipients often pay 30-50% less than sticker price.
Enter your details to estimate your degree return on investment
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.
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
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 2024. 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
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.
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 industry connections. Public universities like UC Berkeley and Georgia Tech offer education at substantially lower costs for in-state residents.
Master's programs 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.
A master's degree in Computer Science provides a significant career advantage. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals with master's degrees earn 20% more on average than those with bachelor's degrees in the same field. For Computer Science specifically, the salary premium can reach $25,000-$40,000 annually.
When a Master's Degree Pays Off:
The Graduate Management Admission Council reports that 93% of employers plan to maintain or increase hiring of graduate degree holders, with tech roles showing the strongest demand.
Work experience requirements vary significantly across Computer Science master's programs. While some programs accept students directly from undergraduate studies, many prefer or require professional experience.
Typical Experience Requirements:
Pro tip: If you lack work experience, strong research experience, publications, or exceptional projects can compensate. Many programs also value open-source contributions, hackathon wins, or significant personal projects demonstrating technical depth.
Most Computer Science master's programs offer both thesis and non-thesis (coursework-only) tracks. Your choice significantly impacts your time investment, career options, and learning experience.
Thesis Track (Recommended for PhD/Research Careers):
Non-Thesis/Coursework Track (Recommended for Industry):
Master's programs in Computer Science offer specialization tracks that allow you to develop deep expertise in high-demand areas. Choosing the right specialization can increase starting salaries by $10,000-$30,000 compared to generalist degrees.
High-Demand Specializations (2024-2025):
When selecting a specialization, consider both current salary premiums and projected growth. The World Economic Forum identifies AI specialists, data analysts, and cybersecurity experts among the fastest-growing roles through 2030.
Part-time and evening Computer Science master's programs allow working professionals to advance their careers without leaving their jobs. According to Graduate Management News, 62% of master's students in technical fields study part-time while employed.
Part-Time Format Options:
Typical Timeline: Part-time programs take 2.5-4 years versus 1.5-2 years full-time. Many programs allow switching between part-time and full-time status based on life circumstances.
See our best online Computer Science master's programs for flexible options designed for working professionals.
Technical leadership roles involving system architecture, cross-team coordination, and strategic technical decisions.
Conduct applied research in corporate R&D labs, develop new technologies, and publish in top-tier venues.
Advise organizations on technology strategy, lead digital transformation initiatives, and solve complex technical challenges.
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 matters 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.
Many employers offer tuition assistance or full sponsorship for Computer Science master's degrees. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, 56% of companies offer some form of educational assistance, with tech companies among the most generous.
Top Employer Tuition Benefits:
Strategy for Maximizing Benefits:
Based on 742 programs from IPEDS 2024
Ranking 50 master's computer science programs by graduation rate, selectivity, outcomes, and price, Columbia University in the City of New York's Master's in Computer Science comes out first. The Hakia Score is computed from IPEDS 2024 and BLS data with no paid placement. Graduates step into a field where the median wage runs about $116,580.
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.
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.
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.
National salary data for computer science graduates, factored into institutional scores based on job market strength.
Overall quality using all four factors weighted as shown above. Ideal for students seeking the strongest academic experience.
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.
Ranked primarily by net cost (tuition minus average institutional aid), with quality factors as tiebreakers. Best for cost-conscious students.
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
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.