- 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, Cornell University, Columbia University in the City of New York 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 Best Value
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
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.
Program Overview
Cornell University offers multiple pathways into computer science graduate education, each with distinct advantages for different career trajectories. The Master of Science in Computer Science, housed at Cornell's Ithaca campus, represents a highly selective, research-intensive program that combines advanced coursework with mandatory thesis research and teaching assistantships. This four-semester program requires 34 credit hours, including 6-12 credits of thesis research, and provides full funding through teaching assistantships for students maintaining good standing. In New York City, Cornell Tech offers a one-year Master of Engineering in Computer Science designed for immediate industry impact, featuring the innovative Studio curriculum where students build complete digital solutions for real companies in cross-disciplinary teams with business and law students.
The Ithaca MS program particularly appeals to self-motivated researchers who thrive in mentoring environments, as students gain valuable teaching experience with undergraduates while conducting specialized research. Cornell Tech's Manhattan location provides direct access to NYC's tech ecosystem, with students working on innovation challenges from real companies and learning from faculty with extensive industry experience. Both programs benefit from Cornell's broader research infrastructure, including world-class facilities like the Cornell Center for Advanced Computing and specialized research groups in artificial intelligence, security and privacy, and human-computer interaction.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Blockchain science and cryptocurrency research
Ethics, policy, and quality of life in socio-technical systems
Mobile sensing systems for capturing human context and activities
Augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality research
Industry Partners
Admissions
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.
Program Overview
Columbia University's Computer Science program sits at the heart of Manhattan's vibrant tech ecosystem, offering a comprehensive Master of Science degree that spans ten specialized pathways from Machine Learning to Computational Biology. The 30-credit program requires students to complete coursework at the 4000 level or above, with at least 6 points at the advanced 6000 level, while maintaining a 2.7 GPA. What sets Columbia apart is its faculty-determined pathway system that allows deep specialization in areas like Computer Security, Natural Language Processing, Vision Graphics Interaction and Robotics, and Software Systems, alongside unique offerings like the dual MS in Journalism and Computer Science.
The program leverages Columbia's position in New York City to provide unparalleled industry connections and career opportunities across multiple sectors. Students can participate in state-of-the-art research within the department's specialized labs and research groups, while the Columbia Video Network (CVN) option extends access to working professionals. The department also offers an innovative MS Bridge Program and maintains strong ties to Columbia Engineering's broader research ecosystem, including partnerships with the Data Science Institute and various interdisciplinary centers.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning pathway research
Computer vision, graphics, interaction, and robotics research
Computer security, privacy, and cryptography
Speech and language processing research
Industry Partners
Admissions
University of California-Irvine
467 computer science graduates annually
University of Maryland-College Park
873 computer science graduates annually
University of California-Los Angeles
340 computer science graduates annually
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.
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 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.
University of California-Santa Cruz
658 computer science graduates annually
Best Computer Science Programs - Compare Top 5 Best Value
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of California-Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | 100/100 |
| #2 Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | Private | $65,204 | 95% | 89.3/100 |
| #3 Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | Private | $64,526 | 1% | 88.2/100 |
| #4 University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | 87/100 |
| #5 University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD | Public | $9,889 | 84% | 85.7/100 |
Top 50 Computer Science Programs by ROI
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California-Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | Public | — | — | — | — |
| 2 | Cornell University | Ithaca, NY | Private | — | — | — | — |
| 3 | Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | Private | — | — | — | — |
| 4 | University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | Public | — | — | — | — |
| 5 | University of Maryland-College Park | College Park, MD | Public | — | — | — | — |
| 6 | University of California-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | Public | — | — | — | — |
| 7 | University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | Public | — | — | — | — |
| 8 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | — | — | — | — |
| 9 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | — | — | — | — |
| 10 | University of California-Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz, CA | Public | — | — | — | — |
| 11 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | Public | — | — | — | — |
| 12 | University of California-Davis | Davis, CA | Public | — | — | — | — |
| 13 | Brown University | Providence, RI | Private | — | — | — | — |
| 14 | Princeton University | Princeton, NJ | Private | — | — | — | — |
| 15 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | — | — | — | — |
| 16 | Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN | Private | — | — | — | — |
| 17 | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | San Luis Obispo, CA | Public | — | — | — | — |
| 18 | University of Massachusetts-Amherst | Amherst, MA | Public | — | — | — | — |
| 19 | Oregon State University | Corvallis, OR | Public | — | — | — | — |
| 20 | Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | Public | — | — | — | — |
| 21 | Washington University in St Louis | Saint Louis, MO | Private | — | — | — | — |
| 22 | Tufts University | Medford, MA | Private | — | — | — | — |
| 23 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, MA | Private | — | — | — | — |
| 24 | University of California-Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara, CA | Public | — | — | — | — |
| 25 | Stanford University | Stanford, CA | Private | — | — | — | — |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Computer Science ROI Overview: Public Programs Lead Value Rankings
Computer science offers exceptional return on investment, but program costs vary dramatically. Our analysis of 742 ABET-accredited programs reveals that public universities consistently deliver the highest ROI, with top programs generating over 1,800% returns based on IPEDS 2023 cost data and BLS 2024 salary outcomes.
The highest value programs combine affordable tuition with strong career outcomes. University of Texas at Austin leads with 1,840% ROI, while Georgia Tech and University of Washington round out the top three. These programs demonstrate that prestigious CS education doesn't require private school pricing.
Value extends beyond tuition costs. Top ROI programs offer strong career outcomes, with graduates earning -$102,000. Combined with graduation rates above 85%, these programs provide both educational quality and financial returns that justify the investment.
Career Paths
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems. Most common career path for CS graduates.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex data to extract insights and build predictive models for business decisions.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299Develop artificial intelligence and machine learning systems and algorithms.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244Bridge development and operations teams, focusing on automation and infrastructure.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect computer systems and networks from security threats and breaches.
Value Programs by State
Texas
California
Georgia
Washington
Illinois
Virginia
North Carolina
Maryland
Financial Aid Strategies for Value Programs
Public universities offer additional value through generous financial aid and scholarship programs. In-state residents benefit from state grants and need-based aid that can reduce costs by 30-50%. Merit scholarships are also more accessible at public institutions compared to highly selective private schools.
Work-study programs and research assistantships provide both financial support and valuable experience. Many value programs offer paid undergraduate research opportunities that private schools reserve for graduate students. These experiences enhance both education quality and financial aid packages.
Detailed Program Analysis: Top Value Leaders
The following spotlights examine the top 5 value programs in detail, analyzing their unique strengths, student outcomes, and why they deliver exceptional ROI. Each program combines affordable pricing with strong career preparation and industry connections.
Detailed Program Analysis: Top Value Leaders
The following spotlights examine the top 5 value programs in detail, analyzing their unique strengths, student outcomes, and why they deliver exceptional ROI. Each program combines affordable pricing with strong career preparation and industry connections.
Choose Your Program Based on Your Profile
- You qualify for Texas residency
- You want maximum ROI (1,840%)
- Austin's startup ecosystem appeals to you
- You prefer a large research university environment
- You want strong alumni networks in both tech hubs and Texas
- You want direct access to Amazon/Microsoft
- Seattle's tech scene interests you
- You prefer a collaborative, less competitive environment
- Research in AI or systems is important
- You can handle the competitive admission process
- You want top-5 program quality at public prices
- Atlanta's growing tech sector appeals to you
- You thrive in rigorous academic environments
- Research opportunities are important
- You want excellent job placement (96%)
- You can afford higher UC tuition ($57K total)
- Biotech/AI intersection interests you
- You prefer California lifestyle and climate
- Research in emerging fields is priority
- You want highest starting salaries ($105K)
Frequently Asked Questions About Value CS Programs
Based on 742 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Science degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific computer science salaries from BLS OES 2024
Data Sources & Methodology
Tuition, graduation rates, and institutional characteristics for all 742 ABET-accredited CS programs
Occupational employment and wage statistics for software developers and related CS careers
Starting and mid-career salary data for CS graduates by institution
Graduate earnings and debt levels by program and institution
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.