Top 3 Computer Science Programs in North Carolina 2026
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
427 Computer Science graduates annually, 93% graduation rate
Duke University
410 Computer Science graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
644 Computer Science graduates annually, 76% graduation rate
- 1.Software Developers earn a median salary of $136,620 with 25% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OEWS 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Computer Science programs include University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers Computer Science education at $7,019/year with 93% graduation rate
- 4.24 accredited Computer Science programs analyzed in North Carolina using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Computer Science Education in North Carolina: Research Triangle Advantage
North Carolina has emerged as a leading destination for computer science education, anchored by the world-renowned Research Triangle Park and home to prestigious institutions like Duke University and NC State. The state offers an ideal combination of academic excellence, industry connections, and cost-effectiveness that attracts students nationwide.
The Research Triangle region (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) hosts over 300 technology companies and research organizations, creating unparalleled opportunities for internships, co-ops, and post-graduation employment. Major employers like IBM, SAS Institute, Red Hat, Cisco, and Credit Suisse have significant operations here, making North Carolina an excellent choice for aspiring software engineers and computer scientists.
For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national CS bachelor's rankings. Students focused on affordability should review our most affordable CS programs guide, while career-focused students can explore our software engineer salary guide for North Carolina-specific compensation data.
North Carolina Computer Science Program Rankings 2026
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC | Public | $7,019 | 93% | — | 86.8 |
| 2 | Duke University | Durham, NC | Private | $63,450 | — | — | 77.4 |
| 3 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Charlotte, NC | Public | $3,812 | 76% | — | 76.3 |
| 4 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh | Raleigh, NC | Public | $6,535 | 85% | — | 74.9 |
| 5 | Davidson College | Davidson, NC | Private | $59,510 | 100% | — | 67.1 |
| 6 | Wake Forest University | Winston-Salem, NC | Private | $63,608 | 97% | — | 65.9 |
| 7 | University of North Carolina Wilmington | Wilmington, NC | Public | $4,443 | 79% | — | 53.3 |
| 8 | Elon University | Elon, NC | Private | $44,029 | 94% | — | 53 |
| 9 | Appalachian State University | Boone, NC | Public | $4,242 | 78% | — | 49.2 |
| 10 | North Carolina A & T State University | Greensboro, NC | Public | $3,540 | 84% | — | 49.1 |
| 11 | High Point University | High Point, NC | Private | $38,748 | 76% | — | 45.3 |
| 12 | Shaw University | Raleigh, NC | Private | $12,408 | — | — | 44.6 |
| 13 | Carolina University | Winston-Salem, NC | Private | $13,400 | 59% | — | 44.1 |
| 14 | Gardner-Webb University | Boiling Springs, NC | Private | $32,470 | 93% | — | 43.6 |
| 15 | University of North Carolina at Greensboro | Greensboro, NC | Public | $4,422 | — | — | 41.2 |
| 16 | East Carolina University | Greenville, NC | Public | $4,452 | — | — | 41.1 |
| 17 | Elizabeth City State University | Elizabeth City, NC | Public | $1,000 | 99% | — | 39.2 |
| 18 | Western Carolina University | Cullowhee, NC | Public | $1,000 | 95% | — | 38.1 |
| 19 | Fayetteville State University | Fayetteville, NC | Public | $1,000 | 86% | — | 37.9 |
| 20 | University of North Carolina at Pembroke | Pembroke, NC | Public | $1,000 | — | — | 37.6 |
Showing 1–20 of 24
Top 5 Computer Science Programs in North Carolina: Side-by-Side
| School | UNC Chapel Hill | NC State | Duke | U of North Carolina at... | Davidson College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $7,019 | $6,535 | $63,450 | $3,812 | $59,510 |
| Graduation Rate | 93% | 85% | N/A% | 76% | 100% |
| Annual Graduates | 427 | 391 | 410 | 644 | 54 |
| Acceptance Rate | 19% | 40% | 7% | 80% | 14% |
| Type | Public | Public | Private | Public | Private |
| Score | 86.8/100 | 79.0/100 | 77.4/100 | 76.3/100 | 70.4/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Science in North Carolina
North Carolina offers 34 bachelor's-level computer science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $75,138 in the North Carolina market.
A bachelor's in computer science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Science Bachelor's Programs in North Carolina
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 UNC Chapel Hill | $7,019 | 93% | 427 | 86.8 |
| #2 Duke | $63,450 | N/A% | 410 | 77.4 |
| #3 U of North Carolina at... | $3,812 | 76% | 644 | 76.3 |
Top Computer Science Schools for Master's Degrees in North Carolina
For graduate study, North Carolina offers 11 master's-level computer science programs. Leading institutions include North Carolina State University at Raleigh, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in North Carolina reaching $139,542 or more.
Top 3 Computer Science Master's Programs in North Carolina
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 NC State | $6,535 | 85% | 391 | 79.0 |
| #2 U of North Carolina at... | $3,812 | 76% | 383 | 76.0 |
| #3 UNC Chapel Hill | $7,019 | 93% | 35 | 64.6 |
Most Affordable Computer Science Colleges in North Carolina
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer science programs in North Carolina are at Elizabeth City State University ($1,000/year), Western Carolina University ($1,000/year), Fayetteville State University ($1,000/year). These programs offer strong ROI given North Carolina's competitive tech salaries.
At Elizabeth City State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $4,000 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $75,138, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.1 years.
Most Affordable Computer Science Programs in North Carolina (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Elizabeth City State | $1,000 | $4,000 | 0.1 years | Public |
| #2 Western Carolina | $1,000 | $4,000 | 0.1 years | Public |
| #3 Fayetteville State | $1,000 | $4,000 | 0.1 years | Public |
North Carolina University Systems Overview
North Carolina's higher education landscape offers diverse pathways for computer science students through three main systems: the University of North Carolina system, North Carolina State University, and numerous private institutions.
The UNC System includes flagship programs at UNC Chapel Hill, specialized technical education at NC State, and regional options like UNC Charlotte and UNC Wilmington. Each campus offers unique strengths while maintaining affordable in-state tuition rates typically under $10,000 annually.
Private institutions like Duke University, Wake Forest, and Davidson College provide smaller class sizes and premium resources, though at significantly higher costs. These programs often excel in research opportunities and graduate school placement rates.
Community college pathways through the North Carolina Community College System allow students to complete foundational coursework affordably before transferring to four-year programs. This route can significantly reduce the total cost of a computer science education.
Research Triangle Park: North Carolina's Tech Hub
Research Triangle Park (RTP) is one of the largest and most successful research parks in the world, spanning over 7,000 acres and hosting more than 300 companies and organizations. For computer science students, this represents an unprecedented concentration of technology employers within driving distance of major universities.
Major tech employers in the Research Triangle include IBM (major operations center), SAS Institute (global headquarters), Red Hat (headquarters), Cisco Systems, Credit Suisse, and numerous startups and biotech companies leveraging computational technologies.
The proximity to these employers creates exceptional opportunities for internships, co-op programs, part-time work during school, and full-time employment after graduation. Many companies actively recruit from NC State, UNC, and Duke, offering competitive salaries in a region with lower living costs than traditional tech hubs like Silicon Valley or Seattle.
Students interested in specific career paths should explore our guides on data scientist salaries, AI/ML engineer compensation, and cybersecurity analyst roles to understand the opportunities available in North Carolina's growing tech sector.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,019 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 93% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 427 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 19%
- • Ranking Score: 86.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- 427 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 86.8 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (93%), program size (427 graduates), state salary outcomes ($107,340), and selectivity (19% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UNC Chapel Hill's Computer Science B.S. program offers students the option to complete both bachelor's and master's degrees in as few as five years. The program restricts enrollment to maintain quality educational experiences and provides priority access to upper-division electives for admitted students.
Admission Prerequisites
- •COMP 210
- •MATH 231
- •COMP 283 or MATH 381 or STOR 315
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.000
Program Details
- Credits: 62
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,535 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 85% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 391 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 40%
- • Ranking Score: 79.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 85% graduation rate
- 391 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 79.0 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (85%), program size (391 graduates), state salary outcomes ($107,340), and selectivity (40% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
NC State's Computer Science program offers national recognition as a top-tier program with NSA Center for Academic Excellence designation, providing modern curriculum with industry partnerships through the ePartners program and real-world project experience through the Senior Design Center.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •four units English
- •four units mathematics including algebra I and II, geometry, and one unit beyond algebra II
- •three units science including one life/biological science, one physical science, one laboratory course
- •two units social studies including one unit U.S. history
- •two additional academic courses from English, mathematics, science, social studies, world languages, or computer science
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.5
Program Details
- Credits: 121
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $129,000
- Job Placement: 91% of graduate survey respondents reported full-time employment
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Duke University
Durham, NC • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $63,450 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 410 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 7%
- • Ranking Score: 77.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 410 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 77.4 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (410 graduates), state salary outcomes ($107,340), and selectivity (7% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Duke's Computer Science program offers flexible concentration pathways in high-demand areas like AI/ML and data science, with research opportunities through independent study courses. The program provides a 4+1 accelerated option and comprehensive career support including internship funding.
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •MATH 111L - Introductory Calculus I or equivalent
- •MATH 112L - Introductory Calculus II or equivalent
- •One of COMPSCI 101L, COMPSCI 116, or equivalent
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,812 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 76% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 644 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 80%
- • Ranking Score: 76.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 76% graduation rate
- 644 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 76.3 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (76%), program size (644 graduates), state salary outcomes ($107,340), and selectivity (80% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UNC Charlotte's Computer Science program ranks in the top 30 nationally for career outcomes and ROI for international students, with graduates earning an average salary of $151,346 - 22% higher than the national average. The program offers extensive industry connections through 1,000+ partner organizations and specialized research centers including cybersecurity and data science facilities.
Available Scholarships
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 30 graduate credit hours
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $151,346
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Davidson College
Davidson, NC • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $59,510 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 100% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 54 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 14%
- • Ranking Score: 70.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 54 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 70.4 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (100%), program size (54 graduates), state salary outcomes ($107,340), and selectivity (14% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Davidson College offers a Computer Science major requiring 10 courses with flexibility to choose from Applications, Systems, Theory, and Other specializations. The program provides both major and minor options with opportunities for independent study research.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Introductory programming
- •MAT 111 or MAT 112 (or AP/IB credit for Calculus I)
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Design and develop applications, systems software, and web platforms for companies across the Research Triangle and Charlotte metro areas.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex datasets for insights at major employers like SAS Institute, Credit Suisse, and pharmaceutical companies in the Research Triangle.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect digital assets and infrastructure for financial services, healthcare systems, and government contractors throughout North Carolina.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299Develop machine learning systems and artificial intelligence applications for research institutions, startups, and established tech companies.
Other Tech Degree Programs in North Carolina
Computer Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
Should You Study Computer Science in North Carolina?
- You want access to major tech employers without Silicon Valley costs
- You value strong public university options at affordable prices
- You're interested in Research Triangle internship and career opportunities
- You prefer a lower cost of living compared to traditional tech hubs
- You want proximity to both mountains and coast for recreation
- You specifically want to work at FAANG companies (though many have NC offices)
- You need access to a larger startup ecosystem
- You prefer major urban centers like NYC, SF, or Seattle
- You want more specialized programs in emerging tech areas
- You need specific climate preferences (desert, tropical, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina CS Programs
Based on 20 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
Related Computer Science Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Official source for graduation rates, tuition, and enrollment data
State-specific salary and employment data for computer occupations
Economic development and industry data for Research Triangle region
Research expenditure data for university rankings
Job placement rates and starting salary information
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.