Top 3 Computer Science Programs in Pennsylvania 2025
Carnegie Mellon University
World-renowned CS program ranked #1 globally for AI and robotics. Alumni founded major tech companies including Google and Uber
University of Pennsylvania
Ivy League CS program with strong connections to finance and biotech. Exceptional research opportunities and Silicon Valley placement
Lehigh University
Strong industry partnerships with 95% job placement rate. Excellent student-faculty ratio of 9:1 for personalized attention
- 1.Pennsylvania has 45+ accredited computer science bachelor's programs across public and private institutions (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.Carnegie Mellon University ranks #1 globally for computer science with world-leading AI and robotics programs
- 3.Penn State offers top-quality CS education at $19,286 in-state tuition—significantly less than private alternatives
- 4.Pennsylvania software developers earn median $118,890 annually—8% above the national median (BLS Pennsylvania 2024)
- 5.Philadelphia and Pittsburgh provide 85,000+ software developer jobs with major employers like Comcast, PNC, and Google
Computer Science Education in Pennsylvania Overview
Pennsylvania offers a diverse range of computer science programs from world-renowned research universities to affordable state schools. The state is home to Carnegie Mellon University, consistently ranked as the top computer science program globally, alongside strong offerings from the University of Pennsylvania and Penn State system.
For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national CS bachelor's rankings. Students considering cost should review our most affordable CS programs guide. Career-focused students can explore our software engineer salary guide for Pennsylvania-specific compensation data and opportunities with major employers like Comcast, PNC Financial, and emerging tech startups.
Pennsylvania's tech industry centers around Philadelphia's fintech and biotech sectors and Pittsburgh's robotics and AI companies. The state offers excellent internship opportunities with companies like Google, Microsoft, and numerous Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the region.
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Pennsylvania May 2024
6-year completion rate from IPEDS gr2023
Class size and faculty accessibility
Pennsylvania-specific salaries from BLS OEWS
Acceptance rate indicating program rigor
Pennsylvania Computer Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh | Private | $63,829 | 94% | 10:1 | 98.8 |
| 2 | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia | Private | $63,452 | 95% | 6:1 | 95.2 |
| 3 | Lehigh University | Bethlehem | Private | $61,850 | 90% | 9:1 | 91.7 |
| 4 | Pennsylvania State University | University Park | Public | $19,286 | 84% | 15:1 | 89.4 |
| 5 | Villanova University | Villanova | Private | $64,312 | 92% | 13:1 | 88.9 |
| 6 | Drexel University | Philadelphia | Private | $58,965 | 73% | 10:1 | 86.2 |
| 7 | Temple University | Philadelphia | Public | $17,568 | 72% | 14:1 | 84.8 |
| 8 | University of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh | Public | $20,582 | 82% | 14:1 | 84.3 |
| 9 | Bucknell University | Lewisburg | Private | $63,438 | 91% | 9:1 | 83.7 |
| 10 | Lafayette College | Easton | Private | $61,750 | 89% | 10:1 | 82.9 |
| 11 | Swarthmore College | Swarthmore | Private | $60,412 | 93% | 8:1 | 82.1 |
| 12 | Pennsylvania State University - Harrisburg | Middletown | Public | $15,876 | 68% | 12:1 | 79.5 |
| 13 | Duquesne University | Pittsburgh | Private | $46,146 | 78% | 14:1 | 78.8 |
| 14 | West Chester University | West Chester | Public | $11,498 | 70% | 19:1 | 77.2 |
| 15 | Robert Morris University | Moon Township | Private | $34,560 | 64% | 15:1 | 75.6 |
| 16 | Shippensburg University | Shippensburg | Public | $12,716 | 62% | 20:1 | 74.9 |
| 17 | Millersville University | Millersville | Public | $11,716 | 67% | 19:1 | 74.3 |
| 18 | Kutztown University | Kutztown | Public | $11,716 | 58% | 20:1 | 72.8 |
| 19 | Slippery Rock University | Slippery Rock | Public | $11,716 | 65% | 21:1 | 71.9 |
| 20 | Edinboro University | Edinboro | Public | $11,716 | 56% | 18:1 | 70.4 |
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA • University
Program Highlights
- • Home to the world's first computer science PhD program (1965)
- • 15 specialized research centers including the AI Institute
- • Student-faculty ratio of 10:1 with Nobel laureates on faculty
- • 99% job placement rate within 6 months of graduation
Program Strengths
- World-leading AI and machine learning research with dedicated institutes
- Robotics Institute with $100M+ annual research funding
- Strong industry partnerships with Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Meta
- 94% graduation rate with average starting salary exceeding $115,000
- Alumni founded major tech companies including Google, Uber, and LinkedIn
Why Ranked #1
Carnegie Mellon consistently ranks as the world's top computer science program, renowned for pioneering research in artificial intelligence, robotics, machine learning, and human-computer interaction. The School of Computer Science has produced Nobel Prize winners and Turing Award recipients.
Student Reviews
"The research opportunities here are unmatched. I'm working on cutting-edge AI projects as an undergraduate that would be graduate-level research at other schools."
— Current CS Senior
"CMU's industry connections are incredible. I had interviews lined up with top tech companies before senior year even started."
— 2024 Graduate
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • University
Program Highlights
- • Joint programs with Wharton School for tech entrepreneurship
- • Leading research in computational biology and bioinformatics
- • Strong connections to Philadelphia's biotech corridor
- • Average starting salary of $108,000 for CS graduates
Program Strengths
- Strong interdisciplinary programs combining CS with business and medicine
- Excellent fintech and computational biology research opportunities
- 6:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring personalized attention
- 95% graduation rate with high Silicon Valley placement rates
- Active alumni network in major tech companies and startups
Why Ranked #2
Penn's computer science program combines Ivy League prestige with strong industry connections, particularly in fintech and biotech. The program benefits from Philadelphia's growing tech sector and Penn's renowned Wharton School partnerships.
Student Reviews
"Penn's CS program is incredibly well-rounded. The ability to take courses at Wharton while studying computer science opened up amazing opportunities in tech startups."
— 2024 Graduate
Pennsylvania State University
University Park, PA • University
Program Highlights
- • One of the largest CS alumni networks in the country
- • Strong corporate recruiting from Fortune 500 companies
- • 15:1 student-faculty ratio maintaining quality instruction
- • 84% graduation rate among public universities
Program Strengths
- Outstanding value at $19,286 in-state tuition
- Large, active alumni network across tech industry
- Strong career services with 90% job placement rate
- Modern facilities including new Westgate Building for CSE
- Diverse research opportunities from cybersecurity to AI
Why Ranked #4
Penn State offers exceptional value for computer science education, combining strong academics with affordable in-state tuition. The program has grown significantly with new facilities and expanded research opportunities.
Student Reviews
"Penn State gave me an excellent CS education without the crushing debt. The career fair here is massive - every major tech company recruits here."
— 2024 Graduate
Pennsylvania University Systems for Computer Science
Pennsylvania's higher education landscape offers diverse pathways for computer science students across multiple university systems and prestigious private institutions.
Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE): The state system includes 14 universities offering affordable computer science programs. Schools like West Chester University, Millersville University, and Shippensburg University provide quality CS education at under $13,000 annual tuition. These programs focus on practical skills and have strong connections with regional employers.
Penn State System: Beyond the flagship University Park campus, Penn State operates 20+ campuses statewide. Penn State Harrisburg offers a respected CS program in the state capital, while other campuses provide 2+2 programs allowing students to complete their first two years locally before transferring to University Park.
Private Research Universities: Pennsylvania hosts world-class private institutions including Carnegie Mellon, University of Pennsylvania, and Lehigh University. These programs offer smaller class sizes, cutting-edge research opportunities, and strong industry connections, though at significantly higher tuition costs.
Students interested in artificial intelligence programs or cybersecurity degrees will find Pennsylvania offers excellent options across all these systems.
Career Paths
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Design and develop software applications and systems for companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500 corporations in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex data sets for insights in Pennsylvania's growing fintech, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299Develop artificial intelligence and machine learning systems, particularly strong opportunities at Carnegie Mellon spin-offs and robotics companies in Pittsburgh.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1299Manage development and operations infrastructure for Pennsylvania's numerous tech companies and financial institutions.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect digital assets for Pennsylvania's major corporations, government agencies, and growing healthcare tech sector.
Computer Science Programs by State
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Massachusetts
Georgia
| Cost Factor | Public In-State | Public Out-of-State | Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $16,240 | $34,580 | $58,920 |
| Room & Board | $12,850 | $12,850 | $14,720 |
| Total Annual Cost | $29,090 | $47,430 | $73,640 |
| 4-Year Total | $116,360 | $189,720 | $294,560 |
| Average Class Size | 35-45 students | 35-45 students | 15-25 students |
| Research Opportunities | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Industry Connections | Regional | Regional | National/Global |
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to world-class CS education at Carnegie Mellon and Penn
- Affordable public options through Penn State and PASSHE systems
- Strong job market in Philadelphia fintech and Pittsburgh robotics/AI
- Rich history of computer science innovation and research
- Proximity to major East Coast tech hubs like New York and Washington DC
- Four-season climate with reasonable cost of living outside major cities
- Lower overall cost of living (consider Texas or North Carolina)
- Year-round warm weather (consider California or Florida)
- Larger concentration of tech companies (consider California or Washington)
- More diverse industry options beyond traditional tech (consider New York or Massachusetts)
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Pennsylvania, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania CS Programs
Related Computer Science Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, enrollment, and institutional data for 2023
May 2024 state-specific salary data for computer occupations
State university system data and transfer agreements for 2024
Official curriculum, faculty, and admission requirements from university sources
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.