Top 3 Computer Science Programs in Pennsylvania 2025
Carnegie Mellon University
270 Computer Science graduates annually, 98% graduation rate
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
195 Computer Science graduates annually, 88% graduation rate
Lehigh University
147 Computer Science graduates annually, 81% graduation rate
- 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.
Pennsylvania Computer Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | Private | $62,260 | 98% | — | 96.9 |
| 2 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | Pittsburgh, PA | Public | $20,154 | 88% | — | 80.6 |
| 3 | Lehigh University | Bethlehem, PA | Private | $61,180 | 81% | — | 78.9 |
| 4 | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA | Private | $58,620 | 100% | — | 78.1 |
| 5 | Drexel University | Philadelphia, PA | Private | $58,293 | — | — | 65.8 |
| 6 | Bryn Mawr College | Bryn Mawr, PA | Private | $61,190 | 98% | — | 62.5 |
| 7 | Haverford College | Haverford, PA | Private | $67,522 | 94% | — | 58.7 |
| 8 | Villanova University | Villanova, PA | Private | $63,806 | — | — | 56.6 |
| 9 | Moravian University | Bethlehem, PA | Private | $50,069 | 93% | — | 55.7 |
| 10 | Ursinus College | Collegeville, PA | Private | $59,196 | 99% | — | 51.6 |
| 11 | Juniata College | Huntingdon, PA | Private | $55,322 | 87% | — | 50.1 |
| 12 | University of Scranton | Scranton, PA | Private | $51,534 | 88% | — | 49.4 |
| 13 | Central Penn College | Summerdale, PA | For-Profit | $18,324 | — | — | 49.3 |
| 14 | Franklin and Marshall College | Lancaster, PA | Private | $68,180 | — | — | 49 |
| 15 | Widener University | Chester, PA | Private | $52,598 | 86% | — | 47.7 |
| 16 | Lebanon Valley College | Annville, PA | Private | $48,890 | 98% | — | 47.4 |
| 17 | Gettysburg College | Gettysburg, PA | Private | $64,230 | — | — | 46.9 |
| 18 | Dickinson College | Carlisle, PA | Private | $62,900 | — | — | 46.8 |
| 19 | Thiel College | Greenville, PA | Private | $34,964 | 85% | — | 46.7 |
| 20 | Allegheny College | Meadville, PA | Private | $54,300 | — | — | 45.6 |
Showing 1–20 of 43
Top 5 Computer Science Programs in Pennsylvania: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Pennsylvania | Carnegie Mellon | Penn State | Swarthmore College | U of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $58,620 | $62,260 | $19,672 | $61,992 | $20,154 |
| Graduation Rate | 100% | 98% | 87% | 94% | 88% |
| Annual Graduates | 790 | 285 | 382 | 73 | 195 |
| Acceptance Rate | 6% | 11% | 54% | 7% | 50% |
| Type | Private | Private | Public | Private | Public |
| Score | 98.4/100 | 82.2/100 | 73.7/100 | 71.2/100 | 67.6/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Science in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers 84 bachelor's-level computer science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $76,181 in the Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Pennsylvania | $58,620 | 100% | 260 | 92.0 |
| #2 Carnegie Mellon | $62,260 | 98% | 285 | 82.2 |
| #3 Penn State | $19,672 | 87% | 382 | 73.7 |
Top Computer Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Pennsylvania
For graduate study, Pennsylvania offers 18 master's-level computer science programs. Leading institutions include University of Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Pennsylvania reaching $141,479 or more.
Top 3 Computer Science Master's Programs in Pennsylvania
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Pennsylvania | $58,620 | 100% | 790 | 98.4 |
| #2 Carnegie Mellon | $62,260 | 98% | 102 | 73.3 |
| #3 Penn State | $19,672 | 87% | 67 | 58.9 |
Most Affordable Computer Science Colleges in Pennsylvania
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer science programs in Pennsylvania are at West Chester University of Pennsylvania ($7,716/year), Cheyney University of Pennsylvania ($7,716/year), East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania ($7,716/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Pennsylvania's competitive tech salaries.
At West Chester University of Pennsylvania, a 4-year degree costs approximately $30,864 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $76,181, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years.
Most Affordable Computer Science Programs in Pennsylvania (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 West Chester University... | $7,716 | $30,864 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #2 Cheyney University of... | $7,716 | $30,864 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #3 East Stroudsburg... | $7,716 | $30,864 | 0.7 years | Public |
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $58,620 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 100% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 790 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 6%
- • Ranking Score: 98.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 100% graduation rate
- 790 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 98.4 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (100%), program size (790 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,830), and selectivity (6% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Penn's Computer Science BSE program offers comprehensive training with seven specialized concentrations and requires both technical depth through advanced courses like algorithms and operating systems, plus a mandatory senior project or thesis to demonstrate mastery.
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 37 course units
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $62,260 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 98% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 285 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 11%
- • Ranking Score: 82.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 98% graduation rate
- 285 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 82.2 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (98%), program size (285 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,830), and selectivity (11% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Carnegie Mellon's School of Computer Science offers five bachelor's degrees with diverse specializations and is recognized as having top-ranked computing departments. Students can pursue undergraduate research, honors thesis opportunities, and choose from multiple concentrations including algorithms, computer graphics, and computer systems.
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $19,672 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 382 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 54%
- • Ranking Score: 73.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 382 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 73.7 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (382 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,830), and selectivity (54% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $61,992 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 94% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 73 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 7%
- • Ranking Score: 71.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 94% graduation rate
- 73 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 71.2 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (94%), program size (73 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,830), and selectivity (7% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Swarthmore's Computer Science program offers both course majors and honors majors with extensive research opportunities including summer research projects. The program maintains very high graduate school placement rates with 60% of recent graduates pursuing advanced degrees and provides access to up-to-date laboratory facilities.
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: unemployment rate for alumni respondents is 1.2%
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, PA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $20,154 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 88% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 195 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 50%
- • Ranking Score: 67.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 88% graduation rate
- 195 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 67.6 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (88%), program size (195 graduates), state salary outcomes ($108,830), and selectivity (50% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The University of Pittsburgh Computer Science program offers strong industry connections with graduates being aggressively recruited by engineering firms and achieving over 90% employment within three months. The program provides multiple pathways including a five-year BS+MS option and extensive undergraduate research opportunities through faculty mentorship programs.
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •CMPINF 0401 - INTERMEDIATE PROGRAMMING
- •CS 0441 - DISCRETE STRUCTURES
- •CS 0445 - INFORMATION/DATA STRUCTURES
- •CS 0447 - COMPUTER ORGANIZATION/ASSEMBLY LANGUAGE
- •CS 1510 or CS 1511 - THEORY
- •CS 1520 or CS 1621 - LANGUAGES
- •CS 1550 or CS 1651 - SYSTEMS
- •MATH 0220 - CALCULUS
- •MATH 0230 - CALCULUS
- •MATH 1180 or MATH 0280 - LINEAR ALGEBRA
- •STAT 1151, STAT 1152 - PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 54 credits
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: greater-than-90% employment rate within three months of graduation
Available Specializations / Concentrations
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.
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.
Other Tech Degree Programs in Pennsylvania
Computer Science Programs by State
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Illinois
Massachusetts
Georgia
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)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania 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
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
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Pennsylvania, 2024
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.