As technology continues to advance, the Computer Science career field continues to grow. As of May 2018, around 31,700 people in the United States were employed as computer scientists, and that number is expected to increase to around 37,000 in May 2028, according to Best Degree Programs. Some of the best colleges for computer science can help you enter the workforce confidently and with sufficient training.
There is sometimes the belief that women do not belong in STEM. A recent study points out that stereotypes can influence a young person’s long-term motivation, which can deter them from trying an activity or taking a class they’re truly interested in. Statistics on Zippia show that the computer science field is made up of 78.8 percent males and 21.2 percent females, and that number is projected to grow as gender-based stereotypes continue to get debunked.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics also projects jobs for computer and information technology occupations will grow significantly with a 13 percent increase from 2020 to 2030 — which is significantly faster than the projected growth rate for all occupations nationwide. Career options include Computer Programmer, Systems Manager, Hardware Engineer, Video Game Developer, Web Designer, and more as listed on computerscience.org. With so many career options, there’s no wonder why the popularity for this career field continues to grow.
If you’re interested in a career in Computer Science, you want to make sure you’re getting the best education to enter the workforce knowledgeable, confident, and ready to work. StudyFinds has put together a list of the best colleges for computer science by doing the research for you. Have your own input? Be sure to leave a comment below.
The List: Best Colleges for Computer Science, Per Experts
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
U.S. News and World Report, Niche, Prepler, and others rank the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, at number one.
“MIT is a renowned school where you can complete your computer science degree. While MIT only offers in-person degrees, there is online educational content through MIT OpenCourseWare and MITx Courses,” says Search Engine Journal.
Prepler makes note of the competitive nature of the not-for-profit school, with an enrollment of over 1,097 bachelor’s degree candidates, “The admission criteria is somewhat competitive with the acceptance rate of 7%.”
2. Stanford University
Niche describes Stanford as “an elite private university” in Stanford, California in the San Francisco Bay Area. Computer Science is one of the popular majors at the school with a “graduation rate of 95%”
“Computer Science degree recipients from Stanford University receive an earnings boost of around $80,390 above the average income of computer science graduates,” according to College Factual, which makes the education investment well worth it.
Getting in the school to begin with takes a lot of work. “It is an institution with an enrollment of over 1,700 bachelor’s degree candidates. The admission criteria is somewhat competitive with the acceptance rate of 4%,” writes Prepler.
3. Carnegie Mellon University
This is a private research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ranks third on Prepler’s “Best Computer Science Colleges & Universities in America” and 26 on their “2023 Best Colleges in America” list.
“At Carnegie Mellon University, you can go from a bachelor’s to a doctorate program in Computer Science. Not only can you take a track at the same university through degree levels, but you would be accomplishing this at one of the top schools known for science and engineering programs,” says Search Engine Journal.
Like Stanford, this is another investment that’s well worth it when compared to starting salaries of students who studied elsewhere. “Degree recipients from the computer science program at Carnegie Mellon University make $94,185 above the typical college grad in this field when they enter the workforce,” adds College Factual.
4. California Institute of Technology
Along with Stanford, California Institute of Technology is another California-based school, with this one is Pasadena. According to College Factual, the school has seen a “13.1% growth in graduates.”
Prepler says “The admission criteria is somewhat competitive with the acceptance rate of 7%,” making it just as exclusive as the rest, but College Factual points out that Caltech students earn “$62,155 more than the average compsci grad.” That makes it just as worth it.
Plus, students get the attention they need to excel: “The California Institute of Technology focuses on science and engineering education and has a low student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1,” writes U.S. News.
5. Georgia Institute of Technology
Also known as Georgia Tech, Search Engine Journal calls this Atlanta-based school a good starting point. “If you’re unsure what aspect of computer science interests you, this school would be an excellent place to explore the subject. While this school doesn’t have an undergraduate nursing program, the graduate program is top-ranking.”
It also ranks third on Niche’s “Top Public Universities in America” making it an overall outstanding choice known to “develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition.”
You might also be interested in:
- Best Online Colleges
- Best Universities for Psychology Degrees
- Best Business Schools
- Best Colleges and Universities for 2023
Sources:
- Best Degree Programs
- Zippia
- Bureau of Labor Statistics
- computerscience.org
- U.S. News and World Report
- Niche
- Prepler
- Search Engine Journal
- College Factual
- Center for Online Education
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.