Best Computer Science Programs In America U S News World Report

Bonisiwe Shabane

-Nov 1, 2025, 12:30 AM

best computer science programs in america u s news world report

Ranked in 2025, part of Best Science Schools Earning a graduate degree in computer science can lead Ranked in 2025, part of Best Science Schools Earning a graduate degree in computer science can lead to positions in research institutions, government agencies, technology companies and colleges and universities. These are the top computer science schools. Each school's score reflects its average rating on a scale from 1 (marginal) to 5 (outstanding), based on a survey of academics at peer institutions.

Read the methodology » Explore the Times Higher Education rankings for the best universities in the US for computer science in 2025. The list of 130 ranked US schools is derived from data collected for the World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Computer Science released in January. This offers valuable insights into the top institutions for computer science. Universities across the US are scored in areas such as teaching, research and international outlook for studying computer science. Times Higher Education uses a thorough methodology, designed by the in-house data team, that is trusted globally by students, academic, policymakers, and industry leaders.

The data from the table offers valuable insights for those students considering undergraduate or postgraduate programmes in computer science in the US. The results are calculated using 18 performance indicators underlying five metrics: research environment, teaching (the learning environment), research quality, industry and international outlook. For more insights and a detailed breakdown of our ranking methodology, visit our methodology page. Below is a list of best universities in the United States ranked based on their research performance in Computer Science. A graph of 448M citations received by 10.8M academic papers made by 1,612 universities in the United States was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to... We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered.

You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website. The best cities to study Computer Science in the United States based on the number of universities and their ranks are Stanford, Cambridge, Berkeley, and Ann Arbor. Computer science is an exciting and multifaceted field that opens doors to innovation and a wide range of career opportunities. For students who thrive on solving complex problems, pursuing a computer science degree can lead to impactful roles in fields like cybersecurity, virtual reality, and machine learning. Beyond research, this major also offers pathways into industries such as healthcare, transportation, and entertainment. Selecting the right college is a crucial step in shaping this journey.

We aim to provide valuable insights into programs that excel in academic rigor, hands-on experiences, and career preparation. In this blog, we’ll reference the U.S. News & World Report Rankings to highlight the top 10 colleges for computer science, helping students and families make informed decisions about where to begin this exciting academic adventure.. In the spring and summer of 2024, U.S. News surveyed deans and senior faculty from 584 undergraduate computer science programs. The rankings for computer science programs are based on evaluations from academics and professionals who are familiar with the quality of undergraduate programs.

These experts rate programs on a 1-5 scale, and a school’s ranking is determined by the average score it receives. To be included in the rankings, a program must either have ABET accreditation or have awarded at least 20 bachelor’s degrees in computer science recently. This ensures that only programs with proven quality and strong academic credentials are featured. In the United States, there are 109 top computer science schools featured in the QS University Subject Rankings 2023, meaning that if you want to study computer science in the US, you have plenty... Of these 109, 28 are featured in the world top 100. The QS University Rankings by Subject are based on five indicators: academic reputation, employer reputation, research citations per paper, international research network and the H-index (a way of measuring the productivity and published work...

You can find more details about the methodology behind the subject rankings here. Read on to find out more about the top 10 universities in the US to study computer science. Alternatively, see the full computer science schools ranking here. According to the 2023 QS University Rankings by Subject, Columbia University in New York, established in 1754, ranks 10th in the United States and 23rd worldwide. This prestigious institution has nurtured a multitude of accomplished graduates, encompassing Oscar champions, Nobel Laureates, United States Presidents, and Supreme Court justices. The highest score achieved is for citations per paper, reflecting the significant contribution made through research.

Choosing the right university for a Computer Science (CS) degree is crucial for students aiming for a successful tech career. America is home to some of the best CS programs, offering world-class education, excellent research, and strong industry connections. Whether you dream of AI at MIT, cybersecurity at CMU, or Silicon Valley networking at Stanford, these universities provide exceptional learning experiences. In this guide, we explore the top-ranked universities for CS undergraduates in 2025, covering rankings, specializations, tuition, and career prospects to help you make an informed decision. When it comes to Computer Science, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is the undisputed global leader. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, MIT is home to one of the most prestigious and selective CS programs in the world.

With a highly competitive 7% acceptance rate, MIT’s EECS (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science) department is at the forefront of AI, robotics, quantum computing, and cybersecurity research. MIT graduates are highly sought after by top companies like Google, Apple, Microsoft, and NASA, with an average starting salary of $125,000 for CS majors. Below are the key details of Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a powerhouse in Computer Science, particularly in AI, software engineering, and cybersecurity. Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, CMU’s School of Computer Science (SCS) is one of the most respected in the world, known for its rigorous curriculum and research excellence. CMU graduates command some of the highest salaries in the CS field, with starting salaries averaging $122,000.

The university has strong industry partnerships with tech giants like Google, IBM, and Intel, offering students direct access to internships and job opportunities. Below are the key details of Carnegie Mellon University: document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() { const currentPageUrl = window.location.href; const chatGptLink = document.getElementById('share-chatgpt'); if (chatGptLink) { const prompt = `Summarize this article: ${currentPageUrl}`; const encodedPrompt = encodeURIComponent(prompt); chatGptLink.href = `https://chat.openai.com/?prompt=${encodedPrompt}`; } const geminiLink = document.getElementById('share-gemini'); if... Not merely because of the rankings, the US should be at the top of your list of destinations to study computer science. The U.S. has been a leader in IT education for a long time.

Some of the greatest computer science programs in the world are at schools like MIT, Stanford, and Carnegie Mellon. These colleges stand out not only because of their titles, but also because of the cutting-edge research, hands-on learning, and professors who are experts in AI, data science, and cybersecurity. Schools in the U.S. also promote studying across disciplines, so students can focus their computer science degree on business, health, or the arts. In short, students here don't just learn how to code; they learn how to think of new things. If you study computer science in the U.S., you can get jobs all over the world.

International students with a CS degree can stay in the U.S. for up to three years after they graduate to work in their field because of the STEM OPT extension. This is a great thing for starting a career in computers. Students can always find internships or jobs with huge companies because many of the best programs are near significant cities like Silicon Valley, Seattle, and Austin. If you love technology and want to turn it into a career around the world, the U.S. is still a smart and strategic decision.

Computer science degrees are gold in today's job market. They consistently deliver higher median salaries than other fields while maintaining impressively low unemployment rates. The return you'll get from investing in a quality CS education is hard to beat. Looking ahead, the Bureau of Labor Statistics sees computer and IT jobs growing by 15% through 2031—way faster than average—with over 682,800 new positions on the horizon. And it's not just traditional tech companies hiring anymore. Healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and creative industries all desperately need people with computer science skills.

The best CS programs today don't just teach you theory. They blend foundational concepts with cutting-edge specializations in AI, cybersecurity, data science, and human-computer interaction. This approach prepares you not just for your first job but gives you the adaptability to evolve throughout your entire career. Our 2024 rankings of America's best CS universities consider multiple factors that truly matter to your education and future career. We've looked at academic reputation through faculty credentials, research output, and how other institutions view each program. We've examined curriculum comprehensiveness by evaluating core requirements and specialization options.

Industry connections matter too—we've assessed internship placement rates and corporate partnerships that can jumpstart your career.

Best Computer Science Programs In America U S News World Report

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