In a world driven by technology, a degree in computer science (CS) is one of the most powerful and flexible qualifications you can earn. From the smartphone in your pocket to the complex systems that power global finance and healthcare, computer science is the engine of modern life.
Choosing to study CS opens up a world of opportunity, leading to high-demand, high-paying careers where you can solve meaningful problems and help invent the future. But with thousands of universities offering CS degrees, the first big challenge is choosing the right school.
At Remitly, we want to empower you to make informed decisions that will shape your future. This guide will explore the popular colleges for computer science majors, from elite global leaders to excellent and affordable public universities, to help you find the perfect place to launch your tech career.
What to look for in a top computer science program
Before venturing into a list of schools, it is important to know what makes a CS program truly great. The best programs offer more than just classes; they provide an entire ecosystem designed to turn you into a skilled and sought-after tech professional.
ABET accreditation and department reputation
Accreditation is a mark of quality. Look for CS programs accredited by ABET’s Computing Accreditation Commission. This ensures the program meets high standards for curriculum, faculty, and student outcomes. Beyond that, consider the program’s reputation. Is it known for being a leader in a particular area, like artificial intelligence or cybersecurity?
Faculty expertise and research areas
The professors you learn from should be more than just teachers; they should be active contributors to their field. Look at the faculty profiles on a university’s computer science department website. Are they conducting exciting research in areas that interest you? A department with strong research in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, robotics, or software development offers you the chance to learn at the cutting edge.
Access to internships and tech industry partners
A great computer science education must include real-world experience. The best colleges for engineering and science have deep partnerships with the tech industry. This is important for finding computer science colleges with internships. Look for schools that host regular tech career fairs, have strong co-op programs, and are located in or near tech hubs where internship opportunities are plentiful.
Student community and career support
Computer science can be challenging, so a supportive community is vital. Look for schools with active CS student organizations, coding clubs, and competitive programming teams. Does the university host hackathons? Do they offer career services specifically for tech students, like resume workshops and mock technical interviews? These resources can make a huge difference in your job search and your success.
Top computer science programs in the US
These universities are globally recognized as being at the absolute pinnacle of computer science education. Their programs are highly competitive, their research is groundbreaking, and their graduates are among the most sought-after in the world.
The “Big Four”
For decades, these four schools have been consistently ranked as the top computer science programs in the world, each with its own unique culture and strengths.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): MIT’s Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) department is legendary. Known for its rigorous, theory-heavy curriculum and a hands-on “mens et manus” (mind and hand) philosophy, MIT produces some of the most technically proficient engineers in the world. Its location in Cambridge, Massachusetts, places it at the center of a thriving tech and biotech hub.
- Stanford University: Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford’s CS program is synonymous with entrepreneurship and innovation. Its curriculum is deeply intertwined with the tech industry, and its alumni have founded countless iconic companies. If you dream of working at a major tech firm or launching your own startup, Stanford offers an unparalleled ecosystem of connections and opportunities.
- Carnegie Mellon University (CMU): CMU’s School of Computer Science is a world leader, particularly in specialized fields like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics. CMU is known for its interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to combine CS with other fields like design, ethics, and business. It’s a place for students who want to push the boundaries of what’s possible with technology.
- University of California, Berkeley: As the only public university in the “Big Four,” UC Berkeley offers an elite education at a more accessible price point. Its Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences (EECS) program is renowned for its groundbreaking research and top-tier faculty. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, Berkeley provides students with direct access to the Silicon Valley tech scene while cultivating an energetic and diverse campus culture.
Other world-class powerhouses
Beyond the top four, several other universities offer CS programs that are considered to be among the best in the world.
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech): A small, intensely focused science and engineering research institute, Caltech offers a deeply theoretical and math-heavy CS program. It’s an ideal choice for students who are passionate about the fundamental principles of computation and plan to pursue a PhD or a career in research.
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC): UIUC’s Grainger College of Engineering is a massive, top-ranked public engineering school with a world-class CS department. It is known for its incredible research facilities, broad range of specializations, and a huge, loyal alumni network in the tech industry.
- Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech): Georgia Tech is a public technological university in Atlanta with a stellar reputation. Its College of Computing is a leader in areas like cybersecurity and high-performance computing. Georgia Tech is particularly famous for its co-op and internship programs, which are deeply integrated into the student experience.
- University of Washington (UW): Located in the tech hub of Seattle—home to Amazon and Microsoft—UW’s Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering is a top-tier program. Its prime location gives students an incredible advantage for securing internships and full-time jobs at some of the world’s leading technology companies.
Best affordable CS schools and alternative pathways
A top-quality CS education doesn’t have to come with an elite price tag. Many public universities offer exceptional and highly-respected programs at a fraction of the cost, providing an alternative pathway that can make your top-notch CS degree even more accessible.
High-value public universities
These schools are known for providing an excellent return on investment, with strong programs and more affordable tuition.
- University of Texas at Austin: The CS program at UT Austin is consistently ranked in the top 10 nationally. As a major research university in a booming tech city, it offers students fantastic academic and professional opportunities.
- Purdue University: Purdue in Indiana has a top-ranked CS program and a large, welcoming international student community. Its practical, hands-on approach to education prepares students well for the workforce.
- Arizona State University (ASU): Recognized for its focus on innovation, ASU offers strong engineering and CS programs to a massive and diverse student body. It is also a leader in online education, providing a high-quality online Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering degree.
The community college transfer pathway
One of the smartest and most affordable ways to get a CS degree is to start at a community college. You can complete your first two years of foundational courses, like calculus, physics, and introductory programming, at a much lower cost.
Many states have “2+2” articulation agreements that guarantee your admission to a four-year state university as a junior if you meet certain requirements. For example, California’s community college system has firm transfer pathways to the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems.
Popular career tracks for computer science majors
A CS degree is incredibly versatile and can lead to a wide variety of exciting and lucrative careers.
Software development and engineering
This is the most common career path. Software developers and engineers are the architects and builders of our digital world. They write, test, and maintain the code for computer applications, mobile apps, and the complex systems that businesses run on.
Web development
Web developers specialize in creating websites and web applications. This can be broken down into front-end development (what the user sees and interacts with), back-end development (the server, database, and application logic), and full-stack development (a combination of both).
Data science and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
This rapidly growing field involves using advanced algorithms and statistical models to analyze huge amounts of data and uncover insights. Data scientists and machine learning engineers build everything from recommendation engines for e-commerce sites to the complex models used in AI applications like ChatGPT.
Cybersecurity
As our world becomes more digital, the need for cybersecurity experts has exploded. These professionals are responsible for protecting computer systems, networks, and data from cyberattacks and security breaches.
Cloud computing and DevOps
Cloud engineers and DevOps professionals manage the infrastructure that allows companies to deploy and run software at scale. They work with platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure to ensure that applications are reliable, scalable, and secure.
Your dream school is out there
Choosing a college for computer science is a major decision that will shape your career for years to come. From the elite, world-renowned programs to the best affordable CS schools, there is something for every type of student to succeed. The most important factor is not the ranking of the school, but what it offers you in terms of hands-on experience, access to industry partners, and a supportive community.
Focus on finding a program that aligns with your interests, whether that’s AI, cybersecurity, or software engineering. Look for opportunities to build a portfolio of projects through internships, hackathons, and research. The right college will provide you with the tools, but it’s your passion and hard work that will ultimately launch your career and empower you to build the technology of the future.
FAQs
What programming languages do CS majors learn?
Most CS programs start with foundational languages like Python or Java to teach the core concepts of programming. Throughout their studies, students will typically be exposed to a wide range of languages, including C++ (for systems programming), JavaScript (for web development), and specialized languages depending on their chosen electives, such as SQL for databases or R for statistics.
Do I need a CS degree to work in tech?
No, it’s not an absolute requirement. The tech industry values skills and experience, and many successful software developers are self-taught or have come from coding bootcamps. However, a formal CS degree provides a deep theoretical foundation in areas like algorithms, data structures, and computer architecture that can be very difficult to learn on your own and is often required for more senior roles or specialized fields like AI.
Are online CS degrees respected?
Yes, increasingly so—especially if they are from well-known accredited universities. Top schools like Arizona State University, the University of Illinois, and the University of Florida offer respected online CS programs. Employers are primarily concerned with your skills, your portfolio of projects, and your ability to pass a technical interview.
Can I study computer science without a strong math background?
A strong foundation in math, particularly in areas like algebra, logic, and eventually calculus and discrete math, is very important for a formal CS degree program. The theoretical side of computer science is deeply mathematical. However, you do not need to be a math genius. If you are willing to work hard and make use of university resources like tutoring and office hours, you can absolutely build the math skills needed to succeed.