40 Best Bachelor's Degrees in Computer Science
Updated October 18, 2022
Bachelor's Degrees in Computer Science
Technology is becoming even more important in society, and hot jobs in the computer science field are growing. Get your start with one of the 40 Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Computer Science!
In an increasingly technological society, computer science has grown as a field into a web of opportunities for students who are interested in a logical, computer-based career. As an undergraduate, computer science programs often require a strong background in math and science, and many schools also mandate that students complete some coursework in engineering. Students can earn a Bachelor of Science, Arts, or a Bachelors of Applied Science when studying computer science. Typically, the variation within the degree types comes from how heavily each program emphasizes science and math. When looking into computer science programs, students should consider whether or not the program was accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, which is the industry standard for accreditation in this field, and whether or not they could begin graduate work as an undergraduate.
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The 25 Best Online Bachelors in Computer Science Degree Programs
5 High-paying Jobs in Computer Science
After graduating, there are many careers students can pursue with a degree in computer science. These range from a computer systems engineer to a systems analyst to a computer graphics specialist. Offers high paying jobs like a computer systems analyst can earn a median salary of $88,270, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics while computer scientists with a master’s level education have a median salary of $114,520 a year in a field growing at a rate of 19 percent between 2016 and 2026. Additionally, it’s helpful to note that computer science prepares students to work in a variety of fields, including technology, government, and business. Check out the 40 Best Bachelor’s in Computer Science to find out which one is right for you!
Featured Online Schools
#40 TUFTS UNIVERSITY
MEDFORD, MA
BACHELOR OF ARTS/SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 71.06
Tufts University starts this list with its Bachelor of Arts and its Bachelor of Science degrees with majors in Computer Science. The degree requires ten computer science-specific courses. Students can also complete a combined BS/Master of Science program in Engineering that takes five years for both degrees to be completed.
Additionally, students can research with faculty members or study abroad. Student clubs include Computer Science Exchange, Jumbo Code – which works with nonprofits to develop code and programs – and WiCS, or Women in Computer Science. Finally, U.S. News and World Report have ranked Tufts as No. 27 on its list of National Universities, No. 26 in Best Undergraduate Teaching, and No. 26 in Best Value Schools.
Net Price: $29,449
#39 BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY
PROVO, UT
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 72.94
Brigham Young University’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science allows students to complete emphases in either animation or bio information, depending on their preferred interest. This degree requires 74-77 hours of courses above and beyond the university’s core curriculum requirements. Up to 12 credits of this coursework can be transferred in by students coming to BYU with previous collegiate experience. BYU’s degree is also accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of Accreditation Board of Engineering of Technology. Additionally, students have grown their experiences through internships with companies like Adobe, Apple, IBM, Lucasfilm, and Pixar. Students take courses in discrete mathematics, operating systems, algorithm analysis, and software design.
Net Price: $12,979
#38 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-SAN DIEGO
LA JOLLA, CA
BACHELOR OF ARTS/SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 73.54
The University of California in San Diego offers a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. This program gives its students a foundation in mathematics, physics, programming methodology and skills, and other basic computer elements. Then, the upper-level coursework complements that coursework with classes in the theory and design of algorithms, hardware, and software. Students must complete 116 units in Computer Science, and they can do so while also being members of the computer science honors program.
Additionally, students can apply to be tutors, do research, and study abroad. Courses for this program include 3D User Interaction, Cognitive Modelling, and Biology Meets Computing. U.S News and World Report placed UC-San Diego at No. 12 on its list of Top Public Schools.
Net Price: $14,616
#37 FLORIDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
MELBOURNE, FL
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 74.18
Florida Institute of Technology’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science requires 127 credit hours of coursework, which includes classes such as Programming in a Second Language, Legal, Ethical and Social Issues in Computing, and Game Design. This degree is also accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. Students from FIT have interned or been employed by companies such as IBM, Microsoft, EA Games, General Electric, Mozilla, and Texas Instruments. They also gain hands-on experience in the classroom through a senior team design project where they must design and construct a new software application. Students of FUI may also participate in the Association for Computing Machinery, which is a fun way to be more involved on-campus while completing their degree.
Net Price: $33,610
#36 RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
TROY, NY
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 74.69
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is the largest major on campus, offering an excellent combination of theory and practice in the field. The degree requires 128 credits, as well as an Arch experience. This entails students staying on campus during the summer after their sophomore year to take junior-level classes, and then completing a co-op, internship, or other experience during the fall or spring semester of their junior year. This gives students great hands-on experience working full-time in the field. Students who wish to expand their interests academically outside of the Arch can also dual-major in fields such as mathematics, biology, computer systems engineering, electronic media arts and communications, cognitive science, and others. Additionally, students can earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in five years or a Ph.D. in seven years through the accelerated programs offered by RPI.
Net Price: $33,610
#35 THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN
AUSTIN, TX
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 75.16
The University of Texas at Austin provides multiple different tracks for students enrolled in its Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. These include options for honor students, traditional students, and students wishing to pursue graduate work. Students following the latter option can concurrently complete a BS in Computer Science and a Master of Science in fields including computer science, information studies, computational science, engineering, and mathematics. Overall, the undergraduate degree requires 120 credits for completion. Classes included in this total include Computer Organization and Architecture, Algorithms and Complexity, and Data Structures. U.S. News and World Report have lauded UT-Austin by placing it at No. 21 on its Best Undergraduate Teaching list, No. 15 on Top Public Schools, and No. 16 on Most Innovative Schools.
Net Price: $14,356
#34 UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
AMHERST, MA
BACHELOR OF ARTS/SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 76.39
The University of Massachusetts has, both, a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. These two degrees each require 120 credits of coursework, but the BA ensures that students have sufficient time to take courses in another field through a four-course concentration beyond the computer science requirements. UMass is also part of a five-college consortium that includes Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke, and Smith College. This allows students to take courses for credit at these institutions, among other benefits. Additionally, students can take part in co-curricular activities including, but not limited to, the Association for Computer Machinery, BUILD UMass, B[U]ILT, CICS Pride, and CS Women’s Group, and a 36-hour hackathon called HackUMass.
Net Price: $21,281
#33 SUNY UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO
BUFFALO, NY
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE/ARTS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 76.52
SUNY University at Buffalo brings people to New York’s Nickel City for their Bachelor of Science or their Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science. These programs offer students a foundation in essential areas like software development and computer science theory and then allows students to specialize through concentrations like machine learning, robotics, databases, data mining, and others. The BS program is accredited by the Computer Association Committee of ABET. Both degrees require 120 credits of coursework, though the BA does not require the breadth of knowledge necessary courses in the BS, and 95 to 100 percent of graduates get jobs related to the field after graduation. UB also allows students to complete a 5-year BS/Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering.
Net Price: $16,120
#32 NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
BOSTON, MA
BACHELOR OF ARTS/SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 76.74
Northeastern University in Boston, MA offers students the opportunity to complete either a 134-credit Bachelor of Arts or a 135 credit hour Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. The former of these has fewer computer science-specific courses and allows students to have the flexibility to explore a foreign language and take other electives. The BS hones in on the basics of computer science and all of its elements, then allows students to gain more specific knowledge in areas that they’re interested in studying. This also allows students to have a concentration in Cyber Operations while enrolled on the BS track. Courses for this program include Software Development, Computer Graphics, Game Artificial Intelligence, and Object-Oriented Design. It is notable that U.S. News and World Report ranked Northeastern as No. 8 on its Most Innovative Schools list, which is important considering the ever-changing and eternally-growing field of technology.
Net Price: $30, 784
#31 INDIANA UNIVERSITY - BLOOMINGTON
BLOOMINGTON, IN
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 77.39
Indiana University - Bloomington offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Students can then narrow their interests by selecting from specialization options such as artificial intelligence, data science, foundations, programming languages, security, software engineering, and systems. They must, at a minimum, complete 120 credit hours of study, and the core courses for computer science included in that total are Introduction to Computers and Programming or Introduction to Computer Science, Introduction to Software Systems, Discrete Structures for Computer Science, Data Structures, and Career Development for Computer Science Majors. From there, students delve into their specializations. Additionally, they can get involved with organizations like Programmatik, which helps them to prepare for interviews.
Net Price: $12,488
#30 MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
HOUGHTON, MI
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 77.63
Michigan Technological University allows students to complete their Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Houghton, Michigan. This program has a 123 credit hour minimum, and students can choose from concentrations like computer systems, applications, and game development. Each of these areas offers specialized coursework that prepares students for the next step in their careers. After MTU, students have gone on to work for places like Adobe Systems, Google, IBM, Apple, and the United States Department of Defense. Other notable factors at MTU include students’ 24/7 access to labs so they can work according to their schedules, and the existence of Husky Game Development. This is a student enterprise where undergraduates come together to design and develop games.
Net Price: $17,139
#29 CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 78.04
California Polytechnic Institute provides future computer technicians an opportunity to earn their Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. CPI's program requires about 181 units of coursework. Required courses include technical electives such as Game Design, Introduction to Object-Oriented Design Using Graphical User INterfaces, Bioinformatics Algorithms, and Cryptography Engineering. Cal Poly’s BS is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. Graduates of this program have gone on to work at companies such as Google, Microsoft, Apple, Disney, EA Games, and Saint Jude Medical in addition to completing graduate degrees. Cal Poly also allows students to complete a blended BS/Master of Science in Computer Science through a 4+1 program, meaning that it will only take one year to finish the master’s degree.
Net Price: $19,002
#28 UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
PHILADELPHIA, PA
BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 78.35
The University of Pennsylvania awards a Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Science to combine the conceptual basics of computer science with the complementary exploration of hardware and software systems. The BASCS begins with coursework that includes an Introduction to Computer Programming, Programming Languages and Techniques, Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science, Introduction to Computer Architecture, Automata, Computability, and Complexity, and Introduction to Algorithms. Students must complete 40 credits of coursework within the Computer Science major, itself.
Students at UPenn can also submatriculate into an engineering master’s program while finishing their undergraduate coursework. This means that they can begin taking classes in a graduate program before they earn their BAS. Finally, students can also get involved in the Computer Science Society, Women in Computer Science, and the Penn SIGGRAPH, an organization for students interested in computer graphics. In addition, UPenn allows students to conduct summer research in which students work closely with a faculty member between the spring and fall semesters, earning either credit for their research or a stipend.
Net Price: $24,539
#27 RICE UNIVERSITY
HOUSTON, TX
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 79.06
Students can travel to Houston, TX to complete their Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Rice University. This 35-year old program requires 128 credit hours of study, including the core curriculum, computer science foundations, and upper-level courses. Class topics include computer game creation, software engineering, algorithmic thinking, and operating systems, Students also have the option to add a fifth year to their studies to complete a Master of Computer Science degree. Then, after finishing their degree or degrees at Rice University, students have gone on to work for government agencies, start businesses, or study at institutions like Brown University, Stanford, and others.
Net Price: $24,131
#26 UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA
OMAHA, NE
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 79.10
The University of Nebraska’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. The degree expects students to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework as a graduation requirement. Courses include Programming Language Concepts, Data Analysis, Digital Logic Design, and Computational Complexity Theory. In this program, students can specialize in artificial intelligence, foundations, informatics, and networking and high-end computing. Students can also take only one additional course to earn a mathematics minor. The University of Nebraska boasts that 100 percent of students entering the computer science field have jobs before graduation. More than three-fourths of its students have also done at least one internship.
Net Price: $16,813
#25 YALE UNIVERSITY
NEW HAVEN, CT
BACHELOR OF ARTS/SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 79.18
Yale University offers its students flexibility with its degrees in Computer Science as the department has both a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts. The BS is intended for students who wish to continue toward the computer science field specifically after graduation while the BA offers a background in computer science for work in fields like finance, law, management, or medicine. Students can also complete a combined bachelor’s/master’s program in eight semesters, as well as opportunities for joint studies in electrical engineering, mathematics, and psychology. The program starts by having students take five core computer science courses before deepening their studies through elective coursework. Ultimately, the program culminates in a senior project, which calls for original research.
Net Price: $18,053
#24 ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
TEMPE, AZ
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 79.74
U.S. News and World Report have placed Arizona State University at Tempe at No. 1 on its list of Most Innovative Schools, impressive praise, especially given the importance of innovation concerning technology. Undoubtedly, ASU’s innovation is evident in its Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree. This program, which is also accredited by ABET, requires 120 credits of study, and students can complete concentrations in cybersecurity and software engineering. Students can also do a 4+1 program, in which they take one year to complete their Master of Science in Computer Science – which requires a thesis – or their Master of Computer Science, which does not require a thesis.
Net Price: $$12,947
#23 UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH<
PITTSBURGH, PA
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 80.04
The University of Pittsburgh has a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science that requires 40 computer science-specific courses. Class options include Bioinformatics Software Design, Introduction to High-Performance Computing Systems, and Introduction to Machine Learning. Students complete eight foundational courses and five elective courses within the major, and they have space in the curriculum to add a second major if they so wish. Ultimately, undergraduates must complete a capstone experience, choosing from an internship, two co-op rotations, faculty-directed research, or a capstone project. This allows students to make the choice that best suits their learning style and professional goals while also ensuring that they have steeped themselves in their education.
Net Price: $22,848
#22 STEVENS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
HOBOKEN, NJ
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 80.21
Net Price: $38,469
Accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, Stevens Institute of Technology offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. The program prides itself on its ability to prepare students for the practical application of theory at the intersection of science, technology, and management. Students complete a variety of projects throughout their time at SIT, and this allows them to gain experience with the types of practices that comprise full-time work in this field, including working with clients. In order to graduate, students must complete 129 credit hours of coursework. Elective courses for this program include Enterprise and Cloud Computing, Interactive Computer Graphics, and Computer Vision.
#21 UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON
HOUSTON, TX
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 81.03
University of Houston’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science requires 120 credit hours of coursework, building on students’ mathematical backgrounds and applying the logic-based thinking gained there to software and other technologies. Once students complete the mathematics and computer science core, they can then explore particular interests through a variety of elective courses. These include classes like Data Mining, INtroduction to Gaming Art and Animation, Web Security, and Medical Robotics and Image-Guided Interventions. Students can also take part in the accelerated BS/Master of Science in Computer Science program.
Net Price: $15,664
#20 UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
TUCSON, AZ
BACHELOR OF ARTS/SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 81.75
The University of Arizona in Tucson gives students the option to complete either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Both programs require that students complete 122 credit hours of coursework. However, that manifests itself in different forms for both degrees. The BA and BS students both take similar general education courses, though the BS necessitates more specific, calculus-oriented math. Then, while the prerequisite courses in computer science are similar, the BA only has a couple of non-specific electives and requires that students finish a minor. On the other hand, BS students take electives in a specific paradigm area, a theory and writing area, and a systems area in addition to two other electives. The BS program also allows students to enter into the accelerated BS/Master of Science program. BA and BS students can research through the computer science department, as well as take part in clubs and the Hack Arizona hackathon.
Net Price: $15,758
#19 THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS
RICHARDSON, TX
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 81.88
The University of Texas at Dallas prepares students for a career in computer science with its Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. Students start by learning basic programming skills and data structures and operating structures. They then take intermediate level courses in these areas before their collegiate experience culminates in a project-based course. Students can also take classes centered on topics like digital systems design, computer networks, virtual reality, human-computer interaction, and others. UT Dallas also offers students the opportunity to take part in the Fast Track program, accelerating their completion of a Master of Science in Computer Science. The program also has connections with companies like State Farm, Lockheed Martin, AT&T, Samsung, Intel, and IBM, and many students intern or find jobs in these places. This 124 credit hour program is also accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Net Price: $10,036
#18 GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
FAIRFAX, VA
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 82.22
George Mason University offers a 120-credit hour Bachelor of Science in Computer Science that is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. As part of this program, students can take coursework that is focused on research in particular. They can also research with a faculty mentor on a variety of topics, including bioinformatics, robotics, evolutionary computation, and software engineering. George Mason is also home to a ten-week summer program centered around educational data mining. The computer science department also has a computer science honors program for high achieving students. There is also an opportunity to complete an accelerated BS/Master of Science degree. The MS can be in either computer science, information systems, information security and assurance, software engineering, and data analytics engineering.
Net Price: $18,629
#17 UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
DES MOINES, IA
BACHELOR OF ARTS/SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 82.44
The University of Iowa allows students to complete coursework to earn either a Bachelor of Science or Arts in Computer Science. The BS and BA each require 120 semester hours of coursework, but the BS tends to be more rigorous, as it mandates more in-depth coursework in math and science. BS students can also enroll in the joint BS/Master of Computer Science degree, and it takes five years to complete the combined 140 semester hours of coursework. Students can also complete a certificate in Public Digital Arts or Large Data Analysis. In terms of opportunities outside the classroom, students can join organizations on campus like the Association for Computing Machinery and Women in Computing Science. UI is also home to a Big Data Summer School.
Net Price: $14,845
#16 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
VITERBI, CA
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 83.59
Accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, the University of Southern California offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. This degree prepares students to either go onto graduate school or to enter the workforce. Regardless of the path, students are ready practically and ethically apply what they’ve learned to computer science-oriented problems. The BS requires 128 units of coursework, and students can choose from a variety of electives, including Native Console Multiplayer Game Development, Cryptography: Secure Communication and Computation, and Game Prototyping. USC also allows students to finish a combined Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Business Administration. However, this program is not ABET accredited.
Net Price: $32,892
#15 IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
AMES, IA
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 84.18
Iowa State University’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is designed to help students get a strong foundation in computing and programming, especially in preparation for work in the industry or government. It also readies students for graduate school. Iowa State does not require that students have programming experience before starting the degree. The degree is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. In terms of coursework, students must take a minimum of 46 credits in computer science-specific classes. These include everything from introductory level programming and software development classes to courses like Bioinformatic Analysis and Problem Solving Techniques for Applied Computer Sciences.
Net Price: $13,949
#14 UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
MINNEAPOLIS, MN
BACHELOR OF ARTS/SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 85.10
The University of Minnesota offers, both, a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science. The two degrees are very similar; however, the BS requires more upper-division courses in computer science specifically, as well as a higher level math requirement. The BA, on the other hand, takes more electives outside of computer science and must take courses in a second language. Both degrees require at least 120 credits and up to 127 credits for the BS. The University of Minnesota also allows students to take advantage of research opportunities with faculty members, as well as co-op opportunities. They can also study abroad and completed an integrated program that allows them to finish their Master of Science in Computer Science early.
Net Price: $16,808
#13 PURDUE UNIVERSITY
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 85.11
Purdue University’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science can require up to 128 credit hours for students to earn the degree. They begin the program with six core courses before selecting a track to gain more knowledge on one specific area within the field. These tracks include computational science and engineering, computer graphics and visualization, database and information systems, foundations of computer science, machine intelligence, programming language, security track, software engineering, and systems programming. Students can also start the coursework for their Master of Science in Computer Science or for their Master of Business Administration, both of which can be completed just one year beyond the four-year bachelor's degree. They can also take part in a cooperative education program while at Purdue to gain real-world experience.
Net Price: $12,117
#12 UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
MADISON, WI
BACHELOR OF ARTS/SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 85.96
Earning one’s Bachelor of Science or Arts in Computer Science is possible through the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where each degree certificate requires 120 credits for graduation. The BS degree mandates fewer foreign language courses and more intense coursework in math and science. The computer science department also hosts the Wisconsin Emerging Scholars program, where students can earn an additional credit and take part in an active study group that, both, helps individuals master principles in the first programming course while also offering a variety of professional development opportunities. Some examples of courses in this program include Introduction to Combinatorial Optimization, Introduction to Cryptography, and Foundations of Mobile Systems and Applications.
Net Price: $15,910
#11 CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
PITTSBURGH, PA
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 86.02
Carnegie Mellon University offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. This program requires 360 units of coursework in computer science, mathematics, engineering, and the natural sciences, and humanities and the arts. Computer Science majors are asked to claim a minor in order to diversify their coursework and may enroll in courses such as Foundations of Cyber-Physical Systems, Parallel Computer Architecture and Programming, and Robot Kinematics and Dynamics. High-achieving students can also enroll in an independent study or seniors honors thesis course if they are working on independent research. Carnegie Mellon also helps students to find summer opportunities for research through the National Science Foundation.
Net Price: $29,817
#10 UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN-ANN ARBOR
ANN ARBOR, MI
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCE
Score: 88.07
The University of Michigan has a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science that requires, at a minimum, 120 credits of coursework. This program is also accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. While in the program, students choose a concentration in, either, Computer Science, Information Systems, or Game Design. Outside of the classroom, students can take advantage of research and study abroad opportunities. They can also join like the Society of Women Engineers or Upsilon Pi Epsilon, which is the only honor society for computer information science. Lastly, the department is also home to several scholarships for students specifically within the College of Engineering and Computer Science at UM.
Net Price: $16,408
#9 TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE STATION, TX
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 88.48
Texas A&M University is home to an ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. When designing its curriculum, Texas A&M took into consideration the recommendations set forth by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Computer Society and the Association for Computing Machinery. Students spend 12 of the 126 required hours working on a concentration in another department. There is also an opportunity for students to finish a minor in Game Design and Development. Texas A&M students are also able to “fast track” their graduate studies, beginning coursework on a Master of Science in Computer Science and a BS degree in five years. To do this, undergraduates take up to credits of graduate courses while working on their BS.
Net Price: $19,554
#8 LEHIGH UNIVERSITY
BETHLEHEM, PA
BACHELOR OF ARTS/SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 88.76
Lehigh University offers two degrees for students interested in computer science in having, both, a Bachelor of Arts and Science in the field. The BA requires only 120 credit hours, and it does not ask for students to have the depth of knowledge necessitated by the 127 credit hour BS. Lehigh also has multiple concentrated tracks for students in computer science. These include artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, computing principles, hardware-software, information management, interactive multimedia systems, systems and networks, and software systems. These are set up so that students can gain some specialized knowledge in each of these areas, and the computer science department suggests that students take three courses in the tracks of their choice.
Net Price: $26,933
#7 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
CHICAGO, IL
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 89.99
The University of Illinois in Chicago has a 128-credit-hour Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree. This program gives students the option between three concentrations: computer systems, human-centered computing, and software engineering. They can also complete a joint Bachelors and Masters’ of Science in Computer Science. This track allows students to begin graduate coursework as an undergraduate before finishing the MS the following year. Additionally, the University of Illinois has been positive ranked by U.S. News and World Report, which ranked it as No. 13 on its Top Public Schools list and No. 20 on its Best Colleges for Veterans list.
Net Price: $16,638
#6 STANFORD UNIVERSITY
STANFORD, CA
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 90.68
At Stanford University, all students in the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program complete six core classes before choosing from a variety of tracks for specialization. These include artificial intelligence, biocomputation, computer engineering, graphics, human-computer interaction, information, systems, theory, unspecialized, and the individually designed track. After this, students take a couple of elective courses. Eventually, all students must complete a senior project. This can be done through the senior project class or through the Project Experience with Corporate Partners, in which students team up to work as a small company to collaborate on a problem designed by a corporate partner. Finally, students can also conduct individual research to fulfill this requirement.
Net Price: $16,562
#5 UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 92.40
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at the University of Virginia has a foundation in mathematics and engineering that students build off of as they explore the field of computer science. Finally, the program culminates in a capstone sequence, which includes a senior thesis and either the research capstone or the capstone practicum track. Students can choose between these two. In total, students complete 127 credit hours of coursework. During this course of study, students can also finish a focal path in cybersecurity. Outside of the classroom, students can become involved with programming contest teams, then the ACM on Women in Computing, Student Game Developers, and PARFAIT, a club focused on mobile apps.
Net Price: $16,594
#4 GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
ATLANTA, GA
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 93.30
The Georgia Institute of Technology offers an ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. The program requires 68 credits of core courses on top of the computer science-specific coursework. Georgia Tech prides itself on the way that ethics is embedded into its curriculum, even though students play a crucial role in shaping their curriculum through the thread system utilized there. These threads focus on a specific area of computer science, and they include topics like devices, info internetworks, intelligence, media, modeling and simulation, people, systems and architecture, and theory. In each thread, students take the computer science-specific courses necessary to prepare them for specialization in this area, in addition to the core requirements mentioned above.
Net Price: $15,873
#3 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA - BERKELEY
BERKELEY, CA
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 95.25
The University of California at Berkeley’s Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science requires 59 units of study that is specific to the computer science major. This includes prerequisite courses and upper division units, including courses like Digital Systems, Computer Architecture, Machine Learning, and Programming Languages and Compilers. The program is also home to the Accel Scholarship program, which is a partnership between the Silicon Valley venture capital firm Accel and UC Berkeley’s Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences department. Students in this program can network with industry professionals and experts in a cohort setting. Additionally, UC Berkeley’s department allows students to study abroad during their degree. Some destinations include New Zealand, England, China, Singapore, Chile, and Taiwan.
Net Price: $18,178
#2 HARVARD UNIVERSITY
CAMBRIDGE, MA
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 95.63
Harvard University offers a Bachelor of Arts or, as the university prefers to style it, an Artium Baccalaureus in Computer Science. This AB degree has a variety of tracks that students can follow, depending on their interests and their academic ability. They complete between 40 and 56 credits of coursework in the concentration. Students can also work to finish a graduate degree and the AB within four years. Furthermore, students can conduct individual research with faculty members through the thesis course and the summer residential research programs, among others. For students wishing to get involved with clubs, Harvard has several options, including Women in Computer Science, Harvard Computer Society, the National Society of Black Engineering, Harvard Developers 4 Development, the Harvard Quantum Computing Club, and many others.
Net Price: $17,030
#1 DUKE UNIVERSITY
DURHAM, NC
BACHELOR OF ARTS/SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
Score: 100.00
At the top of this list, the No. 1 Bachelor’s in Computer Science goes to Duke University for its Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees’ in Computer Science. The BS degree requires 14 courses in computer science, and the BA necessitates 11 on top of the core curriculum requirements. The BS also offers students the chance to complete concentrations in either software systems or data science while the BA gives students the ability to pursue a second major. Finally, for those looking to do research, Duke’s Computer Science Undergraduate Research Fellow – or C-SURF – program offers course credit as well as the potential for paid research experience.
Net Price: $22,011
Methodology
Best College Reviews provides degree rankings, such as the 40 Best Bachelor's Degrees in Computer Science 2020, from carefully researched data sets published from government and non-profit organizations across the United States. Five primary factors affect how we rank degrees:
- 25% Student Satisfaction
- 30% Earning Potential
- 15% Retention Data
- 20% Affordability
- 10% Acceptance Rates
For an in-depth breakdown of how we calculate each ranking, check out our Methodology page.