Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
Key Takeaways
- Since almost every industry relies on technology to do business, skilled people who can create software are in-demand, making computer science one of the most popular undergraduate degrees.
- Computer science degrees in liberal arts colleges are often overlooked due to the popularity of public universities with computer science majors.
- Liberal arts colleges, because of their small student-to-faculty ratio and supportive environment, give students more personalized attention and offer a more comprehensive and diverse computer science degree.
Top 10 Liberal Arts Colleges Computer Science Programs in 2025
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
Barnard College, Oberlin College, and Vassar College were the biggest movers in our 2025 ranking of the best liberal arts colleges for computer science degrees. All 3 schools moved up into the top 10.
Barnard College is focusing on enhancing their students’ experience through increased academic resources and campus sustainability, while Oberlin College has added new financial aid packages to support a more diverse student body, and launched a number of interdisciplinary programs that bridge the arts and sciences.
Vassar College has developed a number of new interdisciplinary programs that encourage collaborative learning across fields also made strides to increasing access to financial aid offerings or underrepresented students.
Featured Programs
Computer Science Liberal Arts College: Choosing The Best Option
Students in the best liberal arts colleges for computer science degrees enjoy the benefits of a more customized curriculum that aligns with their interests and today’s job market demands.
A computer science education aims to prepare students for a career in software, and a quality liberal arts education in computer science exposes students to diverse areas of study that can break down organizational silos.
Luckily, liberal arts colleges help students develop skills beyond their majors.
A liberal arts college prepares CS students for more than simply a successful career in the top tech companies. Computer science students will obtain academic excellence by getting a liberal arts education that prepares them to contribute to society as technology experts who understand technology’s role in addition to computer science courses.
A bachelor’s degree in computer science is an excellent starting point for a career in programming, video game design, cybersecurity, and a host of other rapidly growing fields. As a computer science major, you’ll study algorithms, data structure, operating systems, networking, and much more.
With a bachelor’s in computer science, you’ll qualify for well-paying roles such as network architect, information security analyst, or computer systems administrator.
The best schools for computer science are those which are regionally accredited, which offer a full array of computer science concentrations, and which give you the chance to work with the best and most influential professors and classmates.
Degree popularity: Computer science bachelor’s degrees are the 14th most popular undergraduate degrees across all student demographics. It is much more popular among men, ranking 6th across men of all demographics. For women, it doesn’t rank among the top 25 degrees. It is the 3rd most popular degree for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders men, and 11th for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders women, according to the number of degree earners reported by the National Center for Educational Statistics.
Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Careers
Computer science is growing in popularity among students looking to get a well-paying career after graduation because people who know how to design and modify software are extremely valuable in today’s economy. Students with undergraduate degrees in computer science can have a successful career as:
Software or Web Developer: A web developer is an expert in creating web-based programs, including websites, e-commerce platforms, and mobile applications. On the other hand, a software developer will focus on developing software for the underlying platform, network, or operating system.
Database Administrator: Database administrators ensure databases function correctly. Database administrators and architects create or organize systems for storing and protecting different types of data, like financial data and customer shipping records. Additionally, they guarantee that only authorized individuals have access to the data.
Systems analyst: An IT specialist known as a systems analyst works at a senior level inside a company to ensure that computer systems, infrastructures, and other systems are operating as effectively and efficiently as possible.
The Best Liberal Arts and Computer Science Major Combination
Liberal arts colleges offer broader courses compared to computer science schools. Students interested in computer science should take the following liberal arts courses:
English: Students majoring in computer science know that English is the dominant language on the Internet. They will need to become fluent in reading and writing in English to utilize these resources and interact with others properly.
History: Computer science majors can better grasp how the world has evolved and how technology has influenced it by taking a history course.
Philosophy: Logical reasoning is the cornerstone of both computer science and philosophy. Philosophy employs language to logically investigate ideas and concepts, whereas computer scientists and programmers use mathematical and symbolic logic to create hardware and software products.
Psychology: Numerous areas of computer science are increasingly reliant on psychology, as the ultimate purpose of computing is to develop systems that support, improve, or compensate for human limitations. Psychology courses can help computer science students understand how the human mind works.
Sociology:As a future tech engineer, you can better grasp a society’s social, moral, and human values by knowing about sociology. This will enable you to effectively manage and interact with coworkers, clients, and the general public.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Computer Science Degree
- #1 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024
- #2 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #2 Best Grad Schools in Connecticut 2024
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #7 Best Colleges and Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
- #7 Best Colleges and Universities for Economics Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$64K
Acceptance
14%
Graduation
93%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1415/32
Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Wesleyan University
Cost of Degree: $64,022Expenses: $20,850Starting Salary: $87,593Salary after 4 years: $124,008Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Wesleyan University known for?
Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Psychology
- History
- Economics
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Physics
- Education
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
Wesleyan University Computer Science Majors:
Emphasis on theoretical computer science
- BS Computer Science
- BS/MS Computer Science
- #3 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #5 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
- #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #8 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
- #9 Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #6 Best Colleges and Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #8 Best Colleges and Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
- #8 Best Colleges and Universities for Economics Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$64K
Acceptance
7%
Graduation
92%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1485/33
Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Amherst College
Cost of Degree: $64,100Expenses: $19,550Starting Salary: $115,087Salary after 4 years: $162,931Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Amherst College known for?
Amherst College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Literature
- Law
- Political Science
- Education
- Sociology
- Chemistry
- History
- Religious Studies
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
Amherst College Computer Science Major:
- Computer Science
- #4 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #4 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #3 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
- #5 Best Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #7 Best Colleges and Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #9 Best Colleges and Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
- #9 Best Colleges and Universities for Economics Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$59K
Acceptance
7%
Graduation
94%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1500/33
Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Swarthmore College
Cost of Degree: $59,328Expenses: $20,686Starting Salary: $96,711Salary after 4 years: $136,917Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Swarthmore College known for?
Swarthmore College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Communications
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
Swarthmore College Computer Science Major:
CS interdisciplinary options:
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Linguistics
- Psychology
- #5 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in New York 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
Acceptance
12%
Graduation
88%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1335/30
What is United States Military Academy known for?
United States Military Academy’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
West Point Computer Science Major Threads:
- Theoretical foundations
- Programming and software design
- Systems fundamentals
- Applications of computing
- #5 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #6 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
Other Rankings
- #9 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
- #10 Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #8 Best Colleges and Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #10 Best Colleges and Universities for Economics Degrees 2025
- #15 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
Tuition + fees
$62K
Acceptance
8%
Graduation
95%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1525/34
Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Williams College
Cost of Degree: $61,770Expenses: $19,230Starting Salary: $124,067Salary after 4 years: $175,645Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Williams College known for?
Williams College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Economics
- Political Science
- History
- Physics
- Religious Studies
- Chemistry
- Anthropology
- Philosophy
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
Williams College Computer Science Major:
Sample of specializations:
- Graphics
- Artificial intelligence
- Computer architecture
- Networks
- Compiler design
- Operating systems
- Independent study
- #7 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Small Colleges in Ohio 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Ohio 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Private Colleges in Ohio 2024
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #4 Best Colleges in Ohio 2024
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
Tuition + fees
$62K
Acceptance
35%
Graduation
83%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1445/31
Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Oberlin College
Cost of Degree: $62,024Expenses: $22,206Starting Salary: $62,862Salary after 4 years: $88,996Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Oberlin College known for?
Oberlin College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Political Science
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Psychology
- History
- Physics
- Biology
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
Oberlin College Computer Science Major:
- BS Computer Science
- #9 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #9 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #4 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
Other Rankings
- #10 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #9 Best Colleges and Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #11 Best Colleges and Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$62K
Acceptance
14%
Graduation
90%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1490/34
Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Wellesley College
Cost of Degree: $61,920Expenses: $21,130Starting Salary: $99,198Salary after 4 years: $140,438Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Wellesley College known for?
Wellesley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Political Science
- Physics
- Education
- Economics
- History
- Psychology
- Anthropology
Most Influential Alumni
Wellesley College Computer Science Major:
- BS Computer Science
- #10 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #10 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in New York 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2025
Other Rankings
- #10 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
Tuition + fees
$63K
Acceptance
9%
Graduation
92%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1495/33
Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Barnard College
Cost of Degree: $62,525Expenses: $21,884Starting Salary: $96,297Salary after 4 years: $136,330Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Barnard College known for?
Barnard College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Economics
- Education
- Political Science
- History
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- Physics
Most Influential Alumni
Barnard College Computer Science Majors:
- BA Computer Science
- Computer Science 4+1 BA/MS Pathway
- #11 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #13 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 Best Small Colleges in New York 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2025
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
Tuition + fees
$65K
Acceptance
19%
Graduation
92%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1482/33
Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Vassar College
Cost of Degree: $64,800Expenses: $18,810Starting Salary: $84,968Salary after 4 years: $120,292Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Vassar College known for?
Vassar College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Computer Science
- Education
- Communications
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Physics
- Philosophy
- History
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
Vassar College Computer Science Major:
- BS Computer Science
- #16 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #10 Best Public Colleges California 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
55%
Student body
30K
Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at San Francisco State University
Cost of Degree: $7,524Expenses: $21,601Starting Salary: $72,476Salary after 4 years: $98,900Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is San Francisco State University known for?
San Francisco State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Communications
- Philosophy
- Computer Science
- Social Work
- Political Science
- History
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
SFSU Computer Science Major:
- BS Computer Science
- #1 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #17 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #17 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon 2025
Other Rankings
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2024
- #1 Best Private Colleges in Oregon 2024
- #3 Best Colleges in Oregon 2024
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
Tuition + fees
$65K
Acceptance
31%
Graduation
80%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1410/31
Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Reed College
Cost of Degree: $64,760Expenses: $18,550Starting Salary: $72,810Salary after 4 years: $103,079Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Reed College known for?
Reed College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Anthropology
- Psychology
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Physics
- Economics
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
Reed College Computer Science Major:
- BS Computer Science
- #19 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #20 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #6 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
- #8 Best Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
Tuition + fees
$64K
Acceptance
14%
Graduation
91%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1485/34
Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Haverford College
Cost of Degree: $63,348Expenses: $21,120Starting Salary: $103,758Salary after 4 years: $146,893Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Haverford College known for?
Haverford College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Mathematics
- Literature
- Physics
- Philosophy
- Chemistry
- Economics
- History
- Psychology
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
Haverford College Computer Science Major Concentrations:
- Scientific Computing
- Mathematics
- #20 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #21 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Private Colleges in California 2025
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #13 Best Colleges and Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$59K
Acceptance
7%
Graduation
95%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1520/34
Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Pomona College
Cost of Degree: $59,238Expenses: $21,958Starting Salary: $106,797Salary after 4 years: $151,196Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Pomona College known for?
Pomona College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Religious Studies
- Biology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
Pomona College Computer Science Major:
- BS Computer Science
- #25 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Maine 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Small Colleges in Maine 2024
- #2 Best Colleges in Maine 2025
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$62K
Acceptance
9%
Graduation
94%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1510/34
Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Bowdoin College
Cost of Degree: $61,528Expenses: $18,862Starting Salary: $115,087Salary after 4 years: $162,931Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bowdoin College known for?
Bowdoin College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Economics
- History
- Biology
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Education
- Mathematics
- Sociology
- Earth Sciences
Most Influential Alumni
Bowdoin College Computer Science Majors:
- Computer Science
- Joint major – Computer science and mathematics
- #1 Best Small Colleges in Vermont 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Vermont 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Vermont 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Grad Schools in Vermont 2025
- #3 Best Colleges in Vermont 2024
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #10 Best Colleges and Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$62K
Acceptance
13%
Graduation
94%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1482/34
Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Middlebury College
Cost of Degree: $62,460Expenses: $19,800Starting Salary: $99,336Salary after 4 years: $140,633Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Middlebury College known for?
Middlebury College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Political Science
- Education
- Earth Sciences
- Economics
- Sociology
- Physics
- History
- Mathematics
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
Middlebury College Computer Science Major Tracks:
- Traditional
- Interdisciplinary
- #4 Best Small Colleges in New York 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
Other Rankings
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$64K
Acceptance
12%
Graduation
91%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1470/33
Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Colgate University
Cost of Degree: $64,290Expenses: $19,360Starting Salary: $112,047Salary after 4 years: $158,628Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Colgate University known for?
Colgate University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Anthropology
- Political Science
- Economics
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Education
- History
- Earth Sciences
Most Influential Alumni
Colgate College Computer Science Major:
- Computer science
- Computer science and mathematics
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2025 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Colleges in Colorado 2024
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
Acceptance
16%
Graduation
100%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1395/30
What is United States Air Force Academy known for?
United States Air Force Academy’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Political Science
- History
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Law
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
USAFA Computer Science Majors:
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Focus on programming, software engineering, and computing theory
- Cyber Science
- Data Science
- #1 Best Small Colleges in Colorado 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Colorado 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in Colorado 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Colleges in Colorado 2024
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
Tuition + fees
$65K
Acceptance
16%
Graduation
86%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1370/31
Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Colorado College
Cost of Degree: $65,028Expenses: $18,200Starting Salary: $68,941Salary after 4 years: $97,602Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Colorado College known for?
Colorado College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Earth Sciences
- Sociology
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Psychology
- Anthropology
Most Influential Alumni
Colorado College Computer Science Major:
- BA Computer Science
- #4 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Private Colleges in North Carolina 2024
- #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #5 Best Colleges in North Carolina 2025
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$57K
Acceptance
17%
Graduation
92%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1425/32
Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Davidson College
Cost of Degree: $57,090Expenses: $18,525Starting Salary: $98,231Salary after 4 years: $139,069Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Davidson College known for?
Davidson College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- History
- Political Science
- Economics
- Education
- Physics
- Anthropology
- Computer Science
- Communications
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
Davidson College Computer Science Major:
Sample of research opportunities:
- Computer science
- Data analytics
- Theoretical and applied mathematics
- Graph theory
- Game theory
- Sports analytics
- Virtual reality
- Machine learning
- Bioinformatics
- #5 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #4 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$63K
Acceptance
13%
Graduation
92%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1520/35
Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Harvey Mudd College
Cost of Degree: $62,817Expenses: $22,079Starting Salary: $143,962Salary after 4 years: $203,811Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Harvey Mudd College known for?
Harvey Mudd College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Engineering
- Biology
- Sociology
- Economics
- Political Science
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
Harvey Mudd College Computer Science Majors:
- Computer Science
- Joint degree – Computer Science and Mathematics
- Joint degree – Mathematical and Computational Biology
- #6 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Oregon 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon 2025 #3 Best Small Colleges in Oregon 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$52K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
79%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1319/29
Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at University of Portland
Cost of Degree: $51,812Expenses: $21,004Starting Salary: $86,349Salary after 4 years: $122,247Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Portland known for?
University of Portland’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Business
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Biology
- Education
- Communications
- Social Work
- Political Science
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
University of Portland Computer Science Major Specializations:
- Artificial intelligence
- Graphics
- Game design
- Human computer interaction
- Compilers and programming languages
- Networks
- Communications systems
- #10 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #3 Best Christian Colleges in New York 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in New York 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees
Other Rankings
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025
- #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025
- #1 Best Online MBAs in Sustainability
- #2 Best Online MBA in Economics Degree Programs Ranked in 2024
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in New York
- #6 Best Online Master's in Economics 2025
- #8 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
- #10 Best Online MBA in Business Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024
- #13 Best Online MBAs in Finance 2025
- #14 Best Online Master's Programs in New York 2024
- #21 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs 2025
- #3 20 Fastest Accelerated Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
Tuition + fees
$49K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
72%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1235/26
Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at Manhattan College
Cost of Degree: $48,658Expenses: $21,740Starting Salary: $97,817Salary after 4 years: $138,482Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Manhattan College known for?
Manhattan College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Literature
- Business
- Religious Studies
- Physics
- History
- Chemistry
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
Manhattan College Computer Science Majors:
- BA Computer Science
- BS Computer Science
- BS/MS Computer Science 5-year program
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025 #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025 #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
30%
Graduation
85%
Student body
23K
Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Cost of Degree: $10,319Expenses: $19,599Starting Salary: $98,445Salary after 4 years: $134,338Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo known for?
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Education
- Business
- Sociology
Most Influential Alumni
Cal Poly Computer Science Major:
Concentration:
- Interactive Entertainment Concentration
Otehr areas of focus sample:
- Databases
- Distributed computing
- Software engineering
- Programming languages
- Graphical user interfaces
- Operating systems
- Computer networks
- Computer graphics
- Artificial intelligence
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
60%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1286/28
Career Outlook for Computer Science degree at DigiPen Institute of Technology
Cost of Degree: $35,900Expenses: $18,344Starting Salary: $113,843Salary after 4 years: $161,171Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is DigiPen Institute of Technology known for?
DigiPen Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
DigiPen Institute of Technology Computer Science Majors:
- BS in Computer Science
- BS in Computer Science in Machine Learning
- BA in Game Design
- BS in Computer Science and Game Design
- BS in Computer Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation
Career Outlook for Students with Computer Science Degree
Go to Degree Finder toolComputer Science
Degree Level: Bachelor's
- Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
- Avg. Starting Salary*: $65,718
- Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $89,679
- * denotes ‘annually’
Career Salaries
Career | Job Growth | Avg. Salary |
---|---|---|
Computer and Information Systems Managers | 15.41% | $134,192 |
Computer and Information Research Scientists | 22.74% | $126,122 |
Database Architects | 10.00% | $120,910 |
Software Developers | 25.74% | $106,816 |
Information Security Analysts | 31.56% | $102,130 |
Average Career Salaries
Bottom 10% | Median | Top 10% |
---|---|---|
$58,606 | $96,828 | $146,134 |
Promising Job Markets
State | Cost of Living | Avg. Salary |
---|---|---|
#2 Washington | 7% higher than average | $130,691 |
#3 Virginia | 5% higher than average | $114,361 |
#4 North Carolina | 11% higher than average | $102,822 |
#5 Texas | 10% higher than average | $104,055 |
#6 Georgia | 13% higher than average | $98,844 |
Top Industries
Industry | Avg. Salary |
---|---|
Computer and Information Systems Managers | $134,192 |
Computer and Information Research Scientists | $126,122 |
Database Architects | $120,910 |
Go to all Liberal Arts Colleges for Computer Science programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Computer Science Bachelor’s Degrees
Computer science is a highly logical and analytical field that develops critical thinking skills applicable in all aspects of life. Moreover, computers are a constant presence in our daily lives, professionally and personally. Computer science majors have the knowledge and skills to understand how this technology functions, how to maintain and repair it, and how to make important decisions regarding the use of this technology.
The technology and application methods developed by computer science majors wield tremendous influence throughout the world, affecting key business decisions, supporting information security, and analyzing data. Today, top influencers in computer science are breaking new ground in artificial intelligence, data analysis, information security, and much more.
Back to TopComputer science is a popular major because it can provide pathways into countless fields and career opportunities. If you’re looking for a well-paying and secure job, a computer science degree is a great place to start. In the next ten years, computer and information technology occupations are projected to grow by 11%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With that kind of growth, job security is high, and so are salary rates, even if you only have an associate degree. The world runs on computers, and computers run with the help of computer science majors.
Back to TopOnce you’ve declared your major in computer science, you will likely be required to complete a set of core courses in a number of STEM-related subject areas. While your concentration will give you a chance to choose from a wide range of highly-specialized computer science electives, there are a number of common courses that most computer science majors will be required to take, including:
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Discrete Mathematics
- Computer Architecture
- Operating Systems
- Databases
- Computer Security
- Computer Network Architecture
- Computer Hardware
- Computer Software
- Programming
- Human-Computer Interaction and Design
Earning a degree in computer science can qualify you for an extremely wide variety of well-paying jobs in nearly any professional setting from business and healthcare to engineering and entertainment. Your computer science major can lead down a wide range of career paths, including these top jobs:
- Computer and Information Research Scientists
- Computer Network Architects
- Information Security Analysts
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Computer Programmers
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators
- Web Developers
- Computer and Information Technology Occupations
- Software Developers
Frequently Asked Questions About Research Universities, Liberal Arts Colleges, Online Colleges
In pursuing a bachelor’s degree, you will need to choose between three kinds of schools: research universities, liberal arts colleges, and online colleges.
Research universities are colleges and universities whose faculty are active in research and publishing. Research universities offer a wide array of doctoral programs, especially in the sciences. They tend to be big, with tens of thousands of students.
Do you prefer a larger university setting, such as largest public university in your state? Research universities are typically big, offering degrees in many different disciplines.
Is a big high-powered research environment the thing for you? If not, you should think about a liberal arts college. In deciding on an undergraduate institution, ask yourself what sort of environment will best help you to be happy and excel.
- Consider whether you are self motivated enough to be a face in the crowd for some classes and largely unknown on campus at a large university. Of course you can find clubs and friends at a large university, but often liberal arts colleges have a more personal quality to them. If you want the community feel, a research university may not fit you well.
- Are you interested in STEM fields? Research universities have that name for a reason – real research is happening there. This can create an exciting atmosphere for students interested in STEM. Attending a research university can give you a better chance of getting into better programs for graduate degrees, although a lot of that depends on your performance.
Learn more about research universities by reading about the best research universities in the US.
Often referred to as “teaching colleges” liberal arts colleges put a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree.
- Do you want your professors to know you? Liberal arts colleges strive to cultivate campus cultures that encourage tight bonds between professors and students.
- Do you want to feel like you know everybody? One of the most enticing features of a liberal arts college is that in very little time, you can feel like you know who’s who, which can create strong friendships and make walks across campus more fun. While your sports teams may never be on ESPN, it’s more likely that you’ll know the athletes as your peers.
Professors at these schools will typically conduct original research. Yet the best of these schools offer their faculty reduced teaching loads so that they can both be productive researchers and still have plenty of time for students (both in and outside the classroom).
Beyond student and faculty relationships, it’s not unusual for the school president and other administrators to learn who you are. When faced with problems with your student account or the need to switch classes, this can be comforting during a stressful moment.
Learn more about liberal arts colleges by reading about the best liberal arts colleges in the US.
Online colleges are typically the same colleges and universities you could attend in-person, but for certain degree programs the college or unviersity has made the degree programs available to be completed online. For over 5 million students, online degree programs allow students to earn their degrees in the most flexible format available.
Online degrees are as respected as the on-campus degrees you could earn from the same schools. There’s usually no distinction between the two degrees, and your degree and transcript will not say that the degree was earned online.
Online degree programs are offered by a vast majority of colleges and universities, and the number of offering continues to grow. Whether you are searching for an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate, there’s a good chance you can earn your degree online from a respectable online college.
- Are you a self-driven student? Perhaps the hardest aspect of obtaining an online degree is whether you will be disciplined enough to manage your time and course demands.
- Do you need the flexibility of an online degree program? Most online students study online because of time demands of balancing work and life, or because the online college affords them the chance to attend a better school without moving.
- The good news is that attending an online college doesn’t mean you will miss out on getting to know your professors and classmates. In fact, many online students who have experienced both online and on-campus courses report having easier access to their professors.
Many online students report that online college made them more disciplined in all areas of their lives, but the flexible, self-paced learning that makes online colleges attractive can often be the same qualities that make it difficult. If you tend to be a procrastinator, you need to be honest with yourself. You can change your habits and propensities, or you can throw money down the drain.
If you are serious about earning your degree for career advancement, online colleges make it possible. The most flexible options among online degrees are those that are asynchronous, meaning you don’t have scheduled times to meet with your class online. However, many students seek synchronous online degree programs so that they have some structure – set meeting times, scheduled exams, etc.
Since most communication with your professor is expected to be in text – via email or your class learning management system – it makes asking your questions easier. The same students also report that they got to better know the thoughts of their classmates. While in-person course conversations can be dominated by a few extroverts, online courses that require online discussions make it so that you see all of your classmates’ thoughts and questions.
If you’re interested in an online bachelor’s degree, check out what the best online colleges offer, or search our online degrees for the exact program that interests you. In either case, you will find well respected colleges and universities that offer online degrees.
Back to TopIf you think a research university may be a better fit for you, see our ranking of the best research universities for a bachelor’s in computer sciecne.
The Best Computer Science Schools in Your State
Learn More About Computer Science
If you want to know more about computer science, then check out our related content:
- Learn how to major in computer science
- Interviews with World-Class Influential Computer Scientists
- Find out who are the most influential computer scientists today
- Learn about computer science from our expert interviews with world-class influential computer scientists