Top 10 Universities for Computer Science in the USA

Leaving your home country to settle in a new one can feel daunting, right? But it has been rightly remarked that growth happens outside your comfort zone. Hello Study Global has summated a list of the Top 10 Universities for Computer Science in the USA, making it easy to choose your next dream destination. The USA is known for its cutting-edge research, technological innovation, and strong industry connections. One can also get a permanent or temporary work permit in the USA if recommended by the employer.

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Here is a list of the Top 10 Universities for Computer Science in the USA according to the QS World Rankings 2025:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

MIT is ranked 1 globally for Computer Science. It offers an outstanding curriculum focusing on foundational theory, AI, machine learning, and robotics. Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art labs and entrepreneurial opportunities. The cost of attendance is around $79,850 per year.

• Global Ranking: 1

• Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

• Acceptance Rate: Around 7 per cent, according to the guide

2. Stanford University

Stanford holds the 2nd rank globally. Its Computer Science curriculum blends theory, systems, and interdisciplinary studies, offering AI and data science specializations. Situated in Silicon Valley, it provides excellent internship and job opportunities. The cost of attendance is about $78,218 per year.

• Global Ranking: 2

• Location: Stanford, California

• Acceptance Rate: Around 4 per cent, according to the guide

3. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)

CMU ranks three globally and is famous for specialized CS tracks like AI, software engineering, and security. The program is research-intensive with strong industry alignment. The cost of attendance is approximately $77,000 per year.

• Global Ranking: 3

• Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• Acceptance Rate: Around 15 per cent, according to the guide

4. Harvard University

Harvard is ranked 7 globally with a perfect employer reputation score. Its curriculum focuses on foundational theories and emerging fields like quantum computing. Tuition and living costs total around $78,200 annually.

• Global Ranking: 7

• Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

• Acceptance Rate: Around 4.5 per cent, according to the guide

5. University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

UCB is ranked 8 globally. Its Computer Science program is known for its strong theoretical foundation and software systems tied to Bay Area tech industries. The cost for out-of-state and international students is approximately $45,000 per year.

• Global Ranking: 8

• Location: Berkeley, California

• Acceptance Rate: Around 15 per cent, according to the guide

6. Princeton University

Princeton ranks 13 globally and emphasizes theoretical CS, algorithms, and machine learning. It has a strong research culture with faculty guidance. The total cost is about $78,000 annually.

• Global Ranking: 13

• Location: Princeton, New Jersey

• Acceptance Rate: Around 5.5 per cent, according to the guide

7. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

UCLA is ranked 16 globally. Its curriculum covers systems, AI, and theory, with research and internship opportunities in California’s tech sector. Costs for out-of-state/international students reach about $43,000 per year.

• Global Ranking: 16

• Location: Los Angeles, California

• Acceptance Rate: Around 12 per cent, according to the guide

8. New York University (NYU)

NYU is ranked 17 globally, offering versatile CS programs with strengths in AI and data science, and is located in a central global tech hub. The cost of attendance is about $60,000 per year.

• Global Ranking: 17

• Location: New York City, New York

• Acceptance Rate: Around 16 per cent, according to the guide

9. Cornell University

Cornell is ranked 18 globally. The CS program is strong in AI, systems, and computational biology, costing nearly $60,000 annually.

• Global Ranking: 18

• Location: Ithaca, New York

• Acceptance Rate: Around 10 per cent, according to the guide

10. University of Washington (UW)

UW ranks 19 globally and is known for AI, data science, and software engineering research. It maintains strong ties to Seattle’s tech industry. Cost of attendance for out-of-state/international students is around $40,000 per year.

• Global Ranking: 19

• Location: Seattle, Washington

• Acceptance Rate: Around 50 per cent, according to the guide

Conclusion

Many things affect the choice of university, including its programs, research facilities, place, cost and whether you can enrol. America’s leading universities, such as MIT, Stanford, and Carnegie Mellon, provide excellent education linked to industry. Nevertheless, they are costly and not easy to enter. UC Berkeley and the University of Washington are public schools that offer valuable programs for a low cost. Identifying the key points of different universities may assist you in picking the college that best suits your goals in computer science. We know and understand that the application process can be overwhelming, so we are here for you. The study abroad experts at Hello Study Global are there for you every step of the way. From preparing for entrance exams to college applications, we will guide you to success. Feel free to reach out to us at Hello Study Global.

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