Best Computer Science Universities USA 2026: Admission Requirement, Jobs Prospects
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Computer Science (CS) in the USA is a highly popular courses and lakhs of applications are submitted by international students for admission. Some of the best computer science universities in USA have been discussed about in the article below.
International students who want to study in USA and at the top US universities and pursue a course in CS will have to be very competent and should be high achievers. Computer Science course in USA is an academic program focused on the study of computation, information, and automation. It bridges the gap between theoretical mathematical models and the practical application of software and hardware systems to solve real-world problems.
The Computer Science (CS) course in USA are offered at all three study levels - UG, PG and PhD. CS in US specialisations are also diversified and available largely at US universities for study. For those who plan on taking up computer science course in USA can find more details in the article. There are top ranking computer science universities in US, their admission requirements and top job profiles. More details are elaborated in the article for reference.
- Computer Science Course in USA Highlights
- Why Study Computer Science in US Universities?
- Top Computer Science Universities in USA
- Admission Requirements for Computer Science in USA
- Top Jobs after Computer Science from US Universities
Computer Science Course in USA Highlights
| US universities offering CS course |
120+ |
| Computer Science Offered as |
BA, BSc, MSc, PhD |
| Average Annual Salaries |
USD 105,990 |
| Top Specialisations |
Computer Graphics, Data Management Systems, Security & Privacy and others |
| Top CS Universities in USA |
MIT, Stanford, Harvard, UCB, UCLA, and others |
| Top Job Roles for CS in US |
Data Science, Software Developer, Systems Architect and others |
| Scholarships |
Available |
Why Study Computer Science in US Universities?
Studying computer science courses in the USA is tough and getting admission to top US universities is even tougher. Since computer science is a popular course in the USA, there are various benefits to pursuing it. Thus, a few reasons have been compiled below to help students answer the question of why should they study computer science in the USA:
- All Ivy Leagues rank for offering a course in computer science in the USA in 2026.
- CS in the USA is offered across top US universities and offered at UG and PG levels of study.
- In terms of employment, CS jobs in the USA are likely to grow steadily between 2023 and 2032 and graduates from US universities will be preferred.
- Each year on average, 377,500 jobs will open up for Computer Science graduates in the USA.
- The recorded annual median wage for computer science graduates in the USA was USD 100,500.
- Various specialisations like Information Systems, Health Informatics, Web and Multimedia Design, and others can be taken up.
- There are various scholarships available for international students taking computer science courses in the USA. Thus, 25% can be availed in the majority of the cases.
Thus, there are various reasons as to why international students should choose to study computer science course in the USA. Based on the goal of the applicant, they can choose the specialisation of choice.
Top Computer Science Universities in USA
There are more than 100 universities in US for computer science for admission. To know about the top rankers check out this section. The following table compiles the top CS US universities that have been ranked by QS and US News for 2025:
| Computer Science Universities in USA |
QS - Computer Science & Information Systems Subject Rankings 2025 |
US News - Best Computer Science Schools in US 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| #1 |
#1 |
|
| #2 |
#1 |
|
| Carnegie Mellon University |
#3 |
#3 |
| #7 |
#17 |
|
| University of California, Berkeley |
#8 |
#1 |
| Princeton University |
#13 |
#8 |
| #16 |
#14 |
|
| University of Washington |
#14 |
#5 |
| NYU | #17 |
#7 |
| #18 |
#14 |
Based on the above-given rankings for top Computer Science universities in the USA, MIT is undisputedly the leading university that has been ranked by all ranking categories at #1 for 2025.
Admission Requirements for Computer Science in USA
Admission requirements for computer science students applying to US universities will vary based on study level. Check out the section below for more details:
BSc Computer Science Admission Requirements in USA
For those applying for an undergraduate course in Computer Science in the USA will have to fulfil the following criteria:
- Passed 10+2 from a recognised institution
- Applicants should have passed high school with certain subjects
- Translated transcripts and credentials evaluated if required of high school
- SAT or ACT scores unless the university is test-optional
MSc Computer Science Admission Requirements in USA
Admission requirements for MSc in Computer Science in USA are as follows:
- Bachelor’s in a relevant field of study
- GRE scores
- Internship proof
Documents Required for Computer Science in US
For those applying at the level of study for Computer Science in the USA will have to submit the following documents commonly along with the applications:
- Work experience resume
- LORs
- SOPs
- Admission essays
- Academic transcripts
- Along with these, English language proficiency test scores are also required:
- IELTS
- TOEFL
- Duolingo
- Financial documents
Top Jobs after Computer Science from US Universities
The following table throws light on the top job roles bagged by Computer Science graduates irrespective of their level of study in the USA along with the median pay as per the US Labor Report of 2024:
| Top Jobs after Computer Science in USA |
Entry-Level Education Required |
Median Pay in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Research Scientists |
Master's degree |
USD 140,910 |
| Computer Network Architects |
Bachelor's degree |
USD 130,390 |
| Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers |
Bachelor's degree |
USD 131,450 |
| Database Administrators and Architects |
Bachelor's degree |
USD 123,100 |
| Information Security Analysts |
Bachelor's degree |
USD 124,910 |
| Computer Systems Analysts |
Bachelor's degree |
USD 103,790 |
| Computer Programmers |
Bachelor's degree |
USD 98,670 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators |
Bachelor's degree |
USD 96,800 |
| Web Developers and Digital Designers |
Bachelor's degree |
USD 95,380 |
| Computer Support Specialists |
- |
USD 61,550 |
Note: 2025 data is yet to be released.
Other Popular Job Roles after CS in USA
The following are other job roles that are popular in the USA after getting a degree in computer science:
- Data Scientist
- UI/UX Designer
- Network Engineer
- Artificial Intelligence
- Video Game Developer
- Project Manager
- Computer Scientist
Pursuing a degree in Computer Science course in the USA can be fruitful for those who are looking for a career in the technical field related to software and computers. There are ample tier one and tier two universities in the USA which offer either a bachelor’s in CS or a graduate degree in CS or in some cases both.
In terms of ROI, the returns are profitable and due to the high demand in the market there is a great scope for those who have a degree in computer science in the USA.
Wish to study abroad and pursue a Computer Science course in the USA across the top universities? Sign up for Shiksha’s Topper Counselling. Or reach out to us in the comments below.
University of Texas at San Antonio is one of the best universities in USA and students across the world desire to study here. Listed below are some helpful tips for students starting their first semester in UTAS:
- Academic Routine: Build a practical routine for studies and make use of the academic resources offered by UTAS.
- Connect with Faculty: Students must build a healthy relationship with professors and is helpful with studies as well as job opportunities.
- Co-curricular Activities: Participate in events, clubs, trips, community organization, volunteering and more.
- Gym & Fitness: Fitness freaks can make use of the equipment at UTAS in order to build a healthy routine for themselves.
- Planning Finances: Since studying abroad is expensive, students must plan their budget and invest/spend their money mindfully while studying in UTAS.
International students must have at least a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 for UG and PG admission at Oregon State. Therefore, candidates are eligible to get admission to the university with a 3.5 GPA in their academics. Oregon State University GPA requirements are different for undergraduate and graduate admission. Mentioned below is the range of GPA required for Oregon State University admissions:
| Program | Minimum GPA Required (on a scale of 4.0) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 2.5 - 3.0 |
| Graduate | 2.5 - 3.0 |
Read about the Grading System in the USA
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
A score of 26 is a great start. Most good universities in United States generally look for student scores between 28 and 30. While the very best schools often expect a 33 or even higher. Always prepare well for it.