Best Colleges for Computer Science in America

As a high school junior exploring colleges, I'm trying to find the top schools for computer science in the US. Which universities are known for having the best programs and resources?

This is a great question! Computer Science is a rapidly evolving field and it's important to find a college program that stays up to date with changes in tech and offers quality resources.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

MIT is globally renowned for its computer science program. It offers students cutting-edge research opportunities, industry networking capabilities, and collaborations with tech giants worldwide. Notably, it has come out on top in numerous global rankings for its computer science program.

2. Stanford University

Located in close proximity to Silicon Valley, Stanford is another titan in the world of computer science. It provides unparalleled opportunities for internships, tech start-ups and networking with leaders in the tech industry.

3. University of California--Berkeley (UC Berkeley)

UC Berkeley has a long-standing reputation for excellence in computer science. Their faculty includes a number of Turing Award winners and they're especially strong in areas like artificial intelligence and systems.

4. Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)

CMU has a diverse range of research in areas like robotics, programming languages, and human-computer interaction. They are well-known in the industry for producing graduates who are ready to tackle real-world problems.

5. University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign (UIUC)

UIUC's computer science program stands out due to its extensive research facilities, contributions to tech innovation, and the level of involvement students can have in research projects.

6. Harvard University

While not strictly tech-focused like MIT, Harvard's Computer Science department has produced several industry leaders and offers a strong curriculum paired with a liberal arts education.

7. University of Washington (UW)

UW has significant collaborations with tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon, providing its students a fantastic stepping stone to the tech industry.

Please remember that the "best" college is very subjective and depends on your individual needs as a student, such as classroom environment, extracurricular opportunities, cost of attendance and so on. Be sure to thoroughly research each school you're interested in to see if it aligns with both your academic and personal goals.