If you live in California and love computer science, you are probably wondering what the best computer science schools in California are. In this article, you can find things like how to choose a good computer science school, what are the best computer science schools in California, and what computer science degree programs they offer.
You will also find out what the best California computer science school rankings are and what the employment outlook for the best computer science jobs in California is. Keep reading this article to know more about the best computer science schools in California.
How to Choose a Good Computer Science School in California
To choose the best computer science school in California, you should consider your career goals, the school’s reputation, specialization, costs, and learning format. If you want to land your dream job or work for a top tech company in Silicon Valley, you should consider a degree at a top computer science school.
Career Goals
It’s important to consider your career goals when choosing a computer science school. Understand what you want to achieve and then see which school program offers that. If you want to go deep into engineering, then it is better to choose a computer science program that also offers engineering learning topics.
Specialization/Concentration
Some computer science school programs may offer specializations or concentrations. If you are interested in one particular area of computer science, try to pick a program that offers a concentration path in your preferred field of study.
Reputation of the School
This may not be the most important factor, but it does play a huge role in choosing a computer science school. The more renowned the school is, the better the education, curriculum, and learning outcomes will be. Consider also that it’s harder to get into a highly reputable school because of low admission rates.
Cost
Cost may be the most important factor when it comes to picking a computer science school. The more reputable the school, the more expensive the computer science program is. Lower-cost schools usually come with a greater admission rate and lower graduation rate.
Learning Format
Learning format is important if you like to have flexibility. Traditional campus learning is fine for most students. However, if you want hybrid or online learning options, then you need to seek the schools that offer them.
California Computer Science School Rankings: What Schools Have the Best Science Schools Programs in California?
| Computer Science School | Top Undergrad Program | Top Grad Program | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Master of Science in Computer Science | #1 |
| University of California – Berkeley | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences | Master of Science in Computer Science | #1 |
| California Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Master of Science in Computer Science | #8 |
| University of California – Los Angeles | Bachelor of Science in Linguistics and Computer Science | Master of Science in Computer Science | #10 |
| University of California – San Diego | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Master of Science in Computer Science & Engineering | #11 |
| University of Southern California | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | PhD in Computer Science | #23 in Computer Science |
| University of California – Santa Barbara | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Master of Science in Computer Science | #28 in Computer Science |
| University of California – Irvine | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Master of Science in Computer Science | #28 in Computer Science |
| University of California – Santa Cruz | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | PhD in Computer Science and Engineering | #49 in Computer Science |
| California State University – Bakersfield | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | Master of Science in Computer Science | N/A |
California Science Schools Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Science Schools Schools in California
To rank the best computer science schools in California, we used US News & World Report’s breakdown of the best computer science program as a guide. We also took into consideration the subject-specific rankings conducted by Times Higher Education, as well as factors such as graduation rate, acceptance rate, and affordability.
Best Computer Science Schools in California Explained
The best computer science schools in California include Stanford University, University of California – Berkeley, California Institute of Technology, University of California – Los Angeles, and University of California – San Diego. In this section, we provide more details about each school and the programs they offer.
Best Undergraduate Computer Science Schools in California
The best undergraduate computer science schools in California are Citrus College, San Joaquin Delta College, Bakersfield College, Modesto Junior College, and Yuba College. Most of these associate degrees are intended for transfer to California State University (CSU) for a four-year degree.
Best Computer Science Associate Degree Schools in California
- Citrus College | Associate in Science in Computer Science. This college has a 42 percent graduation rate and offers a transfer computer science associate degree. It requires 60-semester units or 90 quarter units for transfer to CSU. Students will learn about object-oriented programming and discrete structures within two years of study.
- San Joaquin Delta College | Associate in Science in Computer Science. This is an excellent school with a 33 percent graduation rate. It has an online learning associate degree program that requires a minimum of 60 units, which will also enable students to transfer to a four-year college or university. Students learn about networking concepts, programming, and database design in this program.
- Bakersfield College | Associate in Science in Computer Science. This college has a 30 percent graduation rate. It takes 60 semester or 90 quarter units to allow students to qualify for transfer to CSU. Graduates will gain practical knowledge to work in fields like computer engineering, and network engineering.
- Modesto Junior College | Associate in Science in Computer Science. The Modesto Junior College has a 31 percent graduation rate. It has an associate program that prepares students who like to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science at a CSU campus. It requires 60 units to complete.
- Yuba College | Associate in Science in Computer Science. Yuba College has a 29 percent graduation rate. To complete its associate program, the college requires 60 units for transfer to CSU. Students in this degree learn about programming, Unix system management, security, and more.
Best Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Programs in California
- Pomona College | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Pomona College has a high graduation rate of 94 percent. Its bachelor’s program teaches students about security, databases, natural language, operating systems, and artificial intelligence.
- Stanford University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Stanford University has an even higher graduation rate of 96 percent. Students in this program can learn about programming methodology or mathematical foundations of computing.
- University of California-Berkeley | Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences/Materials Science and Engineering. UC Berkeley has a 93 percent graduation rate. It offers a joint major program for students who want to study two disciplines of engineering to qualify for work in either field. Students at UC Berkeley will be trained for careers that need proficiency in both professions.
- University of California – Los Angeles | Bachelor of Science in Linguistics and Computer Science. This bachelor’s degree combines the core courses of general linguistics and computer science. It’s meant for students who seek professional computer science preparation but do not necessarily have a strong interest in computer systems hardware.
- Harvey Mudd College | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Harvey Mudd College has a 94 percent graduation rate and an 18 percent acceptance rate. This BS in Computer Science major combines aspects of theory, experimentation, and design. It covers topics in discrete mathematics, software development, compiler design, and neural networks.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Best Graduate Schools for Computer Science in California
The best graduate computer science schools in California are Stanford University, UC Berkeley, UCLA, University of California – San Diego, and University of Southern California. Some master’s degrees on our list are meant as terminal degrees, while others are meant for advancement to a PhD degree.
Best Schools for Master’s in Science Schools in California
- Stanford University | Master of Science in Computer Science. This graduate degree is a terminal professional degree, which means it can’t be used as a stepping stone for a PhD degree. According to College Factual, this degree is the 5th most popular computer science master’s degree.
- University of California-Berkeley | Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences. UC Berkeley offers this cross-disciplinary degree to professionals who want to build their research expertise. This MS degree at UC Berkeley can lead to a PhD or a position in the research and development industry.
- University of California – Los Angeles | Master of Science in Computer Science. UCLA is one of the top computer science schools with a 92 percent graduation rate. It teaches students advanced knowledge about computer system architecture, graphics and vision, and network systems.
- University of California – San Diego | Master of Science in Computer Science and Engineering. This university has an 89 percent graduation rate. It offers a degree with combined majors in computer science and computer engineering. The curriculum covers the fundamentals of computing, with emphasis on theory, hardware, and operating systems.
- University of Southern California | Master of Science in Computer Science. USC has a 93 percent graduation rate. It provides rigorous training in the principles and techniques of designing, developing, and using computer systems. It offers specializations, such as artificial intelligence, data science, and game development.
Best PhD in Science Schools Universities in California
- Stanford University | PhD in Computer Science. Students don’t need to have a master’s degree to get Stanford University’s PhD degree. If you want a more research-based degree in computer science, this PhD is a good option.
- University of California-Berkeley | PhD in Computer Science. This program is offered in 10 concentrations, such as human-computer interaction. Students learn about human-centered artificial intelligence, digital design, and fabrication.
- California Institute of Technology | PhD in Computer Science. According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Caltech is second-best among the world’s universities0. Caltech’s MS degree, which includes a thesis and coursework, is often conferred during the first two years of study as part of the overall progress toward this PhD degree.
- University of California – Los Angeles | PhD in Computer Science. This rigorous UCLA program has a strong emphasis on theory. It prepares students to become computer scientists. Admission to the PhD program does not require a master’s degree, and 50 to 80 percent of those admitted to the program had a bachelor’s degree.
- University of California – San Diego | PhD in Computer Science and Engineering. This doctoral degree is research-oriented and meant for preparing students for industrial, research, or entrepreneurial careers. PhD students who complete the PhD coursework requirements may earn an MS degree along the way. Admission to the PhD program does not require an MS degree.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Best Online PhD Programs
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Admission Requirements for Computer Science Schools in California
The basic admission requirements for computer science schools in California are different for undergraduate and graduate students. Most universities ask for school transcripts and prerequisite degrees. However, some schools require SAT, ACT, or GRE, but others don’t ask for these tests as part of admissions to a computer science undergraduate program.
Computer Science Schools in California: Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- Application Fee
- Standardized tests like SAT, ACT (in most cases optional)
- High school or college transcripts
Computer Science Schools in California: Graduate Admission Requirements
- Application Fee
- A bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution
- CV
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Academic statement of purpose
- Personal statement
Is It Hard to Get Into a School for Computer Science in California?
Yes, it is hard to get into a school for computer science in California. Most of the schools on our list have acceptance rates lower than 20 percent. For example, Stanford University’s rate is five percent, California Institute of Technology is seven percent, and University of Southern California has a 16 percent acceptance rate.
Easiest Colleges to Get Into in California for Computer Science
- University of the People | Acceptance Rate: 100%. This is the first non-profit, American-accredited university that offers completely online, tuition-free degrees. It’s easy to get in here because it’s a small institution with an enrollment of over 4,000 students.
- Cabrillo College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. Cabrillo College has a 30 percent graduation rate and offers various Associate of Arts or Associate of Science in Computer Science degrees.
- University of San Diego | Acceptance Rate: 59%. The University of San Diego offers a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science In Computer Science Degrees. It accepts students with an average 1250 SAT, 27.8 ACT, and 3.95 GPA.
- Chaffey College | Acceptance Rate: 100%. This is a public university that offers an Associate of Science in Computer Science program. These programs qualify students for a transfer to a four-year institution.
- College of Marin | Acceptance Rate: 100%. This college offers an Associate in Science in Computer Science that prepares students for entry-level hardware or software program and application design jobs. The AS in CS is a transfer degree program suitable for transferring to data science, robotics, cognitive science, or IT degrees.
How to Get Into the Best Colleges and Universities
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Best Online Schools for Computer Science in California
The best online schools for computer science in California are Stanford University, University of Southern California, University of California – Berkeley, California State University – Monterey Bay, and National University. The graduation rates listed in the following table are from the National Center for Education Statistics.
| School | Graduation Rate | Top Online Computer Science Program |
|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | 96% | Master of Science in Computer Science |
| University of Southern California | 93% | Master of Science in Computer Science |
| University of California – Berkeley | 93% | Master of Information and Cybersecurity |
| California State University – Monterey Bay | 68% | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science |
| National University | 34% | Master of Science in Computer Science |
The Most Affordable Colleges for Computer Science Schools in California
The most affordable colleges for computer science in California are California State University – Bakersfield, California State University – Northridge, and California State University – Sacramento. You can also find affordable programs from San Diego State University, and California State Polytechnic University – Pomona.
How to Attend the Top Science Schools Schools in California With Financial Aid
The top computer science schools in California offer financial aid. These financial assistance programs include Cal Grant, Golden State Education and Training Grant Program, and Middle-Class Scholarship. They also include Chafee Grant for Foster Youth and Golden State Teacher Grant.
Best Computer Science Schools Scholarships for California Students
- Cal Grant | Amount: $1,650 – $9,084. This financial aid is meant for US citizens or noncitizens that meet the eligibility criteria. Students must be California residents for one year and be enrolled in an undergraduate degree or certificate program. It doesn’t need to be paid back. It’s meant for students from Universities of California, California State Universities, or California Community Colleges.
- Golden State Education and Training Grant | Amount: $2,500. This grant is intended for California residents who have lost their employment as a result of COVID-19. It provides funds for upskilling, reskilling, and accessing educational programs to help professionals re-enter the workforce.
- Middle-Class Scholarship | Amount: Varies by student and by school. This scholarship is available to undergraduates and students who have a household income of up to $201,000 and seeking a teaching certification. The number of scholarships awarded is based on the number of students eligible for the program statewide and the funds granted by the State Budget.
- Chafee Grant | Amount: $5,000. Students who were at least one day in foster care as a dependant or ward of the court between the age 16 and 18 are eligible for this grant. The grant is not required to be paid back. Students can use the grant to pay for transportation, child care, and rent while attending classes.
- Golden State Teacher Grant | Amount: $20,000. The Golden State Teacher Grant is meant for students who are already enrolled in a teacher preparation program. To be eligible, students need a teacher preparation program that is approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. They also have to be in good academic standing and teach in a high-need field and priority school.
California Employment Outlook for Computer Science Schools
California’s employment outlook for computer science careers is high. California has an unemployment rate of 4.6, which is slightly higher than the average US rate of 3.6 percent. However, California has the highest employment rate in computer science occupations in the US, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Highest-Paying Computer Science Careers in California
| Computer Science Job | Computer Science Degree | Average Salary in California |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | Bachelor’s degree | $146,770 |
| Computer Network Architect | Bachelor’s degree | $129,240 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $119,460 |
| Computer Programmer | Bachelor’s degree | $114,740 |
| Web Developer | Bachelor’s degree | $94,060 |
Best Computer Science Jobs in California Explained
The best computer science jobs in California are software developers, computer network architects, computer systems analysts, computer programmers, and web developers. All of these jobs have higher than average salaries and good career prospects.
Computer science jobs can be found across a variety of popular technology companies, such as Google, Amazon, Hulu, and Microsoft. Furthermore, computer science jobs will require you to work as part of a team, so it is important you develop strong soft skills during your studies.
Does It Matter What Computer Science School in California I Go To?
Yes, it does matter what computer science school in California you choose. Generally, computer science and IT degrees are expensive, but some schools can be more expensive than others. Some are more recognized than others and offer a wide range of degree options with hands-on experience and practical training.
Additional Reading About Computer Science
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Best Computer Science Schools in California FAQ
Stanford University is the best Cal State school for computer science. It is ranked #1 in the Best Computer Science Schools by the US News and World Report. Cal State offers a range of bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs in computer science.
Yes, UC Santa Barbara is a good school for computer science. According to CollegeFactual, it’s ranked #8 in California. It also ranked 28 among the Best Computer Science Schools by the US News and World Report.
It is very hard to get into the University of Southern California computer science program. According to College Scorecard, USC only has a 16 percent acceptance rate. However, the University of Southern California is still a high-ranking school for studying computer science.
Yes, computer science careers earn good money in California. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a computer scientist in California is $68,510 per year. Furthermore, computer science careers are available in a wide range of industries, such as tech, education, finance, and sports.
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