The best schools for quantum computing combine theoretical education and hands-on research projects in laboratories. As quantum computing is a fast-growing industry, it needs more educated scientists coming from the best quantum computing schools.
This article lists the best quantum computing colleges in the US. You will learn about the different programs they offer and how to pay for them. We also present to you the best-paid jobs you can get after graduating from the best quantum computing universities.
Best Quantum Computing College and University Rankings: Top 10 Quantum Computing Schools at a Glance
| School | State | Formats Available | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University | PA | In-person | 25 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | MA | In-person | 2 |
| Princeton University | NJ | In-person | 1 |
| Purdue University | IN | In-person | 49 |
| Rice University | TX | In-person | 17 |
| University of California-Berkeley | CA | In-person | 22 |
| Univesity of Chicago | IL | In-person | 6 |
| University of Maryland | MD | In-person | 59 |
| University of Oregon | OR | In-person | 99 |
| University of Washington | WA | In-person | 59 |
Quantum Computing School Rankings: Best Quantum Computing Colleges and Universities
The following quantum computing colleges and universities rank among the best in the US. The list includes Princeton University, which is ranked by US News & World Report as the best university in the US. We also include the programs in quantum computing each school offers.
Best Bachelor’s Degree Programs
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The Best Schools for Quantum Computing: Types of College Degrees and University Programs Offered
The best schools for quantum computing are those which offer graduate programs in quantum science. These programs often have access to quantum technology. The field of quantum computing requires a comprehensive academic background in physics or chemistry.
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If you want to launch your career in quantum computing before entering a graduate program, choose a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics or a BS in Chemistry. You can also get an Associate Degree in Physics and use its courses and credits as your foundation for a higher program.
Master’s Degrees in Applied Physics and areas like molecular chemistry and advanced computing already offer a course catalog that includes quantum science topics, both theoretical and applied. Researchers working in active quantum projects often teach these courses.
The PhD in Quantum Science allows you to choose an area of specialization like quantum computing and quantum electronics. Doctoral programs allow you to work in hands-on quantum computing projects using quantum computers in research centers.
Comparing Popular Degree Options
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Best Quantum Computing Schools: Other Quantum Computing University Rankings
In the best quantum computing schools, students learn the fundamentals of quantum mechanics, quantum devices, and quantum circuits. They also learn to work in the labs. Quantum computing university rankings help you identify the best schools and programs.
Best Online Quantum Computing Schools
- Arizona State University. The university offers two online degrees, a physics Bachelor of Arts and a physics Bachelor of Science. The BS program at Arizona State University includes online courses in advanced classical and quantum mechanics.
- Liberty University. Liberty University offers a fully online Bachelor’s Degree in Physics. The program takes three and a half years, and its introduction to modern physics course introduces students to quantum theory and wave properties of matter.
- Western Governors University. The university has an online physics degree that leads to a teaching license. The program at Western Governors University has courses that explore quantum science-related topics like Faraday’s law, Maxwell’s equation, and electromagnetic waves.
Best Community Colleges for Quantum Computing
- Elgin Community College. Students in Elgin Community College have to complete courses in atomic physics and quantum mechanics to fulfill the requirements for the Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Fine Arts, and Associate in Engineering Science degrees.
- Mesa Community College. Mesa Community College offers an Associate in Science (AS) degree with an emphasis on physics. Students can transfer the credits to a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics from the University of Arizona or Arizona State University.
- Northeast Texas Community College. The Northeast Texas Community College has an AS Degree in Physics with courses in linear algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. Developing strong mathematics skills is the first step to starting a career in quantum computing.
Best Undergraduate Schools for Quantum Computing
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology. One of the best universities in the US offers a Bachelor of Science in Physics degree. The program includes solid education in quantum physics to pursue a career in quantum computing.
- Rice University. Rice University offers a BS degree with a major in chemical physics. The program includes courses in quantum chemistry and atomic and molecular structures.
- University of Chicago. The curriculum for the BS in Molecular Engineering from the University of Chicago includes minors in quantum science and chemical and soft materials. It’s a great program for aspiring quantum engineers.
Best Graduate Schools for Quantum Computing
- Harvard University. The PhD program in quantum science and engineering at Harvard University offers advanced courses in quantum computing. Students from Harvard University have access to the largest 256-qubit quantum computer simulator. PhD students also benefit from funding for quantum computing at Harvard University.
- Purdue University. Students from the graduate programs in physics have access to Purdue’s Quantum Science and Engineering Institute. They can take part in hands-on research projects in quantum computing.
- Stanford University. Stanford University includes advanced quantum courses in its applied physics graduate programs. These courses include quantum materials, atoms, fields and photons, and quantum hardware.
Best Quantum Computing Schools With Dual Degree Programs
- Loyola University Maryland | Dual Degree in Physics and Engineering. Loyola University offers a five-year dual degree in physics and engineering. At the end of the program, students earn undergraduate degrees in both majors. The program includes quantum mechanics for scientists and engineers.
- New York University | Dual Degree Program in Science and Engineering. Upon completion of the five-year program, students get a BS degree from the College of Arts and Science and a BS degree from the New York University Tandon School of Engineering. It’s a great program for students who want a job as a quantum engineer.
- University of San Francisco | Physics + Engineering. University of San Francisco partners with the University of Southern California to offer a five-year dual program. It grants students a BS in Physics and a BS in another area of science. This program covers quantum mechanics for scientists and engineers.
Best Schools With Accelerated Quantum Computing Programs
- Queens College | Accelerated BS in Physics MS in Photonics. The Department of Physics of Queens College offers an accelerated BS and MS combined degree. Students complete the program in five years. It includes essential courses for quantum computing, like photonics and quantum information processing.
- University of North Dakota | Bachelor’s-Accelerated Master’s Degree. The University of North Dakota offers an accelerated five-year degree in physics. The main specialization area is photonics. Graduates are ready to enter a PhD program in quantum computing.
- University of Colorado | Accelerated Physics Degree. University of Colorado has a fast-paced bachelor’s-accelerated master’s (BAM) program that combines science with engineering. Courses include quantum reasoning and quantum computation. Students can apply for a doctoral program in quantum computing within five years.
Easy Colleges to Get Into
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Is Graduate School for Quantum Computing Worth It?
Yes, it is worth going to graduate school for quantum computing. Quantum computers solve computing problems faster than classical computers. Currently, quantum computers are unstable and can’t do much, but the expectations are high.
Public institutions and private companies are investing billions of dollars in quantum computing research and the development of quantum computers with quantum error-correction systems. There is an increasing demand for quantum computing grads to advance this frontier of engineering.
A student aspiring to become an accomplished researcher needs a doctoral education. Typically, a quantum computing researcher has more than seven years of higher-level education and experience working in a quantum nanoelectronics laboratory.
What Jobs Can You Do With a Quantum Computing Degree?
The jobs you can do with a quantum computing degree are materials engineer, chemical engineer, and computational physicist. The schools offering the best graduate programs in chemistry and physics with specialization in quantum science prepare you for those jobs.
Getting a job in quantum computing is an endeavor that requires at least an undergraduate degree in science or engineering. A Bachelor of Science in Physics or a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry is the best way to start a career in quantum information.
How Much Can I Earn With a Degree in Quantum Computing?
Someone with a Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Science earns $80,000 per year. However, the earning potential is high. For example, those with a Master’s Degree in Materials Science earn $86,000 yearly. Moreover, graduates with physical sciences degrees, like PhD holders with a physical chemistry degree, earn an annual salary of $106,000 while being in charge of research and development.
Highest-Paying Quantum Computing Careers
| Profession | Minimum Education | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Quantum Information Physicist | Doctoral or professional degree | $152,430 |
| Computational Physicist | Doctoral or professional degree | $152,430 |
| Quantum Cosmologist | Doctoral or professional degree | $147,450 |
| Optical and Radio Astronomer | Doctoral or professional degree | $147,450 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist | Master’s degree | $131,490 |
| Quantum Software Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $110,140 |
| Chemical Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $105,550 |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist | Bachelor’s degree | $102,270 |
| Materials Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $98,300 |
| Chemist and Materials Scientist | Bachelor’s degree | $79,430 |
Best Jobs With a Quantum Computing Degree
The best jobs with a quantum computing degree are computational physicist, quantum information physicist, and quantum software engineer. Jobs in the quantum computing field that are available to you differ by degree level and previous experience. PhD jobs are the best paid but require extensive education.
How Can I Pay for Quantum Computing School?
You can pay for quantum computing school by getting a scholarship, a grant, or a loan from the US Department of Education (USDE). Some schools offer employment for online or on-campus jobs. You can also pay out of pocket.
- Scholarships. Different organizations offer scholarships that might apply to you. The US Military offers full or partial scholarships for service members and their families. Philanthropic foundations also offer scholarships for STEM students.
- Grants. There are full-tuition grants for extraordinary students with excellent academic performance in previous degrees. They are given by foundations, the government, or the school itself.
- Loan from the USDE. You can apply for a PLUS loan from the US Department of Education. They have different payment plans and discounts according to your payment capacity and school of choice.
- Employment. Many schools offer remote or on-campus jobs for students who want to pay tuition with employment. These jobs include science teaching positions and graduate assistantships.
How to Pay for Your Chosen School Education Path
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Choosing the Best Quantum Computing School for You
To choose the best quantum computing school for you, you should consider your employment outcomes and career goals. Some schools offer curricular content that matches the requirements of the job you want after graduation.
The reputation of your school of choice is relevant to employers and admission to postdoctoral programs. Such reputation is often reflected in the program’s cost, but there are different ways to finance your education without paying out of pocket.
Career Goals
The quantum computing school that you choose should match your career goals. Some schools offer a curriculum that is geared toward research. Other schools prepare you to get a job in the private industry right after graduation.
Employment Outcomes
Not all the specializations or concentration options each school offers will secure you a position in the job market. Some schools only focus on the theoretical aspects of quantum science. Others focus on the practical application of quantum computing.
Curricular Content
Some physics departments have an extensive catalog of quantum computing courses. Other schools only offer a few courses related to quantum science. Choose the schools that offer an entire specialization or concentration area in quantum computing.
Reputation of School
Employers favor students from quantum computing schools with a higher reputation. You will rank better in the job market and access better-paid positions. Schools with an excellent reputation have teachers recognized as top researchers in quantum computing.
Cost
Quantum computing programs from private universities with high reputations are more expensive than public schools. However, you can finance a program in your school of choice with scholarships or merit-based grants. The USDE also offers financing options.
How to Get Into the Right School for Your Profession
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Does It Matter What College I Go to for Quantum Computing?
Yes, it does matter what college you go to for quantum computing. Some colleges have quantum research centers on or near their campus, like Purdue’s Quantum Science and Engineering Institute.
There are also universities with close relationships with the private industry, such as the partnership between Princeton University and IBM Quantum. Each university offers a distinct set of quantum science courses. Choose the one with the curriculum that interests you the most.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Quantum Computing University Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Schools for Quantum Computing
We ranked the best quantum computing schools by consulting the university rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education. To further refine our quantum computing university ranking methodology, we gave special consideration to things like reputation, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and breadth and depth of quantum computing degree program offerings.
Additional Reading About Quantum Computing
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Best Quantum Computing Schools FAQ
Quantum computing is computing that applies principles from quantum mechanics to process information and solve computing problems. Quantum computing is one of the top 10 most interesting computer science research topics. This form of computing is extremely fast because it doesn’t use transistors like classical computers. It uses subatomic particles to move data.
Quantum computing can perform very simple mathematical operations. Current quantum computers are very sensitive to quantum noise, making their results unreliable. Researchers working for startup quantum computing companies and top tech firms are looking for ways to denoise quantum data and observe quantum phenomena. When this happens, quantum computers will perform incredibly fast.
Quantum computing is faster because quantum computers don’t use transistors like classical computers. Instead, quantum computers use subatomic particles that move information extremely fast with very little energy use.
Quantum computing matters because once physicists make quantum computers reliable, they will solve computing problems extremely fast. One of the first expected applications from quantum computers is to understand chemical reactions to produce enhanced fertilizers. Quantum computing is also considered one of the top new trends in technology for the future.
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