Best Colleges for Computer and Information Sciences 2026
20 schools ranked by graduate earnings — real data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Computer and Information Sciences is a field of study that develops specialized knowledge and skills applicable across a range of professional settings. Undergraduate programs typically combine foundational coursework with applied projects, laboratory work, or research experiences designed to prepare graduates for entry-level careers or advanced study.
Graduates are well-positioned for careers across multiple industries. Career paths and earning potential vary depending on the specific concentration, graduate degree attainment, and employer. The rankings below are based on actual graduate earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, which tracks median earnings for graduates of each school-major combination.
When evaluating Computer and Information Sciences programs, consider accreditation status, research and internship opportunities, faculty expertise, and the school's alumni network in your target career field. The earnings data on this page provides an objective, evidence-based signal to help you compare programs by real-world financial outcomes.
Earnings shown are median graduate earnings 4 years after graduation (or 1 year if 4-year data is unavailable), sourced from the College Scorecard.See full major data
Top 20 Computer and Information Sciences Programs by Graduate Earnings
| # | School | Earnings | Tuition | Accept Rate | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA | $246,946 | $66,104 | 6% | 10,768 |
| 2 | Yale University New Haven, CT | $203,685 | $64,700 | 5% | 6,811 |
| 3 | Rice University Houston, TX | $172,391 | $58,128 | 8% | 4,562 |
| 4 | University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA | $164,612 | $44,524 | 9% | 33,040 |
| 5 | Swarthmore College Swarthmore, PA | $157,852 | $62,412 | 7% | 1,627 |
| 6 | Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD | $140,666 | $63,340 | 8% | 5,617 |
| 7 | University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville, VA | $136,620 | $58,014 | 17% | 17,315 |
| 8 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI | $135,625 | $58,072 | 18% | 33,488 |
| 9 | Wellesley College Wellesley, MA | $132,277 | $64,320 | 14% | 2,318 |
| 10 | Northeastern University Boston, MA | $132,227 | $63,141 | 10% | 15,719 |
| 11 | Northeastern University Professional Programs Boston, MA | $132,227 | N/A | N/A | 1,674 |
| 12 | University of California-Davis Davis, CA | $129,448 | $46,024 | 42% | 31,777 |
| 13 | New York University New York, NY | $129,248 | $60,438 | 9% | 29,430 |
| 14 | Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus Atlanta, GA | $127,253 | $32,876 | 16% | 18,260 |
| 15 | Stony Brook University Stony Brook, NY | $121,708 | $30,350 | 49% | 17,420 |
| 16 | University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, IN | $118,767 | $62,693 | 12% | 8,923 |
| 17 | Cornell University Ithaca, NY | $118,342 | $66,014 | 8% | 15,935 |
| 18 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA | $116,372 | $36,694 | 57% | 30,435 |
| 19 | Rutgers University-Camden Camden, NJ | $114,399 | $35,841 | 78% | 3,819 |
| 20 | Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ | $114,399 | $36,001 | 65% | 36,357 |
Explore All Computer and Information Sciences Programs
See earnings data for all 443 schools offering Computer and Information Sciences, including debt figures and graduate counts.
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Compare SchoolsFrequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in a Computer and Information Sciences program?
Look for programs with relevant accreditation, strong research or internship opportunities, experienced faculty with industry connections, and alumni networks in the careers you want to pursue. Hands-on learning experiences and career placement rates are also important indicators of program quality.
What careers can I pursue with a Computer and Information Sciences degree?
A Computer and Information Sciences degree prepares graduates for a range of careers depending on the specific concentration and any graduate study pursued. Review the program's placement data and alumni outcomes to understand where graduates from a specific school tend to land after graduation.
How much do Computer and Information Sciences graduates earn?
Earnings for Computer and Information Sciences graduates vary by school, specialization, and career path. The rankings on this page reflect verified median graduate earnings from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, giving you a school-level view of real financial outcomes for this major.