2026 Best Computer Science Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best Computer Science master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1091 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor evaluated schools to build this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Computer Science Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools:
Stanford University tops our 2026 ranking of the best Computer Science master's degree schools in the United States. Based in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. Stanford University graduates 92% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. The median Computer Science program debt is $10,399. Read more about Stanford University
The strong Computer Science programs at Brown University earned it the #2 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Providence, RI. Brown University graduates 96% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,312. Graduates carry a median of $11,500 in student loans. Read more about Brown University
A rank of #3 makes Massachusetts Institute Of Technology one of the top choices in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,396. Typical Computer Science student debt is $12,000. See the full Massachusetts Institute Of Technology profile
Cornell University came in at #4 on this year's Computer Science ranking in the United States. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. Cornell University graduates 95% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,314. Cornell University Computer Science students take on a median of $14,698 in debt. Read more about Cornell University
University Of Pennsylvania came in at #5 on this year's Computer Science ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. Students from in state pay about $68,686 in tuition and fees. University Of Pennsylvania Computer Science students take on a median of $13,500 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania
Duke University placed #6 among Computer Science schools in the United States. Based in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 97% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,758. Typical Computer Science student debt is $13,500. Read the full report on Duke University
Carnegie Mellon University did well this year, earning the #7 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. Carnegie Mellon University posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,636. Carnegie Mellon University Computer Science students take on a median of $21,442 in debt. Read more about Carnegie Mellon University
Harvard University came in at #8 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. Harvard University graduates 98% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,676. Typical Computer Science student debt is $16,616. Read the full report on Harvard University
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best Computer Science schools. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Computer Science students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Dartmouth College came in at #10 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Hanover, NH. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,019. Typical Computer Science student debt is $18,490. More on Dartmouth College
University Of California Berkeley placed #11 among Computer Science schools in the United States. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. University Of California Berkeley graduates 93% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Students borrow a median of $13,900 to complete their Computer Science program here. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report
Vanderbilt University landed the #12 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Nashville, TN. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,498. Graduates carry a median of $14,500 in student loans. Get the full Vanderbilt University report
University Of Washington Tacoma Campus ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best Computer Science schools. Set in Tacoma, WA, University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a public institution. University Of Washington Tacoma Campus graduates 63% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,168, while out-of-state students pay about $43,404. Typical Computer Science student debt is $16,151. Get the full University Of Washington Tacoma Campus report
Saint Martins University did well this year, earning the #14 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lacey, WA. The six-year graduation rate is 52%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,510. Typical Computer Science student debt is $14,667. Get the full Saint Martins University report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus did well this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. University Of Washington Seattle Campus graduates 85% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,118 in student loans. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Villanova University landed the #16 spot in the United States this year. Villanova University is a private not-for-profit school based in Villanova, PA. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. Students borrow a median of $26,184 to complete their Computer Science program here. See the full Villanova University profile
Southern Methodist University placed #17 among Computer Science schools in the United States. Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Dallas, TX. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,040. The median Computer Science program debt is $26,000. More on Southern Methodist University
Georgetown University came in at #18 in this year's ranking. Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. About 95% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $68,089 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $16,007 to complete their Computer Science program here. Read more about Georgetown University
University Of California San Diego did well this year, earning the #19 position. University Of California San Diego is a public school based in La Jolla, CA. About 86% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Typical Computer Science student debt is $16,550. Read more about University Of California San Diego
Northwestern University did well this year, earning the #20 position. Based in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Northwestern University graduates 95% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,322. Typical Computer Science student debt is $14,600. Read the full report on Northwestern University
University Of Maryland College Park landed the #21 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in College Park, MD. University Of Maryland College Park graduates 89% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. The median Computer Science program debt is $20,000. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus landed the #22 spot in the United States this year. Based in Atlanta, GA, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a public institution. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,058, while out-of-state students pay about $34,484. Graduates carry a median of $24,323 in student loans. More on Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus
Tufts University came in at #23 in this year's ranking. Located in Medford, MA, Tufts University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. Students from in state pay about $70,704 in tuition and fees. The median Computer Science program debt is $15,500. Read the full report on Tufts University
University Of Chicago placed #24 among Computer Science schools in the United States. University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. University Of Chicago posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,324. Graduates carry a median of $15,854 in student loans. Get the full University Of Chicago report
Columbia University In The City Of New York came in at #25 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. Students borrow a median of $20,397 to complete their Computer Science program here. See the full Columbia University In The City Of New York profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best Computer Science Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also made the top of the list:
Lehigh University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best Computer Science schools. Based in Bethlehem, PA, Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit institution. Lehigh University posts a six-year graduation rate of 88%. Students from in state pay about $64,980 in tuition and fees. Lehigh University Computer Science students take on a median of $23,854 in debt. More on Lehigh University
George Washington University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best Computer Science schools. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. George Washington University posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,710. The median Computer Science program debt is $19,500. Get the full George Washington University report
University Of Washington Bothell Campus came in at #28 in this year's ranking. University Of Washington Bothell Campus is a public school based in Bothell, WA. University Of Washington Bothell Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 65%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,919, while out-of-state students pay about $43,155. University Of Washington Bothell Campus Computer Science students take on a median of $16,118 in debt. See the full University Of Washington Bothell Campus profile
University Of Southern California came in at #29 in this year's ranking. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. About 92% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,647. The median Computer Science program debt is $20,178. Read more about University Of Southern California
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo did well this year, earning the #30 position. Based in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,161, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. Typical Computer Science student debt is $19,298. See the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo profile
Purdue University Main Campus did well this year, earning the #31 position. Set in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. About 83% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Typical Computer Science student debt is $19,375. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
University Of Rochester did well this year, earning the #32 position. University Of Rochester is a private not-for-profit school based in Rochester, NY. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. In-state tuition and fees average $67,080. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. More on University Of Rochester
Washington University In St Louis landed the #33 spot in the United States this year. Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit school based in St. Louis, MO. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $65,790. Washington University In St Louis Computer Science students take on a median of $15,500 in debt. See the full Washington University In St Louis profile
University Of California Santa Barbara ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best Computer Science schools. University Of California Santa Barbara is a public school based in Santa Barbara, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. Typical Computer Science student debt is $11,000. Get the full University Of California Santa Barbara report
Wake Forest University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best Computer Science schools. Set in Winston-Salem, NC, Wake Forest University is a private not-for-profit institution. Wake Forest University graduates 89% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,642. The median Computer Science program debt is $20,674. Get the full Wake Forest University report
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #36 among Computer Science schools in the United States. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Students borrow a median of $14,131 to complete their Computer Science program here. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Emory University placed #37 among Computer Science schools in the United States. Set in Atlanta, GA, Emory University is a private not-for-profit institution. Emory University graduates 91% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $64,280 in tuition and fees. Typical Computer Science student debt is $15,250. See the full Emory University profile
Colorado School Of Mines did well this year, earning the #38 position. Set in Golden, CO, Colorado School Of Mines is a public institution. Roughly 82% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $21,914 in tuition and fees, compared with $45,824 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Read the full report on Colorado School Of Mines
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #39 in this year's ranking. Set in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Students borrow a median of $21,073 to complete their Computer Science program here. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Boston University came in at #40 in this year's ranking. Set in Boston, MA, Boston University is a private not-for-profit institution. Boston University graduates 89% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $68,102 in tuition and fees. The median Computer Science program debt is $23,250. Read more about Boston University
Case Western Reserve University came in at #41 in this year's ranking. Case Western Reserve University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cleveland, OH. Case Western Reserve University posts a six-year graduation rate of 87%. Students from in state pay about $66,608 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,391 in student loans. See the full Case Western Reserve University profile
Seattle University did well this year, earning the #42 position. Set in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Seattle University posts a six-year graduation rate of 76%. In-state tuition and fees average $56,721. Typical Computer Science student debt is $24,980. Read more about Seattle University
Stevens Institute Of Technology came in at #43 in this year's ranking. Stevens Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Hoboken, NJ. Stevens Institute Of Technology posts a six-year graduation rate of 87%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $63,462. The median Computer Science program debt is $27,000. More on Stevens Institute Of Technology
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #44 spot in the United States this year. Set in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Texas A And M University College Station graduates 84% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. The median Computer Science program debt is $20,187. More on Texas A And M University College Station
Michigan Technological University did well this year, earning the #45 position. Set in Houghton, MI, Michigan Technological University is a public institution. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,532, while out-of-state students pay about $44,807. Graduates carry a median of $24,763 in student loans. More on Michigan Technological University
Worcester Polytechnic Institute ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best Computer Science schools. Located in Worcester, MA, Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. In-state tuition and fees average $60,765. Typical Computer Science student debt is $27,000. Read more about Worcester Polytechnic Institute
University Of California Irvine did well this year, earning the #47 position. University Of California Irvine is a public school based in Irvine, CA. University Of California Irvine posts a six-year graduation rate of 87%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. The median Computer Science program debt is $15,500. Get the full University Of California Irvine report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #48 spot in the United States this year. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Drexel University landed the #49 spot in the United States this year. Drexel University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Drexel University graduates 78% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,412. Graduates carry a median of $29,333 in student loans. Read the full report on Drexel University
University Of Georgia landed the #50 spot in the United States this year. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Read more about University Of Georgia
Related Computer Science Rankings
Compare rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Computer Science Schools (All Levels)
- Best Computer Science Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Computer Science Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Computer Science Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Computer Science Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Computer Science Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1091 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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