Have you heard that we have many computer science schools in Southern California? This article is for you if you have ever fantasized about enrolling at one of Southern California’s illustrious educational institutions like UCLA, USC, Cal State, or one of the many others.
Since I was a young lad, I have had a boyish admiration for the Golden State, and Los Angeles in particular. And I hoped that one day I might be able to go there. Well, I did! I was accepted to study at UCLA, one of the best universities in the world. I went after what I wanted, and I have no regrets about it.
Southern California is home to many colleges and universities, making it difficult to determine which ones provide the top computer science degrees.
With no further ado, here are the top computer science schools in Southern California.
Prestigious Computer Science Schools in Southern California
Gaining entry into one of the highest paying industries requires only a degree in Computer Science. However, choosing which school to enroll in can be difficult due to the abundance of options.
As such, I have included a selection of what I consider to be the finest colleges for Computer science in southern California.
Whether or not the school has received accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology is another consideration (ABET).
5 Top computer science schools in Southern California.
| SCHOOLS | ACCEPTANCE RATE | APPLICATION FEE |
| California Institute of Technology | 7% | $75 |
| University of California-Los Angeles | 14% | $70 |
| University of Southern California | 11% | $85 |
| University of California-San Diego | 37% | $70 |
| University of California-Irvine | 30% | $70 |
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena is home to Caltech, the California Institute of Technology. Since its founding in 1891 (under the name Throop University), this Southern California institution has consistently been ranked among the finest schools for computer science in southern California.
The institution provides a Master of Applied Science degree in addition to its undergraduate and graduate computer science programs. Caltech offers a computer science degree as part of its Division of Engineering and Applied Science.
Caltech is a private university that takes pride in the fact that it has educated many people who have gone on to make significant contributions to society. Among them are Richard Feynman, a professor at Caltech, and Linus Pauling, a chemist who has won the Nobel Prize twice.
According to data compiled by U.S. News and World Report, the computer science program at the California Institute of Technology ranks eleventh among all national universities.
The total price of attendance is $58,680. Caltech received its accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology on October 1st, 1963. (ABET).
Caltech’s high tuition and tough admissions process are two of its major drawbacks.
READ: Private Colleges for Computer Science in California
University of California-Los Angeles
Since UCLA holds a special place in my heart, my opinion may be slightly skewed. Institution of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a public research university that has been open since 1919.
Among the strongest computer science colleges in Southern California, and maybe the world, is at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Among the best engineering colleges in the United States is UCLA’s Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science. The university has a long history of generating top-tier professionals in the engineering specialties of aerospace, electrical, computer science, and mechanical.
A large number of UCLA academic members are engaged in innovative research. According to data compiled by U.S. News and World Report, this institution’s computer science program is ranked eleventh among all national universities.
Seventy percent or more of undergraduates graduate with high honors. Undergraduates have the chance to get practical experience through internships and study abroad programs in addition to classroom teaching.
Their in-state tuition is $13,268 and their out-of-state tuition is $43,022. Unfortunately, neither the engineering schools nor the computer science program have been accredited by ABET.
University of Southern California
In the area of computer science, USC ranks among the greatest computer science schools in southern California. Despite its private status and establishment year (1880), it has quickly risen to prominence as a preferred educational establishment.
In particular, the university’s computer science program is well regarded by the industry. Also, students who have completed the university’s computer science degrees have found employment in a wide range of fields.
U.S. News and World Report ranks the school’s computer science program at #23. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology has also recognized USC’s computer science program as worthy of its seal of approval (ABET).
If you want to pursue a career in computer science, USC is one of the best universities to do it.
Due to its exorbitant cost of attendance ($60,275 per year), it is among the most prestigious private universities in California and the United States. There is now an 11% acceptance rate.
The University of San Diego, California
Founded in 1980, the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) is a public research institution. Roughly 435 students have completed the university’s computer science degree program. In addition, graduates of UCSD’s computer science degrees can be found in high-profile roles at businesses like Google, Apple, and even NASA.
The academic offerings at UC San Diego (UCSD) are unparalleled. It also ranks high as one of the best undergraduate computer science schools in the state of California.
The Jacobs School of Engineering at UC San Diego offers top-notch computer science courses. There are many engineering and computer science related degree programs available at the Jacobs School of Engineering.
According to U.S. News & World Report, the department’s computer science degree program is the eleventh best in the country. There are a plethora of once-in-a-lifetime experiences waiting for college students at a university. Undergraduates at UC San Diego, for instance, can choose from hundreds of research projects, some of which offer stipends of up to $6,000 every semester.
The Computer Science Department at UC San Diego has not been granted accreditation by ABET. However, its alumni can be found in high places at Google, Apple, and even NASA.
Tuition for residents is $14,733, while it is $44,487 for non-residents.
University of California-Irvine
Located in the city of Irvine, California, the University of California, Irvine is a public research university that awards degrees in a wide variety of disciplines.
Both the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and the Rady School of Management offer Bachelor of Arts degrees in Computer Science to students who are interested in the field. Additionally, the Henry Samueli School of Engineering offers Master of Science degrees.
When it comes to computer science programs in Southern California, the University of California, Irvine is a top contender. However, the computer science program has not been accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Out-of-state tuition and costs for the number-28 ranked computer science program are $43,709, while in-state tuition and fees are only $13,955.
Is UC San Diego Good for Computer Science?
When it comes to computer science, UC San Diego is a top choice among California universities. The institution offers a solid CS curriculum. And we’ve graduated 435 students from our CS degree program.
There is a good job market for graduates of the program. There is a lot of evidence to suggest that graduates of UCSD’s CS schools end up working for places like Google, Apple, and NASA.
Is the University of Southern California Good for Computer Science?
The Computer Science Department at USC is excellent. Among California’s universities, USC ranks as the state’s second-best for computer science.
As a result of its reputation for excellence, it attracts students from all over the world. There is no better place to study computer science than this top-tier American university, which boasts a U.S. News & World Report ranking of #23 overall. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology has also recognized USC’s computer science program as worthy of its seal of approval (ABET).
Final Words on Top Computer Science Schools in Southern California
Although there are many excellent computer science schools in southern California, the top five for computer science are Caltech, UCLA, USC, UC San Diego, and UC Irvine.
The computer science programs at these prestigious universities are among the best in the world. And some of them have been approved by the ABET, or the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
These Computer science schools in Southern California are your best bet if you want to major in computer science.
Please leave a comment if you have any questions about specific educational opportunities.