Some of the finest private universities for computer science can be found in California. Because of this, I’ll be discussing the top private colleges for computer science in California.
Especially in a state like California, private universities have several advantages over public ones. Private institutions of higher education, for instance, often provide students with greater opportunities for experiential learning and tailored pedagogical support.
In addition, private California universities tend to have smaller class sizes, fewer students, and a much more concentrated curriculum, so you can avoid the drama that comes with attending a large institution.
Choosing wisely is crucial. Therefore, I have compiled a list of the BEST private colleges for computer science in California, along with additional information about why each is so highly regarded.
Leading private colleges for computer science in California
- Stanford University
- California Institute of Technology
- University of Southern California
- Harvey Mudd College
- Pomona College
- Claremont McKenna College
- Occidental College
- Loyola Marymount University
- Biola University
- Chapman University
- Dominican University of California
Private Colleges for Computer Science in California
1) Stanford University
Stanford University, located in Stanford, California, is a highly regarded private university in the San Francisco Bay Area. In the autumn of 2021, the institution has 5,752 undergraduates enrolled throughout its many campuses.
The 5% acceptance rate at Stanford University indicates how competitive it is to get in. Collegefactual ranks it as the #2 best in the US for computer science for a total annual cost of $55,473.
Stanford University is situated in the center of Silicon Valley, providing its students with easy access to some of the world’s most prominent information technology firms. The Computer Science Department at Stanford is one of the best in the country because its students work side-by-side with leading experts in the area.
Students have the opportunity to participate in research projects and internships outside of the classroom, enhancing their resumes for future employment.
Graduation rates at Stanford are around 95%, and alums may expect an average beginning salary of $70,400. The Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET has granted accreditation to Stanford’s College of Engineering.
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2) California Institute of Technology
When it first opened in 1891, Caltech — then known as Throop University—was located in Pasadena, California. One of the longest-standing claims to Caltech’s status as one of the top private colleges for computer science in California.
The Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Science (MS), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Science are all available at Caltech. The acceptance rate is quite low at only 8%.
Computer science is offered at the undergraduate level, the graduate level, and through a Master of Applied Science program. Caltech’s Department of Engineering and Applied Science offers a major in computer science.
Niche recognized the California Institute of Technology’s computer science program as #4 among the best private institutions for computer science, and U.S. News & World Report placed it #17 among the best computer science programs at national universities.
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Deep Space Network Antenna Array Operations Control Center, and other top-notch research facilities are available to students.
The total cost of attendance is $58,680. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology Commission has recognized Caltech’s College of Engineering and Applied Science as meeting its criteria for accreditation (ABET).
3) University of Southern California
When it comes to private colleges for computer science in California, the University of Southern California is among the top choices. It has grown from its humble beginnings as a private school in 1880 to become a nationally recognized leader in academic excellence.
The computer science program at USC is among the nation’s oldest and most prestigious. The school provides a rare combination of theoretical grounding and practical application that sets its students up for success in the dynamic field of computing.
According to U.S. News & World Report, USC is the 16th top university in the US for computer science. It is one among the most expensive schools in California and the United States, with annual tuition and fees of $60,275. There is an 11% acceptance rate currently.
The university’s reputation in computer science is high, therefore many prominent companies offer internships and full-time jobs to its graduates.
Graduates of the university’s computer science departments have also found employment in a wide range of fields.
The Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET has validated the quality of USC’s Computer Engineering and Computer Sciences program.
4) Harvey Mudd College
Harvey Mudd College is a private institution in Claremont that focuses on the natural and applied sciences as well as engineering. The school is widely recognized as the best private colleges for computer science in California. There is only a 13% admission rate, making it extremely competitive.
Harvey Mudd has a comprehensive degree in computer science, where students can study both theory and application. The computer science department at this school is rated as among the best in the country.
Harvey Mudd University’s Computer Science Department had its first graduating class in 1992. Since then, the department has grown to include 18 tenure-track faculty, many more adjunct or visiting faculty, and 5 support personnel.
The mission of the department is to give students a firm grounding in experimental methodology, theoretical analysis, and creative problem solving. Harvey Mudd graduates are equipped for advanced study and careers in their fields.
Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET has recognized Harvey Mudd College as a worthy member for accreditation.
Frequently asked Question on Best Private Colleges for Computer Science in California
Best Private Colleges for Computer Science
If you’re interested in getting a bachelor’s degree in computer science from a private university in the United States, you have a few options. The following list includes some of the top private universities in the country for computer science.
- Stanford University
- California Institute of Technology
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Princeton University
- Harvard University
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Rice University
- University of Chicago
- Cornell University
- Columbia University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Yale University
- University of Southern California
- Washington University in St. Louis
- Johns Hopkins University
- Northwestern University
- Brown University
- Harvey Mudd College
- Dartmouth College
- Vanderbilt University
- Northeastern University
- University of Notre Dame
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Best Computer Science Colleges in California
Some of the nation’s best schools for computer science can be found in California. Tech pioneers who attended these institutions are helping to shape the world we live in now. Listed below are some of California’s finest institutions offering degrees in computer science.
- Stanford University
- University of California–Berkeley
- California Institute of Technology
- University of California–Los Angeles
- University of California–San Diego
- University of Southern California
- University of California–Irvine
- University of California–Santa Barbara
- Claremont McKenna University
- Chapman University
- Harvey Mudd College
- Pomona College
Best CSU For Computer Science
The California State University is the state’s publicly funded university system (CSU). Around 55,909 academics and staff are employed throughout the 23 campuses and 8 off-campus sites serving the 485,550 students.
The California State University system was founded in 1960 as part of the California Master Plan for Higher Education. It evolved from the California State Normal Schools, which were established in 1857.
Over 110,000 bachelor’s degrees are awarded annually by the California State University (CSU), making it the largest producer of such degrees in the country.
Some of the top CSUs for computer science are as follows:
- California State University, Los Angeles
- California State University, Sacramento
- California State University, Long Beach
- San Diego State University
- San Francisco State University
- California State University, Fresno
Last Word: Top Private Colleges for Computer Science in California
There are several private colleges for computer science in California. Although each institution has its own particular characteristics, all of them offer top-notch training in this dynamic profession.
Therefore, our list of the best private colleges for computer science in California should be at the top of your list if you are seeking for top-quality schools with exceptional programs.