When you’re enrolled in a small Computer science college at a liberal arts college, you’re more likely to find fellow students who share your enthusiasm for computing and technology, making for a more personal and encouraging learning environment.
Some of the best small colleges for computer science majors are schools where you may get to know your professors and department staff on a more personal level and form lasting bonds with your classmates.
What are the best small colleges for computer science majors? For computer science, Caltech is unrivaled as the greatest small college in the United States. The computer science program at Caltech is well regarded and has a good job placement record.
The University of Tulsa, Harvey Mudd College, Pomona College, Wellesley College, etc., are also among the best small universities in the US for computer science.
Why Small colleges are the Best for Computer Science Students?
There are numerous advantages to attending a smaller college or university. For instance, students who strive for academic brilliance often find that their needs are best served by attending a small college. The teachers and staff of the department provide each student a lot of individual attention.
Many tiny universities offer a more concentrated curriculum that helps their students excel. These schools typically have cutting-edge resources for their computer science departments.
Finally, many smaller universities with computer science programs give substantial financial aid to their students.
Best Small Colleges for Computer Science Majors
| Rank | School | Acceptance Rate | Median Salary |
| #1 | California Institute of Technology | 7% | $82,900 |
| #2 | The University of Tulsa | 69% | $62,400 |
| #3 | Harvey Mudd College | 18% | $83,100 |
| #4 | Pomona College | 9% | $57,500 |
| #5 | Wellesley College | 20% | $60,752 |
| #6 | DigiPen Institute of Technology | 38% | $50,200 |
| #7 | Swarthmore College | 9% | $61,900 |
| #8 | Williams College | 15% | $58,800 |
| #9 | Grinnell College | 19% | $47,900 |
| #10 | Carleton College | 21% | $53,500 |
1) The California Institute of Technology
When it first opened in 1891, Caltech (then known as Throop University) in Pasadena was a different institution completely. For its outstanding computer science program, we rank Caltech first among small colleges.
A Bachelor of Science, a Master of Science, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science are all available at Caltech. The admittance rate at California Institute of Technology is among the lowest of any top-tier university at only 7%. In the upcoming 2020-fall semester, there will be a total of 2,240 students enrolled at the institution, making the student-to-teacher ratio 3:1.
One can earn a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, a Master’s degree, or even a Master of Applied Science in the field. In the Division of Engineering and Applied Science at Caltech, students can major in computer science.
According to CS Rankings, Caltech has the #67 best computer science program worldwide. According to U.S. News & World Report, Caltech is the ninth greatest university in the United States.
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Deep Space Network Antenna Array Operations Control Center at NASA are just two of the world-class research facilities to which students have access.
Overall costs amount to $58,680 per year. The Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET has granted accreditation to Caltech’s College of Engineering and Applied Science.
READ: Top 5 Best Colleges for Computer Science in Nevada
2) The University of Tulsa
Founded in 1894, UT is a private institution with a campus in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The University of Tulsa has earned a reputation as one of the nation’s top small colleges for computer science.
Tulsa’s 10:1 student-to-professor ratio means smaller classes and more one-on-one time with teachers. The admittance percentage at Tulsa is 69%, therefore the school is picky about who they let in. There are 3,960 students enrolled at the institution.
Tulsa is a great place to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science. The school’s reputation for computer science prowess dates back to the dawn of computer technology. The instructors are among the best and brightest in the industry.
According to CS Rankings, the University of Tulsa offers students a quality education in computer science, as it is regarded as the #146 best university in the country for computer science. U.S. News & World Report also ranked the school as #136 among national universities.
Tulsa provides an excellent education that will set its students up for a rewarding career in the field of computer science. The computer science degree is certified by ABET’s Accreditation Computing Accreditation Commission and costs a total of $44,838 to complete.
Excellent post-graduation job prospects are just one of the many benefits that students of this institution can enjoy.
3) Harvey Mudd University
Harvey Mudd College is a private institution in Claremont that focuses on the natural and applied sciences as well as engineering. When it comes to studying computer science, this school ranks well in California. Only 18% of those who apply are actually accepted.
With only eight pupils for every faculty member, the school is able to foster strong bonds between its student body and its academic community. With 854 students enrolled in the autumn of 2020, Harvey Mudd is among the top small colleges for computer science.
Harvey Mudd University’s Computer Science Department had its first graduating class in 1992. There have been several additions to the faculty since then, and now the department is home to 18 tenure-track professors, a sizable contingent of adjuncts, and 5 support personnel.
The mission of the department is to give students a firm grasp of experimental methods, theoretical frameworks, and creative problem-solving. The Harvey Mudd College curriculum prepares its students exceptionally well for further academic study and professional careers in the Field.
Harvey Mudd has a comprehensive degree in computer science, where students can study both theory and application. U.S. News & World Report ranks it as the 61st best value school and the 28th best national liberal arts institution.
Unfortunately, Harvey Mudd College does not have an ABET-accredited computer science curriculum. However, ABET’s Computing Accreditation Commission has granted approval for the Engineering major.
4) Pomona University
Pomona College, in the city of Claremont, California, is a private institution of higher education. One of The Claremont Colleges’ five undergraduate institutions. The active and collaborative learning environment at Pomona College places it among the top small colleges for computer science in the United States.
The acceptance rate at prestigious Pomona College is just 9%. In the coming fall of 2020, it will house a total of 1477 students. Total tuition and expenses are a whopping $56,686 per year, making this a very pricey option. U.S. News & World Report ranks Pomona College as the number four liberal arts college in the country and the number three best value school.
The average class size at the university is 20, and the student-to-teacher ratio is 7:1. In addition to its Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Pomona College also offers a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science, and a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Computer Science.
Pomona College offers exchange programs with several universities across the world, including Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, and the KU Leuven University Centre in Belgium.
If you study computer science in college, you’ll develop analytical abilities and learn to assess solutions critically. You will also get an understanding of computer science’s foundational concepts, including systems, theory, and algorithms.
One potential drawback to Pomona College is that its CS major has not yet been approved by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Frequently Asked Question on Best Small Colleges for Computer Science
Best Liberal Arts Colleges For Computer Science
- Williams College
- Amherst College
- Swarthmore College
- Bowdoin College
- Middlebury College
- Pomona College
- Claremont McKenna College
- Harvey Mudd College
- Carleton College
- Grinnell College
READ: Top 5 Best Computer Science Colleges in Southern California
What are the Best Private Colleges For Computer Science?
Most of the world’s top private universities in the field of computer science can be found in California. For this reason, I have compiled a list of the top private colleges in California offering degrees in computer science.
- Stanford University
- California Institute of Technology
- University of Southern California
- Harvey Mudd College
- Pomona College
- Claremont McKenna College
Best Colleges in the USA for Bsc in Computer Science
This is a must-read for everyone in search of the best schools for computer science in the United States:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Stanford University
- University of California -Berkeley
- University of Illinois -Urbana-Champaign
- Cornell University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- University of Washington
- Princeton University
- University of Texas -Austin
- California Institute of Technology
What are the Best Colleges for Computer Science in California?
Do you want to know which California universities provide the best computer science programs? Top 6 are listed here.
- University of California – Berkeley
- Stanford University
- University of California – San Diego
- University of California – Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- California Institute of Technology
Conclusion on The Best Small Colleges for Computer Science
Computer science students can choose from a wide variety of universities. There are many great small colleges for computer science out there, but the ones highlighted here stand out for their close-knit communities, dedicated faculty and staff, and wide range of research and professional development opportunities they provide their students.