Beyond writing codes, computer science is a gateway to a whole new universe of possibilities! Whether you dream of building the next big social media platform, creating virtual reality experiences, or solving the mysteries of artificial intelligence, the right college can help you achieve that dream. However, the competition among the best computer science colleges in Texas is fierce, as 10 universities have earned a spot among the top 150 in the nation for computer science. Often students choose a college based on one or two criteria; however, our expert councilors at Best College Quest have considered the factors like ranking, number of faculty, research facilities, and campus and compiled an overall top 5 list of the best computer science colleges in Texas. Without further ado, let’s dive into the most extraordinary computer science colleges in Texas.
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List Of The Best Computer Science Colleges In Texas
#1. The University of Texas at Austin
- Austin
Cost of Attendance:
In-state
Out-of-state
$31,000-$34,000
$61,000-$69,000
University of Texas (U.T.) stands among the most esteemed public universities in the country, holding a remarkable 7th position overall and ranking 8th in terms of value according to U.S. News. UT Austin offers over 156-degree programs for the students.
The undergraduate program in computer science at UT Austin offers an array of six distinctive concentrations, from Computer Systems to Mobile Computing. With abundant undergraduate research and internship prospects, UT Austin is renowned for its diverse offerings. Remarkably, UT Austin ranks 10th nationwide for computer science.
UT Austin campus is 431 acres in size and is home to over 50,000 students. There’s a 1.5-mile-long trail that runs through the campus. UT Austin is home to Texas’s top computer science program, which offers excellent value to its students. One thing worth mentioning is that the university’s acceptance rate of 36% indicates the competitiveness to secure a seat.
#2. Rice University
- Houston, Texas
Cost of Attendance:
Average Freshman Aid Package:
Average Responsibility for Families Receiving Aid:
$57,375
$20,903
Rice University is a private research university located in Houston, Texas. It enrolls approximately 7,000 students and ranks among the top 20 universities in the nation. Rice is known for its strong academics, student resources, and quality of life.
The computer science program at Rice is one of the best in the country. Rice’s computer science program has garnered a multitude of accolades, securing an impressive 20th position nationally in graduate computer science and an outstanding 11th rank in programming languages. The undergraduate program offers both B.A. and B.S. degrees in computer science. The department’s research interests include algorithms and complexity, A.I. and robotics, compilers, operating systems, programming languages and more.
One of the things that sets Rice’s computer science program apart is its small class sizes – only 15 students! The college is situated in Houston, home to a thriving tech industry, which means there are plenty of opportunities for students to find internships and jobs after graduation in the same city. The campus of Rice University is a 300-acre, tree-lined oasis. The campus is known for its beauty and its unique architectural style. The only downside to Rice is the high tuition cost of over $70,000 annually. However, the high quality of education, small student body, and rich faculty make it worth the price.
#3. Texas A&M University
- College Station, Texas
Cost of Attendance:
In-state
Out-of-state
$29,684
$59,336
Texas A&M University is a large public university located in College Station, Texas. It is the second-largest university in Texas, with almost 75,000 students enrolled in 2023.
Texas A&M’s computer science department is ranked #2 in the state and #32 nationally by CSRankings. The B.S. in computer science is accredited by ABET. The department offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in computer science, and its faculty are active in research.
In addition to its robust academic programs, Texas A&M is also known for its rich traditions and vibrant campus life. On top of it, the university is comparatively affordable. The university also offers a variety of financial aid options for those who are in need.
#4. Texas Tech University
- Lubbock, Texas
Cost of Attendance:
In-state
Out-of-state
$28,022
$40,292
Located in Lubbock, Texas, Texas Tech is a prominent public research institution with a rich history and a diverse range of academic offerings. It is the largest university in the western two-thirds of the state. Texas Tech offers over 150 undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its six colleges.
TTU offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees, and the program is accredited by the ABET. The curriculum includes algorithm design, analysis, artificial intelligence, computer architecture, computer graphics, and more. The department has several research centers and labs, including the AVESTA Center, the Center for the Science and Engineering of Cyber Security, the DISCL, and the KR Lab.
Texas Tech boasts a lively campus life. The campus is large, and it is home to over 33,000 students. TTU comes with a moderate tuition fee for in-state students. The tuition fee is around $28,000 for undergraduate students in the 2023-2024 academic year.
#5. Southern Methodist University
- Dallas, Texas
Cost of Attendance:
Cost
$79,730
Southern Methodist University (SMU) is situated in Dallas, Texas. SMU is a highly selective university with an enrolment of over 10,000 students. It offers over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs.
SMU offers a Bachelor of Science, including programming, data structures, algorithms, operating systems, computer architecture, and software engineering courses. The department also offers several research opportunities for students, including undergraduate research projects and internships with local businesses and organizations.
SMU campus is 234 acres in size and is known as the “Hilltop.” The campus has a variety of academic buildings, residence halls, athletic facilities, and cultural institutions. Like Rice University, SMU is also expensive. For the 2023-2024 academic year, the tuition and fees for a full-time undergraduate student are nearly $80,000. However, the good news is SMU offers a variety of financial aid options. The average financial aid package for a student at SMU is $30,000 per year.
#6. Trinity University
- San Antonio, Texas
Cost of Attendance:
Cost
$50,712
Average Graduate Tuition
Trinity University is a private university located in San Antonio, Texas, with a total undergraduate enrolment of 2,500 students. The university offers more than 100 majors and minors and a variety of pre-professional programs.
The Computer Science program at TU is a four-year program that prepares students for careers in computer science, software engineering, and related fields. The program covers a wide range of topics, including programming, and software engineering. Students also can take electives in areas such as AI, machine learning. Another advantage is they can take part research projects with faculty members, work on independent projects, and intern at local tech companies.
Trinity has a vibrant student life, with over 100 student organizations, including fraternities and sororities, sports teams, and academic clubs. The university also offers several academic aids: scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment.
#7. University of Houston
- Houston, Texas
Cost of Attendance:
In-state
Out-of-state
$26,000
$38,000
The University of Houston is a public research university in Houston, Texas. U.H.’s total undergraduate enrollment was more than 65,000 (fall 2022). It offers a lot of undergraduate and graduate degree programs through 14 colleges and schools.
The B.S. program at UH is a four-year program that covers a wide range of topics in computer science, including data structures, algorithms, software engineering, operating systems, and artificial intelligence. The UH Department of Computer Science is accredited by the ABET, also home to several research centres and institutes, including the Center for Information Technology and Research (CISR), the Center for Research in Computer Security (CROSS), and the Center for Visualization and Multimodal Computing (CVMC).
The UH campus is a sprawling 894-acre (3.62 km2) campus and home to around 60,000 students. It also offers several student organizations, including academic clubs and cultural groups.
Final Words
Finding a college for Computer Science is not just about the rankings or the prestige. It’s about finding the perfect match, where you’ll feel like you belong and your potential will be unleashed. The best computer science colleges in Texas are like the Avengers of the tech world, equipped with top-notch faculty, cutting-edge research facilities, and a vibrant community of like-minded geeks.