Hi all,
We are just beginning the college search process with my son, who is just starting his junior year of high school. We live in Delaware, so looking for schools in the mid-atlantic region, northeast, midwest, southeast, etc. He is mostly considering Christian colleges, such as Taylor University, Anderson (IN), Cedarville, Houghton, Messiah, Grove City, etc.
But to compare, he wants to look at other non-religious or public schools which might offer a wider variety of courses, or be better academically. He is interested in majoring in computer science. Not sure yet what other area of interest, e.g. game development, cybersecurity, etc might be interests.
He is currently attending a top public/charter school in Delaware, so the courses are difficult. But his GPA will likely be @ 3.4 when the time comes to apply next year. (current gpa is 3.2/3.3), and SATs are likely to be in the 1150-1190 range, maybe 1200-1250 if he takes it a second time in senior year. A few ECs, nothing overly notable. We mostly likely will not qualify for any need-based aid, so are looking at possible merit aid. Family contribution can be up to $25,000/year plus his student loans at @ $5500/year. But that is really the top of the budget.
We’d like some recommendations on schools, initially maybe close to home so we can visit easily - but schools with good comp sci programs. He will probably apply to Univ of Delaware since its our state uni, but he would like to go away to college and not stay in-state. Since he is also looking at Christian colleges, he would prefer a school that is definitely not a party school. He wants to consider all his options. As of now, no preference as to college size, suburban or urban or rural is all ok, and has not narrowed down any other criteria. He would consider a LAC or a public state university.
Basically, what is a good computer science school for his statistics.We want to visit all types of schools.
Thanks for any ideas.
If you’re looking for a great Christian school, definitely check out Wheaton in IL. Grove City is also really good. Houghton is small. I mean, SMALL…the town has nothing within a 20 mile radius (not even a McDonalds!). I’m not sure that would be a good fit for a Comp Sci student. (I can’t imagine any companies recruiting from Houghton!). So although he doesn’t have a preference in campus size, you should visit a tiny school, a mid-size, and then a bigger one- and see if he forms an opinion!
Liberty University has solid academics, and a gorgeous campus- they are VERY generous with aid and he would easily get in…we send tons of students there from my school and they love it. It’s very social, but keep in mind a big piece (20%ish) of what they study will be Bible/Theology.
To look beyond Christian schools…some good Comp Sci programs at NC State, UPitt, Drexel, and Hofstra. He likely would have a hard time getting in to the University of Maryland- but should check out University of Maryland Baltimore County - their comp sci is excellent and it’s much easier to get into.
Other suggestions:
Appalachian State
Miami Univ of Ohio
St. Joseph’s Univ (Philly)
If you google “ABET Accredited Programs” you can find a whole list of Comp Sci. Good luck!
George Mason U might be worth a look.