Is there a resource that exists to effectively compare Computer Science Programs from disparate colleges?
Much of what I have learned is anecdotal and am hoping to find some empirical measures to compare program strengths and weaknesses.
For instance, son has been accepted to following schools:
University of Virginia - OOS
College of William and Mary – OOS
Virginia Tech-- OOS
Villanova University
University of Delaware
College of New Jersey
However, some are more renowned than others for Computer Science. But if you asked me which is a better program that leaves a graduate in a favorable position to enter the work force…I would have no clue how to measure something like that.
When investing as much as our family will be, would like some pegs to hang our hat on…rather than throwing darts (and cash) at elusive targets.
Here is one method I have used, by no means perfect.
Take the USNWR ranking for the University. Then take USNWR ranking for computer science graduate programs. Take the average. This gives you a ranking of undergraduate computer science programs. UVA will the highest from your list.
I think this method combines universities’ overall strength (quality of student body, faculty resources) with strength of computer science faculty and reputations within computer science.
Other factors you may want to consider: ease of getting into computer science major (there may be a GPA cutoff or limited number of seats after year 1), size of classes, internship opportunities/co-op programs etc.
Thank you for the responses. Any other resources to consider?
I’ve been looking at this site, for my daughter who is interested in CS. http://csrankings.org/
IMO csrankings.org is not a particularly meaningful ranking for computer science undergrad. It is all about how well the faculty is publishing.
I
Sorry, but I completely, totally, wholeheartedly disagree on using USNWR for college rankings. It’s a gamed and paid system.
Go to college results dot org and slog through the data. It doesn’t break down programs but can help you determine which schools are strongest and can give you an idea of future earnings of graduates.
Other than that, call/visit each CS program and ask pointed questions about retention, job placement, etc.
CS grads tend to have great earnings potential providing they do a decent job in college. I’d look closely at costs when making this decision!
Out of these schools, I think Virginia Tech has the best CS program and is most respected in the tech industry.
Better things to check than rankings:
Don’t stretch your finances too thin- cross off unaffordable options.
Is a slot in the major guaranteed or will your student have to compete to get into the major
Use the majors tab on niche to see how many CS majors they graduate each year
Go to the department website and count the number of tenure track CS faculty per major (so numerator is number of CS graduates times four to estimate freshmen through seniors, denominators is CS faculty)
Look at class sizes in the department (course registration page might list maximum class size)
Look at department specialties – if your child wants to do cyber security, game programming, machine learning or some other interest, are there electives for that? (All your schools are fine for foundation classes)
Look for signs of a local tech community for internships
Consider the overall fit of the university, many kids change majors. Plus this place will be home for four years.