<p>We are in the process of narrowing down college choices. We are focusing on small colleges
(5-10K students) in the north/south east that offer a solid computer science/programming/graphics program. Any ideas?</p>
<p>For less well known colleges, you may want to check the ABET accreditation lists for computer engineering and computer science at [ABET</a> -](<a href=“http://www.abet.org%5DABET”>http://www.abet.org) .</p>
<p>While ABET accreditation is not strictly necessary in the field (some extremely well regarded computer science degree programs do not have it), it does give some assurance that a computer science or computer engineering degree program at a less well known school meets a reasonably high minimum standard. At some smaller schools (including some generally prestigious ones), the course offerings in computer science are quite lacking for students who intend to major in the subject.</p>
<p>5-10K is not a small college. You need to provide more info. What kind of stats does the student have? What can you afford?</p>
<p>Ideally, I’m looking for a college with fewer than 5K students. My unweighted GPA is 3.7; I currently maintain a 96 average in Honors Physics, and a 95 in Precalculus. I’ll have competed Computer Programming and Advanced Computer Programming this year (A+ in both), and will take AP Computer Programming and Calculus next year. Il take the SAT and ACT for the first time next month. </p>
<p>My preference for a college location is Virginia, North Carolina or South Carolina. I’m hoping to find a school that will give me a great foundation in Computer Science; I’m especially interested in Graphics, and possibly Cyber-Security. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!</p>
<p>Colleges I like that aren’t in your geographical area are Harvey Mudd (SoCal), Rose Hulman (Indiana), Case Western (Ohio).</p>
<p>You still didn’t say what you can afford. Mudd “meets demonstrated need” and Rose Hulman and Case have good merit aid.</p>
<p>I’ve been told by my guidance counselor not to initially focus so much on cost as schools sometimes offer tuition packages if they are interested. Just trying to formulate a list of 5+ schools in my target area that may be “hidden gems” in the computer science field.</p>
<p>Not taking cost and financial aid into account could result in the situation where, in April, you are left with acceptances only from schools you cannot afford to attend.</p>
<p>Your safety schools which you will be admitted to and which you can definitely afford are the most important schools on your application list (unless you use an open-admission community college as your safety, in which case you may not have to apply as early as with four year schools).</p>
<p>Put “net price calculator” into each school’s search box to get an estimate of financial aid.</p>
<p>I agree, that’s some pretty bad advice your counselor gave unless you’re from a family that can be full pay. Most small schools are expensive private ones and knowing if you could make one work with need based aid or if you need merit aid should be understood before constructing a list.</p>
<p>How about Lehigh, not in your chosen states but not too far. Union in NY would be worth a look. You really need to open yourself up to other states for good choices.</p>
<p>How about Rensselaer Polytechnic in Troy, New York, or Worcester Polytechnic in Worcester, MA? RPI is more well-known than WPI but WPI is an “up-and-coming” school. In the southeast the only superlative comp sci program I know of is Georgia Tech, but it’s not small.</p>
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Thirded. It’s true that some (not all) schools “sometimes offer tuition packages if they are interested” but what if the schools that interest you aren’t excited enough about you to offer a package? You need to find a definitely affordable, definite admittance school. :)</p>