Top Private Colleges for Computer Science

From my research, while he has some decent stats, all of the top colleges (definitely top 30, more like top 50) are a far reach. Therefore, we are more looking at colleges that are in the next tier which is where we are focusing our search. Right now it appears his top pick is Cal Poly but from what I can tell, that is a big reach as well with his SAT’s. It seems to me you need to be in the high 1400’s at a minimum for CS at Calpoly. He will apply but not counting on it.

He is considering UCD and if he doesn’t get in, going to CC for another year and transferring through the TAG (Transfer admission guarantee) program (He will already have a full year of CC finished including necessary math/science/comp courses by the end of HS). This is the way he can guarantee a top CS program at UCD and know that all his classes with transfer. Since this is an option, we aren’t considering out of state flagship schools.

He is now looking at Case Western, RPI, WPI, Rose Hulman as well. The benefits to these are they are smaller with great programs. Some that I am looking at as well are Santa Clara University, Calvin College, and Baylor University, the last mostly due to the strong faith component. He could get excellent financial aid/scholarships that would make Calvin College as affordable as UCD or Cal Poly. It appears to have a quality program although it is small. Does anyone know anything about the CS program at Calvin or Baylor?

My preference would be for him to start at a 4 year for the college experience, sense of community which is why even though UCD is the best CS program and he could be guaranteed to transfer in, we are still trying to see what other options are out there that would offer the smaller college feel, maybe even with a faith component, and still have an excellent CS program. It doesn’t need to be the largest with the most options but a quality program in what he will learn and provide internship/networking options.

@Alezzz: Pomona seems particularly notable for its integration of technology and the liberal arts.

https://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/us_4546120?ec_carp=8966564453160404108

Thanks, but this article is about WiFi in campus. I think that is not main thing about college

I agree, but the article nonetheless highlights Pomona’s Science, Technology, and Society program, which might distinguish Pomona as a school with a choice of courses beyond the CS offerings typical of many colleges.

Santa Clara University might be a good choice for your Son. It’s going to participate in USNews National Universities Ranking next year.

As WPI is a non-sectarian university, I wanted to share with you aspects of their project based program which integrate ethics, religion and philosophy with their major field of study. With these vehicles the student has the opportunity to design their program of studies to address these studies as real, functioning relationships. The IQP and the Humanities minor are key elements here. They are not just lectures.

For humanities minor see https://www.wpi.edu/academics/study/philosophy-religion-minor

For IQP see https://www.wpi.edu/academics/undergraduate/interactive-qualifying-project

If the student selects an overseas IQP, no additional cost is incurred for the overseas study up to an automatic $5,000 tuition credit. They are all over the world. They are not classroom exchanges.

WPI alumnus

@retiredfarmer Actually, as of last year’s class, every student receives the $5,000.00 scholarship to be applied towards costs of IQP regardless of where it happens. It does not have to be international travel. It can be done across the country or even in Worcester. Every new student gets the scholarship to cover costs sssociated with IQP (it can be applied towards other travel/costs as well - non IQP related depending on their academic program needs).