Update: This article was last updated on 5th February 2024 to reflect the accuracy and up-to-date information on the page.
Currently, the world thrives on the programs and apps created by software developers, who are well compensated for their work.
Interestingly, the highest-paying job in America is of software developers, with an average annual salary of $105,590, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
The success story has catapulted computer science as one of the most popular degree majors in the country.
In Texas, however, approximately 10 universities are listed among the top 150 universities in the U.S. for computer science, making it difficult to get into the best colleges for computer science, reports U.S. News.
| S.No. | Table Of Contents |
|---|---|
| 1. | What Makes Texas A Good Place To Study Computer Science? |
| 2. | University Of Texas - Austin |
| 3. | Texas A&M University |
| 4. | Rice University |
| 5. | University Of Texas - Dallas |
| 6. | Southern Methodist University |
What Makes Texas a Good Place to Study Computer Science?
There are numerous possible advantages to earning a computer science degree in Texas. The state provides computer science programs at various degree levels at colleges and universities around the state, especially in central Texas, Dallas, and Houston.
After graduating, if you remain in the state, you may have access to employment prospects through your relationships there. Additionally, you can gain from Texas’s higher-than-average tech pay and lower-than-average cost of living. According to Cyber states, as of 2023, the state’s tech workers were paid 103% more than the median American employee.
These are terrific times to pursue a career in computer science, and our list of the best Computer Science schools and universities in Texas can help you select the perfect school for acquiring your computer science degree.
1. University of Texas – Austin
Acceptance Rate: 36%
Fees: $25,440
Average SAT: 1220-1460
Average ACT: 26-33
Image Source: UT News – The University of Texas
University of Texas, Austin is a prestigious institution with a long history, and it is ranked as high as seventh overall and eighth for best value among public universities in the country. Over 40,000 undergraduate students are enrolled at the university now in 156 degree programs.
Big Data, Computer Systems, Cybersecurity, Game Development, Machine Learning and AI, and Mobile Computing are the six undergraduate programs in computer science offered by the university. It also offers both internships and opportunities for undergraduate research. Regarding computer science, U.S. News ranked the university 10th in the country.
2. Texas A&M University
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Fees: $28,476
Average SAT: 1140-1360
Average ACT: 25-30
Image Source: Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University had 64,961 students enrolled during the spring of 2020, tying UCF for the most prominent campus enrollment in the US. The university is ranked 10th overall in the National University Rankings by Washington Monthly, ahead of powerhouses from the Ivy League like Cornell and Columbia.
The university’s computer science program maintains its standing, with CS Rankings placing it 32nd nationally and 2nd in the state. Additionally recognized by ABET is the B.S. in computer science. A widely recognized computer science degree is available from Texas A&M, with in-state tuition at a fairly affordable $13,000 per year.
3. Rice University
Acceptance Rate: 15%
Fees: $63,158
Average SAT: 1490-1580
Average ACT: 33-35
Image Source: Britannica
There are 7,000 students enrolled at Rice, a private research institution in Houston. Among the university’s many accomplishments are consistent placements among the top 20 universities in the country, a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, the 7th-best student resources, and the 2nd-best quality of life.
Additionally, Rice’s computer science program has received multiple honors, placing first in scholarly output by computer science faculty and 20th nationwide in graduate computer science. It is also ranked 11th in programming languages.
Both B.A. and B.S. choices are available in computer science for the undergraduate degree, and graduates frequently create their businesses and find employment with IT giants.
The only drawback of Rice is its hefty annual tuition of over $50,000, yet it does an excellent job in computer science, anyway.
4. University of Texas – Dallas
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Fees: $27,360
Average SAT: 1220-1430
Average ACT: 26-32
Image Source: Masterstudies.com
University of Texas, Dallas, founded by Texas Instruments’ founders, is a rising academic star. The average ACT score for the almost 20,000 undergraduate students at the university is 29, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 23:1. It’s understandable why Forbes called UT Dallas the best value public university in Texas given its nationally ranked majors and an annual tuition of less than $14,000.
UT Dallas has 2,800 students enrolled in computer science. A quick route to Master’s degrees, excellent classroom instruction and facilities, and plenty of opportunities for internships are provided by the program. ABET accredits a computer science degree from the University of Texas at Dallas, and the degree is respected across the nation and very affordable.
5. Southern Methodist University
Acceptance Rate: 48%
Fees: $72,408
Average SAT: 1270-1440
Average ACT: 28-32
Image Source: www.smu.edu
Southern Methodist University should be on the list of any student interested in a computer science degree. Private, not-for-profit SMU is a university with a sizable student body in a significant Dallas suburb. This top-tier institution earned the Best Colleges ranking of #91 out of 2,241 colleges nationally.
In the current data year, there were roughly 73 computer science graduates from SMU. The average salary for computer science majors is approximately $11,804. Thus, graduates from Southern Methodist University make about $11,804 and more.
As we have seen in this article, the state of Texas is home to some of the best computer science universities in the country. It is easier to go right if you want to learn computer science in Texas, as this state excels at higher education, with computer science being a shining example.
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Is Texas A&M better than UT?
When deciding between Texas A&M and UT, the key factors to consider are your academic history, individual interests, and career objectives. If prestige is a priority, UT stands out as a compelling option. Its elevated selectivity and substantial endowment enable the attraction of top-tier students and faculty.
Trinity University also one of the best computer science schools in Texas.
What is the top 1 computer science university?
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is the top 1 computer science university.
How hard is computer science?
Mastering the field of Computer Science poses a considerable challenge for many students. Nevertheless, with a willingness to invest time and develop effective time management skills, most individuals can overcome the difficulties and embark on successful careers in various Computer Science fields.