The 14 Best Computer Science Schools in New England: If you are an aspiring computer scientist, New England has many great schools for you. But which one is best?
Every year, more people get into the computer science field to become computer programmers or software engineers. This happens because Computer science degrees are one of the most sought-after and lucrative degrees.
More tech companies are springing up, in addition to the bigger ones – all looking to recruit computer science degree or computer Engineering degree graduates.
So it makes sense to see students searching for the best computer science schools in New England. Luckily, I have done the research and recommend these top 14 schools based on tuition costs, quality curriculum, and ABET Accreditation.
This article details fourteen of the best computer science schools in New England. They provide you with the best education and give you the best chance of finding employment after graduation. The colleges in this list are great choices and will prepare you for success in your future career as an IT professional.
| Colleges in New England | Comp – Science Rankings | Acceptance Rate |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 1 | 7% |
| Harvard University | 16 | 5% |
| Yale University | 20 | 7% |
| University of Massachusetts–Amherst | 23 | 65% |
| Brown University | 26 | 7% |
| Northeastern University | 34 | 20% |
| Boston University | 48 | 20% |
| Dartmouth College | 49 | 9% |
| Tufts University | 69 | 15% |
| University of Connecticut | 74 | 56% |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute | 89 | 5% |
| University of Vermont | 146 | 71% |
| University of Maine | 159 | 92%“ |
| University of Bridgeport | 190 | 71% |
Honorable mention
- Colby College – The Acceptance rate is 10%
- Champlain College – The Acceptance rate 85%
- Southern New Hampshire University – The Acceptance rate is 94%
The Top 14 Best Computer Science Schools in New England
The following Northeastern states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont make up the six-state region known as New England.
A computer science degree can open up an array of professional options. These fourteen (14) colleges are worth considering if you’re looking to enroll in one of the best computer science schools in New England.
Let’s Start!!
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is one of the country’s most prestigious universities. MIT was founded in 1861 and located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The MIT computer science department is among the top 5 in the country.
MIT is ranked #2 best National University for 2022, according to US News. The computer science program ranks #3 according to CS Rankings and #1 according to US News & World Report.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is extremely selective with an acceptance rate of 7%. The school top the list of best schools for computer science in Massachusetts.
MIT offers bachelor’s degrees and Ph.D. programs in computer science to 1,406 undergraduate students. Some of its most notable alumni include Jonathan Ive (Apple’s head designer), Sergey Brin (co-founder of Google), and Joi Ito (chairman of MIT Media Lab).
The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology – (ABET) accredits MIT’s Computer Science and Engineering Programs.
Graduates have an average salary of $90K upon graduation. MIT has an 8 out of 10 rating from College Factual based on their graduates’ earnings and overall cost.
READ: The Top 4 Best SUNY Schools for Computer Science
2. Harvard University
Harvard’s computer science program ranked #16 according to US News & World Report for 2022. Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university founded in 1636 in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The school is highly selective with an acceptance rate of 5%. It offers degrees at both undergraduate and graduate levels. It is one of the best computer science schools in New England.
Over 2,000 courses are available through Harvard College, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Business School, Law School, Graduate School of Education, Kennedy School of Government, and various professional schools.
Its tuition and fees are $55,587. Notable alumni include Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, former President John F. Kennedy, and Senator Elizabeth Warren. Harvard University’s computer science program ranks 30th according to CS Ranking for 2022.
The ABET has accredited the Engineering programs here.
3. Yale University
Yale University is one of Ivy League’s oldest colleges, founded in 1701 in New Haven, Connecticut. Unsurprisingly, it boasts of one of America’s best computer science schools in New England.
Its tuition and fees are $59,950 and have an acceptance rate of 7%. The Computer science program at Yale University ranked #20 according to the US News & World Report.
Most students get enrolled as undergraduates; graduate students can earn a Master of Engineering degree and Ph.D. through Yale School of Engineering & Applied Science (SEAS) programs.
The school places great emphasis on undergraduate research opportunities for each student to gain a better understanding of computational thinking and core engineering principles.
Full-time faculty members teach most classes with extensive industry experience. In addition, Yale’s computer science and engineering programs are ABET-accredited.
4. University of Massachusetts – Amherst
UMass Amherst is a public research university consistently ranked as one of America’s best public universities. With its main campus located in beautiful and historic Amherst, Massachusetts, UMass is home to over 23,000 students who live together on residential college campuses.
The UMass acceptance rate is 65%, making it very selective. The faculty is world-renowned and the facilities are top-notch. If you’re looking for a top-notch computer science education, UMass Amherst is the place to be.
The school offers 35 majors across 3 colleges (College of Engineering, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and College of Liberal Arts). In addition, students at UMass have access to excellent facilities such as laboratories, libraries, gyms, and more.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is among the best computer science schools in New England. Their Computer science program ranks #23, according to US News & World Report. The Computer science program is also accredited by ABET.
5. Brown University
Brown University may be one of America’s most expensive colleges, recognized by Kiplinger as having both high-quality education and great value.
Brown is in Providence, Rhode Island, and had an undergraduate enrollment of 6,500 students for the 2017-2018 Academic session. The school’s tuition fees are $55,528 for residents and $57,526 for non-residents.
Brown University is ranked 14th on the U.S. News list of top national universities in 2022. Brown’s computer science program ranks #26 according to US News & World Report, based on student evaluations, admission selectivity, graduation rate, post-grad success, and faculty resources.
Admission is very competitive because the school has an acceptance rate of 7%. And also one of the best computer science schools in New England.
The university has three Nobel Prize winners on its faculty, including two who won their awards while at Brown: Roy Glauber and John Mather.
The Computer Engineering program at brown university is Accredited by (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology).
6. Northeastern University
Northeastern University is in Boston, Massachusetts, and it is one of my favorite schools.
I think that Northeastern’s mission statement describes me best as a person: We are inspired learners, creative thinkers, and positive contributors who seek transformative experiences to make a difference locally and globally.
Computer science at northeastern university is top-notch. The college is well known for its innovative computer science course, which exposes students to all significant fields of computer science, including artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Northeastern University computer science has consistently ranked among the top 20 best computer science colleges in the northeast. In 2022, the CS Ranking organization ranked NU’s computer science as the #13 in the USA.
However, The US News & World Report ranked Northeastern University’s computer science program #34. The school is selective with an acceptance rate pegged at 20%.
In addition to an excellent computer science program, students can choose from more than 200 undergraduate majors and minors at Northeastern.
READ: Top 17 Best Computer Science Colleges in the Northeast
7. Boston University
Boston University offers a world-class education in computer science, with top-quality faculty and state-of-the-art facilities. The school also has strong industry partnerships, providing students with opportunities to gain real-world experience.
Boston University stands as one of the best computer science schools in New England. BU’s computer science program is ranked #48 by the US News & World Report. The school’s acceptance rate is 20%, meaning admission is very selective.
All of BU’s Computer science undergraduate programs offer a rigorous curriculum of coursework that emphasizes practical hands-on learning and technical competence, along with theoretical foundations in mathematics, physics, chemistry, logic, programming languages, and computational methods.
One thing that sets Boston University apart from other schools is its concentration on entrepreneurship for all undergraduates – not just Computer science majors. it has a wide range of co-op opportunities that allow students to explore various career paths during their four years at the university.
If you need a world-class education in Computer science major, consider Boston University as your number one choice. BU’s computer science is accredited by the ABET.
8. Dartmouth College
Dartmouth College is located in Hanover, New Hampshire. It is a private Ivy League that offers one of the best computer science programs. No wonder it is on our list of the best computer science schools in New England.
The students get hands-on experience working with like-minded and experienced professors who will help guide them while preparing for their future careers. In addition, if you choose to apply, Dartmouth has co-op opportunities and study abroad programs!
Getting Admitted to Dartmouth College is tough. The school’s acceptance rate is 9%. The tuition is high ($49,740 per year), but many students receive financial aid to cover part or all of their costs. So the return on investment here is worth it!
Dartmouth College ranks 13th on U.S. News Best National Universities for 2022. In addition, its computer science program ranks #49 according to US News & World Report. Dartmouth’s Engineering school is also accredited by ABET.
9. Tufts University
Located just outside of Boston, Tufts University is a private research university with a strong focus on computer science. Tufts’ acceptance rate is 15% and the computer science program ranks #69 according to the US News &World report.
The school offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in computer science, as well as a minor. Students at Tufts have the opportunity to participate in research that chances life, and the faculty are top quality – some of them are leading experts in the field.
In addition to its top-notch academics, Tufts also has many impressive organizations and activities for students looking for extracurricular activities. Because of its proximity to Boston, there are several opportunities for internships and jobs with companies that have offices near campus or in the city.
The computer science and Computer Engineering program is also accredited by the ABET. Tufts is part of the best computer science schools in New England.
10. University of Connecticut
With over 1,000 undergraduate students and approximately 30 full-time faculty members, UConn’s computer science department has earned a spot among one the best computer science schools in New England.
Undergraduate degree programs provide students with a solid foundation in computer science while allowing them to choose an area of focus. A graduate program is also available for those seeking further education or training.
Suppose you choose to come to the University of Connecticut. In that case, you will live in a safe neighborhood near several excellent dining options, such as Yummies Grill & Bar and A&P Cafe & Catering Company.
Although there isn’t much nightlife within walking distance from campus, there are still plenty of options, such as Hartford XL Center and Infinity Music Hall & Bistro.
The computer science program of the University of Connecticut ranks #70 according to CS Rankings and #74 according to U.S News and World Report for 2022. The school is relatively selective with an acceptance rate of 56%.
The Computer Engineering, Computer Science, and Computer Science & Engineering programs are ABET-accredited.
11. Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a private research university, founded in 1865 in Worcester, Massachusetts. Worcester Polytechnic Institute is one of the best computer science schools in New England. The school offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in computer science, including a Ph.D. program.
The school sits on 95 acres of land and has an undergraduate enrolment of 4,892 in the fall of 2020. Worcester Polytechnic Institute has a strong research program that focuses on research areas like artificial intelligence, security and privacy, and software engineering.
The school has a partnership agreement with some companies, including Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. These partnerships give students opportunities to work on real cutting-edge projects.
The academic calendar is semester-based. WPI is very selective with an acceptance rate of 5%. Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s computer science program ranks #68 according to US News & World report.
Overall, Worcester Polytechnic Institute is among the top national universities in the country. The educational costs at WPI are $55,531. The school is committed to diversity and offers programs to support women in computer science and minority students. The Engineering college is Accredited by ABET.
12. University of Vermont
The University of Vermont has highly reputable computer science and information systems programs, making it an excellent choice for students looking to pursue bachelor’s degrees.
However, a notable drawback is that its computer science program isn’t available as an online degree program. Instead, prospective students must apply to one of three Vermont campuses—Burlington, Burlington, or Colchester—to obtain a degree.
But the on-campus housing is affordable, with a typical dorm room costing $6,000 per year. The school also offers competitive financial aid packages for those who qualify.
Its computer science program ranks #146 according to US News and World Report, all based on student evaluations, admission selectivity, graduation rate, post-grad success, and faculty resources.
In addition, the school has approval for the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The University of Vermont is one of the best computer science schools in New England.
13. University of Maine
The University of Maine is one of the best computer science schools in New England. It offers a wide variety of courses and has a robust research program.
The University of Maine also has partnerships with many companies, which helps to give students real-world experience.
UMaine has a cooperative education program that allows students to work full-time in a company for a semester. They earn credit for their work and get paid at the same time.
The computer science program at the University of Maine ranks #159 according to U.S. News & World Report and CS Rankings. It is also one of the top 100 research universities in the world, according to Times Higher Education.
UMaine’s acceptance rate is 95% and is an excellent choice for computer science students. And its Computer Engineering and Computer Science programs are ABET-accredited.
14. University of Bridgeport
The University of Bridgeport is a well-respected computer science school located in Connecticut. The school offers a variety of computer science programs that are designed to prepare students for careers in the field.
The University of Bridgeport is also home to several research centers that focus on computer science and related fields. These research centers help to keep the University of Bridgeport at the forefront of computer science education.
The school is relatively selective with an acceptance rate of 71%. The computer science program ranks #190 according to the US News & World Report.
Students can earn bachelor’s degrees in either computer science or computing, or they can pursue master’s degrees in either the same fields or one of three other areas: technology management, software engineering, or IT management.
Overall, the University of Bridgeport is one of the best computer science schools in New England. The Computer Engineering program is accredited by ABET.
FQAs on Best Computer Science Schools in New England
Which UMass is best for Computer Science?
The University of Massachusetts at Amherst is the college for Computer science in the University of Massachusetts college system. UMass has consistently ranked as one of the best computer science schools in the country.
If you’re looking for a top-notch computer science education, then UMass Amherst is the place to be. The U.S. News & World Report ranked the UMass Amherst College of Information and Computer Sciences #23 best computer science undergraduate programs in the nation.
UMass Amherst is arguably the best computer science school in New England and America.
Is it hard to Get into UMass Amherst CS Program?
University of Massachusetts – Amherst is relatively selective with an acceptance rate of 65%. However, it is much easier to get into when compared to MIT. Both schools are located in Massachusetts and provide top-notch education to their students.
UMass Amherst’s CS program is not hard to get into nor is it easy to get into. The program is fairly selective. The average SAT score and ACT score for new students are 1230 and 30. Students should have an average 3.9 GPA. The computer science program ranks as one of the top 30 in the country.
Best Schools for Computer Science in Massachusetts
Are you an aspiring CS major who lives in Massachusetts or would like to study here? There are several schools that would support and help you achieve your carrier goals. These colleges are also the best computer science schools in New England.
The best computer science schools in Massachusetts include:
- Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyHarvard University
- University of Massachusetts–Amherst
- Northeastern University
- Boston University
- Tufts University
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Best Computer Science Schools in Rhode Island
Some of the best schools for computer science majors are found in Rhode Island. These schools’ coursework is rigorous and structured in a way that brings out the best in their student. Keeping students as top players in the field make CS schools in Rhode Island special.
The best computer science schools in Rhode Island are:
- Brown University
- University of Rhode Island
Best Computer Science Schools in Connecticut
Looking to attend a prestigious college that offers the best computer science programs? Then, consider the following schools:
- Yale University – New Haven, CT
- University of Connecticut – Storrs, CT
- Trinity College – Hartford, CT
- Wesleyan University – Middletown, CT
- Connecticut College – New London, CT
The Bottom Line
When thinking of the best computer science schools in New England, it is essential to consider the schools in this post. These schools have the best CS programs in the country and expose their student to cutting-edge research in the field.
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