Studying computer science in a small college can provide an intimate and supportive environment, especially when you’re surrounded by students who share your passion for computers and technology.
When you enroll in some of the best small colleges for computer science majors, you’ll enjoy personalized attention from faculty and department staff who are excited to see you succeed, as well as fellow students with who you can learn and collaborate on class projects and other activities.
If you’re looking to start your own business or simply interested in programming on the side, check out these small colleges for computer science majors today!
So, which schools are the best small schools for computer science? The number one best small computer science college in the country is the California Institute of Technology. Caltech’s computer science program ranks top among the best computer science colleges and it has a high placement rate.
Other top small colleges for computer science include The University of Tulsa, Harvey Mudd College, Pomona College, Wellesley College, etc.
Why Small colleges are the Best for Computer Science Students?
Enrolling in small colleges and universities comes with a lot of benefits. For example, Small colleges provide a supportive environment for academic excellence. Students enjoy personalized attention from faculty and department staff.
The curriculum at many small colleges is more focused, allowing students to get the most out of their education. The computer science at these small colleges often has state-of–the-art facilities and equipment.
Lastly, many small colleges for computer science offer generous financial aid packages, making them a great option for students on a budget.
Small Colleges with The Best Computer Science Majors
| Rank | School | Acceptance Rate | Median Salary |
| #1 | California Institute of Technology | 7% | $82,900 |
| #2 | The University of Tulsa | 69% | $62,400 |
| #3 | Harvey Mudd College | 18% | $83,100 |
| #4 | Pomona College | 9% | $57,500 |
| #5 | Wellesley College | 20% | $60,752 |
| #6 | DigiPen Institute of Technology | 38% | $50,200 |
| #7 | Swarthmore College | 9% | $61,900 |
| #8 | Williams College | 15% | $58,800 |
| #9 | Grinnell College | 19% | $47,900 |
| #10 | Carleton College | 21% | $53,500 |
The data on the median starting salary of alumni after four years of graduation was provided by PayScale.
1) California Institute of Technology
The California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, often known as Caltech, was then called Throop University when it opened in 1891. We placed Caltech as #1 on this list of the best small colleges for computer science programs.
Caltech offers three degrees in computer science: the BS, MS, and Ph.D. The California Institute of Technology is a very selective college with an acceptance rate of just 7%. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1 and a total enrollment of 2,240 in the fall of 2020.
There are undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science and a Master of Applied Science program. Computer science is one of the programs offered through Caltech’s Division of Engineering and Applied Science.
The California Institute of Technology is ranked as the #67 best computer science school according to CS Rankings. Caltech is also ranked as the #9 best national University by U.S. News and World Record.
Students have access to some of the world’s best research facilities, such as the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, NASA’s Deep Space Network Antenna Array Operations Control Center, and more.
Its tuition and fees are $58,680. Caltech’s college for Engineering and Applied Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.
2) The University of Tulsa
Located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, UT is a private university founded in 1894. The University of Tulsa is one of the best small computer science colleges in the United States.
Tulsa offers small class sizes and individualized attention from professors – the student-faculty ratio is 10:1. Tulsa’s admission is selective with an acceptance rate of 69%. The school has a total enrollment of 3,960.
Tulsa awards top-notch undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science. The university has a long history of excellence in computer science, dating back to the early days of technology evolution. The faculty are some of the most experienced and respected in the field.
The University of Tulsa is ranked as the #146 best computer science college in the country by CS Rankings. The university also ranked #136 in the National Universities ranking, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Students at Tulsa can expect to receive a top-notch education that will prepare them for a successful career in computer science. The tuition and fees are $44,838 and the computer science program is accredited by the Accreditation Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.
The school offers generous financial aid packages and scholarships as well as excellent employment opportunities post-graduation.
3) Harvey Mudd College
Located in Claremont, Harvey Mudd College is a private college that specializes in science and engineering. It is one of the top colleges for computer science in California. It is very selective and has an acceptance rate of only 18%.
The school has a student-faculty ratio of 8:1 and provides a close relationship between students and faculty. The total enrollment of Harvey Mudd in the fall of 2020 was 854 making it one of the best small schools for computer science.
In 1992, the computer science program at Harvey Mudd College graduated its inaugural class. Since then, the department has expanded to its present size of 18 tenure-track academics, numerous visiting or adjunct faculty, and 5 staff.
The department’s goal is to equip students with a solid foundation in experimentation, theory, and design. Graduates at Harvey Mudd are well-prepared for graduate study and employment in the Field.
For students interested in computer science, Harvey Mudd offers a strong program that includes coursework in both theory and practice. The school ranks #28 in national liberal arts colleges and #61 in best value schools according to U.S. News & World Report.
Unfortunately, the computer science program at Harvey Mudd College is not accredited by ABET. However, the Engineering degree has gotten its accreditation from the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.
4) Pomona College
Pomona College is a private college located in Claremont, California. It is one of the five undergraduate colleges of The Claremont Colleges. Pomona College ranks among the best small colleges for computer science in the country, with an emphasis on active and collaborative learning.
Pomona college is selective with an acceptance rate of 9%. It has a total enrollment of 1477 students in the fall of 2020. The school is expensive with the tuition and fees at $56,686. Pomona College ranks #4 in national liberal arts colleges and #3 in best value schools, according to U.S. News & World Report.
The college’s student-to-faculty ratio is 7:1, and 20 students on average in each class. Pomona College offers two distinct combination degrees, either math and computer science or physics and computer science, in addition to a Bachelor of science degree in computer science.
Students at Pomona College can also study at various international colleges such as Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, or KU Leuven University Centre in Belgium.
You will get analytical skills and the ability to critically evaluate potential solutions as a computer science major or minor. Additionally, you’ll learn about the fundamentals of computer science, such as systems, theory, and algorithms.
The drawback with Pomona College is that the computer science program is yet to be accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. Need best small colleges for computer science? Think Pomona.
5) DigiPen Institute of Technology
Located in Redmond, Washington, DigiPen Institute of Technology is one of the best small colleges for computer science. DigiPen also ranked one of the best schools for introverted students with 0% social life.
The college’s admissions are fairly competitive with an acceptance rate of 38%. DigiPen Institute of Technology is small with just 979 enrollments for the 2020 fall. DigiPen’s tuition is $40,832 and they provide generous financial aid and scholarships.
The school has a strong focus on computer science and engineering and offers a wide range of programs in those fields. Students enjoy small class sizes and personal attention from faculty and engage in cutting-edge research projects.
DigiPen’s graduates are highly sought-after by employers because of the strong reputation the college has in the computer science community. DigiPen’s computer science program is ranked among the top 100 in the country.
The Computer Engineering and Computer Science degrees at DigiPen Institute of Technology are accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.
All this makes it an excellent choice for those who want to study computer science at a small college.
6) Wellesley College
Small class sizes and experienced faculty make Wellesley College one of the best small colleges for computer science majors. Located in Wellesley, Massachusetts, Wellesley is an all-women private college founded in 1870.
Admission at Wellesley college is very selective with an acceptance rate of 20%. The institution is small with just 2,280 students enrolled in the fall of 2020. The school has a top-notch computer science program that set you up for a successful career.
The college also offers many extracurricular activities, from coding clubs to robotics clubs, that provide hands-on experience and networking opportunities. And with a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students can be sure they’ll get the personal attention they need to succeed.
The school’s tuition and fees are $60,752, quite expensive for a student on a budget. Wellesley college is ranked #5 in national liberal arts colleges and #4 in best value schools, according to U.S. News & World Report.
The drawback with Wellesley College is that the computer science program is yet to be accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Frequently Asked Question on Best Small Colleges for Computer Science
Best Liberal Arts Colleges For Computer Science
- Williams College
- Amherst College
- Swarthmore College
- Bowdoin College
- Middlebury College
- Pomona College
- Claremont McKenna College
- Harvey Mudd College
- Carleton College
- Grinnell College
(best small colleges for computer science)
What are the Best Private Colleges For Computer Science?
California is home to some of the best private colleges for computer science. With this in mind, here are the best private colleges for computer science in California.
- Stanford University
- California Institute of Technology
- University of Southern California
- Harvey Mudd College
- Pomona College
- Claremont McKenna College
Best Colleges in the USA for Bsc in Computer Science
If you are looking for top computer science universities in the USA, you need to see this –
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Stanford University
- University of California -Berkeley
- University of Illinois -Urbana-Champaign
- Cornell University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- University of Washington
- Princeton University
- University of Texas -Austin
- California Institute of Technology
What are the Best Colleges for Computer Science in California?
Looking for the best colleges for computer science in California? Here are the top 6.
- University of California – Berkeley
- Stanford University
- University of California – San Diego
- University of California – Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- California Institute of Technology
Conclusion on The Best Small Colleges for Computer Science
There are many small schools for computer science majors. However, the ones mentioned in this post are some of the best small colleges for computer science that offer a close and supportive environment, personalized attention from faculty and department staff, and ample opportunities to get involved in research and career advancement.
For a top-notch education in computer science, ensure to check out these small colleges.
ALSO SEE – Best Undergraduate Computer Science Schools
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