Studying Computer science at any of the California State Universities (CSU) will position you for a successful career in the tech field. Because the CS programs in these schools ranked among the best in the country.
For those planning to major in computer science, it’s important to pick a university that offers the best programs and faculty members. To help you find your ideal school, I have compiled a list of the best CSU for computer science, based on the rankings provided by US News & World Report.
But, which is the best CSU for computer science? Schools in the California State Universities system offer top-quality computer science programs. However, San Diego State University stands out as the best ranked among the CSUs.
Other top CSUs on this list include Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo, California State University – Long Beach, San Jose State University, California State University – Fullerton, California State Polytechnic University – Pomona, etc.
Before we dive into the list, let’s look at a brief background of CSU and Which Cal states offer computer science?
Table of Contents
What is the meaning of CSU?
In California, there is a public university system called California State University, or CSU. It is the largest four-year public university system in the United States, comprising 484,000 students over 23 campuses and eight off-campus centers, along with more than 40,000 academic and staff members.
The University of California (UC) system and the California Community Colleges System are the other two public higher education systems in the state.
It was created in 1944 as a result of legislation signed by Governor Earl Warren. The initial plan was to teach vocational subjects such as engineering, agriculture, and journalism. Eventually, laws were passed by the legislature mandating that all incoming freshmen must complete some form of general education before choosing an occupational major.
What Cal States Offer Computer Science?
The California state university system has produced graduates that are in a top managerial positions in many fortune 500 companies. The school system prides itself on academic excellence and the high-standard education they provide over the years. And their computer science program is not an exception.
Therefore, if you’re searching for Cal. States that offer computer science programs. Here is a list of the top best CSUs for computer science majors.
- San Diego State University
- California Polytechnic State University -San Luis Obispo
- California State University -Long Beach
- California State Polytechnic University –Pomona
- California State University -Fullerton
- San Jose State University
- California State University -Los Angeles
- California Polytechnic State University – Humboldt
- California State University -Stanislaus
- California State University -San Bernardino
- California State University – San Marcos
- California State University -Sacramento
The Top 7 CUS for Computer Science
While there are many CSUs out there, some have better computer science programs than others. If you’re looking to study computer science and are wondering which of the California State Universities (CSU) will be best for you, this list of top 7 CSU for computer science is for you.
Let’s begin!
1. San Diego State University
- Acceptance Rate: 37%
- Tuition: $20,016 (out-of-state) $8,136 (in-state)
- Undergraduate Students: 31,086 (fall 2020)
San Diego State University (SDSU) is widely considered the best CSU for computer science. Located in sunny San Diego, California, San Diego State University is a public research university with an excellent computer science program.
San Diego State University has over 33,000 students. The computer science program at SDSU is one of the largest in the state, with over 600 students enrolled. Admission at SDSU is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 37%.
The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science as well as a minor in the subject. Students can also pursue an MS in Computer Science or a Ph.D. in the field.
San Diego State University is an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a career in computer science. For example, SDSU has a world-class faculty and state-of-the-art facilities. Plus, SDSU is the #143 Best National University and ranked as the #16 best school to study computer science in California, according to the US News & World Report of 2022.
In addition to providing quality education, SDSU ranks high in job placement after graduation due to its partnerships with top tech companies.
2. California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo
- Acceptance Rate: 38%
- Tuition: $22,116(out-of-state) $8,658(in-state)
- Undergraduate Students: 21,447 (fall 2020)
California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo also tops as one the best CSU for computer science. There are many reasons to love California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo, especially, if you’re looking for a top-notch computer science education.
For example, Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo has experienced faculty in the field and the curriculum is rigorous, yet allows plenty of time for one-on-one attention. Also, Cal Poly’s computer science program is highly respected and has produced many successful graduates.
Another reason to choose Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo is its strong focus on hands-on learning, and Cal Poly’s computer science program is one of the best in California. There are also plenty of opportunities for internships and networking at Cal Poly because they maintain partnerships with over 2,000 companies around the world.
Plus, the school’s location in beautiful San Luis Obispo means that you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors when you’re not studying.
Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo has over 21,000 undergraduates enrolled in the fall of 2020. The acceptance rate is 38%. The school ranked as the #2 best Regional Universities West and #24 best school to study computer science in California, according to the US News & World Report of 2022.
3. California State University – Long Beach
- Acceptance Rate: 42%
- Tuition: $17,142(out-of-state) $6,846(in-state)
- Undergraduate Students: 33,919(fall 2020)
California State University – Long Beach is consistently ranked as one of the best CSU schools for computer science. It offers a well-rounded education with a strong focus on practical skills.
In addition to the core curriculum, students can tailor their studies to their specific interests through the school’s many electives. Cal state long beach computer science excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a career in computer science.
The faculty is experienced and passionate about their field, and they’re always willing to help students succeed. The school also has strong industry partnerships, which provide students with opportunities to gain real-world experience.
California State University – Long Beach is a big school with over 33,000 undergraduates enrolled in the fall of 2020. The acceptance rate is 42% and it is selective. The school ranked as the #12 best Regional Universities West. CSU long beach computer science ranks #27 best schools to study computer science in California, according to the US News & World Report of 2022.
4. California State Polytechnic University – Pomona
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Tuition: $19,318(out-of-state) $7,438(in-state)
- Undergraduate Students: 27,911(fall 2020)
Cal Poly Pomona is a public polytechnic university in Pomona, California. It is one of California State University’s two polytechnics. In 1938, Cal Poly Pomona was founded as the southern campus of the California Polytechnic School. The southern campus became a separate institution in 1966.
California State Polytechnic University – Pomona is known to be one of the best CSU for computer science. The school has a strong computer science program that is well-respected by industry professionals. graduates of the program have gone on to have successful careers in the tech industry.
Cal Poly – Pomona has over 27,911 undergraduates enrolled in the fall of 2020. The acceptance rate is 65% and selective. The school ranked as the #14 best Regional Universities West and #29 best school to study computer science in California, according to the US News & World Report of 2022.
California State Polytechnic University – Pomona has a high return on investment. For example, Southern California, where Cal State Poly – Pomona is located is also home to many major tech companies like Qualcomm, Teradata, and MobilityWare.
Students have the opportunity to intern or work at these companies while they are still in school. Plus, the school has strong relationships with these companies, which can help students find jobs after graduation.
5. California State University – Fullerton
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Tuition: $17,632(out-of-state) $6,975(in-state)
- Undergraduate Students: 36,770(fall 2020)
California State University – Fullerton’s computer science program is one of the best in the state. The school ranked as the #19 best Regional Universities West and #30 best school to study computer science in California, according to the US News & World Report of 2022.
The university is large with 36,770 undergraduate students enrolled in the fall of 2020. The school is fairly selective with an acceptance rate of 68%.
California State University – Fullerton has an excellent reputation and offers a great education. The school is also very well-known for its research opportunities, excellent reputation and offers a great education.
Another reason to choose CSUF is that the school is located in a very nice area and the campus is beautiful. The school has a very strong computer science program and offers different courses.
The placement rate at California State University, Fullerton, is also very high. Many of the school’s graduates go on to work in the field of computer science.
California State University, Fullerton is not only an excellent undergraduate college but also a premier research university, said Brita Olson, Ph.D. Professor, Associate Chair of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Cal Poly Pomona.
Overall, California State University, Fullerton is one of the best CSU for computer science with a high ROI.
6. San Jose State University
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Tuition: $19,466(out-of-state) $7,852(in-state)
- Undergraduate Student: 27,702(fall 2020)
San José State University is a quality school with a top-notch computer science program. The school offers a wide range of courses in computer science, from introductory classes to more advanced classes.
The school ranked as one of the best schools in California coming #22 in Regional Universities West and #31 best schools to study computer science in California, according to the US News & World Report of 2022.
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the school has partnerships with some of the biggest tech companies in the world. Providing students with the opportunities to intern and work with these companies while they are still in school.
Students also have access to cutting-edge labs and equipment. SJSU is widely accepted as one of the best CSU for computer science. No wonder many students choose to study computer science at SJSU!
7. California State University – Los Angeles
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Tuition: $18,662(out-of-state) $6,782(in-state)
- Undergraduate Students: 22,566(fall 2020)
Located in the heart of Los Angeles, CSULA is a top choice for students interested in computer science. With an emphasis on research and practical experience, CSULA’s computer science program is one of the best among CSU.
Los Angeles, a significant hub for the IT industry, and where CSULA is situated. This makes it simple for students to find internships and employment opportunities after graduation. The institution’s close ties to the neighborhood also make it easier for students to participate in projects and networking activities.
The school has a diverse student body, which can help students get exposure to different cultures and perspectives. Additionally, the school offers a variety of student organizations and clubs that can help students get involved on campus.
CSULA’s faculty are experienced professionals who are passionate about teaching and preparing students for success in the field. California state university, Los Angeles is the #22 in Regional Universities West and the #32 best school to study computer science in California, according to the US News & World Report of 2022.
Overall, CSULA is among the top best CSU for computer science and provides top-notch computer science education.
Frequently Asked Question on Best CSU for Computer Science
Is CSU a Good School for Computer Science?
The California State Universities are highly rated Universities with academic excellence. The schools are known to have Quality computer science programs.
Also, CSUs offer a wide range of courses in computer science, from introductory classes to more advanced topics. Secondly, the faculty is experienced and well-qualified to teach computer science courses.
Third, the school has strong industry partnerships, which can provide students with internships and job opportunities. Finally, the school provides plenty of resources for students, including a well-equipped computer lab and knowledgeable staff.
Is Cal State LA a Good School for Computer Science?
California state university, Los Angeles is a good school for computer science. The school has a strong computer science program that is well-respected by industry professionals. Also, the school offers a variety of other programs that can help students get a well-rounded education.
Overall, if you’re looking for the best CSU for computer science, then you must consider Cal State LA.
Best Computer Science Schools in California
The following are some of the best computer science schools in California.
- Stanford University
- University of California-Berkeley
- University of Southern California
- California Institute of Technology
- University of California-Los Angeles
- University of California-San Diego
- California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
- Chapman University
- Harvey Mudd College
- Pomona College
- San Diego State University
Conclusion on Best CSU for Computer Science
In conclusion, the best CSU for computer science are San Diego State University, California Polytechnic State University -San Luis Obispo, California State University -Long Beach, California State Polytechnic University –Pomona, California State University –Fullerton, San Jose State University, and California State University -Los Angeles.
Each school has its unique strengths, so make sure to research each one thoroughly before making your decision. Whichever school you choose, you’re sure to receive a top-notch education in computer science
Related posts:
FAQs
Which CSU is the best for computer science? ›
- California State University - Stanislaus. ...
- California State University - San Bernardino. ...
- California State University - Sacramento. ...
- Find Student Loan Options. ...
- Westmont College. ...
- Point Loma Nazarene University. ...
- California State University - Monterey Bay.
It's hard to beat University of California - Berkeley if you wish to pursue a degree in computer science. UC Berkeley is a very large public university located in the midsize city of Berkeley.
What is the toughest CSU to get into? ›- Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
- San Diego State University.
- CSU Long Beach.
- Cal Poly Humboldt.
- Cal State East Bay.
- CSU Dominguez Hills.
Easiest CSU Colleges to Get into in California
Humboldt is located in a beautiful area of Northern California. The acceptance rate in 2020 was 92 percent, and, lucky for you, you can complete an application for the CSU system and submit it to multiple schools.
- Business. 865 Graduates.
- Sociology. 385 Graduates.
- Early Childhood Education. 372 Graduates.
- Psychology. 352 Graduates.
- Criminal Justice and Safety Studies. 330 Graduates.
- Physical Education Teaching and Coaching. 266 Graduates.
- Social Work and Youth Services. 198 Graduates.
- Public Health. 197 Graduates.
The bachelor's program at Cal State Fullerton was ranked #130 on College Factual's Best Schools for compsci list. It is also ranked #18 in California.
How difficult is Computer Science? ›Learning the discipline of Computer Science is a hard and difficult endeavor for most students. However, if you are willing to invest the time and learn serious time management skills, most students can successfully learn the discipline and pursue successful careers in Computer Science fields.
What state pays computer scientist the most? ›| State | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $117,596 | $9,799 |
| Illinois | $114,083 | $9,506 |
| California | $111,972 | $9,331 |
| Maryland | $110,342 | $9,195 |
In general, UC is more competitive than CSU. However, there are some exceptions for some CSUs such as Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and San Diego State University which has 29% and 34.2% acceptance rates respectively. Comparing to UCs, these two schools have the lowest acceptance rate, only higher than UCLA and UC Berkeley.
What degree is CSU known for? ›The most popular majors at Colorado State University include: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Engineering; Social Sciences; Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields; Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences; Communication, ...
What is the safest CSU? ›
California State University San Marcos in northern San Diego County is the safest college campus in California and the 13th safest in the country, according to the study.
What is the lowest GPA CSU will accept? ›California residents and graduates of California high schools will be eligible for admission by earning a 2.50 or greater “a-g” GPA. Any California high school graduate or resident of California earning a GPA between 2.00 and 2.49 may be evaluated for admission based upon supplemental factors.
Which CSU is most affordable? ›- 1. California State University – Los Angeles. ...
- 2. California State University – Dominguez Hills. ...
- 3. California State University – Northridge. ...
- 4. California State University – Fresno. ...
- 5. California State University – Stanislaus.
A 3.8 GPA is considered to be a very good GPA and is often an indicator of strong academic performance.
What are the golden 4 CSU classes? ›The following semester campuses require the "Golden Four" courses (Oral Communication, Written Communication, Critical Thinking, Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning) be completed the semester before the start of the upcoming term.
What is the best major in California? ›Business is the most popular major in California colleges, with many students seeking careers in finance, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship. California's thriving economy and many opportunities for graduates make this major a top choice.
What are the top three popular majors? ›The most popular college majors in the United States are business, health, and social sciences, according to data from the National Center of Education Statistics (NCES). Of the 2 million bachelor's degrees conferred in the US during the 2019-2020 school year, these three majors made up almost 40 percent.
Which CSU has the best dorms? ›| Highest Transfer Graduation Rate in the CSU System | |
|---|---|
| #34 | Most Beautiful Campus in the U.S. | thebestcolleges.org, bestcollegereviews.org |
| #1 & 3 | Best Housing in the CSU, State | niche.com |
UC schools tend to have a better academic reputation than Cal State schools. When it comes to college rankings, for example, UC schools top many lists. Institutions like UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego rank among the best public universities in the country, while CSU schools tend to rank lower.
What is the #1 college in California? ›University of California, Berkeley.
Is CSU Sacramento good for computer science? ›
The bachelor's program at Sac State was ranked #127 on College Factual's Best Schools for compsci list. It is also ranked #17 in California.
Is Cal Poly San Luis Obispo good for computer science? ›Blended B.S. + M.S. US News & World Report and other national publications recognize Cal Poly as having one of the best undergraduate computer science programs in the country.
Is Cal State LA a good school for computer science? ›In a separate category, Cal State LA's undergraduate computer science program is ranked among the top 20 in California. The business program in the College of Business and Economics continues to be one of the top 10 in California among public institutions.
Is CS harder than engineering? ›Computer engineering is more difficult than computer science because, in addition to computer science courses, you must also take more advanced math courses, additional electrical engineering courses, and a handful of practical laboratory sessions in order to obtain your degree.
How many people drop out of computer science? ›From the data of the report, 22% of all students who began degree studies in computer science, failed to finish the degree and dropped out.
Is computer science a lot of math? ›Computer science is a broad field, so if you're looking to get your computer science degree, the kind of math you'll need to know will depend on your specific program and career path. But generally speaking, most degree programs require a basic understanding of calculus, algebra, discrete mathematics, and statistics.
Can computer scientists make 300k a year? ›Research Scientist (Audio 3D Vision) - $120-$300k
in visual computing, computer vision, ML or related fields. We offer a competitive salary of between 2000000 - 300000 annually for this role.
- Computer programmers: $70,114.
- IT auditors: $74,166.
- System security administrators: $93,390.
- Computer system analyst: $79,308.
- Network security administrators: $74,863.
| State | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay |
|---|---|---|
| California | $96,212 | $8,017 |
| Delaware | $95,708 | $7,975 |
| Oklahoma | $91,816 | $7,651 |
| Massachusetts | $91,340 | $7,611 |
Every incoming class looks different, though every class reflects our commitment to maintaining high academic standards and providing access to higher education as part of our land-grant mission. In general, students with a 3.0+ GPA (on a 4.0 scale) and a steady or upward trend in grades are admitted to CSU.
Can I transfer from a CSU to a UC? ›
Transferring from a four-year (or out-of-state two-year) institution. You can transfer to UC from a four-year or a non-California two-year institution.
What is the average GPA for all CSU? ›Average GPA: 3.69
The average GPA at CSU is 3.69. This makes CSU Strongly Competitive for GPAs.
Also the Cal Grant GPA is on a 4.0 scale while the CSU capped weighted GPA is not and can be as high as a 4.4.
Which CSU has the most students? ›With a student body of over 41,000 members, California State University, Fullerton is the largest school in the California State University System, and one of the largest in the state. Part of that size comes from the school's efforts to enroll students from different populations.
What is CSU ranked in the world? ›Colorado State University is one of the top public universities in Fort Collins, United States. It is ranked #409 in QS World University Rankings 2024.
What is the safest UC in California? ›UC Irvine is located in Irvine, an affluent city in Orange County, California. Irvine is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the US and has some of the best public schools for K-12.
Where do most CSU students live? ›At this school, 24% of the students live in college-owned, -operated or -affiliated housing and 76% of students live off campus. In sports, Colorado State University is part of the NCAA I.
Is a 3.2 GPA good for CSU? ›Is a 3.2 GPA good? A 3.2 is a bit higher than the average U.S. high school GPA of 3.1, and about equal to the average GPA for college-bound students. It demonstrates that you've earned mostly B's with some A's, indicating an above-average academic performance.
Can I get into a CSU with one D? ›CSU: A grade of "C" or better in the 2nd semester will validate a "D" in the 1st semester.
What is the lowest GPA accepted to Ivy League? ›None of the Ivy League schools have a minimum GPA requirement for applications, which means anyone can apply with any GPA.
Do Cal states look at SAT? ›
After the California State University system formally ditched the SAT and ACT as admissions requirements last week, the state is now the first — and only — in the United States to have no public university accepting standardized test scores for admissions.
What is the most difficult CSU to get into? ›The hardest Cal State to get into is the Cal Poly San Luis, Obispo. It has an acceptance rate of 28%, the lowest among CSUs. It also has the highest average SAT score requirement of 1340 and an average ACT score of 29, also the highest among the CSUs.
Which CSU is better than UC? ›Rankings and Grades
While both the UC system and CSU system are solid options for college, the UC schools are much more highly ranked and prestigious overall. All UC schools rank in the top 100 national universities on US News.
Is it possible to get a 5.0 GPA? Typically, high schools that employ weighted GPAs use a 0–5 scale, with 5.0 being the best score available. Although a GPA above 5.0 is uncommon, schools occasionally design their point systems so that students enrolled in difficult courses might accrue extra points.
Can I get into Harvard with a 3.8 GPA? ›To get to Harvard your GPA has to be at least a 4.0 and even then if you get in your lucky but they require at least a 4.18 GPA only .
Can I get into UCLA with a 3.8 GPA? ›California applicants must earn at least a 3.0 GPA and nonresidents must earn a minimum 3.4 GPA in all A-G or college-preparatory courses to meet this requirement.
Does CSU have a computer science program? ›Welcome to the Department of Computer Science at Colorado State University! From the environment and healthcare to artificial intelligence and space exploration, computer science is everywhere, improving people's lives in extraordinary ways.
What is the most popular major at CSU? ›The most popular majors at Colorado State University include: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Engineering; Social Sciences; Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields; Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences; Communication, ...
Is CSU Fullerton good for computer science? ›The bachelor's program at Cal State Fullerton was ranked #130 on College Factual's Best Schools for compsci list. It is also ranked #18 in California.
What is Cal Poly San Luis Obispo ranked for CS? ›Cal Poly San Luis Obispo CompSci Rankings
The bachelor's program at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo was ranked #67 on College Factual's Best Schools for compsci list.
What program is CSU known for? ›
CSU is considered one of the leading research universities, and faculty and students work together to explore fields such as atmospheric science, infectious diseases, clean energy technologies and environmental science.
Is CSU Global a good school for Computer Science? ›Ranked #3 for Best Colleges in Colorado by Best Value Schools.
What are the top 3 majors at University of California? ›The most popular majors at University of California, Los Angeles include: Social Sciences; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Psychology; Engineering; Mathematics and Statistics; Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies; Visual and Performing Arts; Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; and English Language ...
What is the biggest Cal State campus? ›With a student body of over 41,000 members, California State University, Fullerton is the largest school in the California State University System, and one of the largest in the state. Part of that size comes from the school's efforts to enroll students from different populations.
What is the acceptance rate for Cal computer science? ›Uc Berkeley computer science acceptance rate
The computer science program at UC Berkeley has a 20% acceptance rate. It means that only 20 out of every 100 candidates will be accepted. Applicants must have excellent grades and exam scores for acceptance into this highly competitive program.
- Santa Clara University. Santa Clara, CA. ...
- University of California - Irvine. Irvine, CA. ...
- California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo. San Luis Obispo, CA. ...
- San Jose State University. San Jose, CA. ...
- California State University - Fullerton. Fullerton, CA.
“Competition no matter what certainly can be different from one major to the next.” The least impacted major for freshmen at Cal Poly is bioresource and agricultural engineering. A total of 122 students applied for 54 available spots — meaning there's space for 44.3% of that major's applicants.
What is the average salary at Cal Poly CS? ›Cal Poly grads were eighth in the nation (and fourth in the state among public universities) in computer science. Their salaries ranged from $81,200 as entry-level workers to $134,000 after 10 years, the report said.
Is Cal Poly SLO the best Cal State? ›It utilizes a quarter-based academic calendar. California Polytechnic State University—San Luis Obispo's ranking in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities West, #2.