On our portals, there are over 3,000 Bachelor’s and 2,000 Master’s in Computer Science available in the United States. But which are the best reasons to study Computer Science in the US besides the large number of programmes and the diversity of subjects?
1. Study at the best computer science schools in the world
While tuition fees are much higher when compared to other countries, American universities and colleges are often ranked among the best academic institutions in the world.
Expect to learn from industry experts, who have years of real-life experience and are ready to teach you the latest tech trends, innovations, and developments. You will also enjoy great student support, amazing research facilities, as well as educational and professional guidance.
Here are some of the best computer science schools in the US:
- Princeton University
- Harvard University
- Columbia University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Yale University
- Stanford University
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
See other top-ranked computer science schools in the US.
2. Study any Computer Science subject you want
Being a huge tech hub, it’s no surprise that America offers any Computer Science degree you can think of. Some are more popular than others, but they all lead to well-paid in-demand jobs. Here are some Computer Science & IT specialisations from which you can choose:
- Computer Sciences
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cyber Security
- Data Science
- Health Informatics
- Machine Learning
- Software Engineering
3. Find affordable Computer Science Masters in the US
It’s true that tuition fees are rather high in the United States; many Computer Science programmes cost over 40,000 EUR per year, with some going as high as 65,000 EUR.
But this doesn’t mean you cannot find affordable Computer Science degrees. These cheaper programmes are offered by public universities, which manage to find the right balance between costs and value. Let’s look at a few American universities and colleges with low tuition fees for Computer Science Masters:
- Brigham Young University – 1,515 EUR/year
- Western Kentucky University – 1,770 EUR/year
- University of New Hampshire – 2,310 EUR/year
- California State University Long Beach – 3,300 EUR/year
- Johnson & Wales University – 3,830 EUR/year
Find cheap Computer Science Masters in the US
4. Gain experience through summer internships in Computer Science
Let’s face it: future employers are no longer impressed only by your diploma or the university’s prestige. They want to see how much practical experience you have, how and where you gained it, and what you learned during the process.
That’s why the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a great opportunity for international students in the USA. The programme allows students to apply for practical training, as long as they meet the requirements. Here are some of them:
- The training has to be related to the Master’s programme
- The training has to be part of the programme’s curriculum
- Students must find a training opportunity before they apply for the CPT
- It must happen before graduation
5. Top tech companies in the US invest in your education
US colleges and universities know how important it is to help students acquire practical knowledge; that’s why most of them have partnerships with local companies from the tech sector.
You will have the chance to participate in workshops, go on official tours, and meet industry experts. These experienced professionals can answer your questions, share details about their everyday work, and tell you about the latest trends in tech, or the most in-demand areas, like Cyber Security.
6. You can apply for Computer Science scholarships
Computer Science scholarships are offered by different types of organisations, like private companies (e.g. Google, Microsoft), state institutions, universities and colleges, NGOs, etc. You can look for scholarships and funding programmes on the Computer Science website. Just make sure you are eligible since some of them are only available to US students.
Also, check out the funding and support pages on your university website. They might have some useful information there. If you don’t find anything, you can always ask them during the application process.
You can also check out the Studyportals Scholarship to get some help on financing your Computer Science studies.
7. Computer Science contests will challenge and motivate you
Computer Science contests encourage student teams to develop software, build devices, and show off their skills and ingenuity. The goal of these contests is not necessarily to win a big prize (although sometimes they lead to an internship at a big tech company). The contests are more about teaching students how to:
- collaborate with fellow students
- manage a project from start to finish
- work under pressure
- respect deadlines
- create an original and useful product or service
These contests are a great place to meet like-minded people, discuss projects and ideas, and test yourself in a fun and creative way. Whether there is a prize or not, participating will give you the chance to show what you can do.
If your creation stands out, tech companies might contact you and offer an internship programme. Everything you do can be a big step in your tech career, so give Computer Science competitions a chance.
Find Computer Science Masters in the US
8. Enjoy high-paying Computer Science jobs
After graduation, you’ll have no problems finding a job in the US. Companies are always looking for new candidates to fill their available positions, and they are willing to pay top-dollar to the best graduates.
There are many Computer Science jobs you can choose from, so we’ve only listed some of the most popular ones. We’ve also included the average annual salaries according to PayScale:
- Web Developer – 59,200 USD/year
- Application Developer – 69,100 USD/year
- Cyber Security Analyst – 75,800 USD/year
- Game Developer – 66,900 USD/year
- IT Consultant – 78,650 USD/year
- Software Engineer – 84,900 USD/year
Ready to find a Computer Science Master’s in the USA?
The US isn’t only “the land of the free and home of the brave”, but also an ideal destination for international students. You can choose from numerous disciplines and subdisciplines in Computer Science, find programmes with tuition fees that fit your budget and take advantage of internship and scholarship opportunities.
If a traditional on-campus degree isn’t an option, you can always find online Masters in Computer Science offered by universities in the US. Best of luck and have a great study experience abroad!