With low taxes, an affordable cost of living, abundant job opportunities, and a diverse and beautiful landscape, it's no wonder Texas is the fastest-growing state in the union. One of its most prolific metros, Austin, was named one of America's best cities for tech jobs.
The Lone Star State is acclaimed for its higher education system. Exceptional computer science colleges in Texas include the University of Texas at Austin, Rice University in Houston, and Texas A&M in College Station.
This page will break down the best computer science schools in Texas and online CS degrees for TX residents. We'll also examine potential career outcomes for college graduates in Texas, including the top-paying tech cities and in-state comp-sci careers.
What makes our rankings valuable?
Most college rankings online rely heavily on the National Center for Education Statistics, measuring institutional rates for graduation, retention, acceptance, etc. The NCES has good data, and we use it too; however, we go beyond the stats to analyze the current and future relevance of the skills and credentials gained. We also delve deep into value and flexibility to consider accelerated, online, dual-degree, and certificate options.
| Compare the Best Computer Science Schools in Texas | ||
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX 78712 |
| 2 | Rice University | Houston, TX 77005 |
| 3 | Texas A&M | College Station, TX 77843 |
Top 3 CS Schools in Texas
We selected the best computer science schools in Texas using numerous criteria, including the scope of degrees offered, curriculum relevance, academic reputation, program features, value, and flexibility.
Here are Texas' top computer science schools for 2024:
1. University of Texas at Austin
Repeatedly voted among the nation's top public universities, UT Austin is Texas's best computer science school. Students in the college's graduate and undergraduate CS programs focus on the cutting-edge skills and technologies that shape the modern world. UT Austin's computer science department has earned numerous research, service, and teaching awards, including the IEEE CS Charles Babbage Award, the Humboldt Research Award, and the President's Associates Teaching Excellence Award.
- Top Computer Science Concentrations:
- Big Data
- Cybersecurity
- Computer Systems
- Game Development
- Mobile Computing
- Machine Learning
- Artificial Intelligence
- View all programs at UT Austin
- Campus Locations:
- UT Austin Computer Science Dept.: 2317 Speedway, Austin, TX 78712
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
2. Rice University
Unknown to many outside of the research space, the small but mighty Rice University is a leading institute for computer science research. Rice features a highly collaborative environment and consistently ranks among the best schools in student-focused metrics like student-to-faculty ratio (6:1), student happiness, and race and class interactions. The school offers five well-curated CS programs to undergraduate and graduate students.
- Computer Science Degree Programs:
- Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science (BACS)
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS)
- Master of Computer Science (MCS)
- Master of Data Science (MDS)
- Master of Science (MS) *research program for Ph.D. candidates
- View all programs at Rice
- Campus Locations:
- Rice University-Main Campus: 6100 Main Street | Houston, TX 77005-1892
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
3. Texas A&M
A&M's undergraduate computer science program is ranked 16th in the nation, while the graduate program is ranked 22nd among public institutions, according to the latest data from U.S. News & World Report. CS students at A&M benefit from career-ready courses in software development, robotics engineering, artificial intelligence, video game design, and more. In addition to its regional accreditation, A&M's computer science bachelor's is recognized by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), which demonstrates quality higher education programs in computer science and engineering.
- Featured Computer Science Degrees:
- B.S. in Computer Science
- B.A. in Computing
- M.S. in Computer Science
- Ph.D. in Computer Science
- View all programs at A&M
- Campus Locations:
- Texas A&M University College of Engineering | 3127 TAMU | College Station, TX 77843
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Top Paying Computing Jobs in Texas
Here's what you can earn in Texas' highest-paying technology roles.
| IT Career Path | Average Salary in TX |
|---|---|
| Information Technology Manager | $154,860 |
| Computer Scientist | $146,180 |
| Database Administrator | $126,920 |
| Network Architect | $115,840 |
| Hardware Engineer | $115,640 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Regional Tech Pay in Texas
These Texas cities and metropolitan areas pay the highest average wages to computing professionals.
| Location in Texas | Hourly IT Wage | Annual IT Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $47.62 | $99,040 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $46.86 | $97,470 |
| Austin-Round Rock, TX | $46.65 | $97,020 |
| Midland, TX | $42.90 | $89,240 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | $42.46 | $88,320 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions
Technology and education insiders answer FAQs from prospective computer science students in Texas.
Is UT Austin good for computer science?
Yes, the University of Texas at Austin is the #1 computer science program in Texas, according to our 2024 rankings. U.S. News & World Report also named UT Austin the top computer science school in Texas.
What's the best online school for computer science in Texas?
With a computer science bachelor's degree that features relevant coursework in programming, database design, cybersecurity, and IT project management, flexible study formats, and a low tuition cost of $40 to $550 per credit, Texas A&M is the top online computer science school in Texas.
