Topping this year's prosperity rankings, Massachusetts is an incredible place to live and work. In addition to placing 1st for overall prosperity, the Bay State earned the top slot for education; this didn't come as a surprise, as Massachusetts has always been an academic hot spot. In computer science, Massachusetts distinguishes itself with world-class institutions like MIT, Northeastern University, UMass, and Boston University.
This page will highlight the best computer science colleges in Massachusetts. We'll also look at potential career outcomes for CS graduates in-state, including Massachusetts's highest-paying cities and jobs for comp-sci professionals.
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, and certificate options at each school.
Top 3 CS Schools in Massachusetts
We selected Massachusetts' best computer science schools using numerous criteria, including the relevance of the curricula, the scope of certificates and degrees offered, school reputation, program features, value, and flexibility.
Here are the top computer science schools in Massachusetts for 2024:
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Arguably the world's preeminent computer science and engineering school, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is the best CS school in Massachusetts. MIT graduates are at the forefront of computer science, with many becoming leaders in research, education, and industry.
- Featured Undergraduate Programs:
- Computer Science and Electrical Engineering
- Computer Science and Molecular Biology
- Computer Science, Economics, and Data Science
- Urban Science and Planning with Computer Science
- Featured Graduate Programs:
- Master of Science (S.M.)
- Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)
- Engineer in Computer Science (E.C.S.)
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)/Doctor of Science (Sc.D.)
- View all programs at MIT
- Campus Locations:
- MIT Schwarzman College of Computing: 77 Massachusetts Ave. | Cambridge, MA 02139
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
2. University of Massachusetts Amherst
The Robert and Donna Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences (CICS) at UMass Amherst is a top-tier computer science institution. The school's vision is a world where computing enhances the well-being of citizens, and its innovative comp-sci curriculum backs that up. It's also the most affordable computer science school in this year's ranking, with an undergraduate tuition of $17,357 for MA residents.
- Featured Computer Science Degrees:
- Bachelor's in Computer Science (B.S. & B.A.)
- Bachelor's in Informatics (B.S.)
- Master's in CS (focus in Data Science, Security, or Field Experience)
- Doctoral / Ph.D. in Computer Science
- View all programs at UMass Amherst
- Campus Locations:
- Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences: 140 Governors Dr. | Amherst, MA 01003
- UMass Online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
3. Northeastern University
Northeastern's Khoury College of Computer Sciences offers inclusive, flexible, and experience-rich CS programs. It fosters collaboration with external partners and values diverse perspectives for transformative discoveries. Computer science students at Northeastern benefit from varied undergraduate and graduate formats, including accelerated B.S. + M.S. programs, combined interdisciplinary majors, and career-ready certificates.
- Top Computer Science Programs:
- B.A. or B.S. in Computer Science
- B.S. in Cybersecurity
- B.S. in Data Science
- M.S. in Computer Science
- M.S. in Artificial Intelligence
- Ph.D. in Computer Science
- Graduate Certificate in Cloud Software Development
- Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
- View all programs at Northeastern
- Campus Locations:
- Northeastern University Khoury College of Computer Sciences: 440 Huntington Avenue, 202 West Village H | Boston, MA 02115
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Top Paying CS Careers in Massachusetts
Here's how much you can earn in Massachusetts' top-paying computer science roles:
| IT Career Path | Average Salary in MA |
|---|---|
| Computer Hardware Engineer | $138,680 |
| Computer Network Architect | $135,230 |
| Biomedical Engineer | $124,160 |
| Aerospace Engineer | $122,660 |
| Computer Scientist | $120,170 |
| Software Engineer | $119,790 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Regional CS Pay in Massachusetts
These cities and metropolitan areas in Massachusetts pay the highest salaries to computing and IT professionals:
| Location in Mass | Hourly Wage | Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $51.35 | $106,810 |
| Pittsfield, MA | $48.47 | $100,810 |
| Worcester, MA-CT | $46.36 | $96,430 |
| Leominster-Gardner, MA | $43.77 | $91,040 |
| Barnstable Town, MA | $43.11 | $89,670 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions
Technology and education insiders answer FAQs from computer science degree candidates in Massachusetts:
Which UMass college is best for computer science?
According to our 2024 rankings, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is the #1 computer science school in the UMass system. Additionally, the latest data from U.S. News & World Report and CSRankings name UMass Amherst Massachusetts's best public college for computer science.
What is the best online computer school in Massachusetts?
With numerous career-focused specializations in computer science and information technology, synchronous and self-paced distance-learning formats, and flexible and affordable tuition options, UMass Global is the top online school for computer science in Massachusetts.
What's the most affordable computer science school in Massachusetts?
Of the ten accredited schools we analyzed in Massachusetts, UMass Boston has the most affordable computer science degree in 2024, with an in-state tuition of $14,905 per academic year.
