In addition to a beautiful natural environment with ample outdoor activities, low cost of living and a mild winter, North Carolina is an amazing place to pursue a college education in computer and information sciences. The best computer science schools in North Carolina include Duke University in Durham, University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University in the state capital of Raleigh.
This page will explore the best computer science schools in North Carolina, along with the top online tech schools for North Carolinians. We'll also look at potential career outcomes for CS grads in The Tar Heel State, including the top paying cities and technology jobs in NC.
Top Computer Science Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
- Associate of Science in IT
Top Computer Science Programs:
- BS in IT, Minor: Microsoft Networking
- BS in IT, Minor: Cisco Networking
- BS in IT, Software Development
Best CS Schools in North Carolina
Compare the top-ranked computer science colleges in North Carolina.
Duke University
Duke is the top-ranked computer science school in North Carolina, and its CS department is globally recognized as a leader in research and education. Students in computer science programs at Duke learn from renowned faculty, participate in cutting-edge interdisciplinary research projects, and prepare to innovate in a range of high-tech fields.
- Computer Science & Engineering Programs in:
- Electrical and Hardware Engineering
- Computer Systems and Engineering
- Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Computational Mechanics & Scientific Computing
- Systems Engineering for Autonomy
- Computational Biology and more
- View all programs at Duke
- Campus Locations:
- Duke University | Dept. of Computer Science | LSRC Building D101 | 308 Research Drive | Duke Box 90129 | Durham, NC 27708
University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
Believing that information is the commodity that makes us better able to cope with modern life, UNC takes a unique approach to it's computer science program by including it in its School of Information & Library Sciences (SILS). Comp-Sci students in SILS, aka the iSchool at Carolina, can pursue a range of degree programs in cutting-edge tech-centric fields.
- Computer Science Degrees include:
- Certificate in Applied Data Science (CADS)
- Bachelor of Science in Information Science (BSIS)
- Master of Science in Information Science (MSIS)
- Carolina Health Informatics Program (CHIP)
- View all programs at UNC - Chapel Hill
- Campus Locations:
- School of Information and Library Science | UNC at Chapel Hill | 216 Lenoir Drive • CB #3360 | 100 Manning Hall | Chapel Hill, NC 27599
Top-Paying IT Careers in North Carolina
If you decide to work in-state after graduating a computer science program in North Carolina, here's what you can earn.
| IT Career Path | Average Salary in NC |
|---|---|
| Information Technology Manager | $152,040 |
| Engineering Manager | $144,150 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer | $118,960 |
| IT Security Specialist | $117,400 |
| Software Engineer | $117,240 |
| Data Scientist | $113,980 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Regional Tech Salaries in NC
Here are the cities and metro areas in North Carolina that pay the most to IT professionals.
| Location in NC | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $107,090 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $103,100 |
| Raleigh, NC | $102,640 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $90,060 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | $89,360 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions
Tech and education insiders answer common questions from prospective comp-sci students in North Carolina.
Is Duke University good for computer science?
Yes, Duke is the top-ranked college for computer science in North Carolina.
Online Computer Schools in North Carolina
These top-rated online computer schools are accepting residents of North Carolina.
Capella University
Capella University offers online computer science degrees that focus on the skills, platforms and certifications that employers demand.
- Computer Science Programs in:
- Data Management and Analytics
- Information Assurance & Cybersecurity
- Networking with Cisco & Microsoft Technologies
- Web and Software Development
- View all programs at Capella
Southern New Hampshire University
SNHU's online computer science programs feature experiential learning and hands-on projects to provide the skills needed for success in the modern IT workforce.
- Undergraduate & Graduate Programs in:
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Business Intelligence & Analytics
- Graphic Design & 3D Animation
- Information Security
- View all programs at SNHU
