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. In fact, one of its most prolific metros, Austin, was just named one of America's best cities for tech jobs.
The Lone Star State is also acclaimed for its higher education system. Notable Texas colleges with exceptional computer science programs 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, as well as online CS degrees for TX residents. We'll also examine potential career outcomes for in-state graduates, including the top paying tech cities and comp-sci careers for Texans.
Top Computer Science Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
- Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics
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 Texas
Research and compare the top-ranked computer schools in Texas.
University of Texas at Austin
Repeatedly voted among the nation's top public universities, UT Austin is the best computer science school in Texas. Students in the college's graduate and undergraduate CS programs focus on the cutting-edge skills and technologies that shape the modern world.
- Available CS concentrations:
- Big Data
- Cybersecurity
- Computer Systems
- Game Development
- Mobile Computing
- Machine Learning
- Artificial Intelligence
- View all programs at UT Austin
- Campus Locations:
- UT Austin Main Building (MAI) | 110 Inner Campus Drive | Austin, TX 78705
Rice University
Unknown to many outside of the research space, the small-but-mighty Rice University is a leading research institute. 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-designed 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 aspiring PhDs
- View all programs at Rice
- Campus Locations:
- Rice University Main Campus: 6100 Main Street | Houston, TX 77005-1892
Top Paying Computing Careers in Texas
For those who remain in-state after graduating from computer science school in Texas, here's what you can earn in the state's 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 cities and metropolitan areas in Texas pay the highest average wages to IT 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
Here are some commonly asked questions from prospective computer science students in Texas.
What's the best college for computer science in Texas?
University of Texas at Austin is the #1 computer science school in Texas - and the #9 computer science school in the nation - according to the latest college ranking from US News & World Report.
Online Computer Science Schools in TX
These top-rated online computer schools are currently accepting Texas residents.
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 landscape.
- Undergraduate & Graduate Programs in:
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Business Intelligence & Analytics
- Graphic Design & 3D Animation
- Information Security
- View all programs at SNHU
