best computer science schools -- Virtually Advising Q+A

The Q: What are the top computer schools in the United States?

The A: In the United States, as far as science education is concerned, there are two types of schools. The first group is comprised of so-called "research one" universities. These universities confer large numbers of doctoral degrees, and receive the lion's share of research money from the federal government. The second group is comprised of all other universities, many of which do not confer doctoral degrees, and which must compete with one another for a relatively small share of federal funding.

While the inequity of this system is hotly debated, the difference is clear. One need only visit one of these "research one" schools to see the strong ties they develop with public and private organizations. Take a stroll outside the campus gates of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and you'll find dozens of software and biotech firms -- industry leaders like Lucent and Lotus Development Corp., and government giants like the Department of Transportation -- all within a matter of blocks.

MIT, Virginia Tech, Purdue U-West Lafayette, U Michigan and Georgia Tech are a few examples of "research one" universities. Should this settle your decision? Not hardly. Your choice of school should be mindful of all I've just told you, but not based solely on it. Remember: There are a huge number of other considerations to make (school size, faculty/student ratio, activities/clubs on campus, nightlife, etc.) when picking the college at which you'll spend at least the next four years living and learning. I suggest using a good college search engine, like these:

to help you narrow down a list of quality schools you might enjoy attending.

Best wishes,

—Ian Richards, Compsci Advisor