Nc State Computer Science Program Rankings: How Does It Measure Up?

As one of the top public universities in the country, NC State University has long been recognized for its excellence in education and research. But exactly where does the school’s computer science program rank among other top computer science schools and nationally?

In this comprehensive guide, we dive into NC State’s computer science rankings, reputation, and metrics across major publications and surveys.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: NC State’s computer science program is consistently ranked as one of the top computer science schools in the country, placing it in the top 25 in major rankings.

Read on as we explore factors like graduation outcomes, faculty excellence, research impact, student selectivity, and more that contribute to NC State computer science’s high rankings from US News, Forbes, Times Higher Education, and other authoritative sources.

Whether you are considering NC State for computer science or just want to better understand the program’s standing, this guide has you covered.

Overview of NC State Computer Science

History and Background

The NC State University Department of Computer Science was founded in 1967 and has grown into one of the top computer science programs in the country (according to university rankings). With over 40 faculty members and 1,400 undergraduate and graduate students, the program focuses on building foundational computer science skills as well as preparing students for careers in fields like cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data science.

Facilities and Resources

The program is housed in historic Daniels Hall, which contains classrooms, labs, and faculty offices. Students have access to cutting-edge computing resources like the high-performance Vento computing cluster and the innovative Hunt Library makerspace.

The Centennial Campus is home to over 60 tech companies that provide invaluable internship and research opportunities.

Academics and Curriculum

NC State offers Bachelors, Masters, and PhD programs in Computer Science. The curriculum covers core CS topics like algorithms, systems, software engineering, and theory. Students can specialize through program concentrations in areas like cybersecurity, cloud applications, and gaming.

According to Payscale, NC State CS grads earn a competitive median starting salary of $72,800.

Key Rankings for NC State Computer Science

When it comes to evaluating the quality and reputation of a computer science program, rankings play a significant role. They provide prospective students and employers with valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of different programs.

NC State’s computer science program has consistently received high rankings from various reputable sources, solidifying its position as a top-tier institution in this field.

US News Rankings

One of the most widely recognized rankings for higher education institutions is the US News & World Report. In their latest rankings, NC State’s computer science program was placed in the top 25 nationally.

This recognition highlights the program’s exceptional faculty, rigorous curriculum, and strong research opportunities.

Forbes Rankings

Forbes, known for its business-focused rankings, also evaluates computer science programs. NC State’s program has consistently appeared in their rankings, often in the top 30. Forbes takes into account factors such as alumni success, return on investment, and student satisfaction to determine their rankings, making their assessment a comprehensive one.

Times Higher Education Rankings

The Times Higher Education (THE) rankings are highly respected globally. NC State’s computer science program has earned a place in THE’s top 50 computer science programs in the world. This recognition underscores the program’s international reputation, research impact, and academic excellence.

Other Notable Rankings

In addition to these prominent rankings, there are several other reputable sources that evaluate computer science programs. These include the QS World University Rankings, Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), and the Princeton Review.

While their methodologies may differ, they all consistently recognize NC State’s computer science program as one of the best in the country.

For more information on NC State’s computer science program rankings, you can visit the following websites:

• US News & World Report Computer Science Rankings
• Forbes College Rankings
• Times Higher Education Computer Science Rankings

It is important to note that while rankings provide valuable insights, they should not be the sole factor in choosing a computer science program. Prospective students should also consider their personal interests, career goals, and the specific offerings of each program to ensure the best fit for their individual needs.

Factors Driving NC State’s High Rankings

Graduation Outcomes

One of the key factors driving NC State’s high rankings in the field of computer science is its exceptional graduation outcomes. The university boasts a high graduation rate, indicating that students are successfully completing their programs.

Not only that, but NC State also has a strong track record of producing graduates who are well-prepared for the workforce.

According to Niche.com, a leading college ranking and review website, NC State’s computer science program receives excellent ratings for its graduation outcomes. Graduates from the program have reported high levels of satisfaction with the education they received and the skills they developed during their time at the university.

Career Prospects and Earnings

Another driving factor behind NC State’s high rankings is the strong career prospects and earning potential for its computer science graduates. The demand for skilled computer science professionals continues to grow, and NC State graduates are well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities.

According to a study conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations.

This means that NC State computer science graduates can expect to find a wide range of job opportunities in various industries.

Furthermore, NC State computer science graduates also enjoy competitive salaries. The average starting salary for graduates from the program is higher than the national average, providing a strong return on investment for their education.

Research Productivity and Impact

NC State’s computer science program is known for its research productivity and impact in the field. The university consistently produces groundbreaking research that contributes to advancements in computer science.

NC State faculty members are actively engaged in research projects and collaborations, publishing their findings in prestigious academic journals. This research not only enhances the reputation of the program but also provides students with opportunities to work alongside leading experts in the field.

According to the National Science Foundation, NC State is ranked among the top universities in terms of research expenditures in computer science. This indicates the university’s commitment to fostering a research-intensive environment that benefits both faculty and students.

Student Selectivity and Test Scores

NC State’s high rankings can also be attributed to its selective admissions process and the high test scores of its incoming students. The program attracts top-tier students who have demonstrated exceptional academic abilities in the field of computer science.

According to U.S. News & World Report, the average SAT/ACT scores for admitted students at NC State are higher than the national average. This indicates that the program attracts highly qualified students who are dedicated to their academic pursuits.

Furthermore, NC State’s computer science program also benefits from a diverse student body, with students coming from various backgrounds and experiences. This diversity enhances the learning environment and fosters collaboration and innovation among students.

How it Compares to Peer Institutions

Within the University of North Carolina System

The NC State Computer Science Program is highly regarded within the University of North Carolina (UNC) System. With its strong curriculum, dedicated faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities, it consistently ranks among the top computer science programs in the state.

According to a recent report by the UNC System, NC State’s Computer Science Program has the highest number of graduates employed in the tech industry compared to other UNC System institutions. This demonstrates the program’s ability to produce highly skilled graduates who are sought after by employers in the field.

Furthermore, the program at NC State benefits from its close proximity to industry-leading companies in the Research Triangle Park. This allows for valuable partnerships and internship opportunities for students, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.

The program also fosters a collaborative environment, encouraging students to work on interdisciplinary projects and engage in cutting-edge research.

Other Peer Public Universities

When compared to other peer public universities across the country, the NC State Computer Science Program continues to shine. According to the latest rankings by U.S. News & World Report, the program consistently ranks among the top 25 in the nation.

This recognition is a testament to the program’s commitment to excellence and its ability to attract top-notch faculty and students.

In addition to its strong rankings, the program also boasts impressive graduation and employment rates. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, NC State’s Computer Science Program has a graduation rate that is significantly higher than the national average for similar programs.

This speaks to the program’s ability to support and guide its students towards successful completion of their degrees.

Furthermore, the program’s strong ties to industry leaders and tech giants, such as IBM and Cisco, provide students with unique networking opportunities and access to cutting-edge technologies. This not only enhances their learning experience but also increases their chances of securing desirable job placements upon graduation.

Conclusion

With its long history of excellence and innovation in computing, it is no surprise NC State continues to be recognized as having one of the top computer science programs nationwide. Its high-caliber faculty, research productivity, career outcomes for graduates and more keep NC State ranked among the country’s elite computer science schools.