I'm considering applying to Rice University for computer science. Can anyone tell me how the CS program ranks nationally? It would help to know if it's a well-respected program before making my decision.
Rice University's Department of Computer Science is indeed well-regarded. While specific rankings can shift around from year to year depending on the organization conducting the rankings, as of 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranks Rice's undergraduate CS program in the top 20 nationally.
Rankings, however, are just one metric to consider when evaluating a program. They typically focus on factors like faculty research output and reputation, but they don't necessarily reflect the quality of undergraduate teaching, or the resources and opportunities available to undergrads.
Rice University's program is known for its intimate, collaborative environment. The program has a low student-to-faculty ratio, which can facilitate students' connections to faculty, drive active participation, and encourage immediate feedback. This intimate setting means students have more opportunities for undergraduate research and can develop a tight-knit community with their peers.
Rice CS students also benefit from the school's location in Houston, Texas, the fourth-largest city in the U.S., which is a hub for tech, healthcare, and energy industries. Plenty of internship and job opportunities are available in the area.
I would definitely recommend that you also consider these aspects when making your decision about applying.
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