Top Colleges in Chicago for Computer Science Majors

I'm looking into Chicago as a potential place for college, specifically for a computer science degree. What are the best colleges there for this major, and what unique opportunities do they offer to students?

When looking into Computer Science programs in Chicago, the University of Chicago and Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) stand out as two top contenders.

The University of Chicago is highly recognized and has a strong Computer Science department. Some of the department's strengths include its faculty, many of whom are leaders in their respective subfields. It also delves into interdisciplinary studies, combining computer science with subjects like human biology and environmental science. The UChicago CS department even collaborates directly with the medical school and Argonne National Lab, offering research opportunities for undergrads.

On the other side, IIT is a great choice because it specializes mainly in engineering and technology fields, making it a suitable place to study computer science. IIT’s Department of Computer Science emphasizes teaching the fundamentals while employing industry-standard software, hardware, and methods. Also, IIT's location in the South Side of Chicago offers a wealth of internship opportunities. Many of the Chicago-based tech companies recruit directly from IIT, so there's a strong pipeline from the department to industry.

Both schools have solid career services that frequently host job fairs throughout the year and connect students to internships and job opportunities in the city.

Remember, the best school for you would consider academic fit, but also social and financial fit. Chicago is a lively city with lots to offer in terms of lifestyle, and each of these colleges has its own unique culture, so visiting them (if possible) would give you a good sense of which one might be the best fit for you.