Top universities in the US for computer science programs?

I'm thinking about majoring in computer science and would love to know which universities in the USA have the best programs. Are there certain schools known for their research opportunities or industry connections?

There are numerous prestigious universities in the United States known for their comprehensive Computer Science programs, which include prominent research opportunities, close industry ties, and renowned faculty. Here are a few:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): Known for its strong emphasis on STEM fields, MIT consistently tops rankings in Computer Science. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications, and the university offers numerous research opportunities.

2. Stanford University: Offering several groundbreaking research projects, Stanford is a hub of innovation situated in Silicon Valley, which offers unique opportunities due to its close proximity to major tech companies.

3. Carnegie Mellon University: The School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon is renowned globally. CMU excels at interdisciplinary programs that marry computer science with other fields, and also has deep ties to industry, giving students ample opportunity for internships and job opportunities.

4. University of California--Berkeley (UC Berkeley): UC Berkeley's College of Engineering is well known for its excellent research facilities and faculty. Plus, being in California gives students easy access to numerous tech companies for internships and collaborations.

5. Princeton University: Princeton offers a flexible computer science program with a good balance of theory and practice. It also facilitates research initiatives in several sub-fields of computer science.

6. Harvard University: Harvard's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences features a computer science program that emphasizes the principles of computation and programming alongside systems engineering. Harvard's strong liberal arts curriculum allows computer science students to explore the intersection of technology with other disciplines.

Remember, it's important to not only consider rankings, but also look at the curriculum, campus culture, location, and opportunities for research or internships that align with your personal interests and career goals. This helps ensure a good fit for your individual needs and aspirations.

Also, note that many other universities--both in and out of the top tier--offer quality computer science programs. Schools such as the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, University of Washington, and Georgia Tech, among others, have phenomenal computer science departments, so don't limit your search to just those that are most frequently ranked as top universities.