Which colleges have the best undergraduate computer science programs?

I'm a rising junior and I'm really keen on pursuing computer science in college. I've been trying to narrow down some top colleges with great CS programs, but there are so many out there, it's a little overwhelming. Can anyone give me recommendations on which colleges provide strong education in CS that would set me up well for my future career?

There are numerous universities across the country recognized for their strong computer science programs, and the ones that often top the list are:

1. Stanford University: Internationally recognized for its dominance in technology and innovation, Stanford is at the heart of Silicon Valley. Its computer science major is highly interdisciplinary, offering concentrations in areas such as biocomputation, artificial intelligence, human-computer interaction, and more.

2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): MIT's electrical engineering and computer science (EECS) major is the largest undergraduate program at the institute. It offers a robust curriculum, and fosters a collaborative culture, and its graduates are heavily sought after in the tech industry.

3. University of California, Berkeley: Berkeley has one of the top-ranked undergraduate computer science programs. Students can major in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) through the College of Engineering, or just Computer Science (CS) through the College of Letters and Sciences.

4. Carnegie Mellon University: The School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon is world-renowned, with rigorous programs and a heavy focus on research opportunities.

5. California Institute of Technology: Caltech's computer science program offers an individualized, flexible curriculum and a student-to-faculty ratio that promotes close interaction with professors.

6. University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign: UIUC has a highly regarded computer science department with strong ties to industry leaders and extensive research opportunities.

7. University of Washington: Based in Seattle, a major tech hub, UW has strong connections to top tech companies, providing ample internship and job opportunities post-graduation.

Remember, the "best" program for you depends on what exactly you're looking for in your undergraduate experience. Factors like location, class size, opportunities for undergraduate research, internship and job placement, etc., are equally vital to consider while making your decision. It would be a good idea to look at each program's curriculum to see if it aligns with your areas of interest and the type of computer science work you want to do (for example, systems, AI, theory, hardware, etc.). Some programs may be stronger in certain areas than others.