What's the best computer science school that will take me?

College Search & Lists
1

As the title says, I’m wondering what’s the best computer science school that will probably take me. I have a 3.3 GPA with a 25 ACT score. Any help would be highly appreciated

2

There are probably a few CS programs that will accept you. What is your home state?

The bigger issue is how much will your family pay? If they’ll pay all costs, then super. If they wont’ pay much, then you probably need to start a CC.

3

I live in Illinois, My dad retires next month and he said after a 6 month break he’ll get another job to help pay. though I cant give you an exact number yet

4

Well, talk to your dad. That answer will largely determine where you should apply. There are some schools that will accept you, but what good will that do if you can’t afford to go there?

Even if he can give you an estimate, like $30k per year, that would help.

There are some instate lower-tier IL schools that would accept you, but they will cost about $28k per year.

5

The range would be around 20-25k, but I can’t say that with an absolute certainty. it really depends if my mom’s disability will go through or not. if it does, then it’ll be that range or possibly even more. if it doesn’t then that number decreases. but let’s say the glass is half full and assume that it will, what would those colleges be?

6

I am also willing to pay off student loans if it came to that

7

Students can only borrow $5500 as a freshman, rising to $7500 as a junior and senior. That won’t get you very far. As far as your stats and schools, look up the Common Data Set for IL public colleges. Here is SIUs:
http://www.irs.siu.edu/webRoot/CDS/Index.php
Section C7 shows what they use for admission. Section C9 shows your ACT is right about the 70%ile for freshman. Your GPA is right about the same level (C11). That makes you a solid match for SIU if you have any ECs. And they do have Comp Sci. Now rinse/wash/repeat for the other schools.

8

You may already be aware of these, but anyway, they all offer a bachelor’s degree in CS. If your dad can chip in $20k per year or so, you could take out a loan and/or do some work study to cover the rest.

  • Illinois State
  • U of Illinois-Chicago
  • Northern Illinois
  • Southern Illinois

If you want to try getting into the University of Illinois flagship at Urbana-Champaign, go ahead and complete an app. Your chances aren’t great, but the only way to have a 0% chance is if you don’t apply.

It costs a few thousand more per year than the others.