How is computer science at UCI?

Computer Science at UC Irvine (UCI) is a highly-ranked, rigorous program within the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences (ICS) offering strong fundamentals, diverse specializations (AI, Security, Networks, etc.), hands-on projects, and excellent career outcomes in tech, though it's known for impacted intro courses. Students praise knowledgeable faculty, research opportunities, and a vibrant tech ecosystem in Southern California, leading to good internships and jobs at various companies.

Is UCI or UCSD better for computer science?

When deciding between UCI and UCSD for a Computer Science major, there are several factors you should consider to decide which school is best for you: 1. Reputation and Rankings: Both schools have strong Computer Science programs, but UCSD typically ranks slightly higher than UCI in national and global rankings.

What are the top 3 majors at UCI?

University of California-Irvine (off-campus)

At the University of California-Irvine, the three most popular college majors students study are Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Business/Managerial Economics, Research and Experimental Psychology, and Other.

What are the hardest majors to get into at UC Irvine?

The hardest majors to get into at UC Irvine (UCI) are highly impacted, competitive programs like Nursing, all majors in the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences (ICS), and all majors in the Samueli School of Engineering, with Business Administration also being extremely difficult. Nursing is exceptionally competitive with very low acceptance rates, while Computer Science and Engineering programs attract a massive number of applicants, making them tough to get into. 

Which UC has the best computer science?

It is hard to beat University of California - Berkeley if you wish to pursue a degree in computer science. UC Berkeley is a fairly large public university located in the midsize city of Berkeley.

Jared Haren Student Profile @ UC Irvine

What pays more, CS or IT?

Generally, Computer Science (CS) (especially in software/AI/data roles) tends to offer higher earning potential than traditional Information Technology (IT) roles, as CS focuses on creating software and algorithms, leading to high-paying jobs like AI Engineer or Software Developer, while IT often focuses on implementation and support (e.g., Network Admin, Help Desk). However, high-level, specialized IT roles (like Cybersecurity Analysts or Cloud Engineers) and the specific skills you develop (like coding ability or expertise in a niche area) can lead to excellent salaries in either field, with significant overlap and demand in both tech sectors. 

What is the hardest college for CS?

Top 3 Hardest Ivy League Schools to Get Into for Computer Science

• Harvard University — Cambridge, MA. Overall Acceptance Rate: ~3.7% Early Action Rate: ~8.7% ...
• Columbia University — New York City, NY. Overall Acceptance Rate: ~4.3% ED Rate: ~12% ...
• Yale University — New Haven, CT. Overall Acceptance Rate: ~4.6%

Is UC Irvine a good computer science school?

The top 10 colleges in Irvine for tech enthusiasts in 2025 offer diverse tech programs, with UC Irvine leading in research funding and job placement. Options range from UC Irvine's computer science program, ranked #7 in California, to affordable courses at Irvine Valley College.

How hard is it to get into UC Irvine computer science?

While it's impossible to give an exact number, you might be looking at an acceptance rate in the low 20s or even mid to high teens for the Computer Science major at UC Irvine. Don't get discouraged by that increased selectivity, though!

Is UCI harder to get into than UCLA?

It is significantly harder to get into UCLA than UC Irvine (UCI), with UCLA having a much lower acceptance rate (around 9-11%) compared to UCI (around 21-29%), making UCLA one of the most selective public universities, while UCI is considered selective but less so than UCLA. UCLA generally requires higher academic metrics, such as higher GPAs and test scores, and receives far more applications, making it the more competitive choice. 

What is UCI CS ranked?

The 2022-23 U.S. News & World Report list of “Best Colleges” ranks UCI eighth among the nation's public universities and 34th overall. Additionally, moving up a spot from 2021, UCI is 24th for undergraduate Computer Science Programs — a category added to the rankings just last year.

What are the top 5 CS schools?

1. Stanford University

• Stanford University. At the top of our list of the best computer science schools is Stanford. ...
• Carnegie Mellon University. ...
• Georgia Institute of Technology. ...
• University of Michigan–Ann Arbor. ...
• University of California—Los Angeles.
• University of California–San Diego.

What is the easiest major to get into at UC Irvine?

The easiest majors to get into UCI generally fall under Humanities, Social Sciences, and some Language/Education fields, with Urban Studies, Psychological Science, Language Science, History, and some Education-related majors often having higher admit rates and lower mid-range GPAs for transfer students. Majors like Computer Science, Engineering, and Business are typically the most competitive and hardest to get into, while Nursing is exceptionally difficult. 

What kind of students go to UCI?

Diversity & Inclusion

UC Irvine is federally designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI).

Who gets paid more, computer science or computer engineering?

Generally Comparable Salaries: Entry-level salaries for CS and CE graduates are similar, typically in the 90,000 range. CS May Have Broader High-Paying Opportunities: Due to demand in AI, software development, and data science, CS might offer more high-paying roles overall, especially in software-heavy industries.

Is computer science impacted at UCI?

As for 2024-2025 admissions cycle, the impacted majors identified by UC Irvine include Business Administration, Computer Science, Biology, Psychology, and the Nursing Science program.

What is the hardest major to get into at UC Irvine?

UC Irvine's hardest majors to get into are consistently Nursing, with extremely low acceptance rates (around 1%), followed by highly impacted programs in Computer Science, Business Administration, and Engineering, where high demand significantly lowers admission chances, requiring strong academic profiles and often backup choices.
 

Is UC Irvine a tier 1 school?

Yes, UC Irvine (UCI) is considered a top-tier research university, often grouped with "Tier 1" public institutions nationally due to its strong rankings, R1 Carnegie classification (highest research activity), and inclusion in "Public Ivy" lists, though within the UC system, it's sometimes seen as just below UCLA/Berkeley (Tier 2 UC), but still very high. 

What is the average salary for a Compsci major at UCI?

As of Jan 9, 2026, the average annual pay for a Computer Science Graduate in Irvine is $66,061 a year.

What major is UCI famous for?

UC Irvine (UCI) is well-known for strong programs in Biological Sciences, Computer Science, Engineering (especially Mechanical & Aerospace, Electrical & Computer), Psychology, and Business/Economics (like Managerial Economics), with popular choices also including Criminology, Public Health, and various Social Sciences. Its strengths often lie in interdisciplinary studies connecting science, technology, and health.
 

What UC major has a 1% acceptance rate?

The University of California (UC) major with the lowest acceptance rate, often around 1%, is Nursing, particularly at campuses like UCLA and UC Irvine, making it the most competitive major, even more so than Computer Science or Engineering. Thousands apply for a limited number of spots, reflecting high demand for the profession despite the fierce competition. 

Why are so many CS majors unemployed?

The biggest reason companies do not consider CS graduates to fill job openings is their lack of real-time practical experience. IT employers take 50% longer to hire a candidate than other recruiters as they want highly-qualified developers with exceptional coding skills.

Which UC has the best computer science program?

UC Berkeley ranked #1 in data science and #2 in computer science by U.S. News. UC Berkeley's undergraduate data science program retained its No. 1 spot in the 2026 U.S. News and World Report rankings released today.

Which CS has the highest salary?

The highest salaries in Computer Science (CS) go to specialized roles like AI/Machine Learning Engineers, Software Architects, and senior positions in Data Science, with top earners potentially exceeding $200,000-$300,000+ annually, especially in big tech or high-demand areas like cloud security and specialized AI. While averages vary, roles such as AI/ML Engineer ($170k+), Software Architect ($140k+), and Data Scientist (often $120k+) consistently rank high, with significant potential for even greater earnings in leadership or niche roles.