Bret Taylor says Computer Science degrees still matter: Here are the top 5 US colleges to study CS
Speaking on an episode of 'Lenny's Podcast,' hosted by product leader Lenny Rachitsky, Taylor argued that computer science education continues to hold significant relevance. 'Studying computer science is a different answer than learning to code, but I would say I still think it's extremely valuable to study computer science,' he said.
As generative AI tools like OpenAI's Codex and competitors like Anthropic's Claude Code and Replit begin handling much of the coding process, Taylor believes the engineer's role will evolve, but not disappear.
"Your job as the operator of that code-generating machine is to make a product or to solve a problem," he explained. "Systems thinking is always the hardest part of creating products."
Why a computer science degree still counts
Computer Science and Information Systems programmes are more than just paths to learn code. These disciplines lay the intellectual foundation for understanding the systems that power everything from digital banking to biomedical technology.
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With the rise of AI, cloud computing, and data analytics, these courses train students not merely to use technology, but to shape it.
Taylor pointed out that the value of a CS degree lies in mastering the deep concepts behind code. "There's a lot more to coding than writing the code," he said. "Computer science is a wonderful major to learn systems thinking."
He listed topics like Big O notation, complexity theory, randomized algorithms, and cache misses as core to what makes computer science an enduringly valuable field.
Here are the top 5 US colleges where you can pursue your Computer Science courses.
Top 5 US colleges to study Computer Science
According to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, the United States is home to some of the most prestigious and forward-thinking institutions in Computer Science and Information Systems. These universities combine research, employer credibility, and academic excellence to prepare students for a world where understanding how systems work is just as important as writing code.
Stanford University – Palo Alto, California
THE Subject Rank (2024): 2
Overall Score: 96.4
Research Quality: 99.6
Industry Engagement: 100
Stanford isn't just at the heart of Silicon Valley—it's the engine behind it. With Bret Taylor as an alumnus, the university leads in AI research, systems architecture, and product innovation. Its perfect industry score reflects deep ties with companies like OpenAI, Google, and Nvidia.
Why it stands out
: Stanford blends elite teaching (97.5) with world-class research (97.3), giving students a true systems-thinking education.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – Cambridge, Massachusetts
THE Subject Rank (2024): 3
Overall Score: 96.2
Teaching Score: 99.2
Research Quality: 99.7
Industry Engagement: 100
MIT remains synonymous with computational excellence. Its emphasis on theory, algorithm design, and emerging technologies like quantum computing and synthetic intelligence makes it a powerhouse. The school's Employer Reputation and research culture are unmatched.
Why it stands out: MIT leads not just in producing technologists, but in producing inventors of the next wave of technology.
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
THE Subject Rank (2024): 4
Overall Score: 96
Research Quality: 99
International Outlook: 84.2
CMU is revered for its focus on robotics, software systems, and computer vision.
While its teaching score (73.1) is lower than peers, its high research quality and international standing make it an elite choice for students wanting to tackle real-world computing challenges.
Why it stands out: CMU was one of the first to offer a dedicated AI undergraduate program—proof of its future-forward thinking.
Harvard University – Cambridge, Massachusetts
THE Subject Rank (2024): 6
Overall Score: 94.8
Research Environment: 99.9
Teaching Score: 97.3
Harvard's approach to computer science is both interdisciplinary and rigorously technical.
With a perfect research environment score and growing AI and ethics labs, Harvard produces not just software developers—but thought leaders who understand the social implications of code.
Why it stands out: Employers give Harvard graduates a perfect score for readiness, ethics, and leadership potential.
Princeton University – Princeton, New Jersey
THE Subject Rank (2024): 9
Overall Score: 93.5
Teaching Score: 98.3
Research Quality: 98.9
Industry Engagement: 96.9
With an emphasis on theory, cryptography, and computer security, Princeton's computer science department equips students to tackle foundational and futuristic challenges. Its close collaboration with both academia and industry makes it a standout in systems-level research.
Why it stands out: Few schools score so consistently across teaching, research, and industry ties, making Princeton a holistic choice for CS education.
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