RPI vs Boston University for computer science: which is better for CS overall?

For computer science specifically, RPI often stands out more for students who want a very engineering-heavy, technically focused environment where CS is central to the school’s identity. Its computer science program has a strong reputation, the campus culture leans heavily toward STEM, and the student experience tends to revolve around project-based technical work. If your main question is which school feels more built around serious CS study, RPI has the edge.

RPI is especially appealing for students who want to be surrounded by peers in engineering, computing, and applied science all the time. That can translate into a more concentrated recruiting pipeline for technical internships, stronger alignment with research labs in areas like AI, systems, and data, and a campus culture where coding, design teams, and technical clubs are a major part of student life. For grad school preparation, that kind of environment can be a real plus if you want close involvement in faculty research and a more specialized STEM identity.

Boston University makes more sense for a student who wants strong CS training but also values being in a large, academically broad university in the middle of a major city. BU’s location in Boston is a real advantage for internships during the school year, networking, and access to startups, healthcare tech, finance, and established tech employers nearby. If you want your CS degree paired with easier access to an urban professional ecosystem and a wider range of non-STEM opportunities, BU becomes very attractive.

For job placement, both can lead to strong outcomes, but the path feels different. RPI often offers a more tightly knit technical community and a stronger pure-tech vibe, while BU benefits from Boston-based access and the visibility that comes with being in a major research university in a major city. For grad school, either can work well, but RPI may feel more naturally geared toward students who already know they want a deeply technical route.

So in overall CS strength alone, I’d lean RPI. In overall student experience tied to internships, city access, and broader flexibility, BU has a compelling case.