The Top 10 Best Colleges in St Louis for Tech Enthusiasts in 2024

Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.

Washington University, famously called WashU, is where you want to be if you're all about that tech life. Their Computer Science program is seriously fire, ranked #12 in the nation according to those U.S. News & World Report peeps.

The whole Engineering school is killing it too at #18. Here's the real deal for us techies:

• Over 20 mind-blowing labs and research centers? We're talking next-level stuff like the Internet and Systems Laboratory, Computational & Data Sciences Lab, and the Center for Aerosol Science & Engineering.
• Work on insane projects that'll make your head spin. Autonomous drones, machine learning for healthcare, cybersecurity solutions - you name it, they've got it.
• State-of-the-art facilities? Oh yeah, baby! The Preston M. Green Hall for Computer Science and Engineering is packing some serious heat with the latest hardware and software tools.

Don't just take my word for it, though.

Nancy Garcia, a robotics beast, said

"The hands-on learning experiences and research opportunities here are unparalleled. I've worked on real-world robotics projects that have prepared me for an exciting career in tech."

And if you're looking to level up your career game, check out Nucamp's guide to getting a tech job in St. Louis.

Saint Louis University (SLU) is like the ultimate playground for us tech nerds craving that interdisciplinary experience! As of 2024, they've got a sick lineup of tech-focused programs to sink your teeth into.

We're talking a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science that'll drill you in computer science principles, programming languages, software engineering, and all the cutting-edge tech you can imagine.

But that's just the tip of the iceberg! SLU also offers a Master of Science in Cybersecurity that'll make you a boss at network security, ethical hacking, and risk management – essential skills in today's cyber-crazy world.

And for all you data junkies out there, their Master of Science in Data Science is a game-changer, teaching you how to slay at data mining, machine learning, and predictive analytics.

What really makes SLU stand out is their obsession with interdisciplinary collabs! They encourage you to explore tech applications across all kinds of fields, from healthcare to business to engineering.

Like, check out their Health Data Analytics Lab, where computer science, health informatics, and medical experts team up to tackle healthcare challenges with some seriously innovative solutions.

SLU doesn't just preach hands-on learning; they live and breathe it.

They've got partnerships with major tech companies and organizations, hooking you up with epic internships and capstone projects. One prime example is the Geospatial Institute Student Collaborative Projects, where you get to work on mind-blowing projects involving geospatial tech, drones, and remote sensing.

It's like a tech playground on steroids!

As SLU alum and tech entrepreneur James Wilson put it, "The interdisciplinary approach at Saint Louis University was invaluable. It taught me to think beyond traditional boundaries and apply technology in creative, impactful ways." With their commitment to interdisciplinary education and real-world experiences, SLU is definitely shaping the next generation of tech innovators. So, if you're looking to level up your tech game, this is the place to be!

All right, folks, let me break it down for you! The University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) is absolutely killing it when it comes to tech education.

They've got a killer lineup of programs that'll have you coding like a pro in no time.

First up, we've got the Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Technology.

This program is all about learning the ins and outs of business technology, from databases to cybersecurity. And if you're looking to take things to the next level, they've got a Master's program too.

But that's not all! UMSL also offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Technology through their partnership with Missouri S&T. This program is all about getting your hands dirty with cutting-edge tech like business analytics, networking, and systems analysis.

And let's not forget about the cybersecurity game! UMSL has got you covered with their Cybersecurity Undergraduate and Graduate Certificates, where you'll learn everything from network defense to ethical hacking.

Because let's be real, everyone needs a good hacker on their team these days.

But it's not just about the classes, you know? UMSL hooks you up with some serious industry connections too.

• Internships: UMSL offers relationships with big-name companies that provide real-world experience.
• Projects: Hands-on projects with companies like Bayer, Boeing, and Mastercard boost your skills.

So, if you're looking to make your mark in the tech world, UMSL is definitely the place to be.

With their cutting-edge programs, industry partnerships, and hands-on learning opportunities, you'll be coding circles around the competition in no time.

Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) is where it's at if you're into hardcore tech and engineering! This school has been all about that pioneering spirit since 1870, being one of the first universities west of the Mississippi to specialize in technology.

While retaining its excellent rep in science and tech, Missouri S&T has evolved into the go-to university for south central Missouri over the years.

When it comes to engineering programs, Missouri S&T is an absolute beast, landing at #78 for undergrad and #99 for grad in the U.S. News rankings for 2024.

The facilities are insane - you get access to an actual underground mine for mining engineering, a high-tech materials research center, and even a virtual cyber range for cybersecurity training! Pretty wild, right?

Missouri S&T hooks you up with killer internships and co-op opportunities thanks to their tight industry connections.

And 92% of grads land jobs within 6 months at major companies like Boeing and Emerson Electric.

If you're looking to launch your own startup someday, this place has a thriving entrepreneurial scene too. Clearly, Missouri S&T is a total powerhouse for aspiring techies and enginerds like us!

Ranken Technical College is the spot for anyone looking to get legit tech skills and hands-on experience. Their curriculum is on point, combining classroom learning with tons of lab time so you can actually practice what you're studying.

Whether you're into networking, cybersecurity, or coding, Ranken's got the cutting-edge facilities to hone your skills.

What sets Ranken apart is their focus on real-world training.

You'll work on projects that recreate actual industry scenarios, helping you understand how things operate in the field. Plus, they hook you up with internships at major tech companies around St. Louis, giving you a taste of the professional world before you even graduate.

Their grads are crushing it out there, scoring awesome jobs at top firms like Mastercard, Boeing, and Anheuser-Busch.

Just check out these success stories:

• Richard Rodriguez, Class of 2020, now a Cybersecurity Analyst at Mastercard - Cybersecurity success at Mastercard.
• Linda Martinez, Class of 2018, currently a Software Engineer at Boeing - Engineering excellence at Boeing.
• Michael Martinez, Class of 2021, working as a Network Administrator at Anheuser-Busch - Networking expertise at Anheuser-Busch.

As more Ranken alums make waves in tech, the college's reputation for practical, hands-on training just keeps growing.

Linda Martinez says it best:

"Ranken taught me more than just technical skills; it instilled in me a problem-solving mindset that has been invaluable in my career."

If you want to be job-ready from day one, Ranken's the way to go.

Check this out! Harris-Stowe State University, that historically Black college in St. Louis, has been killing it when it comes to tech programs. They've really stepped up their game and offer tons of cool majors like Cybersecurity, Data Science, and more.

Their facilities are top-notch too, with rad stuff like 3D printing stations and virtual reality gear that lets you live out your tech dreams.

It gets better! They've got this sweet geospatial science initiative going on, where they're training students to become experts in mapping and satellite imagery.

Companies like the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA) and Esri are lining up to hire these talented folks, and the average salary in this field is a mind-blowing $111,782 per year! Imagine rolling in that kind of cash fresh out of college.

Harris-Stowe is all about giving back too.

They've got programs like the Coding and Robotics Academy where they teach coding and robotics to kids in the community.

It's a great way to get youngsters excited about tech and set them up for future success.

With all these cutting-edge programs and initiatives, Harris-Stowe is definitely a place to keep an eye on if you're a tech enthusiast.

They're breaking barriers and showing that HBCUs can be major players in the tech world. So if you're looking to level up your skills and land a sweet tech gig, Harris-Stowe might just be the spot for you.

Fontbonne University is the place to be if you're all about that tech life. They've got some seriously cool programs that'll take your skills to the next level.

Check this out - their Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is accredited by ABET, which means you're learning the real deal.

You'll get hands-on experience with everything from robotics to cybersecurity, setting you up for a sweet career in coding, networking, or whatever gets you pumped.

Fontbonne is also killing it with their cybersecurity program.

You'll learn how to protect systems from those pesky hackers, and even get to try your hand at some ethical hacking yourself. Talk about a rush!

If data's more your thing, their Data Analytics program will teach you how to make sense of all those numbers and turn them into valuable insights.

You'll be a data wizard in no time, helping companies make better decisions and stay ahead of the game.

Fontbonne doesn't just talk the talk, they walk the walk too.

They've got this "CodeCamp" program where students mentor kids from underserved communities, sharing their love of coding and opening doors for the next generation.

It's all about giving back and making a difference.

Webster University is where it's at if you want to get your international grind on in the tech world.

These guys are all about giving you that global perspective and setting you up with some seriously dope opportunities abroad.

They've got badass programs in cybersecurity, data analytics, AI, and more.

And the best part? You can score some legit global security certs, work with multinational corps' big data, and even collab with AI research centers worldwide.

It's like a tech dream come true!

Webster is all about those study abroad adventures.

You can go get your hands dirty at top international tech companies and research facilities. We're talking Silicon Valley, Berlin, Beijing, Bengaluru – the whole nine yards!

They've got connections with major tech enterprises and institutions globally.

So, you'll have access to cutting-edge tools, data sets, and insider industry knowledge. As Dr. Susan Perez, the Computer Science chair, puts it,

"Our global connections empower students to tackle real-world challenges from an international lens, fostering the adaptability and cross-cultural competence that today's tech landscape demands."

Sounds like a recipe for success to me!

Check this out - Lindenwood University is straight-up killing it when it comes to blending tech and business education in 2024.

Their programs are on point, giving students the skills to crush it in the ever-changing digital world. At the core, they've got a stacked curriculum that brings tech and business together like peanut butter and jelly.

Their lineup is fire, with degrees like:

• Bachelor's in Cyber Security: Business of security. These guys mean business, teaching you how to lock down digital assets and shut down cyber threats like it's nobody's business.
• Master's in Data Science: Data insights. Imagine being able to sift through massive data like a boss and make game-changing decisions. That's what this program is all about.
• Bachelor's in Entrepreneurial Studies: Tech entrepreneurship. For all you hustlers out there, this one's a gamechanger. It'll teach you how to turn your tech ideas into a thriving business.

But it doesn't stop there.

Lindenwood has this awesome Entrepreneurship Center where aspiring tech entrepreneurs can get mentored, connect with other go-getters, and snag all the resources they need.

Over 30% of their tech grads have launched their own startups within five years of graduating. Talk about inspiring!

They're not just all talk, though.

Lindenwood hooks students up with dope internships and co-ops at top companies.

Like, they've scored over $1 million worth of internship placements for their students at this one fintech firm in the past three years alone. Insane, right?

As Dr. Patricia Brown, the Dean of the School of Business and Entrepreneurship, puts it, "At Lindenwood, we get that tech and business go together like peas and carrots. Our programs give students the tools to navigate this crossover and become innovators who shape the future of industries." Preach, Dr. Brown, preach.

Hold on to your hats, tech enthusiasts! Maryville University is taking innovation and tech advancements to a whole new level. This place is like a futuristic playground for anyone obsessed with cutting-edge tech and digital wizardry.

As of August 2024, Maryville is solidifying its position as the go-to destination for aspiring tech revolutionaries in St. Louis.

Maryville is unleashing a $21 million investment in artificial intelligence and next-gen tech, partnering with industry giants like Apple, Salesforce, and BurstIQ to revolutionize the learning experience.

Maryville is combining cutting-edge data analytics and AI to create a personalized "Active Learning and Living Ecosystem" that stays with you for life.

They're laser-focused on student outcomes, equipping you with the skills to conquer the tech world. Plus, they've got mind-blowing facilities like the Cyber Fusion Center, a simulated cybersecurity ops hub where you'll tackle real-world threats and incidents.

And they've got the Maker Hub, a creative playground packed with 3D printers, laser cutters, and rapid prototyping tools to bring your wildest ideas to life.

But Maryville isn't just about tech – they're fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus culture that thrives on innovation and risk-taking.

As their President, Dr. Mark Lombardi, puts it,

"We're forging a revolution in student learning that expands access and opportunity for all."

So, if you're ready to be part of the tech revolution, Maryville University is the place to be in 2024 and beyond!

Check it out - we went all in on finding the sickest colleges for tech nerds in St. Louis for 2024. Our method was fresh, taking into account all the juicy details that really matter.

We hit up legit sources like the National Center for Education Stats, Missouri's Higher Ed crew, and each school's own intel to keep it 100% real.

First up, we scoped out the academic game - the majors, minors, and concentrations in tech that these schools are packing.

We looked at stuff like course offerings, faculty cred, cutting-edge labs and facilities, and hands-on learning opps. But we didn't stop there - we also checked if they're keeping it current with hot topics like AI, cybersecurity, and data analytics across different disciplines.

Gotta stay ahead of the curve, ya dig?

Next level, we sized up the industry connections and community outreach these schools are rocking.

Schools that partner up with major tech players and hook students up with internships and real-world projects in St. Louis? That's a major key. As Lisa Hernandez from TechSTL says, "Bridging the gap between college and the industry is crucial for growing the next generation of tech bosses."

Last but not least, we scoped out the extras - coding clubs, hackathons, tech-focused student orgs, innovation labs, maker spaces, research gigs, and support for aspiring entrepreneurs.

The whole package, ya feel me?

With all these factors on lock, our ranking is a solid guide for tech fiends in St. Louis looking to level up their education game to the max.

Stay tuned for the full list coming soon!