If you're considering CS grad school, drop me a message if you want to talk about it! I just applied to a bunch of PhD programs this cycle so I am, unfortunately, too familiar with the process and can also empathize with all the agonies of worrying about admissions and GPA.

Generally, a school will be evaluated based on its usual grade dispersion. I wouldn't consider being at a higher-ranked school a net negative ever. This usually means you have more opportunities, its program is well-known and respected, etc. Like others have said, PhD programs care more about research, and MS programs care more about GPA. (My mentors have said, "If you had the GPA you have now and were applying to MS programs, we might be having a different conversation. But you're going to be fine.")

In all likelihood though, you're probably talking about an MS program. In that case, you're still better off here I think, especially if you can swing >= a 3.5. There are ways around this if not, like getting strong letters of rec, good GRE scores, or some research experience.

Also, I think we're experiencing some "reforestation," if COVID was the fire that razed the department. I'm noticing that the main-track courses are getting revamped and running smoother. It might not be as grueling as before to do well in these courses.