Search every computer programming degree program by what you actually want. All 600+ accredited programs, ranked on real outcomes across bachelor's, master's, and online. $87,220 median salary with +15% projected job growth.
Quick Answer: Is a Computer Programming Degree Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS 2024, IPEDS 2024
These are the best computer programming programs in the United States based on our comprehensive methodology that considers graduation rates, program size, institutional reputation, and career outcomes. Rankings are updated annually using data from IPEDS and BLS. Some students search for a coding degree, computer programming programs provide that foundation with structured curriculum and credentials.
$100,390 median salary · 84% graduation rate
$100,390 median salary · 75% graduation rate
Hakia ranks University of Cincinnati-Main Campus as the #2 in computer programming degree program.
The University of Cincinnati runs this Bachelor of Science in Computer Science inside its College of Engineering and Applied Science, built around the co-op program UC says it invented in 1906 and calls the largest of its kind in the country, alternating classroom terms with full-time paid work in the field. Coursework spans software development, data science, AI, and cybersecurity, with an ACM student chapter and hackathons on campus. The numbers back the pick: an 85% admit rate and a 75% graduation rate anchor a Hakia Score of 87.9, second in our ranking. In-state tuition runs $11,685/year, about $46,740 over four years. It fits Ohio students who want real work terms before graduating. The honest catch: one in four starters do not finish on track, and the career-path data the page cites comes from Lightcast/BLS Career Coach, not UC's own placement tracking.
$100,390 median salary · 68% graduation rate
Hakia ranks DePaul University as the #3 in computer programming degree program.
DePaul's on-campus BS in Computer Science (mapped here to Computer Programming) makes you pick a lane early: Artificial Intelligence, Game Systems, or Software Development. The 192 quarter-hour build is heavy on liberal studies (76 hours), including Chicago-centric first-year courses and a required senior capstone graded no lower than C-. Admission is fairly open at 76%, and it ranks 3rd on our list with a Hakia Score of 87.5. The honest catch is completion: only 68% graduate, so roughly 1 in 3 who enroll do not finish. As a private nonprofit, DePaul charges one flat $44,601 whether you are in-state or out, so there is no residency discount to chase. Four years of sticker tuition runs about $178,404 before aid, well above the $100,390 national median for the field. Best fit: a student set on a specific track who will actually finish.
$100,390 median salary · 67% graduation rate
Hakia ranks Rowan University as the #4 in computer programming degree program.
Rowan University's Bachelor's in Glassboro, NJ is an on-campus BS in Computer Science that the page reports is ABET-accredited through the Computing Accreditation Commission. The curriculum covers algorithms and data structures, software development, theoretical computing, and multiple languages and platforms, with optional concentrations and faculty who involve students in research. It earns a Hakia Score of 87.4, our No. 4 ranking. Rowan admits a fairly open 78% of applicants, but only 67% of enrollees graduate, so roughly one in three admitted students does not finish. On price, in-state tuition is $11,812/yr versus $22,170/yr out-of-state, a $10,358/yr gap. Across four years that is $47,248 in-state, about 47% of the $100,390 national median programmer salary, against $88,680 out-of-state. Best fit: New Jersey residents wanting an accredited on-campus degree at in-state rates.
$100,390 median salary · 70% graduation rate
Hakia ranks Mercer University as the #5 in computer programming degree program.
Mercer University's Computer Science major in Macon sits inside the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and you can take it as either a B.A. or a B.S., with a research-and-internship "Outside the Classroom" track layered onto coursework in programming languages, algorithms and data structures, and software methodology. Because Mercer is private nonprofit, tuition is a flat $31,265/year whether you live in Georgia or not, so there is no residency angle to play. A 70% graduation rate means about 3 in 10 starters do not finish on Mercer's clock, and the 69% admit rate makes this reachable but not a lock. It fits a student who wants a small liberal-arts CS setting with named-faculty mentorship and can shoulder roughly $125,060 over four years. Its 87.2 Hakia Score, our own composite, earns the No. 5 spot.
$100,390 median salary · 58% graduation rate
Hakia ranks University of Michigan-Dearborn as the #6 in computer programming degree program.
This is the on-campus Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science at University of Michigan-Dearborn, housed in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. What sets it apart is choice: you pick one of four concentrations (Computer Science, Information Systems, Game Design, or Artificial Intelligence) and fill in a deep elective list, with a 24-credit CIS minor available too. It ranks 6th here on a Hakia Score of 86.1. In-state tuition is $15,240 a year versus $32,496 out-of-state, so roughly $60,960 over four years for Michigan residents against $129,984 for everyone else. Against the $100,390 national field median, the resident price is under one year of pay. The honest catch: a 58% graduation rate means more than 4 in 10 starters don't finish in the measured window, and admission is competitive at 56%. Best fit for Michigan residents who want to specialize early.
$100,390 median salary · 75% graduation rate
Hakia ranks Siena College as the #7 in computer programming degree program.
Siena College runs a small, faculty-intensive Computer Science bachelor's at a private Catholic liberal arts campus in Loudonville, NY, built around lab-based courses in robotics, cybersecurity, machine learning, and web application development, with 16 full-time faculty and one-on-one mentorship. It fits students who want close faculty attention and hands-on labs over a large lecture-hall program, and who can pair the major with a minor in information systems or computer science. The numbers: a 75% graduation rate (roughly 1 in 4 who start don't finish), a 69% admit rate, and a Hakia Score of 85.7 that anchors its No. 7 ranking. Because Siena is private nonprofit, tuition is flat at $44,505 whether or not you're a New York resident, so there's no in-state discount to chase. The honest tradeoff: that flat price is the whole bet, and one year equals about 5.3 months of the $100,390 national median CS pay (44,505 / 100,390 x 12).
$100,390 median salary · 53% graduation rate
Hakia ranks Farmingdale State College as the #8 in computer programming degree program.
Farmingdale State's Computer Programming and Information Systems (CPIS) is a public bachelor's built as the applied alternative to a traditional Computer Science degree: a shared computing core plus electives that let you specialize in programming, networking, web development, database, or AI/machine learning, with an internship or capstone before you graduate. It earns a Hakia Score of 85.7 and the No. 8 rank here. A 63% admit rate makes entry realistic, but the honest catch is a 53% graduation rate, so plan for the half who finish. The value case is strongest for New York residents: in-state tuition is $7,070 a year versus $16,980 out-of-state, a $9,910 annual gap that compounds to roughly $28,280 versus $67,920 across four years. Against the national BLS field median of $100,390, in-state tuition is about 7% of that pay, or 26 days of work.
$100,390 median salary · 65% graduation rate
Hakia ranks University of Utah as the #9 in computer programming degree program.
University of Utah's Computer Programming bachelor's lives inside the Kahlert School of Computing, a public Salt Lake City department that also runs Computer Science, data science, software development, and computer engineering tracks, plus an accelerated five-year BS/MS and a games track through Entertainment Arts and Engineering. That breadth is the draw: you can specialize or pivot without leaving the school. It ranks 9th here on a Hakia Score of 85. Admissions are broad at 86%, but only 65% of students finish, so roughly a third do not, a real completion gap to weigh against the open door. Value is the clearest case for Utah residents: in-state tuition is $8,461 versus $29,701 out-of-state, a $21,240 yearly gap. In-state runs about 8.4% of the $100,390 national median programming salary; out-of-state, near 29.6%. Best fit: an in-state student who wants track flexibility and self-drives to graduation.
$100,390 median salary · 78% graduation rate
Hakia ranks Dominican University of California as the #10 in computer programming degree program.
Dominican University of California's BS in Applied Computer Science is a 3-year, practice-first degree you can take on the 50-acre San Rafael campus or fully online through live faculty-taught Zoom sessions, so Bay Area relocation is optional. The core is an integrated "Software Product Development" sequence, and you pick one technical concentration: Front End Web, Back End Web, Cybersecurity, or Machine Learning Engineering. As a private nonprofit, tuition is a flat $51,316/year with no in-state discount, roughly $153,948 over three years, about 1.5x the $100,390 national median for programming occupations. The 78% grad rate, 83% admit rate, and 83.1 Hakia Score are solid. The honest catch: the program page states it is not currently accepting applications, so verify status before you plan around it. Best fit for hands-on learners who want a concentration and can afford full sticker price.
Hakia ranks Syracuse University's online bachelor's computer programming program #1. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: fully online. Location: Syracuse, NY | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $63,710/year | Graduation Rate: 84% | Median Salary: $100,390 | Score: 92.3
Hakia ranks University of Cincinnati-Main Campus's online bachelor's computer programming program #2. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: fully online. Location: Cincinnati, OH | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,685/year | Graduation Rate: 75% | Median Salary: $100,390 | Score: 87.9
Hakia ranks DePaul University's bachelor's computer programming program #3. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Chicago, IL | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $44,601/year | Graduation Rate: 68% | Median Salary: $100,390 | Score: 87.5
Hakia ranks Rowan University's bachelor's computer programming program #4. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Glassboro, NJ | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,812/year | Graduation Rate: 67% | Median Salary: $100,390 | Score: 87.4
Hakia ranks Mercer University's bachelor's computer programming program #5. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Macon, GA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $31,265/year | Graduation Rate: 70% | Median Salary: $100,390 | Score: 87.2
Hakia ranks University of Michigan-Dearborn's bachelor's computer programming program #6. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Dearborn, MI | Type: Public | Tuition: $15,240/year | Graduation Rate: 58% | Median Salary: $100,390 | Score: 86.1
Hakia ranks Siena College's bachelor's computer programming program #7. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Loudonville, NY | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $44,505/year | Graduation Rate: 75% | Median Salary: $100,390 | Score: 85.7
Hakia ranks Farmingdale State College's bachelor's computer programming program #8. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Farmingdale, NY | Type: Public | Tuition: $7,070/year | Graduation Rate: 53% | Median Salary: $100,390 | Score: 85.7
Hakia ranks University of Utah's bachelor's computer programming program #9. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Salt Lake City, UT | Type: Public | Tuition: $8,461/year | Graduation Rate: 65% | Median Salary: $100,390 | Score: 85.0
Hakia ranks Dominican University of California's bachelor's computer programming program #10. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: San Rafael, CA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $51,316/year | Graduation Rate: 78% | Median Salary: $100,390 | Score: 83.1
Our rankings methodology weighs program strength (25%), graduation rate (20%), career outcomes (15%), institutional quality (12%), industry recognition (10%), selectivity (10%), and data transparency (8%). Learn more about our methodology →
Computer programming is ideal for students who enjoy creating software, solving logical problems through code, and prefer hands-on technical work over theoretical study. You don't need prior experience, but you should have patience for debugging and attention to detail.
Programming degrees require less mathematics than computer science programs, making them accessible to students who want tech careers without calculus and discrete math. The focus is on practical coding ability rather than theoretical foundations.
Programming degrees are available at multiple levels, each designed for different career goals and time commitments.
2-year programs for career entry or transfer to bachelor's programs
Top-ranked undergraduate programs nationwide
Top graduate programs for specialization and advancement
Flexible online programs for working professionals
A bachelor's degree in computer programming is the standard credential for entry-level positions. These 4-year programs provide comprehensive training and hands-on experience.
$100,390 median salary · 84% grad rate · 1 grads/yr
$100,390 median salary · 75% grad rate · 79 grads/yr
$100,390 median salary · 68% grad rate · 134 grads/yr
4. Western Governors University (Salt Lake City, UT) - Score: 62.8, Tuition: $7,710
5. DePaul University (Chicago, IL) - Score: 61.8, Tuition: $43,379
6. Farmingdale State College (Farmingdale, NY) - Score: 57.1, Tuition: $7,070
7. University of Cincinnati-Main Campus (Cincinnati, OH) - Score: 57.1, Tuition: $11,228
8. University of Michigan-Dearborn (Dearborn, MI) - Score: 55.2, Tuition: $14,544
9. Dominican University of California (San Rafael, CA) - Score: 53.7, Tuition: $49,821
10. Green River College (Auburn, WA) - Score: 53.5, Tuition: $4,074
A master's degree in computer programming prepares students for senior and specialized roles. These 1-2 year programs offer advanced expertise and leadership training.
$100,390 median salary · 87% grad rate · 7 grads/yr
$100,390 median salary · 80% grad rate · 41 grads/yr
$100,390 median salary · 68% grad rate · 128 grads/yr
4. Maryville University of Saint Louis (Saint Louis, MO) - Score: 61.3, Tuition: $24,766
5. University of Michigan-Dearborn (Dearborn, MI) - Score: 55.9, Tuition: $14,544
6. Maharishi International University (Fairfield, IA) - Score: 50.2, Tuition: $16,000
7. University of Detroit Mercy (Detroit, MI) - Score: 48.9, Tuition: $32,300
8. Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS) - Score: 47.0, Tuition: $9,964
9. Youngstown State University (Youngstown, OH) - Score: 45.9, Tuition: $9,611
10. Aspen University (Phoenix, AZ) - Score: 30.9, Tuition: $6,210
Online computer programming programs offer flexibility for working professionals. Top accredited programs provide the same curriculum quality as on-campus alternatives.
$100,390 median salary · 61% grad rate · 12 grads/yr
$100,390 median salary · 84% grad rate · 1 grads/yr
$100,390 median salary · 51% grad rate · 17 grads/yr
4. Yale University (New Haven, CT) - Score: 63.9, Tuition: $64,700
5. Rochester Institute of Technology (Rochester, NY) - Score: 62.9, Tuition: $55,784
6. Clemson University (Clemson, SC) - Score: 62.7, Tuition: $14,038
7. DePaul University (Chicago, IL) - Score: 61.8, Tuition: $43,379
8. Maryville University of Saint Louis (Saint Louis, MO) - Score: 61.3, Tuition: $24,766
9. Farmingdale State College (Farmingdale, NY) - Score: 57.1, Tuition: $7,070
10. University of Cincinnati-Main Campus (Cincinnati, OH) - Score: 57.1, Tuition: $11,228
An associate's degree in computer programming provides a 2-year pathway into the field. These programs are ideal for career starters or those planning to transfer to a 4-year program.
$100,390 median salary · 68% grad rate · 10 grads/yr
$100,390 median salary · 49% grad rate · 153 grads/yr
$100,390 median salary · 65% grad rate · 50 grads/yr
4. Columbia Basin College (Pasco, WA) - Score: 54.2, Tuition: $5,514
5. Bellevue College (Bellevue, WA) - Score: 53.7, Tuition: $4,074
6. Dallas College (Dallas, TX) - Score: 53.2, Tuition: $4,050
7. MiraCosta College (Oceanside, CA) - Score: 52.3, Tuition: $1,104
8. Palm Beach State College (Lake Worth, FL) - Score: 51.8, Tuition: $3,030
9. Pasco-Hernando State College (New Port Richey, FL) - Score: 51.0, Tuition: $2,297
10. State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota (Bradenton, FL) - Score: 49.7, Tuition: $2,365
Graduate programs in computer programming (PhD and doctoral degrees) prepare students for research, academic, and senior leadership positions.
$100,390 median salary · 87% grad rate · 7 grads/yr
$100,390 median salary · 80% grad rate · 41 grads/yr
$100,390 median salary · 68% grad rate · 128 grads/yr
4. University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA) - Score: 85.7, Tuition: $66,640
5. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL) - Score: 83.8, Tuition: $14,768
6. Stanford University (Stanford, CA) - Score: 82.8, Tuition: $61,731
7. Princeton University (Princeton, NJ) - Score: 82.6, Tuition: $59,710
8. Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) - Score: 81.8, Tuition: $65,204
9. University of California-San Diego (La Jolla, CA) - Score: 79.2, Tuition: $11,834
10. Purdue University-Main Campus (West Lafayette, IN) - Score: 78.6, Tuition: $9,718
Looking for quality computer programming education without the hefty price tag? These programs offer the best value, balancing tuition costs with strong academic outcomes and career prospects. Our Value Score factors in graduation rates, program strength, and institutional quality relative to cost.
| Rank | Program & School | Delivery | Annual Tuition | Grad Rate | Median Salary | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Syracuse UniversitySyracuse, NY · Private nonprofit | Online | $63,710 | 84% | $100,390 | 92.3 |
| #2 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati, OH · Public | Online | $11,685 | 75% | $100,390 | 87.9 |
| #3 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming DePaul UniversityChicago, IL · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $44,601 | 68% | $100,390 | 87.5 |
| #4 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Rowan UniversityGlassboro, NJ · Public | On-campus | $11,812 | 67% | $100,390 | 87.4 |
| #5 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Mercer UniversityMacon, GA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $31,265 | 70% | $100,390 | 87.2 |
| #6 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming University of Michigan-DearbornDearborn, MI · Public | On-campus | $15,240 | 58% | $100,390 | 86.1 |
| #7 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Siena CollegeLoudonville, NY · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $44,505 | 75% | $100,390 | 85.7 |
| #8 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Farmingdale State CollegeFarmingdale, NY · Public | On-campus | $7,070 | 53% | $100,390 | 85.7 |
| #9 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming University of UtahSalt Lake City, UT · Public | On-campus | $8,461 | 65% | $100,390 | 85.0 |
| #10 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Dominican University of CaliforniaSan Rafael, CA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $51,316 | 78% | $100,390 | 83.1 |
| #11 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming New England Institute of TechnologyEast Greenwich, RI · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $34,875 | 60% | $100,390 | 83.1 |
| #12 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Champlain CollegeBurlington, VT · Private nonprofit | Online | $47,400 | 65% | $100,390 | 82.7 |
| #13 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Western Governors UniversitySalt Lake City, UT · Private nonprofit | Online | $8,180 | 46% | $100,390 | 82.5 |
| #14 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Olivet Nazarene UniversityBourbonnais, IL · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $37,910 | 61% | $100,390 | 82.3 |
| #15 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming NUC UniversityBayamon, PR · Private for-profit | On-campus | $11,885 | 54% | $100,390 | 82.3 |
| #16 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Le Moyne CollegeSyracuse, NY · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $39,090 | 73% | $100,390 | 80.6 |
| #17 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming University of Akron Main CampusAkron, OH · Public | On-campus | $10,735 | 52% | $100,390 | 80.3 |
| #18 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Utah Valley UniversityOrem, UT · Public | On-campus | $5,818 | 45% | $100,390 | 80.0 |
| #19 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Husson UniversityBangor, ME · Private nonprofit | Online | $22,072 | 59% | $100,390 | 79.0 |
| #20 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Mount Vernon Nazarene UniversityMount Vernon, OH · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $26,719 | 68% | $100,390 | 77.9 |
| #21 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Winthrop UniversityRock Hill, SC · Public | On-campus | $13,998 | 57% | $100,390 | 76.7 |
| #22 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming University of Mount UnionAlliance, OH · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $36,100 | 59% | $100,390 | 76.5 |
| #23 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Morningside UniversitySioux City, IA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $38,017 | 50% | $100,390 | 76.0 |
| #24 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Dewey University-CarolinaCarolina, PR · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $7,080 | 62% | $100,390 | 75.8 |
| #25 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Shawnee State UniversityPortsmouth, OH · Public | On-campus | $9,448 | 48% | $100,390 | 75.3 |
| #26 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Brigham Young University-IdahoRexburg, ID · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $4,800 | 55% | $100,390 | 75.0 |
| #27 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Green River CollegeAuburn, WA · Public | On-campus | $4,205 | 39% | $100,390 | 75.0 |
| #28 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Grand Canyon UniversityPhoenix, AZ · Private for-profit | Online | $16,473 | 43% | $100,390 | 74.6 |
| #29 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Minnesota State University-MankatoMankato, MN · Public | On-campus | $8,355 | 54% | $100,390 | 73.7 |
| #30 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Youngstown State UniversityYoungstown, OH · Public | On-campus | $9,790 | 50% | $100,390 | 73.4 |
| #31 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Western Connecticut State UniversityDanbury, CT · Public | On-campus | $6,998 | 52% | $100,390 | 72.6 |
| #32 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Bellevue CollegeBellevue, WA · Public | On-campus | $4,205 | 36% | $100,390 | 71.9 |
| #33 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming University of Silicon ValleySan Jose, CA · Private for-profit | On-campus | $21,480 | 29% | $100,390 | 71.7 |
| #34 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Neumont College of Computer ScienceSalt Lake City, UT · Private for-profit | On-campus | $25,500 | 63% | $100,390 | 71.2 |
| #35 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Fort Hays State UniversityHays, KS · Public | Online | $4,704 | 48% | $100,390 | 71.0 |
| #36 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Lake Washington Institute of TechnologyKirkland, WA · Public | On-campus | $3,291 | 37% | $100,390 | 71.0 |
| #37 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Columbia College ChicagoChicago, IL · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $32,272 | 52% | $100,390 | 70.5 |
| #38 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Indiana Wesleyan University-MarionMarion, IN · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $32,104 | 67% | $100,390 | 70.5 |
| #39 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Bellevue UniversityBellevue, NE · Private nonprofit | Online | $12,123 | 33% | $100,390 | 70.5 |
| #40 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Austin Community College DistrictAustin, TX · Public | On-campus | $2,010 | 20% | $100,390 | 70.1 |
| #41 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming South CollegeKnoxville, TN · Private for-profit | Online | $16,450 | 42% | $100,390 | 69.7 |
| #42 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Southwestern CollegeWinfield, KS · Private nonprofit | Online | $39,672 | 36% | $100,390 | 68.5 |
| #43 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Baker CollegeOwosso, MI · Private nonprofit | Online | $12,600 | 36% | $100,390 | 68.1 |
| #44 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Blue Mountain Christian UniversityBlue Mountain, MS · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $19,980 | 55% | $100,390 | 68.0 |
| #45 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Siena Heights UniversityAdrian, MI · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $29,500 | 39% | $100,390 | 67.6 |
| #46 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Caribbean University-BayamonBayamon, PR · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $7,344 | 43% | $100,390 | 67.2 |
| #47 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Hardin-Simmons UniversityAbilene, TX · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $31,920 | 46% | $100,390 | 65.9 |
| #48 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Missouri Valley CollegeMarshall, MO · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $22,000 | 22% | $100,390 | 65.1 |
| #49 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Metropolitan State UniversitySaint Paul, MN · Public | On-campus | $8,571 | 44% | $100,390 | 64.2 |
| #50 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Edmonds CollegeLynnwood, WA · Public | On-campus | $4,206 | 29% | $100,390 | 63.9 |
Showing all 50 ranked programs.
Computer programming graduates have strong career prospects with median salaries of $87,220 and 15% job growth through 2032. The field offers diverse specialization opportunities from web development to mobile apps. For detailed compensation data, see our software engineer salary guide.
Create and maintain websites and web applications using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and backend technologies.
Develop applications for mobile devices using platforms like iOS, Android, and cross-platform frameworks.
Design and implement database systems, write SQL queries, and optimize database performance.
Create video games for various platforms using game engines and programming languages.
Programming curricula emphasize practical coding skills, software development processes, and hands-on project experience. Students learn multiple programming languages and development environments.
Programs require less mathematics than computer science degrees, focusing instead on practical application development and industry-standard tools and practices.
Computer programming degrees focus narrowly on practical coding skills, writing, testing, and debugging code in multiple languages. This applied focus gets you job-ready faster but provides less theoretical depth than computer science programs.
The key tradeoff is breadth versus speed. Programming degrees can be completed faster (especially at the associate level) and require less mathematics, making them accessible entry points into tech careers. However, this comes at the cost of the deeper algorithmic understanding and theoretical foundations that help with career advancement and pivoting between specializations.
For students confident they want hands-on coding roles and prefer learning through building rather than theory, programming degrees offer efficient pathways to employment. Those uncertain about their long-term direction or interested in research, AI, or technical leadership may benefit from the broader foundations a CS degree provides.
A programming degree offers good value for students who want focused, practical coding education without the theoretical depth of computer science. With median salaries of $87,220 and strong job growth, it provides a direct path to development careers.
Programming degrees are particularly valuable for students who prefer hands-on learning, want to avoid extensive mathematics, and have clear career goals in software development. The practical focus means graduates are job-ready with portfolio projects and industry-relevant skills.
Consider alternatives like bootcamps if you need faster entry to the job market, or computer science if you want broader theoretical foundations. For detailed analysis, see our comparison of bootcamp vs degree options.
Several alternatives exist for learning programming skills, each with different time commitments, costs, and career outcomes
Many successful programmers combine approaches, starting with online courses or bootcamps, then pursuing degrees for advancement. The key is matching your learning style, timeline, and career goals to the right educational path.
Based on 742 programs from IPEDS 2024
Syracuse University's Bachelor's in Computer Programming leads our ranking of 50 computer programming programs, scored on graduation rate, selectivity, career outcomes, and cost using IPEDS 2024 and BLS data. Graduates step into a field where the median wage runs about $100,390.
Number of graduates per year in this specific field (CIP code). Larger programs indicate established departments with more resources, course offerings, and career services. Measured from IPEDS Completions data.
Percentage of students completing their degree within 150% of expected time (6 years for bachelor's, 3 years for associate's). Higher rates indicate better student support and program quality. Source: IPEDS Graduation Rates survey.
Admission rate (lower = more selective). More selective institutions have stronger academic environments and more competitive graduates. For open-admission institutions, we use graduation rates as a proxy for quality.
National salary data for computer programming graduates, factored into institutional scores based on job market strength.
Overall quality using all four factors weighted as shown above. Ideal for students seeking the strongest academic experience.
Same methodology, filtered to schools with fully online or hybrid options (IPEDS Distance Education data). Some schools may have lower graduation rates due to different student demographics.
Ranked primarily by net cost (tuition minus average institutional aid), with quality factors as tiebreakers. Best for cost-conscious students.
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.