Compare 50 accredited 2-year computer programming programs at community colleges and technical schools. Find affordable programs with strong transfer pathways and entry-level career placement.
Quick Answer: Is an Associate's Degree in Computer Programming Worth It?
Source: An associate's degree in computer programming is worth it for students seeking affordable entry into tech careers. At ~$3,500/year (vs $40,000+ for bachelor's), you can enter the workforce in 2 years or transfer to a 4-year university with completed prerequisites. Entry-level technician roles start at $45,500.
An associate's degree in computer programming offers a cost-effective pathway into technology careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer Programmers earn a median salary of $99,700 annually, with entry-level positions starting around $55,000.
Key Benefits of the 2-Year Path
Salary potential: Entry-level computer programming positions start at $55,000, with experienced professionals earning up to $168,000 (BLS OEWS, 2024).
Who succeeds with an associate's: Students seeking quick entry to tech careers, working adults balancing jobs and education, career changers looking for an affordable credential, and those planning to transfer to bachelor's programs.
$100,390 median salary · 68% graduation rate
Ranked #1 among computer programming associate's programs by Hakia Score (94.2/100): 68% graduation rate, $100,390 median salary, $1,395 in-state tuition, 10 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$100,390 median salary · 49% graduation rate
Ranked #2 among computer programming associate's programs by Hakia Score (93.3/100): 49% graduation rate, $100,390 median salary, $1,288 in-state tuition, 153 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$100,390 median salary · 65% graduation rate
Ranked #3 among computer programming associate's programs by Hakia Score (93/100): 65% graduation rate, $100,390 median salary, $4,485 in-state tuition, 50 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$100,390 median salary · 53% graduation rate
Ranked #4 among computer programming associate's programs by Hakia Score (92.8/100): 53% graduation rate, $100,390 median salary, $1,872 in-state tuition, 26 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$100,390 median salary · 48% graduation rate
Ranked #5 among computer programming associate's programs by Hakia Score (92.5/100): 48% graduation rate, $100,390 median salary, $2,467 in-state tuition, 71 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$100,390 median salary · 61% graduation rate
Ranked #6 among online computer programming associate's programs by Hakia Score (92.4/100): 61% graduation rate, $100,390 median salary, $1,288 in-state tuition, 12 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$100,390 median salary · 52% graduation rate
Ranked #7 among computer programming associate's programs by Hakia Score (92.4/100): 52% graduation rate, $100,390 median salary, $2,048 in-state tuition, 27 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$100,390 median salary · 48% graduation rate
Ranked #8 among computer programming associate's programs by Hakia Score (92.3/100): 48% graduation rate, $100,390 median salary, $1,288 in-state tuition, 100 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$100,390 median salary · 45% graduation rate
Ranked #9 among computer programming associate's programs by Hakia Score (91/100): 45% graduation rate, $100,390 median salary, $1,288 in-state tuition, 35 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$100,390 median salary · 48% graduation rate
Ranked #10 among computer programming associate's programs by Hakia Score (90.9/100): 48% graduation rate, $100,390 median salary, $1,104 in-state tuition, 13 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
Hakia ranks De Anza College's associate's computer programming program #1. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Cupertino, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,395/year | Graduation Rate: 68% | Median Salary: $100,390 | Score: 94.2
Hakia ranks Diablo Valley College's associate's computer programming program #2. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Pleasant Hill, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,288/year | Graduation Rate: 49% | Median Salary: $100,390 | Score: 93.3
Hakia ranks Fox Valley Technical College's associate's computer programming program #3. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Appleton, WI | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,485/year | Graduation Rate: 65% | Median Salary: $100,390 | Score: 93.0
Hakia ranks Santa Fe College's associate's computer programming program #4. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Gainesville, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,872/year | Graduation Rate: 53% | Median Salary: $100,390 | Score: 92.8
Hakia ranks Valencia College's associate's computer programming program #5. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Orlando, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $2,467/year | Graduation Rate: 48% | Median Salary: $100,390 | Score: 92.5
Hakia ranks College of San Mateo's online associate's computer programming program #6. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: fully online. Location: San Mateo, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,288/year | Graduation Rate: 61% | Median Salary: $100,390 | Score: 92.4
Hakia ranks Eastern Florida State College's associate's computer programming program #7. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Melbourne, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $2,048/year | Graduation Rate: 52% | Median Salary: $100,390 | Score: 92.4
Hakia ranks Orange Coast College's associate's computer programming program #8. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Costa Mesa, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,288/year | Graduation Rate: 48% | Median Salary: $100,390 | Score: 92.3
Hakia ranks Mt San Antonio College's associate's computer programming program #9. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Walnut, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,288/year | Graduation Rate: 45% | Median Salary: $100,390 | Score: 91.0
Hakia ranks Pasadena City College's associate's computer programming program #10. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Pasadena, CA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,104/year | Graduation Rate: 48% | Median Salary: $100,390 | Score: 90.9
| Rank | Program & School | Delivery | Annual Tuition | Grad Rate | Median Salary | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Associate's in Computer Programming De Anza CollegeCupertino, CA · Public | On-campus | $1,395 | 68% | $100,390 | 94.2 |
| #2 | Associate's in Computer Programming Diablo Valley CollegePleasant Hill, CA · Public | On-campus | $1,288 | 49% | $100,390 | 93.3 |
| #3 | Associate's in Computer Programming Fox Valley Technical CollegeAppleton, WI · Public | On-campus | $4,485 | 65% | $100,390 | 93.0 |
| #4 | Associate's in Computer Programming Santa Fe CollegeGainesville, FL · Public | On-campus | $1,872 | 53% | $100,390 | 92.8 |
| #5 | Associate's in Computer Programming Valencia CollegeOrlando, FL · Public | On-campus | $2,467 | 48% | $100,390 | 92.5 |
| #6 | Associate's in Computer Programming College of San MateoSan Mateo, CA · Public | Online | $1,288 | 61% | $100,390 | 92.4 |
| #7 | Associate's in Computer Programming Eastern Florida State CollegeMelbourne, FL · Public | On-campus | $2,048 | 52% | $100,390 | 92.4 |
| #8 | Associate's in Computer Programming Orange Coast CollegeCosta Mesa, CA · Public | On-campus | $1,288 | 48% | $100,390 | 92.3 |
| #9 | Associate's in Computer Programming Mt San Antonio CollegeWalnut, CA · Public | On-campus | $1,288 | 45% | $100,390 | 91.0 |
| #10 | Associate's in Computer Programming Pasadena City CollegePasadena, CA · Public | On-campus | $1,104 | 48% | $100,390 | 90.9 |
| #11 | Associate's in Computer Programming Gateway Technical CollegeKenosha, WI · Public | On-campus | $4,485 | 51% | $100,390 | 89.2 |
| #12 | Associate's in Computer Programming Miami Dade CollegeMiami, FL · Public | On-campus | $1,987 | 46% | $100,390 | 89.0 |
| #13 | Associate's in Computer Programming Northeast Wisconsin Technical CollegeGreen Bay, WI · Public | Online | $4,485 | 51% | $100,390 | 88.6 |
| #14 | Associate's in Computer Programming Chippewa Valley Technical CollegeEau Claire, WI · Public | Online | $4,485 | 50% | $100,390 | 88.4 |
| #15 | Associate's in Computer Programming Saddleback CollegeMission Viejo, CA · Public | On-campus | $1,380 | 48% | $100,390 | 88.0 |
| #16 | Associate's in Computer Programming Sierra CollegeRocklin, CA · Public | On-campus | $1,380 | 42% | $100,390 | 87.4 |
| #17 | Associate's in Computer Programming Central Georgia Technical CollegeWarner Robins, GA · Public | Online | $2,568 | 47% | $100,390 | 87.2 |
| #18 | Associate's in Computer Programming Los Angeles Pierce CollegeWoodland Hills, CA · Public | On-campus | $1,196 | 46% | $100,390 | 87.1 |
| #19 | Associate's in Computer Programming Southern Crescent Technical CollegeGriffin, GA · Public | Online | $2,568 | 58% | $100,390 | 87.0 |
| #20 | Associate's in Computer Programming Southeast Technical CollegeSioux Falls, SD · Public | Online | $3,720 | 59% | $100,390 | 86.8 |
| #21 | Associate's in Computer Programming State Technical College of MissouriLinn, MO · Public | On-campus | $6,450 | 84% | $100,390 | 86.7 |
| #22 | Associate's in Computer Programming Champlain CollegeBurlington, VT · Private nonprofit | Online | $47,400 | 65% | $100,390 | 86.6 |
| #23 | Associate's in Computer Programming New England Institute of TechnologyEast Greenwich, RI · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $34,875 | 60% | $100,390 | 86.5 |
| #24 | Associate's in Computer Programming Palm Beach State CollegeLake Worth, FL · Public | On-campus | $3,030 | 41% | $100,390 | 86.1 |
| #25 | Associate's in Computer Programming Broward CollegeFort Lauderdale, FL · Public | On-campus | $1,968 | 39% | $100,390 | 86.0 |
| #26 | Associate's in Computer Programming Lee CollegeBaytown, TX · Public | On-campus | $3,915 | 53% | $100,390 | 85.8 |
| #27 | Associate's in Computer Programming Moraine Park Technical CollegeFond du Lac, WI · Public | On-campus | $4,462 | 58% | $100,390 | 85.7 |
| #28 | Associate's in Computer Programming Ohlone CollegeFremont, CA · Public | On-campus | $1,104 | 52% | $100,390 | 85.4 |
| #29 | Associate's in Computer Programming ECPI UniversityVirginia Beach, VA · Private for-profit | On-campus | $17,424 | 42% | $100,390 | 85.4 |
| #30 | Associate's in Computer Programming Daytona State CollegeDaytona Beach, FL · Public | On-campus | $3,072 | 43% | $100,390 | 85.1 |
| #31 | Associate's in Computer Programming Itawamba Community CollegeFulton, MS · Public | On-campus | $3,100 | 50% | $100,390 | 85.1 |
| #32 | Associate's in Computer Programming Hartnell CollegeSalinas, CA · Public | On-campus | $1,380 | 40% | $100,390 | 84.9 |
| #33 | Associate's in Computer Programming Atlanta Technical CollegeAtlanta, GA · Public | On-campus | $2,568 | 49% | $100,390 | 84.6 |
| #34 | Associate's in Computer Programming Sinclair Community CollegeDayton, OH · Public | Online | $4,129 | 41% | $100,390 | 84.6 |
| #35 | Associate's in Computer Programming Seminole State College of FloridaSanford, FL · Public | Online | $2,393 | 41% | $100,390 | 84.5 |
| #36 | Associate's in Computer Programming Mississippi Gulf Coast Community CollegePerkinston, MS · Public | On-campus | $3,600 | 48% | $100,390 | 84.3 |
| #37 | Associate's in Computer Programming St Petersburg CollegeSt. Petersburg, FL · Public | Online | $1,943 | 38% | $100,390 | 84.0 |
| #38 | Associate's in Computer Programming Flint Hills Technical CollegeEmporia, KS · Public | On-campus | $5,024 | 68% | $100,390 | 83.9 |
| #39 | Associate's in Computer Programming Brazosport CollegeLake Jackson, TX · Public | On-campus | $2,613 | 56% | $100,390 | 83.8 |
| #40 | Associate's in Computer Programming MiraCosta CollegeOceanside, CA · Public | On-campus | $1,104 | 41% | $100,390 | 83.7 |
| #41 | Associate's in Computer Programming University of Akron Main CampusAkron, OH · Public | On-campus | $10,735 | 52% | $100,390 | 83.7 |
| #42 | Associate's in Computer Programming Santa Monica CollegeSanta Monica, CA · Public | On-campus | $1,104 | 36% | $100,390 | 83.6 |
| #43 | Associate's in Computer Programming Lake Land CollegeMattoon, IL · Public | On-campus | $7,332 | 58% | $100,390 | 83.6 |
| #44 | Associate's in Computer Programming Norco CollegeNorco, CA · Public | On-campus | $1,380 | 42% | $100,390 | 83.4 |
| #45 | Associate's in Computer Programming Dakota County Technical CollegeRosemount, MN · Public | On-campus | $5,759 | 58% | $100,390 | 83.3 |
| #46 | Associate's in Computer Programming Wiregrass Georgia Technical CollegeValdosta, GA · Public | On-campus | $2,568 | 50% | $100,390 | 83.2 |
| #47 | Associate's in Computer Programming William Rainey Harper CollegePalatine, IL · Public | On-campus | $9,492 | 48% | $100,390 | 83.2 |
| #48 | Associate's in Computer Programming Northwood Technical CollegeRice Lake, WI · Public | On-campus | $4,485 | 56% | $100,390 | 83.1 |
| #49 | Associate's in Computer Programming Waukesha County Technical CollegePewaukee, WI · Public | On-campus | $4,485 | 44% | $100,390 | 83.0 |
| #50 | Associate's in Computer Programming Clovis Community CollegeFresno, CA · Public | On-campus | $1,332 | 45% | $100,390 | 83.0 |
Showing all 50 ranked programs.
Based on 742 programs from IPEDS 2024
De Anza College's Associate's in Computer Programming leads our ranking of 50 associate computer programming programs, scored on graduation rate, selectivity, career outcomes, and cost using IPEDS 2024 and BLS data. 10 of them can be earned fully online.
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.
Federal database of U.S. postsecondary institutions
May 2024 salary data by occupation and location
Department of Education outcomes data
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.