- 1.Computer Programmers earn a median salary of $99,700 with -10% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Computer Programming programs include Rowan University, Yale University, Rochester Institute of Technology based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: Rowan University offers computer programming education at $11,250/year with 97% graduation rate
- 4.50 accredited Computer Programming programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Computer Programming Programs - Top 10 Bachelor's
Rowan University
The program is uniquely positioned within Rowan's strategic focus on artificial intelligence innovation, offering research opportunities at the intersection of AI, life sciences, engineering, and medicine - a distinctive interdisciplinary approach that sets it apart from traditional computer science programs.
Program Overview
Rowan University's Master of Science in Computer Science program offers a comprehensive 31-credit hour graduate education that blends theoretical foundations with hands-on application across diverse technological fields. Students can choose between thesis and non-thesis tracks, with project-intensive courses providing direct experience in cutting-edge areas like game design, robotics, and computer graphics. The program is uniquely positioned within Rowan's commitment to artificial intelligence innovation, creating opportunities for research at the intersection of AI, life sciences, engineering, and medicine.
The curriculum is structured around five core areas: Algorithms and Theory, Software Design, Cybersecurity, Data Management and Analytics, and Computer Networks. Students must complete at least one course in three of these five areas, ensuring both breadth and depth. The program accommodates both full-time and part-time students, with flexible scheduling that serves working professionals seeking career advancement in education, industry, research, business, and government sectors.
Degree Programs
Admissions
Yale University
Yale Computer Science uniquely balances rigorous technical education with liberal arts flexibility, requiring fewer total courses than peer institutions to encourage double majors and interdisciplinary study, while maintaining strong industry recruitment from both tech companies and Wall Street firms.
Program Overview
Yale's Computer Science program offers both B.S. and B.A. degree options alongside four distinctive combined majors with Economics, Mathematics, Psychology, and Electrical Engineering. Under the direction of undergraduate studies Theodore Kim, the program maintains a rigorous core curriculum covering discrete mathematics, data structures, systems programming, and algorithm design, while allowing substantial flexibility for interdisciplinary exploration. What sets Yale apart is its liberal arts integration - many students leverage the program's lower course requirements to complete second majors in fields like Economics, Music, Political Science, or Theater Studies. The capstone senior project (CPSC 4900) provides hands-on research experience under faculty guidance, while the department's educational facility, affectionately known as 'the Zoo,' offers 24/7 access to Intel workstations and serves as the hub for late-night pizza parties that build community among students.
Degree Programs
Admissions
Rochester Institute of Technology
RIT pioneered the integration of mandatory cooperative education into computer science education, requiring all students to complete three professional co-op experiences, and operates one of the nation's premier imaging science research centers alongside its computer science program.
Program Overview
Rochester Institute of Technology's Computer Science Bachelor of Science program offers a distinctive blend of theoretical foundations and hands-on application, consistently ranking among the nation's top computer science programs at #54 according to U.S. News & World Report. The four-year program emphasizes both breadth and depth, with core computer science courses providing a solid foundation before students explore specializations in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, computer graphics, data management, and systems software during their third through fifth years. What sets RIT apart is its mandatory cooperative education requirement - students must complete three blocks of co-op experience, gaining real-world professional experience while earning their degree. The program operates within RIT's renowned Center for Imaging Science and benefits from the university's strong research culture, with faculty conducting cutting-edge research in areas like multi-messenger astronomy, cybersecurity, and AI. Students engage in significant programming projects, software development work, and both traditional and applied research opportunities, preparing them not just as programmers but as well-rounded computer scientists who understand mathematical theory, design principles, and industry applications.
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
Imaging science research and education with ties to computer science applications
Cybersecurity research and education
Human-centered artificial intelligence research
Industry Partners
Admissions
Western Governors University
WGU pioneered competency-based education in computer science, allowing students to accelerate through material at their own pace while earning industry certifications embedded within coursework at no additional cost.
DePaul University
DePaul's Computer Science program uniquely bridges academic rigor with Chicago's thriving tech ecosystem, where many faculty members serve as active industry professionals and consultants, offering students direct access to thought leaders and change-makers in the field.
Farmingdale State College
Farmingdale State is investing $75 million in a brand-new 40,000 square foot Center for Computer Science and Information Technology, fully funded by the state, demonstrating unprecedented commitment to the program's future and positioning it as a flagship technology education hub on Long Island.
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
UC pioneered cooperative education in 1906 and remains one of the few universities requiring co-op experiences, meaning computer programming students graduate with extensive real-world experience and established industry connections.
University of Michigan-Dearborn
48 computer programming graduates annually
Dominican University of California
33 computer programming graduates annually
Green River College
35 computer programming graduates annually
Best Computer Programming Programs - Compare Top 5 Bachelor's
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Rowan University | Glassboro, NJ | Public | $11,250 | 97% | 63.9/100 |
| #2 Yale University | New Haven, CT | Private | $64,700 | 96% | 63.9/100 |
| #3 Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | Private | $55,784 | 90% | 62.9/100 |
| #4 Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,710 | N/A | 62.8/100 |
| #5 DePaul University | Chicago, IL | Private | $43,379 | 86% | 61.8/100 |
Complete Computer Programming Bachelor's Program Rankings
| 1 | Rowan University | Glassboro, NJ | $11,250 | 97% | — | 63.9 |
| 2 | Yale University | New Haven, CT | $64,700 | 96% | — | 63.9 |
| 3 | Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | $55,784 | 90% | — | 62.9 |
| 4 | Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | $7,710 | — | — | 62.8 |
| 5 | DePaul University | Chicago, IL | $43,379 | 86% | — | 61.8 |
| 6 | Farmingdale State College | Farmingdale, NY | $7,070 | 79% | — | 57.1 |
| 7 | University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | Cincinnati, OH | $11,228 | 78% | — | 57.1 |
| 8 | University of Michigan-Dearborn | Dearborn, MI | $14,544 | 94% | — | 55.2 |
| 9 | Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | $49,821 | 96% | — | 53.7 |
| 10 | Green River College | Auburn, WA | $4,074 | 99% | — | 53.5 |
| 11 | Capitol Technology University | Laurel, MD | $26,088 | 87% | — | 51.9 |
| 12 | Tulane University of Louisiana | New Orleans, LA | $61,306 | — | — | 51.1 |
| 13 | Southwestern College | Winfield, KS | $38,330 | 96% | — | 50.5 |
| 14 | Lamar University | Beaumont, TX | $6,228 | 99% | — | 50.2 |
| 15 | Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | $5,614 | 92% | — | 49.6 |
| 16 | Missouri Valley College | Marshall, MO | $21,300 | 93% | — | 48.5 |
| 17 | University of Utah | Salt Lake City, UT | $8,175 | 72% | — | 47.9 |
| 18 | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | Alfred, NY | $7,070 | 90% | — | 46.6 |
| 19 | Columbia College Chicago | Chicago, IL | $30,734 | 91% | — | 46.5 |
| 20 | Jacksonville University | Jacksonville, FL | $45,050 | 77% | — | 46.3 |
| 21 | Siena Heights University | Adrian, MI | $28,500 | 96% | — | 46 |
| 22 | Holy Family University | Philadelphia, PA | $32,768 | 77% | — | 45.7 |
| 23 | Brigham Young University-Idaho | Rexburg, ID | $4,656 | — | — | 45.3 |
| 24 | University of Missouri-St Louis | Saint Louis, MO | $14,400 | — | — | 44.9 |
| 25 | Caribbean University-Bayamon | Bayamon, PR | $4,742 | 70% | — | 44.3 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Computer Programming Bachelor's Degree Market Analysis
The demand for skilled programmers continues to surge, with software developer employment projected to grow 25% through 2032 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth rate is significantly higher than the 3% average for all occupations, driven by increasing digitization across industries and the continued expansion of cloud computing, mobile applications, and artificial intelligence.
Bachelor's degree programs in computer programming have evolved to meet this demand by emphasizing practical skills alongside theoretical foundations. Modern curricula typically cover multiple programming languages, software engineering principles, database management, and web development. The most successful programs maintain strong industry partnerships, offering internship opportunities and guest lectures from working professionals.
Our analysis of 180 accredited programs reveals significant variation in outcomes. Top-tier programs achieve 85-s within six months of graduation, while graduates from lower-ranked programs may struggle to find relevant employment. The difference often lies in curriculum quality, faculty expertise, and industry connections rather than just institutional prestige.
Students considering computer programming degrees should evaluate programs based on their career goals. Those targeting software engineering roles benefit from programs with strong algorithms and data structures components, while students interested in web development careers may prefer programs with robust front-end and back-end development tracks.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Design and build software applications, websites, and systems
Web Developer
SOC 15-1254Create and maintain websites and web applications
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Manage and secure organizational databases and data systems
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Analyze business requirements and design technical solutions
Bridge development and operations through automation and infrastructure
Types of Computer Programming Bachelor's Programs
Computer programming bachelor's degrees are offered through various academic departments and program structures. Traditional Computer Science programs provide the broadest foundation, covering algorithms, data structures, software engineering, and theoretical computer science. These programs typically require mathematics through calculus and discrete mathematics, preparing graduates for diverse programming roles.
Software Engineering programs focus specifically on large-scale software development, emphasizing project management, software architecture, and team-based development methodologies. Students in these programs spend more time on practical software construction and less on theoretical computer science topics.
Information Technology programs with programming concentrations blend programming skills with business applications and systems administration. These programs often appeal to students interested in corporate IT environments rather than pure software development.
- Traditional Computer Science: Comprehensive theoretical and practical foundation
- Software Engineering: Focus on large-scale software development and project management
- Information Technology: Business-oriented programming with systems integration
- Web Development: Specialized curriculum for front-end and back-end web technologies
- Game Development: Programming skills specific to interactive entertainment
Students should align their program choice with career goals. Those targeting roles at major tech companies often benefit from traditional CS programs, while students interested in corporate development positions may prefer information technology degrees with programming emphasis.
Choosing the Right Computer Programming Program
- You want maximum prestige and alumni network access
- Graduate school or research career interests you
- You can afford higher tuition costs
- Strong academic credentials make you competitive for admission
- You prioritize cost-effectiveness and value
- In-state tuition makes education affordable
- You want solid technical preparation without premium pricing
- State flagship universities have strong regional employer connections
- You need flexible scheduling for work or family
- Cost is a primary concern
- You're self-motivated and comfortable with remote learning
- Geographic location limits access to quality campus programs
- You plan to work in the local job market
- Smaller class sizes and personal attention appeal to you
- Tuition costs are moderate compared to flagship schools
- Strong local employer partnerships provide internship opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on 180 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Degree completions (sqrt normalized, capped at 500)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
State-specific salary data from BLS OES 2024
Admission rate (lower = more selective)
Institution type (R1/R2 research bonus)
CAE-CD designation, curator bonuses
Data completeness proxy
Reporting completeness
Data Sources and Methodology
Employment projections and salary data for software developers and programmers
Graduate earnings, loan repayment rates, and institutional data
Graduation rates, enrollment data, and institutional characteristics
Alumni salary data by institution and degree program
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.