Top-ranked computer programming bachelor's degree programs based on curriculum quality, job placement rates, and return on investment.
$100,390 median salary · 84% graduation rate
$100,390 median salary · 75% graduation rate
$100,390 median salary · 68% graduation rate
$100,390 median salary · 67% graduation rate
$100,390 median salary · 70% graduation rate
$100,390 median salary · 58% graduation rate
$100,390 median salary · 75% graduation rate
$100,390 median salary · 53% graduation rate
$100,390 median salary · 65% graduation rate
$100,390 median salary · 78% graduation rate
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
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of California-Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | 100.0/100 |
| #2 University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | 90.1/100 |
| #3 University of California-Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | Public | $11,834 | 92% | 89.0/100 |
| #4 University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | $11,524 | 97% | 88.0/100 |
| #5 University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | Public | $11,834 | 81% | 87.4/100 |
Data from IPEDS 2024. Tuition shown is in-state for public schools.
Flexibility & Lower Cost
Networking & Experience
Flexibility & Lower Cost
Networking & Experience
| 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.
The total cost of a bachelors's degree in Computer Programming ranges from $38,000 at public universities to over $140,000 at elite private institutions. Financial aid, scholarships, and in-state tuition significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs (IPEDS 2024-24, Research.com).
With median starting salaries of $98,670, most graduates achieve positive ROI within 3-5 years. Financial aid recipients often pay 30-50% less than sticker price.
Enter your details to estimate your degree return on investment
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$133,333
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
| Factor | Bachelor of Arts (BA) | Bachelor of Science (BS) |
|---|---|---|
| Math Requirements | Basic math, statistics (less common) | Calculus, Discrete Math, Statistics |
| Science Requirements | General requirements | CS fundamentals, algorithms, data structures |
| Core Credits | Broader curriculum with electives (less common) | Programming-focused with CS core (120 credits) |
| Liberal Arts | Communication, business electives | Technical writing, software engineering practices |
| Career Focus | Entry-level development roles | Software Developer, Systems Programmer, Application Developer |
Source: University curriculum 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 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.
Across 180 accredited programs, there is 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 strong front-end and back-end development tracks.
Create and maintain websites and web applications
Manage and secure organizational databases and data systems
Analyze business requirements and design technical solutions
Based on 742 programs from IPEDS 2024
Syracuse University's Bachelor's in Computer Programming leads our ranking of 50 bachelor's 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.
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
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 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.
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.
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.