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College of San Mateo
Associate's in Computer ProgrammingFully online
San Mateo, CAPublic
$100,390 median salary · 61% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 61% graduation rate
- $100,390 median salary
- $1,288 in-state tuition
- 12 graduates annually
On this page
Key Takeaways
- 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 Western Governors University, Marist College, Rowan University based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: Western Governors University offers computer programming education at $7,710/year
- 4.50 accredited Computer Programming programs analyzed using IPEDS 2024 completion data
Best Computer Programming Programs - Top 10 Online
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Syracuse University
Bachelor's in Computer ProgrammingFully online
Syracuse, NYPrivate nonprofit
$100,390 median salary · 84% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 84% graduation rate
- $100,390 median salary
- $63,710 in-state tuition
- 1 graduates annually
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Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Associate's in Computer ProgrammingFully online
Green Bay, WIPublic
$100,390 median salary · 51% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 51% graduation rate
- $100,390 median salary
- $4,485 in-state tuition
- 17 graduates annually
#4
Chippewa Valley Technical College
Associate's in Computer ProgrammingFully online
Eau Claire, WIPublic
$100,390 median salary · 50% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 50% graduation rate
- $100,390 median salary
- $4,485 in-state tuition
- 48 graduates annually
#5
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Bachelor's in Computer ProgrammingFully online
Cincinnati, OHPublic
$100,390 median salary · 75% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 75% graduation rate
- $100,390 median salary
- $11,685 in-state tuition
- 79 graduates annually
#6
Central Georgia Technical College
Associate's in Computer ProgrammingFully online
Warner Robins, GAPublic
$100,390 median salary · 47% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 47% graduation rate
- $100,390 median salary
- $2,568 in-state tuition
- 14 graduates annually
#7
Southern Crescent Technical College
Associate's in Computer ProgrammingFully online
Griffin, GAPublic
$100,390 median salary · 58% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 58% graduation rate
- $100,390 median salary
- $2,568 in-state tuition
- 7 graduates annually
#8
Southeast Technical College
Associate's in Computer ProgrammingFully online
Sioux Falls, SDPublic
$100,390 median salary · 59% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 59% graduation rate
- $100,390 median salary
- $3,720 in-state tuition
- 24 graduates annually
#9
Champlain College
Associate's in Computer ProgrammingFully online
Burlington, VTPrivate nonprofit
$100,390 median salary · 65% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 65% graduation rate
- $100,390 median salary
- $47,400 in-state tuition
- 10 graduates annually
#10
Sinclair Community College
Associate's in Computer ProgrammingFully online
Dayton, OHPublic
$100,390 median salary · 41% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 41% graduation rate
- $100,390 median salary
- $4,129 in-state tuition
- 28 graduates annually
Best Computer Programming Programs - Top 10 Online, Complete Program Data
#1. College of San Mateo — Associate's Computer Programming (Online)
Hakia ranks College of San Mateo's online associate's computer programming program #1. 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
#2. Syracuse University — Bachelor's Computer Programming (Online)
Hakia ranks Syracuse University's online bachelor's computer programming program #2. 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
#3. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College — Associate's Computer Programming (Online)
Hakia ranks Northeast Wisconsin Technical College's online associate's computer programming program #3. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: fully online. Location: Green Bay, WI | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,485/year | Graduation Rate: 51% | Median Salary: $100,390 | Score: 88.6
#4. Chippewa Valley Technical College — Associate's Computer Programming (Online)
Hakia ranks Chippewa Valley Technical College's online associate's computer programming program #4. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: fully online. Location: Eau Claire, WI | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,485/year | Graduation Rate: 50% | Median Salary: $100,390 | Score: 88.4
#5. University of Cincinnati-Main Campus — Bachelor's Computer Programming (Online)
Hakia ranks University of Cincinnati-Main Campus's online bachelor's computer programming program #5. 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
#6. Central Georgia Technical College — Associate's Computer Programming (Online)
Hakia ranks Central Georgia Technical College's online associate's computer programming program #6. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: fully online. Location: Warner Robins, GA | Type: Public | Tuition: $2,568/year | Graduation Rate: 47% | Median Salary: $100,390 | Score: 87.2
#7. Southern Crescent Technical College — Associate's Computer Programming (Online)
Hakia ranks Southern Crescent Technical College's online associate's computer programming program #7. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: fully online. Location: Griffin, GA | Type: Public | Tuition: $2,568/year | Graduation Rate: 58% | Median Salary: $100,390 | Score: 87.0
#8. Southeast Technical College — Associate's Computer Programming (Online)
Hakia ranks Southeast Technical College's online associate's computer programming program #8. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: fully online. Location: Sioux Falls, SD | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,720/year | Graduation Rate: 59% | Median Salary: $100,390 | Score: 86.8
#9. Champlain College — Associate's Computer Programming (Online)
Hakia ranks Champlain College's online associate's computer programming program #9. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: fully online. Location: Burlington, VT | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $47,400/year | Graduation Rate: 65% | Median Salary: $100,390 | Score: 86.6
#10. Sinclair Community College — Associate's Computer Programming (Online)
Hakia ranks Sinclair Community College's online associate's computer programming program #10. Degree: Associate's. Delivery: fully online. Location: Dayton, OH | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,129/year | Graduation Rate: 41% | Median Salary: $100,390 | Score: 84.6
Best Computer Programming Programs - Compare Top 5 Online
| 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-Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz, CA | Public | $11,834 | 93% | 91.9/100 |
| #3 University of California-Irvine | Irvine, CA | Public | $11,834 | 96% | 91.6/100 |
| #4 University of Washington-Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | Public | $11,524 | 97% | 91.2/100 |
| #5 University of California-San Diego | La Jolla, CA | Public | $11,834 | 81% | 88.7/100 |
Data from IPEDS 2024. Tuition shown is in-state for public schools.
Top 50 Online Programming Degree Programs 2026
| Rank | Program & School | Delivery | Annual Tuition | Grad Rate | Median Salary | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Associate's in Computer Programming College of San MateoSan Mateo, CA · Public | Online | $1,288 | 61% | $100,390 | 92.4 |
| #2 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Syracuse UniversitySyracuse, NY · Private nonprofit | Online | $63,710 | 84% | $100,390 | 92.3 |
| #3 | Associate's in Computer Programming Northeast Wisconsin Technical CollegeGreen Bay, WI · Public | Online | $4,485 | 51% | $100,390 | 88.6 |
| #4 | Associate's in Computer Programming Chippewa Valley Technical CollegeEau Claire, WI · Public | Online | $4,485 | 50% | $100,390 | 88.4 |
| #5 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati, OH · Public | Online | $11,685 | 75% | $100,390 | 87.9 |
| #6 | Associate's in Computer Programming Central Georgia Technical CollegeWarner Robins, GA · Public | Online | $2,568 | 47% | $100,390 | 87.2 |
| #7 | Associate's in Computer Programming Southern Crescent Technical CollegeGriffin, GA · Public | Online | $2,568 | 58% | $100,390 | 87.0 |
| #8 | Associate's in Computer Programming Southeast Technical CollegeSioux Falls, SD · Public | Online | $3,720 | 59% | $100,390 | 86.8 |
| #9 | Associate's in Computer Programming Champlain CollegeBurlington, VT · Private nonprofit | Online | $47,400 | 65% | $100,390 | 86.6 |
| #10 | Associate's in Computer Programming Sinclair Community CollegeDayton, OH · Public | Online | $4,129 | 41% | $100,390 | 84.6 |
| #11 | Associate's in Computer Programming Seminole State College of FloridaSanford, FL · Public | Online | $2,393 | 41% | $100,390 | 84.5 |
| #12 | Associate's in Computer Programming St Petersburg CollegeSt. Petersburg, FL · Public | Online | $1,943 | 38% | $100,390 | 84.0 |
| #13 | Associate's in Computer Programming Texas State Technical CollegeWaco, TX · Public | Online | $7,212 | 46% | $100,390 | 82.9 |
| #14 | Associate's in Computer Programming Pasco-Hernando State CollegeNew Port Richey, FL · Public | Online | $2,297 | 41% | $100,390 | 82.6 |
| #15 | Associate's in Computer Programming Saint Johns River State CollegePalatka, FL · Public | Online | $1,892 | 49% | $100,390 | 82.6 |
| #16 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Western Governors UniversitySalt Lake City, UT · Private nonprofit | Online | $8,180 | 46% | $100,390 | 82.5 |
| #17 | Associate's in Computer Programming Florida Gateway CollegeLake City, FL · Public | Online | $2,369 | 54% | $100,390 | 81.2 |
| #18 | Associate's in Computer Programming Eastern Iowa Community College DistrictDavenport, IA · Public | Online | $4,848 | 45% | $100,390 | 81.0 |
| #19 | Associate's in Computer Programming Lakeshore Technical CollegeCleveland, WI · Public | Online | $4,485 | 50% | $100,390 | 81.0 |
| #20 | Associate's in Computer Programming Brigham Young University-IdahoRexburg, ID · Private nonprofit | Online | $4,800 | 55% | $100,390 | 80.1 |
| #21 | Associate's in Computer Programming Georgia Piedmont Technical CollegeClarkston, GA · Public | Online | $2,586 | 44% | $100,390 | 80.0 |
| #22 | Associate's in Computer Programming Ridgewater CollegeWillmar, MN · Public | Online | $5,473 | 50% | $100,390 | 79.7 |
| #23 | Associate's in Computer Programming Northcentral Technical CollegeWausau, WI · Public | Online | $4,485 | 45% | $100,390 | 79.7 |
| #24 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Husson UniversityBangor, ME · Private nonprofit | Online | $22,072 | 59% | $100,390 | 79.0 |
| #25 | Master's in Computer Programming University of Michigan-DearbornDearborn, MI · Public | Online | $15,240 | 58% | $100,390 | 78.9 |
| #26 | Associate's in Computer Programming Minnesota State Community and Technical CollegeFergus Falls, MN · Public | Online | $5,424 | 47% | $100,390 | 78.3 |
| #27 | Associate's in Computer Programming St Cloud Technical and Community CollegeSaint Cloud, MN · Public | Online | $5,392 | 45% | $100,390 | 78.3 |
| #28 | Associate's in Computer Programming Moberly Area Community CollegeMoberly, MO · Public | Online | $5,550 | 44% | $100,390 | 78.1 |
| #29 | Associate's in Computer Programming Gulf Coast State CollegePanama City, FL · Public | Online | $1,750 | 43% | $100,390 | 77.9 |
| #30 | Associate's in Computer Programming Georgia Military CollegeMilledgeville, GA · Public | Online | $7,605 | 38% | $100,390 | 77.0 |
| #31 | Master's in Computer Programming University of Detroit MercyDetroit, MI · Private nonprofit | Online | $32,946 | 67% | $100,390 | 76.9 |
| #32 | Associate's in Computer Programming Minnesota State College SoutheastWinona, MN · Public | Online | $5,676 | 47% | $100,390 | 75.9 |
| #33 | Associate's in Computer Programming San Jacinto Community CollegePasadena, TX · Public | Online | $4,320 | 30% | $100,390 | 75.2 |
| #34 | Associate's in Computer Programming Cuyahoga Community College DistrictCleveland, OH · Public | Online | $3,818 | 31% | $100,390 | 75.1 |
| #35 | Associate's in Computer Programming Gwinnett Technical CollegeLawrenceville, GA · Public | Online | $2,568 | 32% | $100,390 | 75.0 |
| #36 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Grand Canyon UniversityPhoenix, AZ · Private for-profit | Online | $16,473 | 43% | $100,390 | 74.6 |
| #37 | Associate's in Computer Programming Northern Wyoming Community College DistrictSheridan, WY · Public | Online | $3,150 | 42% | $100,390 | 74.0 |
| #38 | Associate's in Computer Programming Tulsa Community CollegeTulsa, OK · Public | Online | $3,000 | 28% | $100,390 | 73.2 |
| #39 | Associate's in Computer Programming Lanier Technical CollegeGainesville, GA · Public | Online | $3,210 | 34% | $100,390 | 72.4 |
| #40 | Associate's in Computer Programming Bryan UniversityTempe, AZ · Private for-profit | Online | $12,194 | 41% | $100,390 | 72.0 |
| #41 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Fort Hays State UniversityHays, KS · Public | Online | $4,704 | 48% | $100,390 | 71.0 |
| #42 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Bellevue UniversityBellevue, NE · Private nonprofit | Online | $12,123 | 33% | $100,390 | 70.5 |
| #43 | Associate's in Computer Programming Los Angeles Southwest CollegeLos Angeles, CA · Public | Online | $1,196 | 34% | $100,390 | 70.3 |
| #44 | Associate's in Computer Programming College of Southern NevadaLas Vegas, NV · Public | Online | $3,713 | 19% | $100,390 | 70.1 |
| #45 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming South CollegeKnoxville, TN · Private for-profit | Online | $16,450 | 42% | $100,390 | 69.7 |
| #46 | Associate's in Computer Programming Blue Ridge Community and Technical CollegeMartinsburg, WV · Public | Online | $475 | 32% | $100,390 | 69.7 |
| #47 | Associate's in Computer Programming Mott Community CollegeFlint, MI · Public | Online | $7,185 | 32% | $100,390 | 69.4 |
| #48 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Southwestern CollegeWinfield, KS · Private nonprofit | Online | $39,672 | 36% | $100,390 | 68.5 |
| #49 | Bachelor's in Computer Programming Baker CollegeOwosso, MI · Private nonprofit | Online | $12,600 | 36% | $100,390 | 68.1 |
| #50 | Associate's in Computer Programming Los Angeles Mission CollegeSylmar, CA · Public | Online | $1,196 | 20% | $100,390 | 66.6 |
Showing all 50 ranked programs.
How Much Does a Computer Programming Online Degree Cost?
The total cost of a online'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).
- Public University (In-State): $9,500/year × 4 years = $38,000 total
- Public University (Out-of-State): $22,000/year × 4 years = $88,000 total
- Private University: $35,000/year × 4 years = $140,000 total
- Online Programs: $12,000/year × 4 years = $48,000 total
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.
Calculate Your ROI
Enter your details to estimate your degree return on investment
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$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.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Total Investment$185,000
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000
Direct cost of the degree program
Opportunity Cost$140,000
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,712,662
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Starting Salary (Austin, TX)$140,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return4.9%
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
Online Programming Degrees: Comprehensive 2026 Analysis
Online computer programming degrees have evolved, with 284 accredited programs now offering the same rigorous curriculum as traditional on-campus degrees. IPEDS 2024 data shows that graduates of top online programming programs achieve comparable career outcomes to their on-campus counterparts, with and 92% employment within six months.
The flexibility of online programming degrees appeals particularly to working professionals and non-traditional students. Programs like Southern New Hampshire University's online CS degree and Arizona State University's online program provide the same accreditation and faculty as their on-campus versions, while offering 24/7 technical support and flexible scheduling options.
Key advantages of online programming degrees include lower total costs (median $15,200/year vs. $18,450 for on-campus), geographic flexibility, and the ability to maintain employment while studying. However, students should carefully evaluate program accreditation, hands-on lab requirements, and career services when selecting an online program. analysis examines graduation rates, tuition costs, student support services, and career outcomes to help prospective students make informed decisions.
$72,000
Starting Salary
$95,000
Mid-Career
+0.25%
Job Growth
174,300
Annual Openings
Career Paths
Web Developer
SOC 15-1254Create and maintain websites and web applications using front-end and back-end technologies.
Median Salary:$84,960
Computer Programmer
SOC 15-1251Write, test, and maintain code for software applications and operating systems.
Median Salary:$95,640
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Manage and secure databases, ensuring data integrity and optimal performance.
Median Salary:$101,510
Mobile Application Developer
SOC 15-1252Develop applications for mobile devices using platform-specific programming languages.
Median Salary:$118,370
Best States for Online Programming Degrees
Best Computer Programming Online Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 18
- Median Tuition
- $16,200
Best Computer Programming Online Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 15
- Median Tuition
- $14,800
Best Computer Programming Online Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 12
- Median Tuition
- $18,900
Best Computer Programming Online Programs in Florida
- Total Programs
- 14
- Median Tuition
- $13,600
Best Computer Programming Online Programs in Illinois
- Total Programs
- 11
- Median Tuition
- $15,400
Best Computer Programming Online Programs in Pennsylvania
- Total Programs
- 13
- Median Tuition
- $17,200
Best Computer Programming Online Programs in Arizona
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $16,800
Best Computer Programming Online Programs in Georgia
- Total Programs
- 9
- Median Tuition
- $13,200
Best Computer Programming Online Programs in North Carolina
- Total Programs
- 10
- Median Tuition
- $14,600
Best Computer Programming Online Programs in Colorado
- Total Programs
- 7
- Median Tuition
- $15,800
Financial Aid and Funding Options for Online Programming Degrees
Online programming degree students have access to the same federal financial aid as traditional students, including Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work-study programs. Many employers also offer tuition reimbursement programs for technology-related degrees, recognizing the value of programming skills in the modern workforce.
Several scholarship programs specifically target online learners and programming students. The National Science Foundation funds scholarships for computer science students, while organizations like Girls Who Code and CodePath provide funding and support for underrepresented groups in technology. Many online programs also offer institutional scholarships based on academic merit or financial need.
Students should carefully compare the total cost of online programs, including technology fees, virtual lab access, and required software licenses. While tuition may be lower for online programs, additional technology costs can impact the overall affordability. However, savings on housing, transportation, and campus fees result in significantly lower total education costs compared to traditional on-campus programs.
Choose Your Online Programming Degree Based on Your Profile
Choose SNHU if.
- You need maximum flexibility and 24/7 support
- You prefer competency-based learning with flexible pacing
- You want ABET accreditation at a reasonable price
- You're balancing work, family, and education commitments
Choose Arizona State Online if.
- You want a prestigious university name on your degree
- You value extensive industry partnerships and alumni network
- You can benefit from embedded support services and tutoring
- You're interested in advanced virtual reality programming labs
Choose Penn State World Campus if.
- You want strong industry connections and real-world projects
- You value comprehensive capstone project experience
- You can benefit from Northeast corridor job market access
- You're willing to pay premium tuition for career outcomes
Choose Georgia Southern if.
- Affordability is your primary concern (under $13K/year)
- You prefer project-based learning over theoretical approaches
- You're targeting the Atlanta tech job market
- You're a career changer looking for practical programming skills
Frequently Asked Questions About Computer Programming Degrees
How long does it take to get a Computer Programming degree?
Bachelor's degrees take 4 years (120 credits). Associate's degrees take 2 years. Programming bootcamps run 12-24 weeks. Certificate programs complete in 6-12 months. Bootcamps provide faster entry but less theoretical foundation. (IPEDS, Bootcamp reports)
Can you get a Computer Programming degree online?
Yes. WGU, SNHU, and Purdue Global offer affordable online programs. Programming is ideal for online learning due to its hands-on, portfolio-based nature. Coding bootcamps (App Academy, Flatiron) offer intensive alternatives. (WGU, SNHU)
Is a Computer Programming degree worth it?
Consider carefully. BLS projects -6% job decline (2024-2034) for programmers specifically, as roles merge into software development. Median salary ($98,670) is solid. Better to pursue CS or software engineering for broader opportunities. Programming skills remain valuable within other tech roles. (BLS OOH 2024)
What are the best schools for Computer Programming?
Top CS programs (MIT, Stanford, CMU) cover programming extensively. For affordable options: WGU, SNHU. Community colleges offer excellent programming fundamentals. Consider CS degrees rather than dedicated programming programs for better long-term prospects. (US News, industry feedback)
What are the requirements for a Computer Programming degree?
Prerequisites include basic math and computer literacy. Core curriculum covers programming languages (Python, Java, C++), data structures, algorithms, databases, and software development practices. Strong logical thinking and problem-solving abilities essential. (University catalogs, BLS)
Do you need a Computer Programming degree for coding jobs?
Not necessarily. BLS states programmers 'need a bachelor's degree' but some employers accept experience with specific languages. Bootcamp graduates find employment. Portfolio demonstrating coding skills can substitute for credentials. However, degree helps for career advancement. (BLS OOH)
What's the job market like for Computer Programming graduates?
Challenging outlook. BLS projects -6% decline (2024-2034) as programmer roles merge with software development. However, 5,500 annual openings remain. Consider pivoting to software engineering (+15% growth) or specializing in high-demand areas (cloud, AI, mobile) for better prospects. (BLS OOH 2024)
Computer Programming vs Computer Science: which is better?
CS provides broader foundation (algorithms, theory, systems) with better job growth (+15%). Programming degrees are narrower but more focused. CS graduates can do programming work. Programmers may lack CS theory. For career flexibility, CS is recommended. (BLS comparisons)
What skills do Computer Programming graduates need?
Key skills include programming languages, problem-solving, analytical thinking, and communication. Specific technical skills vary by specialization but include proficiency in industry-standard tools and methodologies.
How much do Computer Programming graduates earn?
The median salary for Computer Programming professionals is $98,670 nationally. Entry-level positions start around $52,190, with experienced professionals earning over $162,090.
How We Rank Computer Programming Degree Programs
Based on 742 programs from IPEDS 2024
Ranking 50 online computer programming programs by graduation rate, selectivity, outcomes, and price, College of San Mateo's Associate's in Computer Programming comes out first. The Hakia Score is computed from IPEDS 2024 and BLS data with no paid placement. Graduates step into a field where the median wage runs about $100,390.
Ranking Factors
Program Completions35%
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.
Graduation Rate25%
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.
Selectivity20%
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.
Career Outcomes20%
National salary data for computer programming graduates, factored into institutional scores based on job market strength.
Ranking Categories
Best Programs
Overall quality using all four factors weighted as shown above. Ideal for students seeking the strongest academic experience.
Online Programs
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.
Most Affordable
Ranked primarily by net cost (tuition minus average institutional aid), with quality factors as tiebreakers. Best for cost-conscious students.
Data Sources
- IPEDS 2024 — Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
- BLS OEWS 2024 — National and metro salary data by occupation
- CIP Code Mapping — Programs identified using Classification of Instructional Programs codes
Taylor Rupe
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.