- 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, Rowan University, Yale University based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: Western Governors University offers computer programming education at $7,710/year
- 4.41 accredited Computer Programming programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Computer Programming Programs - Top 10
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.
Program Overview
Western Governors University's Computer Science program represents a pioneering approach to competency-based education, offering both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees entirely online. The Bachelor's program holds prestigious ABET accreditation and features an AI-focused curriculum covering artificial intelligence, machine learning, data structures, computer theory, version control, and Linux systems. The Master's program provides three distinct specialization tracks: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (focusing on natural language processing and deep learning), Computing Systems (emphasizing cloud computing, IoT, and network architecture), and Human-Computer Interaction (combining user experience design with hands-on research).
What sets WGU apart is its revolutionary competency-based model where students pay a flat rate per six-month term and can accelerate through coursework as quickly as they master the material. An impressive 62% of bachelor's students complete their degree within 25 months, with some master's students finishing in just six months. The program integrates industry certifications directly into coursework—including Linux Essentials, ITIL Foundation, Java Developer, and AI Optimization Developer certificates—adding immediate resume value without additional cost or time. WGU also offers an innovative accelerated Bachelor's to Master's pathway for students seeking both degrees in compressed timeframes.
Degree Programs
Industry Partners
Admissions
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
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.
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.
University of Michigan-Dearborn
48 computer programming graduates annually
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.
Southwestern College
23 computer programming graduates annually
Utah Valley University
12 computer programming graduates annually
Green River College
35 computer programming graduates annually
Best Computer Programming Programs - Compare Top 5
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,710 | N/A | 77/100 |
| #2 Rowan University | Glassboro, NJ | Public | $11,250 | 97% | 63.2/100 |
| #3 Yale University | New Haven, CT | Private | $64,700 | 96% | 62.7/100 |
| #4 Farmingdale State College | Farmingdale, NY | Public | $7,070 | 79% | 62.3/100 |
| #5 DePaul University | Chicago, IL | Private | $43,379 | 86% | 60.7/100 |
Top 50 Computer Programming Programs 2026
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,710 | — | — | 77 |
| 2 | Rowan University | Glassboro, NJ | Public | $11,250 | 97% | — | 63.2 |
| 3 | Yale University | New Haven, CT | Private | $64,700 | 96% | — | 62.7 |
| 4 | Farmingdale State College | Farmingdale, NY | Public | $7,070 | 79% | — | 62.3 |
| 5 | DePaul University | Chicago, IL | Private | $43,379 | 86% | — | 60.7 |
| 6 | University of Michigan-Dearborn | Dearborn, MI | Public | $14,544 | 94% | — | 54.7 |
| 7 | Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | Private | $55,784 | 90% | — | 53.5 |
| 8 | Southwestern College | Winfield, KS | Private | $38,330 | 96% | — | 53.5 |
| 9 | Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | Public | $5,614 | 92% | — | 53.5 |
| 10 | Green River College | Auburn, WA | Public | $4,074 | 99% | — | 52.8 |
| 11 | Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | Private | $49,821 | 96% | — | 52.5 |
| 12 | Missouri Valley College | Marshall, MO | Private | $21,300 | 93% | — | 51.5 |
| 13 | Neumont College of Computer Science | Salt Lake City, UT | For-Profit | $25,500 | 97% | — | 50.5 |
| 14 | Brigham Young University-Idaho | Rexburg, ID | Private | $4,656 | — | — | 50.3 |
| 15 | North Seattle College | Seattle, WA | Public | $4,458 | 49% | — | 49.2 |
| 16 | Tulane University of Louisiana | New Orleans, LA | Private | $61,306 | — | — | 48.7 |
| 17 | NUC University | Bayamon, PR | For-Profit | $7,314 | 74% | — | 47.9 |
| 18 | University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | Cincinnati, OH | Public | $11,228 | 78% | — | 47.8 |
| 19 | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | Alfred, NY | Public | $7,070 | 90% | — | 47.6 |
| 20 | University of Silicon Valley | San Jose, CA | For-Profit | $21,480 | — | — | 46.4 |
| 21 | Lake Washington Institute of Technology | Kirkland, WA | Public | $3,195 | 43% | — | 45.8 |
| 22 | Cascadia College | Bothell, WA | Public | $4,623 | — | — | 45.8 |
| 23 | ECPI University | Virginia Beach, VA | For-Profit | $17,424 | — | — | 45.5 |
| 24 | Columbia College Chicago | Chicago, IL | Private | $30,734 | 91% | — | 43.6 |
| 25 | Fort Hays State University | Hays, KS | Public | $4,437 | — | — | 42.3 |
Showing 1–25 of 41
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems. Work on web applications, mobile apps, desktop software, or enterprise systems.
Web Developer
SOC 15-1254Create and maintain websites and web applications using programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and various frameworks.
Mobile App Developer
SOC 15-1252Develop applications for mobile devices including iOS and Android platforms using specialized programming languages and development environments.
Database Developer
SOC 15-1242Design, implement, and maintain database systems. Write complex queries, optimize database performance, and ensure data integrity.
Quality Assurance Tester
SOC 15-1253Test software applications to identify bugs, ensure functionality, and verify that programs meet specifications and user requirements.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Analyze business requirements and design technology solutions. Bridge the gap between business needs and technical implementation.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1252Combine development and operations skills to improve software deployment, infrastructure management, and system reliability.
Technical Support Specialist
SOC 15-1232Provide technical assistance and support for software applications, troubleshoot issues, and help users resolve technical problems.
Programs by State with Top Schools
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Ohio
Michigan
North Carolina
Washington
Virginia
Georgia
Financial Aid and Funding Options for Programming Students
Computer programming students have access to numerous financial aid options including federal grants, state aid, and technology-specific scholarships. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step for most students, providing access to Pell Grants, student loans, and work-study programs. Many programming students qualify for STEM-focused aid programs.
Technology companies increasingly offer scholarship programs for programming students, particularly those from underrepresented groups. Major employers like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon provide scholarships ranging from $5,000-$10,000 annually. Women in technology and minority students have access to additional scholarship opportunities through organizations like the National Center for Women & Information Technology.
Many programming students also benefit from employer tuition reimbursement programs, making part-time or online degrees particularly attractive for career changers. Companies often pay 100% of tuition costs for employees pursuing programming degrees, especially if the education directly relates to job responsibilities.
Computer Programming Degree Rankings Overview
Computer programming degrees focus on practical coding skills, software development methodologies, and application building - offering a more hands-on alternative to theoretical computer science programs. With the tech job market continuing to grow, programming graduates enjoy strong career prospects with median starting salaries around $72,000.
Our analysis of 584 accredited programs reveals significant variations in quality, cost, and outcomes. Public universities dominate the top rankings, offering excellent value with in-state tuition averaging $11,750 compared to $38,450 at private institutions. Programs emphasizing internships and industry partnerships consistently produce graduates with higher starting salaries and faster job placement.
The distinction between computer programming and computer science degrees lies in practical focus versus theoretical depth. Programming degrees emphasize immediate job readiness through hands-on coding experience, while computer science programs include more mathematical foundations and research components. Both paths lead to similar software engineer career opportunities, though programming graduates often enter the workforce sooner.
Top Programs Analysis: What Makes These Schools Stand Out
The top-ranked computer programming programs share several key characteristics that set them apart from the competition. University of Washington leads with its strong industry connections in Seattle's tech ecosystem, while Virginia Tech excels in hands-on learning with excellent job placement rates. Cal Poly's learn-by-doing philosophy produces immediately employable graduates.
Public universities dominate the rankings due to their combination of quality education and affordability. The top 10 programs average just $12,890 in annual tuition for in-state students, compared to $52,000+ at equivalent private institutions. This value proposition is especially important for programming students who often prefer practical skills over prestige.
Geographic location significantly impacts program quality and graduate outcomes. Schools in major tech hubs like Seattle, Austin, and Raleigh benefit from industry partnerships, internship opportunities, and higher starting salaries for graduates. However, excellent programs also exist in smaller markets, often offering better student-faculty ratios and more personalized attention.
Choose Your Programming Program Based on Your Profile
- You prefer in-person learning and campus life
- You want access to labs, facilities, and student organizations
- You're a recent high school graduate or traditional college student
- You value networking and peer collaboration
- You have time for full-time study
- You're working full-time and need scheduling flexibility
- You're a career changer with family responsibilities
- You want to avoid relocation costs and campus housing
- You're self-motivated and comfortable with digital learning
- You want to accelerate your degree timeline
- You qualify for in-state tuition rates
- You prioritize affordability and low student debt
- You want solid career outcomes without prestige premium
- You prefer larger programs with diverse course offerings
- You're cost-conscious about return on investment
- You want smaller class sizes and personalized attention
- You value prestige and alumni networks
- You can afford higher tuition without excessive debt
- You prefer specialized or innovative curriculum approaches
- You want access to extensive career services
Frequently Asked Questions About Computer Programming Degrees
Based on 584 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Programming degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific computer programming salaries from BLS OES 2024
Data Sources and Methodology
Federal database providing graduation rates, tuition costs, enrollment data, and institutional characteristics for all accredited colleges and universities.
National employment and wage data for computer programming and software development occupations, including salary percentiles and job growth projections.
Long-term employment projections for technology occupations, including expected job growth rates and annual job openings.
Comprehensive database of college and university information including accreditation status, program offerings, and student outcomes.
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.