- 1.Computer programming graduates earn median starting salaries of $73,450, making it one of the highest-ROI degree programs
- 2.Public universities offer the best value with average tuition 60% lower than private institutions
- 3.Online programming programs can reduce total costs by up to $35,000 compared to on-campus options
- 4.Employment in computer programming occupations is projected to grow 25% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than average
- 5.The best value programs combine low tuition with high graduation rates and strong industry connections
Top 3 Best Value Computer Programming Programs
Arizona State University
Excellent online options and industry partnerships with Google and Microsoft
University of Florida
Lowest in-state tuition among top-tier programs with 90% graduation rate
Georgia Institute of Technology
World-class curriculum with average graduate salaries of $89,500
Based on 247 programs from College Scorecard, BLS, IPEDS 2024-2025 data
Average annual cost after financial aid
Median salary 10 years after graduation
Percentage of students completing program
Job placement within 6 months
Average debt compared to starting salary
What Makes a Computer Programming Program High Value?
The best value computer programming programs deliver strong career outcomes at affordable costs. Our analysis of 247 programs nationwide reveals that value extends beyond just low tuition - it encompasses the complete return on investment students receive.
Computer programming graduates earn a median starting salary of $73,450, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, graduates from the highest-value programs often exceed this benchmark significantly, with many earning $80,000 or more in their first year.
Key indicators of program value include low net price after financial aid, high graduation rates above 75%, strong industry partnerships providing internship opportunities, and curriculum that covers in-demand programming languages like Python, Java, and JavaScript. The most valuable programs also offer online programming degree options that can reduce total costs while maintaining educational quality.
Source: College Scorecard analysis of computer programming programs
Public vs Private Programming Programs: Cost Analysis
Public universities dominate our best value rankings, offering computer programming education at significantly lower costs than private institutions. The average annual tuition at public universities is $11,560 for in-state students, compared to $38,070 at private colleges - a difference of over $26,000 per year.
State schools like the University of Florida ($6,381 tuition) and University of Texas system schools provide exceptional value by combining affordable tuition with strong academic reputations. These programs often have direct pathways to major tech employers and comprehensive career outcome support.
- Public university average tuition: $11,560 (in-state)
- Private university average tuition: $38,070
- Community college 2-year programs: $3,770 average
- Online program savings: Up to $35,000 total cost reduction
Students should also consider associate degree programs in computer programming as a cost-effective starting point, with many offering direct transfer pathways to four-year programs.
Top 25 Best Value Computer Programming Programs
| 1 | Arizona State University | Tempe, AZ | $12,892 | $8,450 | 6700% | $78,500 | 94.2 |
| 2 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | $6,381 | $4,200 | 9000% | $76,800 | 93.8 |
| 3 | Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta, GA | $12,682 | $9,100 | 9300% | $89,500 | 92.5 |
| 4 | University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX | $11,698 | $8,900 | 8700% | $85,200 | 91.8 |
| 5 | Virginia Tech | Blacksburg, VA | $14,068 | $11,200 | 8600% | $82,100 | 90.7 |
| 6 | North Carolina State University | Raleigh, NC | $9,058 | $7,300 | 8200% | $79,900 | 89.9 |
| 7 | University of Washington | Seattle, WA | $12,242 | $9,800 | 8400% | $87,300 | 89.4 |
| 8 | Cal Poly San Luis Obispo | San Luis Obispo, CA | $10,560 | $8,900 | 8500% | $84,600 | 88.8 |
| 9 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Urbana, IL | $16,866 | $13,200 | 8500% | $86,700 | 88.2 |
| 10 | Purdue University | West Lafayette, IN | $10,948 | $9,100 | 8200% | $81,400 | 87.5 |
| 11 | University of California San Diego | San Diego, CA | $14,436 | $11,800 | 8700% | $83,900 | 87.1 |
| 12 | Texas A&M University | College Station, TX | $12,413 | $9,900 | 8100% | $80,500 | 86.7 |
| 13 | University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI | $16,178 | $13,500 | 9300% | $88,200 | 86.3 |
| 14 | Ohio State University | Columbus, OH | $11,936 | $10,200 | 8400% | $77,800 | 85.8 |
| 15 | Pennsylvania State University | University Park, PA | $18,898 | $15,400 | 8600% | $82,600 | 85.4 |
| 16 | University of California Irvine | Irvine, CA | $13,727 | $11,600 | 8700% | $81,700 | 84.9 |
| 17 | Iowa State University | Ames, IA | $9,168 | $8,100 | 7500% | $74,900 | 84.5 |
| 18 | Colorado State University | Fort Collins, CO | $12,796 | $11,200 | 7000% | $76,300 | 84.1 |
| 19 | University of Minnesota | Minneapolis, MN | $15,254 | $12,800 | 8000% | $79,100 | 83.7 |
| 20 | Rutgers University | New Brunswick, NJ | $15,407 | $13,100 | 8100% | $78,900 | 83.3 |
| 21 | University of Massachusetts Amherst | Amherst, MA | $16,389 | $14,200 | 8200% | $80,800 | 82.9 |
| 22 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | $6,368 | $5,900 | 7300% | $72,800 | 82.5 |
| 23 | SUNY Stony Brook | Stony Brook, NY | $10,560 | $9,400 | 7600% | $76,500 | 82.1 |
| 24 | University of Connecticut | Storrs, CT | $18,834 | $16,100 | 8400% | $81,200 | 81.7 |
| 25 | Kansas State University | Manhattan, KS | $10,613 | $9,200 | 6800% | $73,600 | 81.3 |
Online vs On-Campus Programming Degrees: Value Comparison
Online computer programming programs offer significant cost advantages while maintaining educational quality. Students can save an average of $35,000 in total costs by choosing online options, primarily through reduced housing, transportation, and campus fees.
Top-ranked online programming degrees from institutions like Arizona State University and Penn State deliver the same curriculum and faculty as their on-campus counterparts. These programs often provide greater flexibility for working professionals and those seeking to minimize student debt.
- Average online program cost: $28,500 total
- Average on-campus total cost: $63,800
- Potential savings with online: $35,300
- Time to completion: Often 15% faster online due to flexibility
When evaluating online vs campus programming degrees, consider factors beyond cost including hands-on lab access, networking opportunities, and personal learning preferences.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Design and develop computer applications and systems using various programming languages
Computer Programmer
SOC 15-1251Write and test code for computer programs and applications
Web Developer
SOC 15-1254Create and maintain websites and web applications
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex data to help organizations make informed decisions
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1252Bridge development and operations teams to improve software deployment
| Factor | Public Universities | Private Universities | Online Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Tuition | $11,560 | $38,070 | $15,200 |
| Total Program Cost | $46,240 | $152,280 | $60,800 |
| Financial Aid Availability | High | High | Moderate |
| Class Size | 25-35 students | 18-25 students | Varies |
| Campus Resources | Extensive | Extensive | Virtual |
| Flexibility | Low | Low | High |
| Industry Connections | Strong | Strong | Moderate |
| Time to Completion | 4 years | 4 years | 3-5 years |
Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities
Computer programming students have access to numerous financial aid opportunities that can significantly reduce education costs. Federal Pell Grants provide up to $7,395 annually for eligible students, while many states offer additional grant programs for STEM fields.
Technology companies increasingly sponsor programming education through scholarships and partnerships. Google, Microsoft, and Amazon offer substantial scholarship programs specifically for computer science and programming students. Many programs also provide paid internship opportunities that can offset education costs.
- Federal Pell Grant: Up to $7,395 annually
- State grant programs: $2,000-$8,000 average
- Corporate scholarships: $5,000-$25,000
- Merit-based institutional aid: $3,000-$15,000
Students should complete the FAFSA for STEM majors early to maximize aid opportunities. Additionally, women in technology scholarships provide targeted funding for underrepresented groups in programming.
Top Value Programs by State
Arizona
Florida
Georgia
Texas
California
Virginia
North Carolina
Washington
Which Should You Choose?
- You're a state resident seeking the lowest tuition costs
- You want access to extensive campus resources and research opportunities
- You prefer traditional college experience with strong alumni networks
- You can attend full-time and complete the program in 4 years
- You need flexibility to work while studying
- You want to minimize total education costs
- You're comfortable with self-directed learning
- Location or family constraints limit campus attendance
- You want to minimize debt with lower initial costs
- You prefer smaller class sizes for foundational courses
- You're unsure about your long-term programming career goals
- You want to test your interest in programming before committing to a 4-year program
Frequently Asked Questions
Next Steps to Find Your Best Value Program
Research State Options
Start with public universities in your state of residence for the lowest tuition rates and explore their computer programming curricula.
Calculate Total Costs
Use net price calculators to determine actual costs after financial aid, including living expenses and opportunity costs.
Compare Online Programs
Evaluate accredited online options that could reduce total costs while providing scheduling flexibility.
Apply for Financial Aid
Complete the FAFSA early and research programming-specific scholarships from technology companies and professional organizations.
Visit and Compare
Attend virtual or in-person information sessions to assess program quality, faculty expertise, and student support services.
Related Programming Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Federal database of college costs, graduation rates, and post-graduation earnings
Official employment and wage data for computer programming occupations
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System for institutional characteristics and costs
Graduate employment and salary survey data
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.