- 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 Best Value
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 Best Value
| 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 25 Best Value Computer Programming Programs
| 1 | Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | $7,710 | — | — | — | — |
| 2 | Rowan University | Glassboro, NJ | $11,250 | — | 97% | — | — |
| 3 | Yale University | New Haven, CT | $64,700 | — | 96% | — | — |
| 4 | Farmingdale State College | Farmingdale, NY | $7,070 | — | 79% | — | — |
| 5 | DePaul University | Chicago, IL | $43,379 | — | 86% | — | — |
| 6 | University of Michigan-Dearborn | Dearborn, MI | $14,544 | — | 94% | — | — |
| 7 | Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | $55,784 | — | 90% | — | — |
| 8 | Southwestern College | Winfield, KS | $38,330 | — | 96% | — | — |
| 9 | Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | $5,614 | — | 92% | — | — |
| 10 | Green River College | Auburn, WA | $4,074 | — | 99% | — | — |
| 11 | Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | $49,821 | — | 96% | — | — |
| 12 | Missouri Valley College | Marshall, MO | $21,300 | — | 93% | — | — |
| 13 | Neumont College of Computer Science | Salt Lake City, UT | $25,500 | — | 97% | — | — |
| 14 | Brigham Young University-Idaho | Rexburg, ID | $4,656 | — | — | — | — |
| 15 | North Seattle College | Seattle, WA | $4,458 | — | 49% | — | — |
| 16 | Tulane University of Louisiana | New Orleans, LA | $61,306 | — | — | — | — |
| 17 | NUC University | Bayamon, PR | $7,314 | — | 74% | — | — |
| 18 | University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | Cincinnati, OH | $11,228 | — | 78% | — | — |
| 19 | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | Alfred, NY | $7,070 | — | 90% | — | — |
| 20 | University of Silicon Valley | San Jose, CA | $21,480 | — | — | — | — |
| 21 | Lake Washington Institute of Technology | Kirkland, WA | $3,195 | — | 43% | — | — |
| 22 | Cascadia College | Bothell, WA | $4,623 | — | — | — | — |
| 23 | ECPI University | Virginia Beach, VA | $17,424 | — | — | — | — |
| 24 | Columbia College Chicago | Chicago, IL | $30,734 | — | 91% | — | — |
| 25 | Fort Hays State University | Hays, KS | $4,437 | — | — | — | — |
Showing 1–25 of 41
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
Top Value Programs by State
Arizona
Florida
Georgia
Texas
California
Virginia
North Carolina
Washington
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.
Choosing Your Best Value Programming Program
- 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
Based on 247 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 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.