Best Value Computer Programming Programs 2026

Best Computer Programming Programs - Top 10 Best Value — Complete Program Data

1. #1. Western Governors University

   Location: Salt Lake City, UT | Type: Private | Tuition: $7,710/year | Score: 77.0

   What makes Western Governors University stand out: 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.

   Hakia Insight: Online format enables access from anywhere; serves national student population

   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: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (25 months average (62% complete within this timeframe)); Master of Science in Computer Science - AI and Machine Learning (flexible, some complete in 6 months); Master of Science in Computer Science - Computing Systems (flexible, some complete in 6 months); Master of Science in Computer Science - Human-Computer Interaction (flexible, some complete in 6 months); Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's (compressed timeline for both degrees)

   Industry Partners: CodeSignal

   Career Outcomes:

   Admissions:

   Accreditations: Competency-based accreditation, Pathway to CompTIA Security+, Pathway to AWS certifications

2. #2. Rowan University

   Location: Glassboro, NJ | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,250/year | Graduation Rate: 97% | Score: 63.2

   What makes Rowan University stand out: 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.

   Hakia Insight: Access to South Jersey manufacturing and industrial tech sector

   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: MS in Computer Science - Thesis Track (31 credit hours); MS in Computer Science - Non-Thesis Track (31 credit hours)

   Career Outcomes:

   Admissions: GPA: 3.0 minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA

   Accreditations: Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET

3. #3. Yale University

   Location: New Haven, CT | Type: Private | Tuition: $64,700/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Score: 62.7

   What makes Yale University stand out: 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.

   Hakia Insight: Yale University's partnerships with Google and Microsoft translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.

   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: B.S. in Computer Science (4 years); B.A. in Computer Science (4 years); Combined B.S./M.S. in Computer Science (4 years (8 terms)); Computer Science & Economics (4 years); Computer Science & Mathematics (4 years); Computer Science & Psychology (4 years)

   Research Labs: Yale Computer Vision Lab - Computer vision and image understanding; Systems and Networking Lab - Distributed systems, networks, and security

   Industry Partners: Google, Microsoft

   Career Outcomes:

   Notable Faculty: Zhong Shao (Programming languages and systems verification)

   Admissions:

   Accreditations: ABET accredited

4. #4. Farmingdale State College

   Location: Farmingdale, NY | Type: Public | Tuition: $7,070/year | Graduation Rate: 79% | Score: 62.3

   What makes Farmingdale State College stand out: 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.

   Hakia Insight: Farmingdale State College's partnerships with Cisco Systems and Adelphi University translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.

   Program Overview: Farmingdale State College's Computer Programming and Information Systems (CPIS) Bachelor of Science program offers a comprehensive 121-124 credit curriculum that combines practical, hands-on programming experience with essential business problem-solving skills. The program is housed within the Pasternack School of Engineering Technology and provides students with a diverse foundation in technology through core courses, plus specialized electives in programming, systems development, networking, web development, database management, and artificial intelligence. What sets this program apart is its practical approach—students work on real-world business problems while gaining technical depth across multiple computing domains. The program emphasizes experiential learning through internships and capstone projects, with strong connections to industry through partnerships like the Cisco Networking Academy, which provides direct certification pathways for students pursuing network administration careers.

   Degree Programs: AAS in Computer Programming (2 years); AS in Computer Science (2 years); AAS in Information Technology (2 years)

   Industry Partners: Cisco Systems, Adelphi University

   Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, JPMorgan Chase, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, IBM, Long Island tech companies | Common Roles: Junior Software Developer, Systems Administrator, Cloud Support Associate, Network Administrator

   Admissions:

5. #5. DePaul University

   Location: Chicago, IL | Type: Private | Tuition: $43,379/year | Graduation Rate: 86% | Score: 60.7

   What makes DePaul University stand out: 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.

   Hakia Insight: DePaul University's partnerships with Sinai Chicago and Home Depot translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.

   Program Overview: DePaul University's Computer Science program operates through the Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media (CDM), strategically positioned in Chicago's Loop Campus within the heart of the city's technology and business districts. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science provides comprehensive training in computing foundations, data storage, and information processing, with specialized concentrations in Game Systems and Software Development. Students master programming and software development while exploring cutting-edge areas including robotics, computer vision, intelligent systems, gaming, data mining, and mobile systems. The program uniquely offers an online degree completion option where students can complete their third- and fourth-year courses entirely online, providing flexibility for working professionals. The graduate Master of Science program allows specialization across seven distinct areas: Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Database Systems, Game and Real-Time Systems, Human-Computer Interaction, Software and Systems Development, or Software Engineering. Faculty members actively work as industry professionals and consultants, bringing real-world expertise directly into the classroom. The program also offers a distinctive combined Bachelor's + Master's pathway, allowing students to complete 12 graduate credit hours while still undergraduates, accelerating their path to advanced study.

   Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science (4 years); MS in Computer Science (2 years); Combined BS+MS in Computer Science (5 years total)

   Research Labs: DePaul Center for Data Science - Data mining, predictive analytics, machine learning applications in healthcare, business intelligence, and social computing; Medical Informatics (MedIX) Laboratory - Visual computing applications in medical field research led by Professor Daniela Stan Raicu; Innovation Development (iD) Lab - Technology innovation partnerships between university and corporate entities, directed by Associate Professor Yele Adelakun

   Industry Partners: Sinai Chicago, Home Depot, NSLE, Inc.

   Career Outcomes:

   Admissions:

   Accreditations: ABET accredited

6. #6. University of Michigan-Dearborn

   Location: Dearborn, MI | Type: Public | Tuition: $14,544/year | Graduation Rate: 94% | Score: 54.7

   What makes University of Michigan-Dearborn stand out: UM-Dearborn combines Big Ten research rigor with specialized CS tracks (data science, cybersecurity, AI) in a smaller, undergraduate-focused setting with strong automotive and tech industry access.

   Hakia Insight: University of Michigan-Dearborn's partnerships with Ford Motor Company and Bosch translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.

   Program Overview: UM-Dearborn's computer science program benefits from the University of Michigan's research reputation while maintaining a focus on student-centered, applications-oriented education in a smaller, more nimble setting than Ann Arbor. The program offers multiple specialization tracks—software engineering, data science, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence—each scaffolded so students gain both theoretical foundations and hands-on competency. Students engage with real systems and datasets through courses in machine learning, distributed computing, and software architecture, with opportunities to participate in faculty research projects alongside coursework. The location in Dearborn puts students adjacent to Ford's North American headquarters and other major automotive suppliers, creating natural internship pipelines and industry guest lectures. The computer science faculty hold advanced degrees and maintain active research programs, but they're also committed to undergraduate mentorship and career preparation. For students seeking a research-connected education at a Big Ten university without the anonymity of a 40,000-student campus, UM-Dearborn offers serious computer science depth with personalized advising and direct faculty access.

   Degree Programs: BS in Computer Science (4 years); MS in Computer Science (2 years)

   Research Labs: Intelligent Systems Lab - Artificial intelligence and machine learning applications

   Industry Partners: Ford Motor Company, Bosch

   Career Outcomes:

   Notable Faculty: null

   Admissions:

   Accreditations: ABET accredited (Computing Accreditation Commission)

7. #7. Rochester Institute of Technology

   Location: Rochester, NY | Type: Private | Tuition: $55,784/year | Graduation Rate: 90% | Score: 53.5

   What makes Rochester Institute of Technology stand out: 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.

   Hakia Insight: Rochester Institute of Technology's partnerships with Google and Microsoft translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.

   Program Overview: Rochester Institute of Technology's Computer Science Bachelor of Science program offers a distinctive blend of theoretical foundations and hands-on application, consistently ranking among the nation's top computer science programs at #54 according to U.S. News & World Report. The four-year program emphasizes both breadth and depth, with core computer science courses providing a solid foundation before students explore specializations in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, computer graphics, data management, and systems software during their third through fifth years. What sets RIT apart is its mandatory cooperative education requirement - students must complete three blocks of co-op experience, gaining real-world professional experience while earning their degree. The program operates within RIT's renowned Center for Imaging Science and benefits from the university's strong research culture, with faculty conducting cutting-edge research in areas like multi-messenger astronomy, cybersecurity, and AI. Students engage in significant programming projects, software development work, and both traditional and applied research opportunities, preparing them not just as programmers but as well-rounded computer scientists who understand mathematical theory, design principles, and industry applications.

   Degree Programs: Computer Science BS (4-5 years); Computer Science BS/MS (5 years); Computer Science BS/Cybersecurity MS (5 years); Computer Science BS/Software Engineering MS (5 years)

   Research Labs: Center for Imaging Science - Imaging science research and education with ties to computer science applications; ESL Global Cybersecurity Institute - Cybersecurity research and education; Center for Human-aware AI (CHAI) - Human-centered artificial intelligence research

   Industry Partners: Google, Microsoft, Amazon, IBM, NASA

   Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Microsoft, Google, Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, IBM | Common Roles: Software Engineer, Full Stack Developer, Mobile App Developer, QA Engineer

   Notable Faculty: James Heliotis (Programming languages and software engineering education)

   Admissions:

   Accreditations: ABET accredited

8. #8. Southwestern College

   Location: Winfield, KS | Type: Private | Tuition: $38,330/year | Graduation Rate: 96% | Score: 53.5

9. #9. Utah Valley University

   Location: Orem, UT | Type: Public | Tuition: $5,614/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Score: 53.5

   What makes Utah Valley University stand out: UVU's programming curriculum is explicitly designed around regional employer input, ensuring graduates address real technical skill gaps in Utah's growing tech sector while maintaining one of the most accessible price points.

   Hakia Insight: Location in Utah Valley tech ecosystem with proximity to startups and regional software companies

   Program Overview: UVU's programming pathway stands out for its flexibility and accessibility, allowing students to enter the field through multiple entry points—whether starting with introductory sequences or jumping into specialized tracks based on prior experience. The curriculum design reflects feedback from regional tech employers, meaning course sequencing and project assignments directly address skills gaps companies are actively trying to fill. The program maintains strong connections with startups and established tech firms in the Utah Valley, creating a robust internship ecosystem where students can apply classroom concepts in real environments. What distinguishes the experience is the blend of affordability with practical relevance: you're not paying premium tuition while learning legacy technologies. Faculty include practicing software engineers who bring current industry challenges into case studies and group projects. The on-campus community is collaborative rather than competitive, which newcomers to programming often find encourages deeper learning and peer support.

   Degree Programs: Bachelors in Computer Programming

   Career Outcomes:

   Admissions:

10. #10. Green River College

    Location: Auburn, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,074/year | Graduation Rate: 99% | Score: 52.8

    What makes Green River College stand out: Green River's computer programming program uniquely balances rapid workforce entry with structured pathways to four-year degrees, offering maximum flexibility for diverse student goals and circumstances.

    Hakia Insight: Green River College's partnerships with Amazon and Microsoft translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.

    Program Overview: Green River College's computer programming pathway is built around workforce responsiveness and transfer flexibility, positioning itself as an ideal entry point for students who want industry-relevant skills without committing to a four-year institution upfront. The curriculum emphasizes practical, hands-on coding across contemporary languages and frameworks—students ship real code early and often rather than spending time on abstract theory. Faculty maintain close ties to local employers in the Puget Sound region, meaning curriculum revisions respond quickly to changing market demands and emerging technologies. The college excels at scaffolding: students begin with foundational programming, build progressively toward full-stack development or specialized tracks, and exit with either a two-year degree or certificates depending on their goals and constraints. A significant strength is the structured transfer agreements with four-year universities, allowing Green River students to complete lower-division coursework affordably before moving on to complete a bachelor's degree at UW, WSU, or other institutions—saving both time and money while maintaining academic momentum. The intimate class sizes and accessible faculty support ensure students aren't numbers in a lecture hall; this is particularly valuable for career-changers and first-generation students entering tech.

    Degree Programs: AAS in Computer Programming (2 years); Certificate in Computer Programming (1 year)

    Industry Partners: Amazon, Microsoft

    Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Local Puget Sound tech companies | Common Roles: Junior Developer, Web Developer, Support Engineer

    Admissions: