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Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester Campus
Sewell, NJPublic
$4,620
Tuition/yr
39%
Grad rate
71.3
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best computer programming degree programs: Princeton, Stevens Institute of Tech..., Rowan
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,440 to $59,710/year
Essex County College offers the most affordable option at $8,054/yr
Computer Programming degree programs available: 6 associate's, 7 master's, 2 doctoral in New Jersey
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
2 online computer programming degree programs in New Jersey
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
New Jersey community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
6 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Johnson & Johnson, Prudential, Merck, Verizon
Tech hubs in Jersey City and Newark
Hakia Research 2026
Computer Programming degree programs near 86+ cities across New Jersey
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked New Jersey Computer Programming programs
We rank 25 accredited computer programming programs in New Jersey using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodologyAre Computer Programming Degree Programs in New Jersey Worth It?
Answer
$122,800
Yes. The best computer programming degree programs in New Jersey deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $122,800 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $25,529/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Computer Programming Degree Rankings in New Jersey
Compare the top-ranked Computer Programming programs in New Jersey by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Computer Programming Programs in New Jersey
4
Programs ranked
$6,287
Avg tuition/yr
29%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
New Jersey offers 6 accredited associate's degree programs in computer programming, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Essex County College, UCNJ Union College of Uni..., County College of Morris, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in New Jersey offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $7,037/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $67,540 in New Jersey.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with New Jersey's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Jersey City, Newark, Princeton areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Johnson & Johnson, Prudential, Merck hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among computer programming schools in New Jersey, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their computer programming degrees in New Jersey.
Best Bachelor's Computer Programming Programs in New Jersey
1
Programs ranked
$11,812
Avg tuition/yr
67%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
New Jersey ranks among the nation's top destinations for computer programming education, with 10 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 3 public and 7 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Princeton, Stevens Institute of Tech..., Rowan, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from New Jersey computer programming programs earn a median salary of $104,380, 6% above the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Jersey City, Newark, Princeton metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Johnson & Johnson, Prudential, Merck.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $11,250 to $59,710 annually, with an average of $34,477/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 85%, with the highest reaching 97%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to New Jersey's leading technology employers. For students seeking computer programming degrees in New Jersey, these top-ranked computer programming schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
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$11,812
Tuition/yr
67%
Grad rate
87.4
Hakia Score
Computer Programming Degree Costs & Tuition in New Jersey
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $25,529/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $63,823/year |
| Community college tuition | $6,382/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $153,176 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $38,294 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Computer Programming Students in New Jersey
State Aid Programs
The Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) is New Jersey's flagship need-based financial aid program, providing $2,176 to $14,404 per year depending on financial need and institution type (HESAA TAG Grant). TAG is administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) and is available to NJ residents attending eligible in-state institutions. Unlike many state grants, TAG can be used at both public and private colleges, making it one of the most generous state grant programs in the nation. Students must complete the FAFSA by the April 15 deadline and demonstrate financial need based on the Student Aid Index (SAI).
Key Programs & Amounts
Additional NJ state financial aid programs include:
- NJ STARS: Full tuition at community colleges for students graduating in the top 15% of their high school class, plus transfer scholarships for continuing to four-year schools
- NJ STARS II: Continued scholarship support for NJ STARS recipients who transfer to NJ four-year public institutions
- Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF): Grants and support services for students from educationally and economically disadvantaged backgrounds
- Governor's Urban Scholarship: Up to $1,000/year for students in urban areas attending NJ institutions
- Federal Pell Grant: Up to $7,395 for 2024-25 (apply via FAFSA) Combining TAG with Pell Grants can cover most or all tuition costs at NJ community colleges and significantly reduce four-year university expenses.
Institutional Scholarships
Tech-specific scholarships and employer tuition assistance provide additional support for programming students. Companies like AT&T, Verizon, ADP, and Johnson & Johnson offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees pursuing computing degrees. NJIT provides merit scholarships ranging from $5,000 to full tuition for high-achieving students, plus departmental awards for CS majors. Professional organizations including the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and IEEE Computer Society offer national scholarships. Students should also explore coding bootcamp scholarships from organizations like Code.org and the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) for supplemental training.
Computer Programming Degree ROI Calculator, New Jersey
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a computer programming degree in New Jersey. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Computer Programming Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a computer programming degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+1116%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$2,064,777
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
$94,118
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)$3,100,185
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 (New York City, NY)$160,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return5.6%
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
Computer Programming Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in New Jersey metro areas
Jersey City$135K
Newark$129K
Princeton$123K
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Jersey City | $135K |
| Newark | $129K |
| Princeton | $123K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Computer Programming Graduates in New Jersey
Find computer programming jobs in New Jersey. These major employers across New Jersey metro areas are actively hiring computer programming degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Computer Programming Jobs in Jersey City
NJGoldman Sachs
finance
Verisk Analytics
data
Forbes
media
Computer Programming Jobs in Newark
NJPrudential Financial
finance
Panasonic
electronics
Audible
tech
Computer Programming Jobs in Princeton
NJNRG Energy
energy
Bristol-Myers Squibb
pharma
Siemens
engineering
Transfer Pathways for Computer Programming Degrees in New Jersey
State Transfer System
NJ Transfer is the state's comprehensive transfer articulation system, connecting all 18 community colleges to the state's public four-year institutions (NJ Transfer). Students who complete an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree at any NJ community college receive guaranteed junior standing at any NJ public university. This means all general education requirements are satisfied, and students enter the university with 60+ transferable credits. For programming students, this pathway eliminates the risk of losing credits during transfer and ensures a clear two-year path to a bachelor's degree.
How Transfers Work
Strategic course planning is essential for programming transfers.
Community college students should complete Calculus I and II, introductory programming (Java), data structures, and discrete mathematics during their first two years to stay on track for upper-division coursework at the receiving institution. NJ Transfer's course equivalency database allows students to verify exactly which courses will count toward their intended major before enrolling. Lampitt Law (NJ statute) guarantees that completed associate degrees transfer as a block, protecting students from losing individual course credits. Students should meet with advisors at both institutions to create a seamless transfer plan.
Transfer Planning Tips
The 2+2 pathway offers significant financial savings.
Community college tuition in NJ averages $5,000-$7,000 per year for in-county residents, compared to $12,000-$17,000 at public four-year universities. Students who transfer after completing an AS degree save approximately $15,000-$20,000 over the full bachelor's degree. Bergen Community College, Middlesex College, and Brookdale Community College all offer well-structured CS transfer tracks. NJIT and Rutgers-Newark specifically recruit transfer students with articulation agreements ensuring smooth transitions. For students exploring different degree levels, see our associate's programming programs or bachelor's rankings.
Why Pursue a Computer Programming Degree in New Jersey?
Industry & Workforce
New Jersey is one of the nation's most concentrated tech employment corridors, with the state's 12 Strategic Innovation Centers generating $17 billion in economic output and supporting 28,000 jobs (NJEDA Innovation Economy). For aspiring computer programmers, this translates into immediate career opportunities across financial services, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, and e-commerce. The state's proximity to New York City means NJ programmers can access the largest tech job market in the eastern U.S. while benefiting from New Jersey's lower cost of living in many areas. Major employers like Audible, Panasonic, Samsung, and IBM maintain significant development centers in New Jersey, creating steady demand for programmers skilled in modern languages and frameworks.
Salary Outlook
Computer programmers in New Jersey earn between $70,000 and $100,000 annually, with senior developers and those in financial services exceeding $110,000 (BLS OEWS New Jersey May 2024, Glassdoor). The Jersey City and Newark financial district hosts Goldman Sachs, Prudential Financial, and Cognizant Technology Solutions, all of which employ large programming teams for trading platforms, risk modeling, and client-facing applications. New Jersey's tech job growth rate of 15% through 2034 outpaces the national average, driven by data center expansion from QTS, Equinix, and AWS in the northern part of the state.
Regional Tech Hubs
Universities like NJIT, Rutgers, and Stevens Institute of Technology offer strong programming-focused curricula that feed directly into this employer pipeline (NJIT Computer Science, Stevens CS). NJIT's location in Newark places students minutes from major employers, while Rutgers' New Brunswick campus partners with pharmaceutical giants for health informatics programming roles. Compare New Jersey programs with those in New York, Pennsylvania, or explore national computer programming rankings.
Computer Programming Program Availability in New Jersey
18 Programs
New Jersey offers 18 accredited computer programming programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Jersey City, Newark, Princeton.
Source: IPEDS 2024
Computer Programming Job Market & Salary Data in New Jersey
Employment Outlook
New Jersey's programming job market benefits from a unique dual-market advantage straddling both the New York City and Philadelphia metro areas. The state employs over 116,000 tech workers across computer systems design, custom software development, and data processing services (CompTIA Cyberstates 2025). Financial services firms in Jersey City's waterfront district hire programmers for algorithmic trading systems, payment processing platforms, and compliance automation. Goldman Sachs' Jersey City campus alone employs thousands of technologists, with programmer roles starting at $85,000-$95,000 for entry-level positions and reaching $130,000+ for senior developers working on mission-critical financial infrastructure.
Salaries by Metro
Key programming specializations driving NJ hiring include:
- Full-stack web development: React, Node.js, Python, and Java dominate job listings from e-commerce and SaaS companies
- Financial programming: C++, Python, and Scala for trading platforms at Goldman Sachs, Bloomberg, and hedge fund operations
- Pharmaceutical automation: Python, R, and SQL for drug discovery pipelines at Merck, Johnson & Johnson, and Novartis
- Mobile development: Swift, Kotlin, and React Native for consumer-facing applications at Audible and Samsung
- DevOps/cloud programming: AWS, Azure, and Terraform scripting for the booming data center corridor The northern NJ data center boom driven by QTS, Equinix, CoreSite, and AWS has created strong demand for infrastructure programmers and automation engineers (BLS OEWS New Jersey May 2024).
High-Growth Sectors
Entry-level programmer positions are accessible across the state, with community college graduates finding roles at smaller firms and mid-size companies. Bergen County and Morris County host numerous technology consultancies like Cognizant, Infosys, and Wipro that hire junior programmers and provide on-the-job training. The state's proximity to Manhattan allows NJ residents to commute to thousands of additional positions without relocating. For related career paths, explore software engineering degrees or web development programs.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Median Salary in New Jersey$79,820$178,060
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred
Online vs On-Campus Computer Programming Programs in New Jersey
Online Programs
2 available in New Jersey
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$22,976/yr$25,529/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)
Compare Computer Programming Programs in Other States
Best Computer Programming Degree Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 111
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Best Computer Programming Degree Programs in Pennsylvania
- Total Programs
- 74
- Median Tuition
- $36,800
Best Computer Programming Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 193
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
Best Computer Programming Degree Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 51
- Median Tuition
- $4,600
Best Computer Programming Degree Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 75
- Median Tuition
- $6,800
Best Computer Programming Degree Programs in Massachusetts
- Total Programs
- 67
- Median Tuition
- $43,700
Best Computer Programming Degree Programs in Virginia
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $10,100
Computer Programming Degree Programs in New Jersey: FAQ
What are the best computer programming degree programs in New Jersey?
The best computer programming degree programs in New Jersey based on our methodology are: 1) Princeton University (96% graduation rate), 2) Stevens Institute of Technology, and 3) Rowan University. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). New Jersey offers 18 total accredited programs across 9 public and 9 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 10 bachelor's programs.
How much do computer programming degree programs cost in New Jersey?
Computer Programming degree program costs in New Jersey vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $25,529/year, while private institutions average $56,164/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $6,382/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $102,116 at public schools to $224,655 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can computer programming degree graduates earn in New Jersey?
Computer Programming professionals in New Jersey earn a median salary of $122,800, which is 6% above the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $79,820, while senior roles exceed $178,060. Salaries vary by metro area: Jersey City ($135,080), Newark ($128,940) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online computer programming degree programs in New Jersey?
Yes, New Jersey offers 2 accredited online Computer Programming programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from Rider University and Caldwell University. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire computer programming degree graduates in New Jersey?
Major Computer Programming employers in New Jersey include Johnson & Johnson, Prudential, Merck, Verizon, AT&T. The Jersey City and Newark metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from New Jersey universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. New Jersey's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is a computer programming degree program worth it in New Jersey?
A computer programming degree program in New Jersey offers strong ROI with a $122,800 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $25,529/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($138,764), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do computer programming degree programs take in New Jersey?
Standard completion times for computer programming degree programs in New Jersey are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. New Jersey community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a New Jersey university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for computer programming degree students in New Jersey?
New Jersey computer programming degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. New Jersey state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by New Jersey's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
New Jersey salary and employment data
Official University Websites
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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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.