Computer Programming Degree Programs

People who complete computer programming degree programs can find work in just about any technology-related industry -- business both large and small often need highly skilled programmers to build their web sites, develop internal software processes, or write code for a new app.

The best job prospects in coming years will go to programmers who have completed computer programming degrees from accredited four-year colleges and universities, and to workers who hold any number of IT certifications that demonstrate their proficiency with a coding language or hardware platform. Computer programming degree programs typically culminate in Bachelor of Science of master's degrees. Many programs can be completed entirely online; however, colleges also often offer flexible hybrid programs for students who prefer to attend classes on campus.

The institutions below represent the 10 best colleges for computer programming degrees. Read on to learn more about these featured institutions, as well as common career paths and scholarship information for computer programming students.

Best Computer Programming Schools

Many colleges have robust on-campus and online computer programming degree programs. We used a unique methodology and data provided by the National Center for Education Statistics to create a list of the best schools for computer programming. Read on to learn more about our featured institutions, or click the button below to learn more about the data and method used to create this list.

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Methodology
1Dakota State University+
Admission Rate
83%
Graduation Rate
46.88%
Number of Degrees Offered
N/A
Number of Degrees Conferred
N/A
At least 1 program offered
N/A

The top school in our rankings of best online degrees for computer programming was founded in 1881 as a school for teachers. Although it retains strong ties to its foundation in education, the university headquartered at Madison, Wisc. bills itself as one of the most technologically advanced campuses in the Midwest and specializes in training students in the fields of computer management, programming and other technology-related programs.

Dakota State University offers a wide range of traditional on-campus and online degree programs in computer programming, computer science and information systems ranging from associate to master's and doctoral degrees. The university heads our rankings based on its modest tuition costs - fourth-best of all institutions in our top 10 - as well as the high number of students enrolled in distance education programs in 2015. Roughly one in every five students at Dakota State University was enrolled in a computer-related degree program in 2015.

Additional Info
2American Public University System+
Admission Rate
Open
Graduation Rate
42.12%
Number of Degrees Offered
2
Number of Degrees Conferred
N/A
At least 1 program offered
Yes

The No. 2 institution in our rankings, American Public University System is headquartered at Charles Town, W.Va. The university's mission is to provide easily accessible education programs to the nation's military members and others working in public service.

All programs at APUS are online. The university offers associate degrees in computer applications and database applications development, as well as three bachelor's degree programs in information technology. Graduate students can pursue an online master's degree in information technology.

American Public University System nabs its prominent ranking in our methodology based on its inexpensive cost for in-state tuition and fees - $6,880 for the 2015-2016 academic year, which is third-best among all colleges in these rankings. APUS also had the fifth-best graduation rate, and it tied for first with six other institutions for its admissions rate.

Additional Info
3ECPI University+
Admission Rate
72%
Graduation Rate
48.59%
Number of Degrees Offered
3
Number of Degrees Conferred
89
At least 1 program offered
Yes

East Coast Polytechnic Institute is a private-for profit institution located at Virginia Beach, Va. with additional campuses locations throughout Virginia, as well as North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. ECPI offers 21 campus-based and 11 online technology programs ranging from associate to master's degrees. Online students can pursue degrees in information systems, software development and cloud computing, to name a few.

ECPI in 2015 had the fourth-highest graduation rate among the institutions in these rankings. It also had an 84 percent admissions rate, which is second highest among institutions that do not h ave an open admissions policy. Other factors that helped the university place third were its high number of distance learners and the number of computer-related degrees conferred by the institution in 2015.

Additional Info
4University of Maryland-University College+
Admission Rate
Open
Graduation Rate
15.06%
Number of Degrees Offered
N/A
Number of Degrees Conferred
N/A
At least 1 program offered
N/A

This state university in Maryland offers both completely online and hybrid degree programs for students interested in studying computer programming. The university offers six bachelor's degree programs in information technology, including information systems management, computer science and computer networks. There are 14 master's degree pathways from which to choose, as well as six computer-related certificate programs.

With its in-state tuition rate of $7,056 for the 2015-2016 school year, University of Maryland University Campus had the fourth-lowest tuition rate in our rankings. It also scored highly for its high number of students enrolled in distance education classes -- 97 percent of all students at the university study in digital classrooms. Lastly, one in every 10 degrees awarded to students in 2015 were in technology-related fields.

Additional Info
5National American University - Ellsworth AFB Extension+
Admission Rate
Open
Graduation Rate
N/A
Number of Degrees Offered
N/A
Number of Degrees Conferred
N/A
At least 1 program offered
N/A

Located in the heart of Ellsworth Air Force Base in western South Dakota, National American University offers a wide range of information technology programs ranging from diplomas to Bachelor of Science degrees. The university offers 16 technical associate degrees, and seven bachelor's degrees, including study in applications development and management information systems.

With its moderate cost of in-state tuition -- $6,000 for the 2015-2016 academic year - National American University ranks second in our 10 featured schools for its tuition costs. Students also enjoy a low 11-to-1 faculty to student ratio that can lead to a more personalized educational experience. Approximately 70 percent of all students at National American University enrolled in distance education programs, the second-highest rate for online education in our top 10.

Additional Info
6Baker College+
Admission Rate
53%
Graduation Rate
18.66%
Number of Degrees Offered
3
Number of Degrees Conferred
38
At least 1 program offered
Yes

Baker College has 10 campus locations throughout the state of Michigan, as well as its online campus, where half of all students at Baker are enrolled.

The college offers a completely online Bachelor of Science degree in computer programming, as well as many information technology-related degree programs. Baker College had the third-highest number of computer-related programs of any institution in these rankings. With its open admissions policy, Baker College ranked first along with five other institutions for its admissions rate in 2015, and the college also serves students well with its flexible night and evening classes and full suite of career and academic support services.

Additional Info
7Grantham University+
Admission Rate
Open
Graduation Rate
24.19%
Number of Degrees Offered
1
Number of Degrees Conferred
6
At least 1 program offered
Yes

The seventh university in our top 10 was founded in 1951 as a radio license school that has since grown into an entirely online campus. Grantham University offers associate degree programs in computer science and bachelor's degrees in computer science, computer engineering technology and information systems, to name a few. The university also offers graduate-level study in information technology and information management.

Grantham lands at No. 7 in our list of top schools for online degrees for computer programming based on its low cost of in-state tuition, which was $6,500 for the 2015-2016 school year. The university also had the third-highest graduation rate among our 10 featured institutions, and it tied for first with five other colleges for admissions rate.

Additional Info
8Champlain College+
Admission Rate
75%
Graduation Rate
64.17%
Number of Degrees Offered
3
Number of Degrees Conferred
40
At least 1 program offered
Yes

This small, non-profit private postsecondary institution overlooks Lake Champlain in scenic Burlington, Vt. Champlain College offers 15 fully online undergraduate degrees and certificate programs, including study in computer and information systems. On-campus undergraduate programs include data analytics, game programming, and computer science.

Champlain College had the highest tuition of any college in our rankings, but it also had the second-highest graduation rate. Students enjoy a relatively low 14:1 faculty to student ratio, as well as the flexibility of distance education, night and evening classes, and academic and career support services. Ten percent of all students at the university received a computer-related degree in 2015.

Additional Info
9Davenport University+
Admission Rate
89%
Graduation Rate
48.92%
Number of Degrees Offered
1
Number of Degrees Conferred
3
At least 1 program offered
Yes

Headquartered at Grand Rapids, Davenport University has locations throughout the state of Michigan and a strong online college as well.

Davenport's college of technology offers many different areas of study for students interested in technical careers. There are two areas of campus-based study at the associate level, and seven Bachelor of Science degree paths, including:

  • Computer science
  • Computer information systems
  • Digital forensics

Graduate students can pursue four different on-campus master's degree programs through Davenport University as well. Distance learners have five online degree options at the bachelor's level, and three at the master's level. Computer science is offered at both levels.

Davenport University admits approximately 90 percent of all applicants, and students can possibly receive a more personalized education due to the college's low 11:1 student to faculty ratio.

Additional Info
10Fountainhead College of Technology+
Admission Rate
Open
Graduation Rate
N/A
Number of Degrees Offered
2
Number of Degrees Conferred
8
At least 1 program offered
Yes

Rounding out our list of top schools for computer programming is Fountainhead College of Technology in Knoxville, Tenn. Founded in 1947 as a school to train electronic technicians for the radio industry, Fountainhead in 1999 incorporated information technology into its program offerings and has since broadened its reach in technology-related educational programs.

The college offers associate degrees in computer programming and information technology, and bachelor's degrees in network security and forensics and application development. Students at Fountainhead College of Technology are dedicated - the college had a 72 percent graduation rate in 2015, tops among all institutions in this list. Fountainhead College of Technology also had the lowest student-to-faculty ratio among any featured college at 10:1. Just under 40 percent of students at the college were awarded technology-related degrees in 2015, also best in our rankings.

Note: This school will be closed by the end of 2018. Students interested in computer programming degree programs should explore other rankings on this page for more insight into educational opportunities. 

Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Computer Programming Degrees and Specializations

A bachelor's degree in computer programming is the most common education level for employment in the field, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. Students who complete computer programming degrees typically learn several coding languages, and have the foundational knowledge necessary to learn others. Many organizations seek programmers who have obtained vendor-specific programming certifications, such as Java or C++. Programmers who have earned bachelor's degrees and wish to advance their careers can complete certificate programs or master's degrees in computer programming or a related field, which potentially could provide a boost to their employment opportunities.

Degree programs for computer programming careers
Many schools have degree programs specifically for those interested in a computer programming career. However, you could also pursue a degree in computer science, computer engineering or a similar field. Most of these degrees are available at all levels, but some might still be making their way mainstream. Artificial Intelligence, for instance, had long been considered a graduate-level degree until the recent introduction of an undergraduate degree in the subject at Carnegie Mellon University. Keep in mind that these related degrees can often prepare you for a software developer career, too; learn more about software developer careers and how they differ from computer programming jobs. 
 
Computer programming
Learn how to turn programs designed by developers and engineers into coded instructions that computers can read
 
Database administration
Use software to backup and store data from large and small businesses and government organizations. Also ensure security and proper access to data
 
Network systems administration
Train to ensure day-to-day operations of computer networks; organizes, installs and supports networking hardware and software
 
Information technology
May not need the same intensive knowledge of coding as in computer programming; degree program may focus more on designing and maintaining systems rather than creating their nuts and bolts
 
Computer science
Provides a general education in the field. Computer science majors spend time learning to code so it is often suitable as a computer programming degree. However, it also meets software developer degree requirements for many employers.
 
Computer software engineering
Often involves designing and programming on a large scale. These degrees incorporate aspects of both mathematics and computer science

With a software development and computer programming background, you could also look into becoming a mobile app developer.

Career Outlook for Computer Programming Majors

As companies move computer programming functions to countries with lower wages, the field is expected to contract by as much as 8 percent over the next several years. Computer programmers who hold a four-year degree and know a variety of coding languages are expected to have stronger job prospects in the coming years. Despite the threat of job losses, here are some outlooks for common career paths for students who earn computer programming degrees.

JOB TITLE
AVERAGE SALARY($)
EMPLOYMENT
PROJECTED JOB GROWTH(%)
Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers$111,6201,406,87025.6%
Web Developers and Digital Interface Designers$82,370148,34013%
Source: 2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov.

Financial Aid and Scholarships in Computer Programming

Students enrolled in accredited four-year or two-year institutions can qualify for federal financial aid, or they can pursue computer programming and computer science scholarships to help pay for college.

Jeffrey and Regina Taussig Ohio Honors Scholarship
Applicants must be freshmen with a high school cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and reside in Ohio. Students must have participated in considerable co-curricular activities. Applicants must major in one of the following areas: biochemistry, biology, biology education, chemistry, chemistry education, computer science, engineering, environmental science, forensic chemistry or science, marine biology, mathematics, math education, pre-dental, pre-medical or pre-veterinary. More

AWARD AMOUNT

$125,000

APPLICATION DEADLINE

11-Jan

Davidson Fellows Scholarships
Applicants must be under the age of 18 and be able to attend the awards reception in Washington, DC. In addition to the monetary award, the institute will pay for travel and lodging expenses. Three nominator forms, three copies of a 15-minute DVD and additional materials are required. More

AWARD AMOUNT

$50,000

APPLICATION DEADLINE

12-Feb

Imagine Cup Games Competition
Applicant(s) must create a desktop or tablet game using Windows, a mobile game using Windows Phone, or a browser game using Windows Azure. Groups of no more than four students are allowed and applicant(s) must be at least 16 years old. Proposal document, software, and instructions are required. More

AWARD AMOUNT

$50,000

APPLICATION DEADLINE

30-Apr

Graduate Research Fellowship Program
Applicants must be full-time students who have completed no more than 12 months of graduate study and be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or permanent residents. The fields of study are interdisciplinary, computer and information science and engineering, mathematical sciences, geosciences, psychology, social sciences, life sciences, chemistry, physics and astronomy and engineering.  More

AWARD AMOUNT

$44,000

APPLICATION DEADLINE

4-Nov

Source: Scholarship directory data is copyrighted material which is reproduced on this website by permission of CollegeXpress, a division of Carnegie Dartlet. Copyright © 2024 by CollegeXpress.
Scholarship Database

Professional Organizations

An automation standard for data center infrastructure and application environments. Earning SaltStack certification ensures that IT consulting and service professionals understand the complex needs of the software.
Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer is a globally recognized standard for IT professionals who build solutions across a wide range of technologies.
A standard for software and web developers and application programmers. Students can earn JavaScript certification from the Certified Internet Web Professional (CIW) organization.
Methodology

To be included in these rankings, all schools must meet the following initial criteria for the specific subject being ranked.

  1. Offer an undergraduate degree (either associate or bachelor’s) in that subject.
  2. Have awarded at least one degree or certificate in that subject in the most recent year of IPEDS data available.

Based on those criteria, we ranked all 2-year and 4-year schools in IPEDS that reported data for all of the following points. Ratings are calculated on a 10-point scale, using the weights specified.

  1. In-state undergraduate tuition & fees, National Center for Education Statistics, 2015
  2. Graduation rate, National Center for Education Statistics, 2015
  3. Accessibility, based on admissions rate, National Center for Education Statistics, 2015
  4. Institutional spending, based on two equally weighted factors, National Center for Education Statistics, 2015
    • Instructional and academic support expenses per full-time enrolled student
    • Instructional and academic support spending as a percentage of all expenses
  5. Student-to-faculty ratio, National Center for Education Statistics, 2015
  6. Flexibility, based on the following factors, National Center for Education Statistics, 2015
    • Percent of students enrolled fully or partly in distance education
    • Whether the school offers programs that can be completed entirely in the evenings and on weekends
    • Whether the school offers academic and career counseling
    • Whether the school offers job placement services for students who complete their programs
    • Whether the school offers any alternative tuition plans, such as a payment plan or guaranteed rate
  7. Size of program, based on how many of the degrees and certificates awarded in 2014-15 were in this particular subject, National Center for Education Statistics, 2015
  8. Related subjects, based on the number of similar topics for programs in relevant CIP codes that are offered at any level, National Center for Education Statistics, 2015
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