Best colleges for Computer Programming in Illinois
Ranked by graduate earnings
DePaul University, University of Chicago and Moraine Valley Community College award the most Computer Programming degrees and certificates in Illinois: 379, 61 and 48 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 29 Illinois colleges offer Computer Programming and award 920 degrees and certificates a year in all.
The Computer Programming program focuses on the study of computation, information, and automation within the field of Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services. It is designed for individuals interested in developing software…
Top institution, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DePaul University Chicago Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $72,234 | 379 | 68% | $28,141 | $25,497 |
Colleges awarding the most Computer Programming degrees in Illinois
Top 10 by graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25 completions). Online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools, and schools with a graduation rate under 30% are listed in full below.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Starting salary (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DePaul University Chicago Private not-for-profit | 379 | $72,234 |
| 2 | University of Chicago Chicago Private not-for-profit | 61 | Not reported |
| 3 | Moraine Valley Community College Palos Hills Public | 48 | Not reported |
| 4 | Parkland College Champaign Public | 32 | Not reported |
| 5 | Southwestern Illinois College Belleville Public | 26 | Not reported |
| 6 | McHenry County College Crystal Lake Public | 16 | Not reported |
| 7 | Illinois Central College East Peoria Public | 15 | Not reported |
| 8 | Lake Land College Mattoon Public | 13 | Not reported |
| 9 | Danville Area Community College Danville Public | 9 | Not reported |
| 10 | Rock Valley College Rockford Public | 9 | Not reported |
ShowHide the other 19 Illinois colleges offering Computer Programming
| Institution | City | Control | Graduates / yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| College of DuPage | Glen Ellyn | Public | 204 |
| Joliet Junior College | Joliet | Public | 33 |
| City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College | Chicago | Public | 9 |
| William Rainey Harper College | Palatine | Public | 8 |
| Oakton College | Des Plaines | Public | 7 |
| Prairie State College | Chicago Heights | Public | 7 |
| City Colleges of Chicago-Harry S Truman College | Chicago | Public | 6 |
| Richland Community College | Decatur | Public | 6 |
| City Colleges of Chicago-Wilbur Wright College | Chicago | Public | 5 |
| Olivet Nazarene University | Bourbonnais | Private not-for-profit | 5 |
| Columbia College Chicago | Chicago | Private not-for-profit | 4 |
| College of Lake County | Grayslake | Public | 4 |
| Waubonsee Community College | Sugar Grove | Public | 4 |
| Rend Lake College | Ina | Public | 3 |
| Heartland Community College | Normal | Public | 3 |
| City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College | Chicago | Public | 1 |
| City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College | Chicago | Public | 1 |
| City Colleges of Chicago-Richard J Daley College | Chicago | Public | 1 |
| John A Logan College | Carterville | Public | 1 |
Career outlook
What this program leads to: Computer Programmers (SOC 15-1251).
Top skills
What Computer Programmers earn in Illinois
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing Computer Programming programs in Illinois.
Which Illinois colleges award the most Computer Programming degrees?+
DePaul University (379 graduates a year), University of Chicago (61 graduates a year) and Moraine Valley Community College (48 graduates a year) award the most Computer Programming degrees and certificates in Illinois, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 29 Illinois colleges offer Computer Programming.
Which Computer Programming program in Illinois has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, DePaul University tops the list at $72,234. Compare it against graduates a year, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.
How much do Computer Programmers earn in Illinois?+
The average annual wage for Computer Programmers in Illinois is $87,660 (median $72,540), across about 1,280 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
What is the focus of the Computer Programming program?+
The Computer Programming program focuses on the study of computation, information, and automation within the field of Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services. It is designed for individuals interested in developing software…
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop critical thinking, active listening, reading comprehension, writing, and related professional skills.
What is the job outlook for Computer Programmers?+
The national job outlook is about -6.0% growth with around 5,500 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).
What is the typical education requirement?+
A Bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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