Best institutions to study Computer Programming
Any instructional program in computer programming not listed above.
17 U.S. institutions graduated 245 Computer Programming students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 11.0299, a specialization of Computer Programming (CIP 11.02), and leads most directly to the Computer Programmers occupation (BLS SOC 15-1251).
About Computer Programming programs
Any instructional program in computer programming not listed above.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Computer Programming program focuses on instructional methods in computer programming that are not specifically categorized elsewhere. This program is designed for individuals interested in developing the skills necessary to create, analyze, and maintain software applications. It caters to those who seek to enter a dynamic field that supports various industries through technology solutions.
Students in this program will acquire essential skills such as critical thinking, active listening, and mathematics. Coursework typically includes knowledge of computers and electronics, programming languages, and problem-solving techniques to effectively write and maintain software applications.
Credentials awarded
What Computer Programming graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year130 graduates / yr · 8 institutions53%
- Master's degree70 graduates / yr · 2 institutions29%
- Associate's degree19 graduates / yr · 2 institutions7.8%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate16 graduates / yr · 2 institutions6.5%
- Bachelor's degree10 graduates / yr · 4 institutions4.1%
Graduates over time
Computer Programming completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 60 |
| 2013 | 132 |
| 2014 | 81 |
| 2015 | 98 |
| 2016 | 100 |
| 2017 | 89 |
| 2018 | 135 |
| 2019 | 217 |
| 2020 | 168 |
| 2021 | 158 |
| 2022 | 134 |
| 2023 | 167 |
| 2024 | 229 |
| 2025 | 245 |
Top 17 institutions for Computer Programming, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NHPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 103 | 43% | $34,565 | — |
| 2 | University of Chicago Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 61 | 96% | $13,333 | — |
| 3 | Bunker Hill Community College Boston, MAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 17 | 13% | — | — |
| 4 | Weber State University Ogden, UTPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 12 | 46% | — | — |
| 5 | Brandeis University Waltham, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 9 | 86% | $25,074 | — |
| 6 | University of St Thomas Saint Paul, MNPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 8 | 76% | $28,888 | — |
| 7 | George Mason University Fairfax, VAPublicPost-degree cert. | 8 | 68% | — | — |
| 8 | Community College of Rhode Island Warwick, RIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 26% | — | $33,781 |
| 9 | Northeast Community College Norfolk, NEPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 4 | 56% | — | — |
| 10 | EDP University of Puerto Rico Inc - San Sebastian San Sebastian, PRPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 4 | 29% | $7,300 | — |
| 11 | Utah Tech University Saint George, UTPublicAssociate's | 3 | 38% | — | — |
| 12 | EDP University of Puerto Rico Inc - San Juan San Juan, PRPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 3 | 24% | $5,708 | — |
| 13 | Full Sail University Winter Park, FLPrivate for-profitBachelor's | 2 | 44% | $32,163 | $67,539 |
| 14 | Bristol Community College Fall River, MAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 22% | — | — |
| 15 | Mt Hood Community College Gresham, ORPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 24% | — | — |
| 16 | American University Washington, DCPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 75% | $30,225 | — |
| 17 | Western Wyoming Community College Rock Springs, WYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 33% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Computer Programming field (CIP 11.02) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 13 states & territories
Where Computer Programming graduates come from. Each state links to all Computer Programming programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | 1 | 103 | Southern New Hampshire University103 / yr |
| Illinois | 1 | 61 | University of Chicago61 / yr |
| Massachusetts | 3 | 28 | Bunker Hill Community College17 / yr |
| Utah | 2 | 15 | Weber State University12 / yr |
| Minnesota | 1 | 8 | University of St Thomas8 / yr |
| Virginia | 1 | 8 | George Mason University8 / yr |
| Puerto Rico | 2 | 7 | EDP University of Puerto Rico Inc - San Sebastian4 / yr |
| Rhode Island | 1 | 5 | Community College of Rhode Island5 / yr |
| Nebraska | 1 | 4 | Northeast Community College4 / yr |
| Florida | 1 | 2 | Full Sail University2 / yr |
| Oregon | 1 | 2 | Mt Hood Community College2 / yr |
| District of Columbia | 1 | 1 | American University1 / yr |
| Wyoming | 1 | 1 | Western Wyoming Community College1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 15-1251, Computer Programmers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Computer Programming program can pursue careers as computer programmers, with an annual median wage of $98,670. While the job outlook indicates a decline of 6% in this field, there are approximately 5,500 annual openings, primarily requiring a bachelor's degree for entry-level positions.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 11.0299
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Computer Programmersprimary SOC 15-1251 | $100,390 | -6.0% Decline | ~5,500 | Bachelor's degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Computer Programming programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
- Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
- Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.
- Write, update, and maintain computer programs or software packages to handle specific jobs such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, or controlling other equipment.
- Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.
- Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.
Tools and technology used
Other Computer Programming specializations
The 5 other 6-digit CIP codes under Computer Programming (CIP 11.02).
- Computer Programming/CIP 11.0201
Programmer 12,592 graduates / yr401 institutions - Computer ProgrammingCIP 11.02022,745 graduates / yr131 institutions
- Computer Game ProgrammingCIP 11.0204547 graduates / yr32 institutions
- Computer ProgrammingCIP 11.0203451 graduates / yr22 institutions
- Computer ProgrammingCIP 11.0205partial data57 graduates / yr8 institutions
Common questions
What is the duration of the Computer Programming program?+
The program typically awards credentials for at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year.
What types of degrees can I earn?+
You can earn various credentials, including a master's degree, award of at least 12 weeks, associate's degree, or postbaccalaureate certificate.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, mathematics, programming, and effective communication.
What career opportunities are available after graduation?+
Graduates can work as computer programmers, with an average annual wage of $98,670.
What is the CIP code for Computer Programming?+
Computer Programming is CIP 11.0299 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Computer Programming (CIP 11.02). NCES defines it as: Any instructional program in computer programming not listed above.
How many institutions offer Computer Programming programs?+
17 U.S. institutions reported Computer Programming graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 13 states & territories, awarding 245 credentials in the year. That is 1.5% of all Computer Programming graduates.
How much do Computer Programming graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Computer Programmers occupation, which Computer Programming most directly leads to, pays a median of $100,390 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Computer Programming field report median earnings of $67,539 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
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.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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