Best institutions to study Computer Programming
A program that prepares individuals to design, develop, and implement software-based solutions for specific business and consumer platforms including industrial, game, mobile, tactile, and web platforms.
8 U.S. institutions graduated 57 Computer Programming students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 11.0205, 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
A program that prepares individuals to design, develop, and implement software-based solutions for specific business and consumer platforms including industrial, game, mobile, tactile, and web platforms. Includes instruction in computer programming, computer hardware, data structures, database theory, maintenance, operating systems, project management, software development, and systems analysis.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Computer Programming program focuses on preparing individuals to design, develop, and implement software solutions tailored for various platforms, including industrial, gaming, mobile, and web. This program is ideal for those interested in the field of computer and information sciences, providing a foundation for creating software that meets specific business and consumer needs.
Students will gain core skills in computer programming, data structures, database theory, and software development. Coursework also covers critical areas such as operating systems, project management, and systems analysis, equipping graduates with the knowledge necessary to succeed in the tech industry.
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 year19 graduates / yr · 4 institutions33%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate13 graduates / yr · 1 institution23%
- Associate's degree11 graduates / yr · 1 institution19%
- Bachelor's degree10 graduates / yr · 2 institutions18%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years4 graduates / yr · 1 institution7.0%
Graduates over time
Computer Programming completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 36 |
| 2021 | 173 |
| 2022 | 127 |
| 2023 | 25 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 57 |
CIP 11.0205 was introduced in CIP 2020, so the series starts when institutions began reporting under the new code.
Top 8 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Macomb Community College Warren, MIPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 15 | 18% | — |
| 2 | Mountainland Technical College Lehi, UTPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 14 | 84% | — |
| 3 | Purdue University Global West Lafayette, INPublicPost-degree cert. | 13 | 50% | — |
| 4 | Mercer University Macon, GAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 8 | 70% | $22,641 |
| 5 | Bethel College - North Newton North Newton, KSPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 2 | 41% | $23,560 |
| 6 | Central New Mexico Community College Albuquerque, NMPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 31% | — |
| 7 | Temple University Philadelphia, PAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 75% | — |
| 8 | Illinois Central College East Peoria, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 49% | — |
Offered in 8 states
Where Computer Programming graduates come from. Each state links to all Computer Programming programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 1 | 15 | Macomb Community College15 / yr |
| Utah | 1 | 14 | Mountainland Technical College14 / yr |
| Indiana | 1 | 13 | Purdue University Global13 / yr |
| Georgia | 1 | 8 | Mercer University8 / yr |
| Kansas | 1 | 2 | Bethel College - North Newton2 / yr |
| New Mexico | 1 | 2 | Central New Mexico Community College2 / yr |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | 2 | Temple University2 / yr |
| Illinois | 1 | 1 | Illinois Central 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, software developers, or software quality assurance analysts. While the job outlook shows a decline of 6% with approximately 5,500 annual openings, the median wage for these roles is around $98,670, typically requiring a bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 11.0205
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 |
Software Developers SOC 15-1252 | $135,980 | +15.8% Much faster than average | ~115,200 | Bachelor's degree |
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers SOC 15-1253 | $104,300 | +10.0% Much faster than average | ~14,000 | 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 11.0299245 graduates / yr17 institutions
Common questions
What credentials can I earn from this program?+
You can earn an Award of at least 12 weeks, a Postbaccalaureate certificate, an Associate's degree, or a Bachelor's degree.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, active listening, mathematics, and programming.
What types of jobs can I get after graduation?+
You can work as a computer programmer, software developer, or software quality assurance analyst.
What is the job outlook for computer programming graduates?+
The job outlook shows a decline of 6%, with about 5,500 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Computer Programming?+
Computer Programming is CIP 11.0205 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Computer Programming (CIP 11.02). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to design, develop, and implement software-based solutions for specific business and consumer platforms including industrial, game, mobile, tactile, and web platforms. Includes instruction in computer programming, computer hardware, data structures, database theory, maintenance, operating systems, project management, software development, and systems analysis.
How many institutions offer Computer Programming programs?+
8 U.S. institutions reported Computer Programming graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 8 states, awarding 57 credentials in the year. That is 0.3% 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).
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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