Best institutions to study Computer Programming
A program that prepares individuals to fulfill the requirements set by vendors for professional qualification as certified installation, customization, and maintenance engineers for specific software products and/or processes.
22 U.S. institutions graduated 451 Computer Programming students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 11.0203, 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 fulfill the requirements set by vendors for professional qualification as certified installation, customization, and maintenance engineers for specific software products and/or processes. Includes training in specific vendor-supported software products and their installation and maintenance.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Computer Programming program, with a focus on Vendor/Product Certification, prepares individuals to meet the professional qualification requirements set by software vendors. It is designed for those interested in becoming certified installation, customization, and maintenance engineers for specific software products and processes. This program is ideal for students who wish to develop practical skills in software installation and maintenance.
Students in this program will gain essential skills in critical thinking, mathematics, and active learning, along with knowledge of computers and electronics. Coursework typically includes writing, analyzing, and maintaining computer programs, as well as troubleshooting and revising existing software to enhance efficiency.
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 year350 graduates / yr · 13 institutions78%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years77 graduates / yr · 8 institutions17%
- Award of less than 12 weeks21 graduates / yr · 2 institutions4.7%
- Associate's degree3 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.7%
Graduates over time
Computer Programming completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 159 |
| 2013 | 391 |
| 2014 | 338 |
| 2015 | 379 |
| 2016 | 253 |
| 2017 | 364 |
| 2018 | 482 |
| 2019 | 319 |
| 2020 | 311 |
| 2021 | 278 |
| 2022 | 269 |
| 2023 | 352 |
| 2024 | 420 |
| 2025 | 451 |
Top 22 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 | Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, INPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 258 | 40% | — | — |
| 2 | Pueblo Community College Pueblo, COPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of less than 12 weeks | 46 | 31% | — | — |
| 3 | Sinclair Community College Dayton, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 29 | 41% | — | — |
| 4 | William T McFatter Technical College Davie, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 19 | 66% | — | — |
| 5 | Lorenzo Walker Technical College Naples, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 18 | 99% | — | — |
| 6 | Suncoast Technical College Sarasota, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 14 | 50% | — | — |
| 7 | Atlantic Technical College Coconut Creek, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 12 | 65% | — | — |
| 8 | Mountwest Community and Technical College Huntington, WVPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 8 | 19% | — | — |
| 9 | Northwood Technical College Rice Lake, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 7 | 56% | — | — |
| 10 | Eastern Florida State College Melbourne, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 52% | — | — |
| 11 | Hillsborough College Tampa, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 34% | — | $42,710 |
| 12 | Wayne County Community College District Detroit, MIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 22% | — | — |
| 13 | Madison Area Technical College Madison, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 29% | — | — |
| 14 | Fort Myers Technical College Fort Myers, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 4 | 81% | — | — |
| 15 | Walla Walla Community College Walla Walla, WAPublicAssociate's | 3 | 38% | — | — |
| 16 | Heartland Community College Normal, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 3 | 54% | — | — |
| 17 | Cochise County Community College District Sierra Vista, AZPublicAward of less than 12 weeks | 2 | 30% | — | — |
| 18 | Prince George's Community College Largo, MDPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 18% | — | — |
| 19 | Highline College Des Moines, WAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 35% | — | — |
| 20 | Pinellas Technical College - Clearwater Clearwater, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 1 | 52% | — | — |
| 21 | Richland Community College Decatur, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 60% | — | — |
| 22 | Edmonds College Lynnwood, WAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 29% | — | — |
* 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 11 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | 1 | 258 | Ivy Tech Community College258 / yr |
| Florida | 8 | 79 | William T McFatter Technical College19 / yr |
| Colorado | 1 | 46 | Pueblo Community College46 / yr |
| Ohio | 1 | 29 | Sinclair Community College29 / yr |
| Wisconsin | 2 | 12 | Northwood Technical College7 / yr |
| West Virginia | 1 | 8 | Mountwest Community and Technical College8 / yr |
| Washington | 3 | 6 | Walla Walla Community College3 / yr |
| Michigan | 1 | 5 | Wayne County Community College District5 / yr |
| Illinois | 2 | 4 | Heartland Community College3 / yr |
| Arizona | 1 | 2 | Cochise County Community College District2 / yr |
| Maryland | 1 | 2 | Prince George's Community College2 / 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. The job outlook for these roles shows a decline of 6%, with approximately 5,500 annual openings. The median wage for computer programmers is around $98,670, and a Bachelor's degree is typically required for advancement.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 11.0203
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 11.0299245 graduates / yr17 institutions
- Computer ProgrammingCIP 11.0205partial data57 graduates / yr8 institutions
Common questions
What is the duration of the Computer Programming program?+
The program offers awards ranging from less than 12 weeks to 2 academic years.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, mathematics, active learning, and more.
What careers can I pursue after completing this program?+
You can work as a Computer Programmer, Software Developer, or Software Quality Assurance Analyst.
What is the job outlook for computer programmers?+
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 11.0203 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 fulfill the requirements set by vendors for professional qualification as certified installation, customization, and maintenance engineers for specific software products and/or processes. Includes training in specific vendor-supported software products and their installation and maintenance.
How many institutions offer Computer Programming programs?+
22 U.S. institutions reported Computer Programming graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 11 states, awarding 451 credentials in the year. That is 2.7% 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 $42,710 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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