Best Schools for Computer Programming

Computer Programming graduates earn a median of $57,690 within two years of graduation, ranking #48 out of 292 tracked majors — 62% above the median across all fields. There are 28 colleges nationwide with tracked earnings for this major, producing 2,020 recent graduates.

Where you study matters: Neumont College of Computer Science graduates earn $80,095 while Tulane University of Louisiana graduates earn $35,060 — a $45,035 difference. Factors like location, employer networks, co-op programs, and curriculum focus drive this gap.

Early career salary growth is moderate: Computer Programming graduates see an average 9% increase between year 1 and year 2 post-graduation, reflecting career advancement and skill development in the first years after college.

28
Schools
$57,690
Avg. 2yr Earnings
#48
of 292 Majors
2,020
Graduates

Public vs Private: Computer Programming

Public (6 schools)
$51,115
avg. 2yr earnings
Private (13 schools)
$59,974
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $8,859 more in early earnings on average for Computer Programming graduates. Factor in tuition difference to calculate which offers better ROI.

Computer Programming by State

Top Computer Programming Schools by Graduate Earnings

#1
N

Neumont College of Computer Science

Salt Lake City, UT · For-Profit

$80,095
2yr Earnings
1yr: $70,731
Grads: 38
Acceptance: 89.2%
#2
D

DigiPen Institute of Technology

Redmond, WA · For-Profit

$76,998
2yr Earnings
1yr: $80,803
Grads: 88
Acceptance: 68.0%
#3
U

University of Michigan-Dearborn

Dearborn, MI · Public

$76,460
2yr Earnings
1yr: $67,925
Grads: 33
Acceptance: 58.6%
#4
E

Elon University

Elon, NC · Private

$70,680
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 67.3%
#5
N

New England Institute of Technology

East Greenwich, RI · Private

$68,219
2yr Earnings
1yr: $59,619
Grads: 22
Acceptance: 72.7%
#6
H

Herzing University-Birmingham

Birmingham, AL · Private

$62,260
2yr Earnings
1yr: $53,952
Grads: 25
Acceptance: 94.5%
#7
H

Herzing University-Minneapolis

St. Louis Park, MN · Private

$62,260
2yr Earnings
1yr: $53,952
Grads: 25
Acceptance: 93.8%
#8
H

Herzing University-Madison

Madison, WI · Private

$62,260
2yr Earnings
1yr: $53,952
Grads: 25
Acceptance: 94.2%
#9
H

Herzing University-Orlando

Winter Park, FL · Private

$62,260
2yr Earnings
1yr: $53,952
Grads: 25
Acceptance: 89.9%
#10
H

Herzing University-New Orleans

Metairie, LA · Private

$62,260
2yr Earnings
1yr: $53,952
Grads: 25
Acceptance: 89.1%
#11
H

Herzing University-Kenosha

Kenosha, WI · Private

$62,260
2yr Earnings
1yr: $53,952
Grads: 25
Acceptance: 89.4%
#12
H

Herzing University-Brookfield

Brookfield, WI · Private

$62,260
2yr Earnings
1yr: $53,952
Grads: 25
Acceptance: 90.8%
#13
D

Davenport University

Grand Rapids, MI · Private

$61,516
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 97.0%
#14
B

Bellevue University

Bellevue, NE ·

$55,964
2yr Earnings
1yr: $62,477
Grads: 62
Acceptance: N/A
#15
D

DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private

$55,422
2yr Earnings
1yr: $51,868
Grads: 174
Acceptance: 73.5%
#16
F

Full Sail University

Winter Park, FL ·

$55,042
2yr Earnings
1yr: $49,514
Grads: 140
Acceptance: N/A
#17
U

University of Phoenix-Arizona

Phoenix, AZ ·

$54,967
2yr Earnings
1yr: $51,361
Grads: 295
Acceptance: N/A
#18
U

University of Phoenix-California

Ontario, CA ·

$54,967
2yr Earnings
1yr: $51,361
Grads: 295
Acceptance: N/A
#19
U

University of Phoenix-Texas

Dallas, TX ·

$54,967
2yr Earnings
1yr: $51,361
Grads: 295
Acceptance: N/A
#20
W

Western Colorado University

Gunnison, CO · Public

$54,435
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 97.5%
#21
B

Baker College

Owosso, MI · Private

$52,941
2yr Earnings
1yr: $54,410
Grads: 22
Acceptance: 87.5%
#22
U

University of Advancing Technology

Tempe, AZ · For-Profit

$52,941
2yr Earnings
1yr: $49,239
Grads: 56
Acceptance: 95.4%
#23
K

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw, GA · Public

$51,273
2yr Earnings
1yr: $28,202
Grads: 36
Acceptance: 69.2%
#24
E

ECPI University

Virginia Beach, VA · For-Profit

$43,054
2yr Earnings
1yr: $43,195
Grads: 105
Acceptance: 82.9%
#25
F

Farmingdale State College

Farmingdale, NY · Public

$42,123
2yr Earnings
1yr: $47,383
Grads: 152
Acceptance: 69.1%
#26
N

North Carolina Central University

Durham, NC · Public

$41,205
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 90.5%
#27
Y

Youngstown State University

Youngstown, OH · Public

$41,193
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 80.3%
#28
T

Tulane University of Louisiana

New Orleans, LA · Private

$35,060
2yr Earnings
1yr: $52,151
Grads: 32
Acceptance: 14.6%

Majors with Similar Earnings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Computer Programming?
Neumont College of Computer Science ranks #1 for Computer Programming with median graduate earnings of $80,095 within two years. There are 28 schools nationwide offering this major with tracked earnings data.
How much do Computer Programming graduates earn?
Computer Programming graduates earn an average of $57,690 within two years of graduation. This is 62% above the median across all majors. Earnings range from $35,060 to $80,095 depending on the school.
How hard is it to get into a top Computer Programming program?
The average acceptance rate across Computer Programming programs is 80.7%. The most selective program is at Tulane University of Louisiana with a 14.6% acceptance rate. Competitive programs value strong math/analytical skills and relevant coursework.
Is a public or private school better for Computer Programming?
Private Computer Programming programs average $59,974 in early earnings vs $51,115 at public schools. Private schools lead in earnings, but cost significantly more — calculate net price before deciding.

Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings are median 2 years after graduation for bachelor's degree holders.

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