Best Schools for Computer Programming

Computer Programming graduates earn a median of $83,950 within four years of graduating, ranking #50 out of 283 tracked majors — 34% above the median across all fields. There are 29 colleges nationwide with tracked earnings for this major, producing 2,708 recent graduates.

Where you study matters: DigiPen Institute of Technology graduates earn $137,503 while Rowan University graduates earn $60,493 — a $77,010 difference. Factors like location, employer networks, co-op programs, and curriculum focus drive this gap. Across all fields, though, which major you pick separates earnings more than which college does.

Early career salary growth is moderate: Computer Programming graduates see an average 11% increase between year 1 and year 2 post-graduation, reflecting career advancement and skill development in the first years after college.

Schools

$83,950

Avg. 2yr Earnings

#50

of 283 Majors

2,708

Graduates

Public vs Private: Computer Programming

Public (9 schools)

$77,737

avg. 2yr earnings

Private (16 schools)

$86,712

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $8,975 more in early earnings on average for Computer Programming graduates. Factor in tuition difference to calculate which offers better ROI.

Computer Programming by State

Also by state: Arizona, Florida, Washington

Top Computer Programming Schools by Graduate Earnings

DigiPen Institute of Technology

Redmond, WA · For-Profit

New England Institute of Technology

East Greenwich, RI · Private

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester, NY · Private

$113,559

4yr Earnings

26 grads · small sample

Acceptance: 71.4%

Elon University

Elon, NC · Private

$111,448

4yr Earnings

22 grads · small sample

2yr: $70,680 (13)

Acceptance: 67.3%

University of Michigan-Dearborn

Dearborn, MI · Public

DePaul University

Chicago, IL · Private

University of Akron Main Campus

Akron, OH · Public

$86,965

4yr Earnings

18 grads · small sample

Acceptance: 70.9%

Herzing University-Birmingham

Birmingham, AL · Private

$78,404

4yr Earnings

23 grads · small sample

2yr: $62,260 (40)

1yr: $53,952 (25)

Acceptance: 94.5%

Herzing University-Atlanta

Atlanta, GA · Private

$78,404

4yr Earnings

23 grads · small sample

Herzing University-Minneapolis

St. Louis Park, MN · Private

$78,404

4yr Earnings

23 grads · small sample

Herzing University-Akron

Akron, OH · Private

$78,404

4yr Earnings

23 grads · small sample

Herzing University-Madison

Madison, WI · Private

$78,404

4yr Earnings

23 grads · small sample

Herzing University-Orlando

Winter Park, FL · Private

$78,404

4yr Earnings

23 grads · small sample

Herzing University-New Orleans

Metairie, LA · Private

$78,404

4yr Earnings

23 grads · small sample

Herzing University-Kenosha

Kenosha, WI · Private

$78,404

4yr Earnings

23 grads · small sample

Herzing University-Brookfield

Brookfield, WI · Private

$78,404

4yr Earnings

23 grads · small sample

Fort Hays State University

Hays, KS · Public

$73,380

4yr Earnings

22 grads · small sample

Acceptance: 91.8%

#18

University of Advancing Technology

Tempe, AZ · For-Profit

Farmingdale State College

Farmingdale, NY · Public

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw, GA · Public

Tulane University of Louisiana

New Orleans, LA · Private

ECPI University

Virginia Beach, VA · For-Profit

Rowan University

Glassboro, NJ · Public

Neumont College of Computer Science

Salt Lake City, UT · For-Profit

Davenport University

Grand Rapids, MI · Private

Western Colorado University

Gunnison, CO · Public

Baker College

Owosso, MI · Private

$52,941

2yr Earnings

22 grads · small sample

North Carolina Central University

Durham, NC · Public

Youngstown State University

Youngstown, OH · Public

$41,193

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 80.3%

Majors with Similar Earnings

Engineering Physics $57,142 Statistics $57,053 Human Computer Interaction $56,936 Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians $56,667 Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other $56,543 Computer Systems Analysis $56,153

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Computer Programming?

DigiPen Institute of Technology ranks #1 for Computer Programming with median graduate earnings of $137,503 within four years of graduating. There are 29 schools nationwide offering this major with tracked earnings data.

How much do Computer Programming graduates earn?

Computer Programming graduates earn an average of $83,950 within four years of graduating. This is 34% above the median across all majors. Earnings range from $60,493 to $137,503 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 81.2%. 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 $86,712 in early earnings vs $77,737 at public schools. Private schools lead in earnings, but cost significantly more — calculate net price before deciding.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings are median 2 years after graduation for bachelor's degree holders, from the field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release — Scorecard publishes the two separately.

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