A computer programming degree gives people an advantage in today’s technological environment and allows them to contribute innovations to the global society. Prospective students must conduct thorough research on the course they intend to pursue, so adequate information on the best schools for computer programming will be useful.
This article discusses the best programming universities and programs, the different degree pathways you can take, and the jobs you can get with a computer programming degree. To decide which computer programming school, program, and career path are suitable for you, continue reading.
Best Computer Programming College and University Rankings: Top 10 Computer Programming Schools at a Glance
| School | State | Formats Available | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Institute of Technology | CA | In-person | 9 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | PA | In-person, online | 25 |
| Dartmouth College | NH | In-person | 13 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | GA | In-person, online | 38 |
| Grand Canyon University | AZ | In-person, online | 299 – 391 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | MA | In-person, online | 2 |
| Rice University | TX | In-person, online | 17 |
| Stanford University | CA | In-person, online | 6 |
| University of Arizona | AZ | In-person, online | 103 |
| University of California Berkeley | CA | In-person, online | 22 |
Computer Programming School Rankings: Best Computer Programming Colleges and Universities
To get the best out of your research, look at the best computer programming colleges and universities to know what programs they offer and how you can benefit from them. You will find details on the best computer programming colleges and universities below.
Best Bachelor’s Degree Programs
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The Best Schools for Computer Programming: Types of College Degrees and University Programs Offered
Universities provide various types of computer programming degrees and programs. These degrees include community college certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorate degrees. To keep you informed, below is a comprehensive description of the programs offered.
Comparing Popular Degree Options
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Best Computer Programming Schools: Other Computer Programming University Rankings
The best computer programming schools for your needs will depend on several factors. In the section below, we will look at other computer programming university rankings. We will break down the best schools for online or in-person degrees at various levels of education.
Best Online Computer Programming Schools
- Oregon State University. An online Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science is available at Oregon State University. This online program gives students advanced skills in programming concepts, mobile and web development, and network security. It is taught by qualified faculty with hands-on experience in the field.
- Southern New Hampshire University. Southern New Hampshire University has over 200 online programs and 135,000 online students. The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science that prepares students for industry software development using programming languages such as Python, Java, and C++.
- The University of Illinois at Springfield. The department of computer science at the University of Illinois offers online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in computer science. Operating systems, programming languages, data structures, and algorithms are topics covered in the school’s foundational coursework in computer science.
Best Community Colleges for Computer Programming
- Community College of Philadelphia. The Community College of Philadelphia’s computer science program teaches the fundamentals of computer operation as well as how to construct advanced computer hardware, software, and programming. You will learn how to solve computer problems using mathematical and scientific principles.
- Houston Community College. Computer Programming at Houston Community College provides Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees that help students gain the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and technical competencies needed in today’s economy.
- Ivy Tech Community College. With your degree or certification from Ivy Tech, you will be ready for a career in computer science. Implementing and understanding the properties of algorithms and debating the social context of computing are examples of the coursework in the program.
Best Undergraduate Schools for Computer Programming
- Baker College. A computer programming concentration is available as part of the Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science at Baker College. The curriculum teaches students to design advanced computing systems’ architecture and code.
- City University of Seattle. City University provides a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Computing for working students. Human-computer interaction and systems analysis and design are a part of the 180-credit bachelor’s degree.
- Oregon State University. Students who earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science will have advanced skills in programming, mobile and web development, and network security. Students can choose an on-campus or online learning experience.
Best Graduate Schools for Computer Programming
- Carnegie Mellon University. The computer science graduate program and master’s programs often do not include any research. Artificial intelligence, systems, and theoretical foundations are all core courses for students.
- Michigan State University. Michigan State University is a public research university. Graduate students can pursue a Master of Science in Computer Science from Michigan State University’s renowned and dedicated engineering department.
- Stanford University. Stanford University is a private university in Stanford, California. A Master’s Degree in Computer Science is available with concentrations in artificial intelligence, biocomputation, and computer network security.
Best Computer Programming Schools With Dual Degree Programs
- Georgia Institute of Technology | BS/MS in Computer Science. The dual BS/MS in Computer Science program is open to highly qualified students. This joint-degree program lessens the time it takes to get an MS and lowers the cost.
- Georgia State University | Computer Science, BS/MS. The Department of Computer Science at GSU provides a combined bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Computer Science, saving students a year of time and expense.
- Hofstra University | Computer Science, BS and MS, Dual-degree Program. Outstanding Hofstra students can receive both a bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in Computer Science in around five years through the dual degree program.
Best Schools With Accelerated Computer Programming Programs
- Boston University | B.S. in Computer Science – Accelerated Degree Completion Program. The two-year Accelerated Degree Completion Program offers a fast track to a Boston University Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.
- The University of Arizona | Computer Science (MS) – Accelerated Master’s Program. This Accelerated Master’s Program allows current undergraduates to earn a BS and MS in Computer Science in five years. The BS and M.S. components come together in the student’s fourth year. During the fifth year, students complete the MS portion of the program.
- The University of California Berkeley | Five-Year BS/MS Program This program is for students who want to continue their education beyond the bachelor’s level, allowing them to gain a wider depth of knowledge while also trying their hand at research. The program is completed in a five-year timeframe.
Easy Colleges to Get Into
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Is Graduate School for Computer Programming Worth It?
Yes, graduate school for computer programming is worth it. A graduate school is a huge investment but ensures overall development in your career. You will have a higher annual salary potential as a computer programmer from a graduate school. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer programmers earn a median salary of $93,000.
What Jobs Can You Do With a Computer Programming Degree?
The jobs you can do with a computer programming degree include software development, system analysis, database administration, and computer programming. The best computer programming schools can help students get these jobs through a rich curriculum, which provides students with basic knowledge and in-depth skills.
How Much Can I Earn With a Degree in Computer Programming?
With a degree in computer programming you can earn an average salary of $64,000 with an associate degree and up to $131,000 with a doctorate. Your position and pay will vary depending on your education level, skillset, and experience.
Highest-Paying Computer Programming Careers
| Profession | Minimum Education | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | Master’s degree | $131,490 |
| Computer Network Architects | Bachelor’s degree | $120,520 |
| Software Developers | Bachelor’s degree | $110,140 |
| Information and Security Analysts | Bachelor’s degree | $102,600 |
| Systems Analysts | Bachelor’s degree | $99,270 |
| Database Administrators | Bachelor’s degree | $98,860 |
| Data Scientists | Bachelor’s degree | $97,318 |
| Computer Programmers | Bachelor’s degree | $93,000 |
| Systems Engineers | Bachelor’s degree | $81,283 |
| UX Designers | Bachelor’s degree | $75,803 |
Best Jobs With a Computer Programming Degree
The best jobs with a computer programming degree include computer programmers, data scientists, and web developers. However, some jobs and salaries differ by degree level due to higher educational qualifications, job opportunities, and income potential. Below are the best computer programming jobs according to degree levels.
How Can I Pay for Computer Programming School?
You can pay for computer programming school through different funding options, which include grants, loans, financial aid, fellowships, and tuition waivers. Find details on these funding options below.
- Grants. A grant is a form of funding students can use to study at a higher institution that does not need to be repaid. Federal and state governments, as well as private organizations, award grants depending on various eligibility requirements.
- Loans. Loans help students fund their education and are paid back after graduation. It is critical to look for the best rate while working with a trusted lender.
- Fellowships. Fellowships allow graduate students to pursue their studies without the added financial burden of student debt, part-time jobs, or even research or teaching obligations.
- Tuition waivers. Tuition waivers are financial awards in which universities relinquish their rights to demand tuition from students. Tuition waivers are mostly awarded based on a student’s application quality.
How to Pay for Your Chosen School Education Path
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Choosing the Best Computer Programming School for You
To choose the best computer programming schools for you, you should consider important factors such as accreditation, cost, and graduation and retention rates. Below are some important factors you should consider when choosing the best computer programming schools.
Accreditation
Accreditation is an important factor when choosing a computer programming school. Accreditation determines a school’s outstanding achievements and education quality. Accreditation verifies that a school has a good learning environment, a strategic plan, and high safety standards by meeting a certain standard.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Student-to-faculty ratios are frequently used to predict class size or individualized attention from the faculty in any program. This factor is significant since studies have shown that smaller class sizes are associated with higher student accomplishments.
Cost
When applying to a school, it is vital to assess the cost of a computer programming program. The majority of public institutions are less expensive than private ones. To save money on accommodation, you might want to consider an online program. Inquire about financial aid and scholarship opportunities at the schools you’re considering.
How to Get Into the Right School for Your Profession
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Does It Matter What College I Go to for Computer Programming?
No, it does not matter what college you go to for computer programming. Most schools offer students the same fundamental knowledge and skillset. While some companies may give preferential treatment to resumes from a prestigious school, there is no guarantee any school will land you a higher-paying job.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Computer Programming University Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Schools for Computer Programming
We ranked the best computer programming schools by consulting the university rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education. To further refine our computer programming university ranking methodology, we gave special consideration to things like reputation, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and breadth and depth of computer programming degree program offerings.
Additional Reading About Computer Programming
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Best Computer Programming Schools FAQ
A computer programming degree entails learning how to code, program, and design webpages, games, and apps. Data analytics, cyber security, coding, computer systems, gaming, and mobile computing are among the topics in the curricula. Depending on the degree level, programs offer more or less in-depth coursework.
No, computer programming is not difficult to learn. Like learning any other skill, learning to code takes time and effort. The difficulty level will vary depending on the programming language and the type of software you want to create.
It takes as little as six months of personalized, self-paced education or as much as four or more years in an accredited bachelor’s degree program to become a computer programmer.
Yes, you can become a computer programmer without a degree. It is possible to gain a computer programmer’s knowledge and skill requirements by exploring online resources or attending a coding bootcamp.
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