The Best Colleges
for Computer Programming in 2021
Computer programmers are responsible for designing, developing, and testing software that adheres to the best practices of security, reliability, and performance. They work to develop coding, video games, mobile applications, and websites.
The first step to become a web developer, software engineer, or computer programmer is to get a degree. The best schools for computer programming can give you the skills and knowledge to enter the tech industry. These colleges and universities teach students about programming languages to prepare them for future roles.
Top 10 Computer Programming Schools in 2021 at a Glance
This guide contains the top ten computer programming schools. The table below highlights the schools, their programs, and their tuition. The information in the table was obtained from the university websites. The tuition costs are subject to change by the private and public universities.
| School and Degrees | State | Tuition | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baker College Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Concentration in Computer Programming |
(MI) | $425 per credit hour | All Students |
| Bellevue University Bachelor of Science in Software Development |
(NE) | $430 per credit hour | All Students |
| Champlain College Associate of Science in Software Development Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Innovation Bachelor of Science in Game Programming Bachelor of Science in Software Development |
(VT) | $318 per credit | All Students |
| Davenport University Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Master of Science in Computer Science |
(MI) | $836 per credit hour $906 per credit hour |
Undergraduate Graduate |
| Fort Hays State University Bachelor of Science in Computer Science |
(KS) | $181 per credit hour $530 per credit hour $227 per credit hour |
In-state Out-of-state Online |
| Hodges University Bachelor of Science in Software Development |
(FL) | $595 per credit hour | All Students |
| Husson University Bachelor of Science in Integrated Technology – Software Development |
(ME) | $386 per credit hour | All Students |
| Limestone College Associate of Science in Computer Science – Programming Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Programming |
(SC) | $1,323 per course | All Students |
| Southwestern College Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Digital Arts |
(KS) | $17,375 per semester | All Students |
| Western Governors University Bachelor of Science in Software Development |
(UT) | $3,625 per six-month term | All Students |
Online vs In-Person Computer Programming Degrees
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There are online and in-person degree offerings. The best option to pursue depends largely on your preferences. Online programs offer flexibility so you can learn at your pace. If you prefer scheduled classes, an in-person program might be a better option for you.
Online learning is ideal for working professionals who want to maintain their jobs and social life while studying. It may also be a lot more affordable than traditional learning because accompanying costs tend to be reduced.
However, if you prefer to learn in a face-to-face setting, in-person learning may be ideal for you. Some people have difficulty with self-paced learning and devoting time and effort to schooling online. In this case, you may want to choose face-to-face education to push yourself. Such people will benefit more from traditional learning programs.
Choosing the Best School for You
There are many things to take note of when choosing a school. This guide has narrowed these factors down to the most important ones. Read below to learn how to choose the best computer programming school for you.
Faculty Support
One factor is support from faculty. Students often perform better when they have support from faculty members. A good school will make it easy for students to contact professors if they need to.
Accreditation
Before even considering any university, you should ensure that it is accredited. Accreditation simply means that a licensed organization vetted the institution and reviewed its curriculum. The school must meet the basic academic standards set by the country or state.
If you attend an unaccredited school, your degree might not be recognized by employers or other schools in case you want to transfer or go for graduate studies. This information is often available on the school website. If you cannot find it, you can send a message to the admissions team.
Size of School
The size of the university is also important when considering a school to enroll in. For one, the size tells you a lot about what the university can offer. Larger universities often have more resources for their students. These resources could include health centers, libraries, and student housing. It may also have more concentrations for you to choose from.
However, some specific courses may not be available in large universities. Small universities also have helpful resources. Some may provide more individualized support for students due to the decreased number of students.
Overall Cost
College is not cheap. The cost can be discouraging for a lot of students. If you only have a small budget, you should consider looking at public schools. They are a lot cheaper, and some scholarships and grants could help you cover part or all of your tuition.
Be sure to check if the school has scholarship offerings before enrolling. Check your eligibility for these offerings as well. You also have an option to study online and save on the cost of housing and transportation.
The Best Computer Programming Schools in 2021
This list contains both private schools and public schools for computer programming. Online programs are also listed to give you some variety. Read below to learn more about the best computer programming schools in 2021.
Baker College
This Bachelor of Science in Computer Science takes four years and 120 credits to complete. Students are required to take computer science major credit courses, general education courses, and core computer programming courses. This is a good option because it includes a specific computer programming specialization.
Some of the classes in the program cover algorithms, data structures, programming languages, artificial intelligence, computer architecture, system development method, and a senior project. Students must also engage in a work experience course for 150 hours.
Baker College Computer Programming Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Concentration in Computer Programming
Bellevue University
This university has an online Bachelor of Science in Software Development for people who want to study computer programming. It teaches them both managerial and hard skills needed for their careers. Students learn other skills like programming languages such as CSS, HTML, PHP server-side, and JavaScript.
The curriculum also covers non-relational and relational database structures used by software developers and the basics of Java with object-oriented programming concepts and techniques. The program ends with a Java project.
Bellevue University Computer Programming Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Software Development
Champlain College
This Bachelor of Science in Software Development is asynchronous and uses seven-week accelerated courses. It has three semesters a year and two courses each semester. It requires 120 credits to complete. Students learn about different platforms, applications, and programming languages.
Before the end of the program, students can also get certificates in four programming languages. This makes it easier for them to become software engineers, data analysts, or computer programmers. The other programs, which include game programming, can also teach vital tech skills.
Champlain College Computer Programming Programs
- Associate of Science in Software Development
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Innovation
- Bachelor of Science in Game Programming
- Bachelor of Science in Software Development
Davenport University
This bachelor’s program focuses on programming and software development. It also features math and other computer science topics. Students in this program have three concentrations to choose from. These three specialties are gaming and simulations, computer theory and algorithms, and artificial intelligence.
With both the bachelor’s and master’s options, students will earn a degree that opens several career paths for them in computer science. This school is the perfect option if you are interested in higher education in computer programming.
Davenport University Computer Programming Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Science in Computer Science
Fort Hays State University
This program requires 120 credits to graduate. It has an online program and lots of electives to allow students to customize their degrees. Some of the courses in the curriculum include operation systems, data structures, and foundations of computing. Students must also attend a seminar in the last semester of the program.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science covers front end development and object-oriented programming. It allows credit by exam. Transfer students can transfer a bulk of the credits they need to graduate if they’ve attended other institutions.
Fort Hays State University Computer Programming Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Hodges University
This Bachelor of Science in Software Development covers Java programming. It gives students the skills they need to write complex software codes. Students will master advanced programming practices.
Students will learn to increase execution time and the storage space required for the software to function efficiently. The training covers different programming languages and frameworks like Python, Java, CSS, C++, XML, HTML, SQL, SDL libraries, MySQL, and C#.
Hodges University Computer Programming Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Software Development
Husson University
Students in this program learn to develop and code software and programs. The training they receive prepares them to thrive in a digital world. This degree is an integrated technology program. It gives students the required skills to create, develop, and modify specialized utilities or software programs for enterprises.
The curriculum is also very interactive. Students will take part in real-world work as they learn to analyze the needs of customers to develop software solutions for them. If you want a degree that offers many different career options, you should try Husson University.
Husson University Computer Programming Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Integrated Technology – Software Development
Limestone College
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science offers students a firm foundation in the primary information technology parts of systems administration, programming, architecture, and security. Students are taught to think creatively to create unique solutions for programming issues.
The bachelor’s program requires 120 credits to complete. Most of these credits are computer science-based. At the end of the program, students are required to prepare a capstone project related to the career they have chosen.
Limestone College Computer Programming Programs
- Associate of Science in Computer Science – Programming
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Programming
Southwestern College
This program offers training on computer programming techniques and software. It covers the necessary skills for research, documentation, and development of programs using object-oriented programming environments.
This program teaches students the software development life cycle including the initial algorithms, graphical user interfaces, pseudocode, code documentation, coding and testing, and maintenance of designed apps.
Southwestern College Computer Programming Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Programming
Western Governors University
The program offers a solid foundation in web development, computer programming, and app development. Students learn to become software developers at the entry level. This program has two tracks for students to choose from: C# and Java.
At the end of the program, you will be well-versed in one of these two programming languages. There are also several industry-recognized certifications added to the curriculum. You can qualify for any of them after graduation.
Western Governors University Computer Programming Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Software Development
What Can You Do With a
Computer Programming Degree?
With a computer programming degree, you can become a programmer, developer, or engineer. The career path for computer programmers is broad. They create and troubleshoot codes for new and existing computer applications.
Experts with this degree can find work in tech or IT, while others work in cyber security positions to monitor security breaches. There is a lot of room for growth and specialization as well.
How Much Can I Expect to Earn With a Degree in Computer Programming?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for computer programmers was $89,190 in May 2020. The BLS also predicts that the employment of programmers will decline by nine percent from 2019 to 2029. However, this profession is still profitable, especially if you have a Master’s Degree in Computer Science.
Min salary
Average salary
Top salary
Top Computer Programming Degree Careers
| Profession | Minimum Education | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware Systems Designer | Bachelor’s Degree | $103,094 |
| Computer Security Analyst | Bachelor’s Degree | $99,815 |
| Software Engineer | Bachelor’s Degree | $99,729 |
| Network Security Specialist | Bachelor’s Degree | $97,655 |
| Systems Designer | Bachelor’s Degree | $95,021 |
| Robotics Specialist | Bachelor’s Degree | $91,531 |
| Video Game Programmer | Bachelor’s Degree | $83,479 |
| Product Developer | Bachelor’s Degree | $74,718 |
| Web Designer | Bachelor’s Degree | $60,202 |
| Information Technologist | Bachelor’s Degree | $54,495 |
Does It Matter What College I Go to for Computer Programming?
Yes, it does matter what college you go to for computer programming. Although you can attend one of the best coding bootcamps or learn through online courses, most employers look for at least a bachelor’s degree. Your college should be accredited and have a strong faculty for computer programming.
Should You Pursue a Degree in Computer Programming?
Yes, you should pursue a computer programming degree program. It can allow you to enter the tech industry. It is a broad field with a lot of specialization opportunities to increase your earning potential. Additionally, most of these experts can work remotely, meaning they have the flexibility to choose where to live.
Another reason to pursue this degree is the high salary that comes with it. Most of the experts earn higher than average and have job security. There’s always a demand for computer programmers. If you want to enter this field, you should attend one of the best programming schools in 2021.
