by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 507 U.S. colleges awarded 16,655 degrees and certificates in Computer Programming. Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 49% of graduates. College Factual ranks 240 schools in its 2027 Best Computer Programming Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $55,537 one year after completing, rising to $71,581 after four years.
Computer Programmers are able to design and build their own computer programs. Majoring in this exciting field will allow you to learn how computer programs work, and how you can expand upon them or create one of your own. Students take classes in database design, Java programming, web programming, mathematics, and business communications among others to learn all about what's behind programs and operating systems.
While students may decide to focus on Computer Programming in general, schools offer specializations in areas, such as Computer Programming of Specific Applications and Computer Programming, Vendor/Product Certification.
A degree in Computer Programming covers Computer Programming.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, computer programming draws strong interest, with 16,655 degrees awarded annually. 507 colleges award computer programming degrees, an average of 33 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 1,981.
By level, the 16,655 awards include 1,645 certificates, 4,361 associate degrees, 2,297 bachelor’s degrees and 8,100 master’s degrees.
Women earned 25% of computer programming degrees and certificates in the latest year (4,163 of 16,655). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (6,971) and Hispanic or Latino (3,330), and international students earned 1,038.
College Factual ranks 240 schools in its 2027 Best Computer Programming Schools ranking, including 127 for associate degrees, 40 for bachelor’s degrees and 10 for master’s degrees. It also ranks computer programming schools within 31 states. In all, 507 colleges offer computer programming programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Computer Programming Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common computer programming credential is the master’s degree: 8,100 of the 16,655 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to computer programming call most for Programming, Critical Thinking and Active Listening, and for knowledge of Computers and Electronics, English Language and Mathematics, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Written Comprehension, Oral Comprehension and Deductive Reasoning.
Those who are interested in Computer Programming often have a background in computers and mathematics. They also have strong analytical skills and pay close attention to detail. Since you will be creating programs and working to fix any bugs in computer systems, it is important that you have good concentration while working with long lines of code and troubleshooting to detect and fix any errors. Computer programs can take a long time to perfect. You will need the ability to work on the computer and deal with code for extended hours.
Many computer programmers work the typical workweek in an office or out of their home. While they may work as part of a team for large projects, most jobs are independent. Since code can be worked on and written anywhere, many computer programmers live in a different location than where they work. This opens up the possibility of working for any company in the world without having to move locations.
An internship and previous experience are not necessary in this field, but would be beneficial to students. This hands-on experience will teach students about working with code and developing software. Students will learn to work with programs and troubleshoot issues with the assistance of a professional.
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How long a computer programming degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 1,645 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 4,361 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 2,297 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 8,100 |
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to computer programming, at 63.1%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 63.1% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 10.9% |
| Master’s degree | 9.4% |
| Doctoral degree | 7.3% |
| Some college courses | 3.5% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 3.0% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 1.8% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.5% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.4% |
Source: O*NET Online.
8 occupations are related to Computer Programming, with an average median salary of $85,775; the strongest outlook belongs to Software Developers, at 13.5% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Beta Tester, Malware Analyst, Bug Bounty Hunter and Web Programmer.
A large majority of Computer Programming graduates work for either software developers or as part of businesses or corporations. This degree equips graduates with the skills to work in any environment that relies on computers or programs.
Since computer programming can be done from any location, many corporations are hiring from other countries where they are able to pay lower wages.
The occupation related to computer programming with the most projected jobs is Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary, at 1,328,652.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,328,652 | -4.2% |
| Computer Programmers | 666,800 | 11.7% |
| Web Developers | 564,182 | 4.6% |
| Web and Digital Interface Designers | 509,308 | 13.0% |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | 273,210 | -1.7% |
| Video Game Designers | 207,860 | 2.6% |
| Software Developers | 145,079 | 13.5% |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | 128,152 | -3.8% |
Computer Programming graduates earn a median $55,537 one year after completing their program, $71,581 after four years and $71,682 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $55,537 |
| 4 years | $71,581 |
| 5 years | $71,682 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to computer programming is Web Developers, with a median salary of $125,527.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Web Developers | $125,527 |
| Computer Programmers | $109,892 |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | $107,799 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designers | $88,198 |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $80,062 |
| Software Developers | $76,447 |
| Video Game Designers | $62,617 |
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $35,659 |
Computer Programming includes 6 concentrations that together award 16,655 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Computer Programming/Programmer, General (12,600), Computer Programming, Specific Applications (2,750) and Computer Game Programming (550). It has 10 similar majors in the Computer & Information Sciences field, which together award 361,560 degrees a year; the largest are Computer and Information Sciences, General (133,698), Computer Science (90,046) and Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (72,883). Browse all Computer & Information Sciences majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | 133,698 |
| Computer Science | 90,046 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | 72,883 |
| Information Science/Studies | 23,384 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications | 16,765 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | 16,354 |
| Computer Systems Analysis | 3,052 |
| Data Processing | 2,593 |
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other | 2,235 |
| Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications | 550 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
