Computer Programming: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Computer Programming is a focused academic pathway designed to equip learners with the technical expertise needed to design, implement, and maintain software systems across diverse industries. This program emphasizes hands-on proficiency in coding, system integration, and software lifecycle management, preparing graduates for roles that demand precision, problem-solving, and deep technical understanding.
- Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC): Explores the systematic process of planning, designing, coding, testing, deploying, and maintaining software applications to ensure reliability and scalability.
- Programming Languages and Paradigms: Provides in-depth instruction in core languages such as Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript, along with exposure to procedural, object-oriented, and functional programming approaches.
- Algorithm Design and Data Structures: Focuses on the creation and analysis of efficient algorithms and the strategic use of data structures to optimize performance and resource utilization.
- Database Systems and Management: Covers the principles of relational and non-relational databases, query optimization, data modeling, and integration with application code.
- Software Testing and Quality Assurance: Teaches methodologies for identifying bugs, validating functionality, and ensuring software meets performance, security, and usability standards.
- Version Control and Collaboration Tools: Introduces industry-standard systems like Git, enabling efficient code management, team collaboration, and project tracking across development environments.
- System Integration and API Development: Addresses the design and implementation of interfaces that allow different software components to communicate seamlessly within complex digital ecosystems.
Computer Programming Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Computer Programming Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Computer Programming degrees, including Software Developers, Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers and Computer Programmers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 1,964,110 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developers 15-1252 | $133,080 | $79,850 - $211,450 | 1,654,440 | $63.98 |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers 15-1253 | $102,610 | $60,690 - $166,960 | 199,800 | $49.33 |
| Computer Programmers 15-1251 | $98,670 | $52,190 - $162,090 | 109,870 | $47.44 |
Computer Programming Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $68,693 in South Dakota to $151,333 in Washington—a 120% difference. The highest-paying states include Washington, California, and Colorado. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,964,110 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Computer Programming by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 22 institutions offering Computer Programming programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Computer Programming is found at Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (240 graduates), Sinclair Community College (32 graduates), Pueblo Community College (PCC) (23 graduates), Lorenzo Walker Technical College (LWTC) (19 graduates), and Pinellas Technical College, Clearwater (14 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 420 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) |
Other Award
|
240 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | ivytech.edu |
| Sinclair Community College |
Other Award
|
32 | Dayton, Ohio | Public | sinclair.edu |
| Pueblo Community College (PCC) |
Other Award
|
23 | Pueblo, Colorado | Public | pueblocc.edu |
| Lorenzo Walker Technical College (LWTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
19 | Naples, Florida | Public | lwtc.edu |
| Pinellas Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
14 | Clearwater, Florida | Public | myptc.edu |
| Suncoast Technical College (STC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
13 | Sarasota, Florida | Public | sarasotacountyschools.net |
| Mountwest Community and Technical College (MCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
10 | Huntington, West Virginia | Public | mctc.edu |
| Fort Myers Technical College (FMTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
8 | Fort Myers, Florida | Public | fortmyerstech.edu |
| Northwood Technical College (Northwood Tech) |
Other Award
|
8 | Rice Lake, Wisconsin | Public | northwoodtech.edu |
| Heartland Community College (HCC ) |
Other Award
|
8 | Normal, Illinois | Public | heartland.edu |
| Atlantic Technical College (ATC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
7 | Coconut Creek, Florida | Public | atlantictechnicalcollege.edu |
| Oakton College |
Other Award
|
6 | Des Plaines, Illinois | Public | oakton.edu |
| Madison Area Technical College |
Other Award
|
6 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | madisoncollege.edu |
| Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) |
Other Award
|
5 | Melbourne, Florida | Public | easternflorida.edu |
| Prince George's Community College (PGCC) |
Other Award
|
5 | Largo, Maryland | Public | pgcc.edu |
| Walla Walla Community College (WWCC) |
Associate's
|
5 | Walla Walla, Washington | Public | wwcc.edu |
| Hillsborough Community College (HCC) |
Other Award
|
3 | Tampa, Florida | Public | hccfl.edu |
| State College of Florida (SCF) |
Other Award
|
2 | Bradenton, Florida | Public | scf.edu |
| William T McFatter Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Davie, Florida | Public | mcfattertechnicalcollege.edu |
| Richland Community College |
Other Award
|
2 | Decatur, Illinois | Public | richland.edu |
| Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Branchburg, New Jersey | Public | raritanval.edu |
| Edmonds College |
Other Award
|
1 | Lynnwood, Washington | Public | edmonds.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Computer Programming programs
How much can I earn with a Computer Programming degree?
Salaries for Computer Programming graduates vary by role and location. Software Developers earn a median of $133,080 annually, while Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers earn around $102,610. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Washington average $151,333 compared to $68,693 in South Dakota. Approximately 1,964,110 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Computer Programming programs?
Currently 22 accredited institutions offer Computer Programming degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (240 graduates), Sinclair Community College (32 graduates), and Pueblo Community College (PCC) (23 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Computer Programming growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 206 in 2010 to 420 in 2023-24. This represents a 104% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Computer Programming degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Software Developers, Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers, and Computer Programmers. Related occupations employ approximately 1,964,110 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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