Computer Programming: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Computer Programming is a dynamic field focused on designing, writing, testing, and maintaining code that instructs computers to perform specific tasks. This program equips learners with the technical expertise to develop software solutions across diverse industries, from web and mobile applications to embedded systems and data-driven platforms.
- Programming Languages: Mastery of core languages such as Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript, enabling efficient algorithm development and application creation across different environments.
- Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC): Understanding the structured process of planning, designing, implementing, testing, deploying, and maintaining software systems.
- Algorithms and Data Structures: Study of efficient problem-solving techniques and organizational methods for managing and manipulating data within programs.
- Debugging and Testing: Techniques for identifying, diagnosing, and resolving errors in code to ensure reliability, performance, and security.
- Object-Oriented Programming (OOP): Principles of encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and abstraction to build scalable and reusable software components.
- Version Control Systems: Proficiency in tools like Git for tracking code changes, collaborating across teams, and managing project revisions effectively.
- Database Integration: Skills in connecting applications to databases using SQL and NoSQL technologies to store, retrieve, and manage structured data.
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 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 109,870 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 $56,520 in South Dakota to $158,820 in Washington—a 181% difference. The highest-paying states include Washington, Montana, and Oregon. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 109,870 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 18 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 Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) (75 graduates), University of Chicago (UChicago) (69 graduates), Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) (16 graduates), Weber State University (WSU) (13 graduates), and University of St Thomas (12 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 229 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) |
Other Award
|
75 | Manchester, New Hampshire | Private | snhu.edu |
| University of Chicago (UChicago) |
Master's
|
69 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | uchicago.edu |
| Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) |
Associate's
|
16 | Boston, Massachusetts | Public | bhcc.edu |
| Weber State University (WSU) |
Other Award
|
13 | Ogden, Utah | Public | weber.edu |
| University of St Thomas |
Postbac Cert.
|
12 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | stthomas.edu |
| EDP University of Puerto Rico Inc (EDP) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | San Sebastian, Puerto Rico | Private | edpuniversity.edu |
| EDP University of Puerto Rico Inc |
Bachelor's
|
6 | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Private | edpuniversity.edu |
| Full Sail University |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Winter Park, Florida | Private | fullsail.edu |
| Brandeis University |
Master's
|
5 | Waltham, Massachusetts | Private | brandeis.edu |
| Northeast Community College |
Other Award
|
5 | Norfolk, Nebraska | Public | northeast.edu |
| Curry College |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Milton, Massachusetts | Private | curry.edu |
| George Mason University |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Fairfax, Virginia | Public | www2.gmu.edu |
| The University of Montana (UM) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
2 | Missoula, Montana | Public | umt.edu |
| Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) |
Other Award
|
2 | Warwick, Rhode Island | Public | ccri.edu |
| Bristol Community College |
Other Award
|
1 | Fall River, Massachusetts | Public | bristolcc.edu |
| Lorain County Community College (LCCC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Elyria, Ohio | Public | lorainccc.edu |
| Lane Community College |
Associate's
|
1 | Eugene, Oregon | Public | lanecc.edu |
| Mt Hood Community College (MHCC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Gresham, Oregon | Public | mhcc.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. Computer Programmers earn a median of $98,670 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Washington average $158,820 compared to $56,520 in South Dakota. Approximately 109,870 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 18 accredited institutions offer Computer Programming degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) (75 graduates), University of Chicago (UChicago) (69 graduates), and Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) (16 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 83 in 2010 to 229 in 2023-24. This represents a 176% 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 Computer Programmers. Related occupations employ approximately 109,870 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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