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Compare Computer Programming Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Compare Computer Programming Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Why This Matters

  • $89,190 AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual income for computer programmers as of May 2020 was $89,190, with the highest 10% of earners bringing in more than $146,050.

  • 9% DECLINE IN EMPLOYMENT

    The BLS projects a 9% decline in the need for computer programmers by 2029. This is due to an increasing number of businesses opting for overseas hires.

  • HIGHEST EMPLOYMENT LEVEL IN CA, TX, NY

    California, Texas, and New York employ the highest number of computer programmers throughout the United States.

Our Research

In our search for the most affordable online computer programming degrees, we considered the cost of each course and the number of credits required to graduate in an effort to determine each program’s cost per credit. Only accredited programs with the lowest costs have been included on this list.

This list features undergraduate and graduate degrees that have been accredited by organizations such as the Higher Learning Commission and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. By enrolling in a program with these accreditations, you can typically transfer credits to another institution and feel confident that your degree will be recognized by employers across the country.

Why Trust Us

The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.

  • Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
  • 800+ rankings pages are reviewed and updated yearly
  • Content is informed by reputable sources, surveys, and interviews with academic advisors and other experts
  • Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources

How we rank schools

Our list features the most affordable Computer Programming degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.

We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:

Academic Quality:

  • Admission rate versus enrollment rate
  • Retention rate of students who return after year one
  • Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
  • Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions

Graduation Rate

  • Overall graduation rate
  • Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
  • Student-to-faculty ratio

Cost and ROI

  • In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
  • Required credits to graduate
  • Earning potential after graduation
  • Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options

Student Resources

  • Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
  • On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries

Read more about our ranking methodology.

  • 77 hours to write this article
  • 100 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 170 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Affordable Online Computer Programming Degrees

Most Affordable Online Computer Programming Degrees Badge
01
Intelligent Pick
Florida International University
01
Best in the West
Colorado State University Global
01
Best in the Midwest
University of Illinois Springfield
01
Best for Database Technology
Baker College
01
Best Start Dates
Weber State University
01
Best Graduate Program in Cyber Security
Southern Utah University
01
Best Graduate Program in Data Science
UW-Eau Claire
01
Best for Game Development
Palomar College
01
Best in the Southwest
UNM Online
01
Best Tech School Program
Illinois Institute of Technology
01
Best Hybrid Option
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
01
Most Flexible
University of the People
01
Best for Degree Completion
Fort Hays State University
01
Best in the Mid Atlantic
Old Dominion University
01
Best Specializations
Park University
01
Best for Vets
Liberty University
01
Best Study Abroad Option
Limestone University
01
Best for Transfer Students
Troy University
01
Most Customizable
Western Governors University
01
Best for Software Development
Bellevue University
01
Best Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Lamar University
01
Best for AI
Davenport University
01
Best for Adult Learners
Thomas Edison State University
01
Best 4+1 Option
Dakota State University
01
Best Minor Options
Saint Leo University
01
Best for Non-Traditional Learners
Franklin University
01
Best for STEM Project Management
Southern New Hampshire University
01
Best Liberal Arts Option
University of Florida
01
Best Christian Option
Regent University
01
Best Credit for Prior Learning
Southwestern College
01
Best in the Northwest
Eastern Oregon University
01
Best Mormon Option
Brigham Young University - Idaho
01
Most Affordable
Eastern New Mexico University
01
Best for Working Professionals
Central Methodist University
01
Best Fast-Start Option
Champlain College
01
Best for Integrated Technology
Husson University
01
Best Internship Option
Kennesaw State University
01
Best Cybersecurity Certificate
Columbus State University
01
Best Cohort Option
California State University Monterey Bay
01
Best Vertical Pathway Option
University of Maryland Global Campus
01
Best Accelerated Option
Concordia University, St. Paul
01
Best Elective Options
University of Nebraska Omaha
01
Best Capstone
California University of Pennsylvania
01
Best for CIS Certification
Georgia Southwestern State University
01
Best for Data Mining
Georgia Southern University
01
Best for Management
Central Washington University

Discover More Options

What You Should Know About This Degree

The cost of education is an important consideration for most students. If you’re hoping to earn an undergraduate degree, you may need to access financial aid to pay for the cost of your program. Likewise, a master’s degree program may require outside financing; however, you might also have outstanding loans to consider from earning your undergraduate degree.

If you plan to work while you obtain your degree, make sure that you have the time-management skills needed to successfully complete coursework on time. In addition to time management skills, completing your degree online also requires a high level of self-discipline and proficiency with technology. Make sure you have the necessary devices, such as a computer or tablet, as well as a reliable internet connection before you enroll in an online program.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching online computer programming degrees:

  • Am I eligible for this program? Typical requirements for an undergraduate degree in this field include a high school diploma with high marks in mathematics. To be eligible for a master’s degree program, most schools require a bachelor’s degree in a similar field.
  • Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? Every online degree program is different, and the way materials are presented throughout your courses may vary. If you’re working while you learn or have other responsibilities, you may want to search for an asynchronous course.
  • How long does it take to complete an online computer programming degree? The length of time it takes to earn your degree depends on the type of degree program, as well as the amount of time you’re dedicating to your studies. Plan on taking anywhere from two to eight years to earn your computer programming degree online.
  • What tests are required for an online computer programming degree? Some schools require applicants to have a minimum SAT mathematics score for bachelor’s degree programs.