With a computer programming degree, you can create and test the code for software and applications people use daily.
Computer programmers play an integral role in developing new technology and work closely with software engineers and developers. Because computer science careers often overlap, many of the best computer programming degrees focus on software development or computer science as a whole.
Graduates with a bachelor’s in computer programming can land programming positions in numerous industries or pursue similar occupations like computer systems analysts, network administrators, or software developers. Varied career opportunities combined with the annual median pay of $89,190 attract many aspiring programmers.
Explore the best online computer programming degrees below to begin a successful computer science career.
The best online bachelor’s in computer programming degrees
Our experts examined federally-reported datasets and used a proprietary ranking algorithm to create the following list of the best online computer programming degrees. Learn more about the professional contributors and unique formulas behind ZDNet’s ranking methodology here.
Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, College Scorecard, and each program’s website.
1. Fort Hays State University
Hays, Kansas
About the program: FHSU offers a bachelor’s in computer science with four mandatory web development classes. Other courses include programming languages, data structures, and computer graphics.
- Acceptance rate: 91%
- Graduation rate: 58%
- Annual net price: $12,053
- Years to degree: Four
- SAT range: 1080 minimum
- Minimum GPA: 2.5 for high school courses; 2.0 for college courses
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Accreditation: Fort Hays State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
2. Champlain College
Burlington, Vermont
About the program: Champlain’s bachelor’s program in software development covers over 20 programming languages, software, and platforms and prepares graduates for C++ programming certification.
- Acceptance rate: 85%
- Graduation rate: 61%
- Annual net price: $33,561
- Years to degree: Three to four; part- and full-time options and accelerated 7-week terms available
- SAT range: 1110-1320
- Minimum GPA: Recommended 2.5
- Enrollment periods per year: Three; rolling transfers
- Course delivery methods: Online and asynchronous
Accreditation: Champlain College is regionally accredited