Computer Programming

Salary data, best schools, and honest ROI assessment

Avg Earnings (4yr)

$59,632

Median Earnings

$78,404

Schools Offering

ROI Grade

B+

Earnings Range (4 Years After Graduation)

25th: $72,462Median: $78,40475th: $90,435

Best Schools for Computer Programming by Earnings

#	School	ROI	4yr Earnings	Net Price	Major Debt	Grade
1	DigiPen Institute of Technology WA · Private	68	$137,503	$44,446	$27,000	B+
2	Rochester Institute of Technology NY · Private	75	$113,559	$34,906	$27,000	B+
3	Elon University NC · Private	75	$111,448	$41,555	$19,500	A
4	University of Michigan-Dearborn MI · Public	72	$106,484	$9,492	$19,723	A
5	DePaul University IL · Private	68	$101,315	$30,902	$25,497	B
6	Bellevue University NE · Private	65	$90,435	$17,550	$26,108	B
7	University of Akron Main Campus OH · Public	38	$86,965	$13,946	$25,791	B
8	Southwestern College KS · Private	38	$83,746	$29,824	$6,500	A
9	Full Sail University FL · Private	13	$83,694	$38,875	$37,372	C
10	Herzing University-Atlanta GA · Private	11	$78,404	$21,679	$31,050	C
11	Herzing University-Minneapolis MN · Private	16	$78,404	$16,670	$31,050	C
12	Herzing University-Kenosha WI · Private	23	$78,404	$23,066	$31,050	C
13	Herzing University-Brookfield WI · Private	14	$78,404	$20,514	$31,050	C
14	University of Phoenix-Arizona AZ · Private	8	$76,918	$13,520	$49,211	C
15	Fort Hays State University KS · Public	52	$73,380	$12,569	$28,000	C+
16	University of Advancing Technology AZ · Private	28	$72,462	$28,522	$30,562	D
17	Farmingdale State College NY · Public	83	$71,665	$10,867	$21,500	C+
18	Kennesaw State University GA · Public	60	$67,437	$15,048	$25,214	C
19	Tulane University of Louisiana LA · Private	64	$67,047	$39,949	$38,293	D
20	Rowan University NJ · Public	66	$60,493	$22,408	$25,000	C
21	Wilmington University DE · Private	51	$45,832	$15,644	N/A	-

School-by-school analysis: Computer Programming

Editorial breakdowns of how computer programming graduates fare at the top-earning programs in our dataset.

DigiPen Institute of Technology

WA · Private · $137,503 4yr earnings · $27,000 median debt

Computer Programming graduates report median first-year earnings of $102,580, climbing to $137,503 at four years. Debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.263 earns a B+ grade despite the high cost of attendance. This program feeds directly into game studios, engine developers, and tech firms concentrated in the Seattle-Redmond corridor -- Microsoft, Nintendo of America, Valve, and numerous smaller studios recruit from DigiPen. The grad count is not reported in the dataset, but the earnings trajectory is among the strongest in the for-profit sector. Students in this track who complete the program and land industry jobs see genuine returns. The caveat is the high entry cost: $44,446/year means even a strong salary requires careful debt management.

University of Michigan-Dearborn

MI · Public · $106,484 4yr earnings · $19,723 median debt

Computer Programming (48 graduates) is UM-Dearborn's highest ROI program: $80,830 at year one, $106,484 at year four, ROI grade A with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.244. Median debt of $19,723 is low relative to earnings velocity. Against a net price of $9,492, this is an exceptional value equation. Detroit's automotive tech revolution -- software-defined vehicles, autonomous systems, infotainment -- creates direct demand for programming graduates in the region.

DePaul University

IL · Private · $101,315 4yr earnings · $25,497 median debt

With 129 graduates, Computer Programming is DePaul's largest technology program. Median 1-year earnings of $72,234 climb to $101,315 at four years -- the $101k figure reflects the Chicago tech network's compensation benchmarks for software engineers with four years of experience. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.353 (ROI grade B) is clean. DePaul's CDM (College of Computing and Digital Media) has built a Chicago-specific tech employer network; graduates enter firms ranging from startups in the Fulton Market corridor to enterprise tech shops in the suburbs.

Southwestern College

KS · Private · $83,746 4yr earnings · $6,500 median debt

Computer Programming is Southwestern's standout program with an A ROI grade, 23 graduates, year-one earnings of $56,305, and $83,746 at four years against only $6,500 in median debt — producing an extraordinary 0.115 debt-to-earnings ratio. This likely reflects a program structure where students minimize borrowing. At these debt levels, Southwestern's programming track is an unusually efficient credential.

Strong Value

Is Computer Programming Worth It?

The Numbers Support This Major

Computer Programming delivers above-average financial returns. Average earnings of $59,632 four years out put graduates in a strong position to handle student debt and build wealth. The ROI is solid, though school choice and specialization within the field matter.

This is a more specialized field, offered at 22 schools in our dataset. Fewer options means less room to optimize on cost, so pay close attention to the financial aid packages you receive.

The top school for this major by earnings is DigiPen Institute of Technology, where graduates earn $102,580 four years out. But averages hide a wide range - where you attend and what you do with the degree matter as much as the major itself.

Best ROI Schools for Computer Programming All Majors ROI Calculator Compare Schools