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Best Value Computer Programming Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

University of Michigan-Dearborn delivers strong return on investment for computer programming students, with graduates earning $76,460 annually after completing the program for just $10,904 net cost. This represents the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio among the 20 programs analyzed, outpacing even much more expensive private options. The Midwest has become a tech talent magnet, with Detroit's growing automotive software sector and Chicago's fintech companies driving demand for skilled programmers. Public universities dominate the value rankings, with seven of the top 10 spots going to state institutions that keep costs below $17,000. However, graduation rates vary dramatically across price points. While Herzing University locations charge similar tuition nationwide at $13,420, their completion rates range from just 25% in Birmingham to 73.5% in Minneapolis. Students weighing options should note that the lowest-cost program, Farmingdale State at $9,173, still produces graduates earning $42,123, demonstrating that affordable education can lead to solid career outcomes in programming.
50
Programs
$9,173 – $50,218
Net Price Range
$57,900
Avg. Program Earnings
51.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Computer Programming Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,904 $76,460 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
2 $9,173 $42,123 $8,576 57.1% 73.2%
3 $15,205 $62,260 $13,420 73.5% 94.3%
4 $13,571 $54,967 $9,552 19.5%
5 $17,613 $62,260 $13,420 50.0% 93.5%
6 $15,171 $52,941 $12,810 31.3% 36.7%
7 $11,877 $41,193 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
8 $18,796 $62,260 $13,420 40.0% 95.1%
9 $16,773 $54,435 $11,083 50.7% 91.9%
10 $19,758 $62,260 $13,420 45.5% 94.3%
11 $19,988 $61,516 $23,324 49.5% 98.9%
12 $20,319 $62,260 $13,420 27.6% 94.5%
13 $16,972 $51,273 $5,786 48.1% 67.9%
14 $20,957 $62,260 $13,420 25.0% 94.1%
15 $21,090 $62,260 $13,420 28.6% 95.0%
16 $28,979 $80,095 $27,375 56.5% 87.6%
17 $15,028 $41,205 $6,542 46.0% 84.4%
18 $20,913 $52,941 $19,430 39.3% 91.5%
19 $20,473 $43,054 $18,484 44.7% 82.7%
20 $28,345 $55,964 $8,886 55.9%
21 $29,141 $55,422 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
22 $36,906 $68,219 $35,625 57.5% 74.5%
23 $42,033 $76,998 $37,400 51.6% 66.4%
24 $31,759 $55,042 $26,417 49.6%
25 $41,048 $70,680 $44,536 83.0% 74.5%
26 $43,939 $35,060 $65,538 88.9% 11.5%
27 $17,945 $23,000 24.5% 61.2%
28 $12,323 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
29 $17,393 $8,769 31.9% 87.2%
30 $15,001 $8,689 44.1% 94.9%
31 $20,798 $22,194 56.7% 91.3%
32 $21,547 $38,970 71.0% 78.3%
33 $23,901 $41,642 55.4% 92.7%
34 $29,694 $57,016 70.8% 67.2%
35 $24,678 $27,318 46.7% 64.3%
36 $17,084 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
37 $29,504 $46,220 48.3% 87.5%
38 $10,865 $9,045 39.8% 99.2%
39 $27,310 $38,480 33.5% 70.2%
40 $23,169 $38,190 52.8% 70.6%
41 $21,616 $33,450 55.8% 98.4%
42 $23,069 $31,168 66.3% 86.7%
43 $14,989 $16,480 69.1% 71.8%
44 $17,324 $8,356 38.3%
45 $22,350 $40,890 73.4% 74.7%
46 $21,757 $13,420 29.2% 93.4%
47 $26,255 $46,180 57.0% 57.7%
48 $27,818 $64,700 96.3% 4.6%
49 $50,218 $50,666 76.3% 93.2%
50 $39,778 $28,024 40.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Michigan-Dearborn the top value for computer programming?

Michigan-Dearborn combines a low net cost of $10,904 with the highest graduate earnings of $76,460 among all programs analyzed. Students graduate with manageable debt of $18,502, well below the national average. The program maintains a 56.6% graduation rate while offering access to Detroit's growing automotive technology sector.

How do public and private computer programming programs compare in cost?

Public programs average significantly lower costs, with in-state tuition ranging from $5,786 at Kennesaw State to $14,944 at Michigan-Dearborn. Private nonprofit schools like Herzing maintain consistent tuition around $13,420 across locations. For-profit University of Phoenix charges $9,552 in-state but has only a 19.5% graduation rate.

Do higher-cost programs guarantee better career outcomes?

Not necessarily. Farmingdale State College, the most affordable option at $9,173, produces graduates earning $42,123 annually. Meanwhile, several Herzing locations costing over $20,000 show graduation rates below 30%. The data shows that program quality and student support matter more than tuition price.

Where do computer programming graduates earn the most after graduation?

Herzing University graduates across multiple locations earn $62,260 annually, while Michigan-Dearborn leads at $76,460. Western Colorado University graduates earn $54,435, reflecting strong tech job markets in mountain states. Even the lowest-earning graduates from Youngstown State still make $41,193, showing solid career prospects across regions.

Is student debt a major concern for computer programming majors?

Debt levels vary widely, from $16,750 at Farmingdale State to $46,918 at University of Phoenix. Most programs keep debt below $32,000, which represents reasonable borrowing given starting salaries above $40,000. Public universities generally produce lower debt burdens while maintaining competitive graduate earnings.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.