Cheapest Computer Programming Colleges

EDP University of Puerto Rico in San Sebastian stands out with net costs as low as $4,496 annually, making it the most affordable Computer Programming option nationwide. This dramatic cost advantage reflects Puerto Rico's unique position in the tech education market, where students can access quality programming training at a fraction of mainland prices. The island has become an attractive destination for tech companies seeking bilingual talent, with major firms establishing operations to serve both U.S. and Latin American markets. Among the most affordable programs, graduation rates vary significantly from Austin Community College's 18% to Caribbean University-Vega Baja's impressive 62.5%. Public institutions dominate the lower-cost spectrum, with community colleges like Wake Technical offering in-state tuition at just $2,336. However, private nonprofits in Puerto Rico challenge this pattern, delivering competitive programming education at costs that undercut many public alternatives. The earnings potential for graduates ranges from $41,193 to $76,460, demonstrating that affordable education doesn't necessarily limit career prospects.

Programs

$4,496 – $19,988

Net Price Range

$55,781

Avg. Program Earnings

44.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Computer Programming Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	EDP University of Puerto Rico Inc-San Sebastian San Sebastian, Puerto Rico	$4,496	$7,050	37.3%	90.1%
2	EDP University of Puerto Rico Inc-San Juan San Juan, Puerto Rico	$4,989	$7,050	23.6%	39.6%
3	NUC University Bayamon, Puerto Rico	$5,732	$8,054	56.2%
4	Lake Washington Institute of Technology Kirkland, Washington	$5,886	$5,156	39.8%
5	Austin Community College District Austin, Texas	$6,306	$2,550	18.0%
6	Caribbean University-Vega Baja Vega Baja, Puerto Rico	$6,310	$5,966	62.5%
7	Caribbean University-Bayamon Bayamon, Puerto Rico	$6,392	$5,966	36.7%
8	Wake Technical Community College Raleigh, North Carolina	$6,935	$2,336	31.4%
9	North Seattle College Seattle, Washington	$8,351	$5,058	32.4%
10	Universidad Adventista de las Antillas Mayaguez, Puerto Rico	$8,471	$8,050	46.0%	83.1%
11	Farmingdale State College Farmingdale, New York	$9,173	$8,576	57.1%	73.2%
12	Portland Community College Portland, Oregon	$9,920	$5,040	17.7%
13	Western Governors University Salt Lake City, Utah	$10,442	$8,300	50.9%
14	University of Maine at Fort Kent Fort Kent, Maine	$10,865	$9,045	39.8%	99.2%
15	University of Washington-Bothell Campus Bothell, Washington	$10,898	$12,559	68.2%	88.1%
16	University of Michigan-Dearborn Dearborn, Michigan	$10,904	$14,944	56.6%	54.1%
17	Lamar University Beaumont, Texas	$11,429	$8,690	37.2%	83.7%
18	Youngstown State University Youngstown, Ohio	$11,877	$10,791	52.9%	80.6%
19	Holy Family University Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	$12,251	$33,968	60.4%	77.4%
20	University of Missouri-St Louis Saint Louis, Missouri	$12,323	$13,440	56.9%	51.1%
21	Green River College Auburn, Washington	$12,447	$4,580	41.2%
22	Cascadia College Bothell, Washington	$12,612	$4,914	41.2%
23	Fort Hays State University Hays, Kansas	$13,493	$5,633	47.8%	88.0%
24	University of Phoenix-Arizona Phoenix, Arizona	$13,571	$9,552	19.5%
25	SUNY College of Technology at Alfred Alfred, New York	$14,488	$8,862	52.7%	81.7%
26	University of Wisconsin-River Falls River Falls, Wisconsin	$14,714	$8,606	60.9%	84.5%
27	University of Akron Main Campus Akron, Ohio	$14,981	$12,799	48.2%	82.9%
28	International Business College-Indianapolis Indianapolis, Indiana	$14,989	$16,480	69.1%	71.8%
29	SUNY College of Technology at Canton Canton, New York	$15,001	$8,689	44.1%	94.9%
30	North Carolina Central University Durham, North Carolina	$15,028	$6,542	46.0%	84.4%
31	Baker College Owosso, Michigan	$15,171	$12,810	31.3%	36.7%
32	Herzing University-Minneapolis St. Louis Park, Minnesota	$15,205	$13,420	73.5%	94.3%
33	Wilmington University New Castle, Delaware	$15,355	$12,330	22.6%
34	Winthrop University Rock Hill, South Carolina	$16,353	$15,956	61.2%	69.8%
35	Western Colorado University Gunnison, Colorado	$16,773	$11,083	50.7%	91.9%
36	Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, Georgia	$16,972	$5,786	48.1%	67.9%
37	Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, Michigan	$17,084	$15,510	45.5%	83.2%
38	Siena Heights University Adrian, Michigan	$17,185	$29,778	51.1%	65.0%
39	Idaho State University Pocatello, Idaho	$17,324	$8,356	38.3%
40	SUNY Morrisville Morrisville, New York	$17,393	$8,769	31.9%	87.2%
41	Herzing University-Kenosha Kenosha, Wisconsin	$17,613	$13,420	50.0%	93.5%
42	Missouri Valley College Marshall, Missouri	$17,945	$23,000	24.5%	61.2%
43	Capella University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$18,305	$14,436	33.3%
44	Minnesota State University-Mankato Mankato, Minnesota	$18,609	$9,490	54.1%	70.7%
45	Western Connecticut State University Danbury, Connecticut	$18,617	$12,763	50.2%	83.5%
46	Herzing University-Brookfield Brookfield, Wisconsin	$18,796	$13,420	40.0%	95.1%
47	Metropolitan State University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$19,181	$9,780	38.4%	81.7%
48	Rochester University Rochester Hills, Michigan	$19,245	$27,938	41.4%	71.4%
49	Herzing University-Orlando Winter Park, Florida	$19,758	$13,420	45.5%	94.3%
50	Davenport University Grand Rapids, Michigan	$19,988	$23,324	49.5%	98.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Puerto Rican universities so affordable for Computer Programming?

EDP University campuses offer net costs starting at $4,496, with published tuition at $7,050. These institutions benefit from lower operational costs and targeted financial aid that makes programming education accessible. The combination of federal Pell grants and institutional aid brings net prices well below mainland alternatives.

How do community college graduation rates compare in Computer Programming?

Community colleges show significant variation, with Austin Community College at 18% and Wake Technical at 31.4%. Portland Community College graduates just 17.7% of students, while Lake Washington Institute of Technology achieves 39.8%. These differences often reflect program structure and local job market alignment.

Is Western Governors University worth considering for affordable programming education?

Western Governors charges $8,300 annually with a net cost of $10,442 after aid. The university maintains a 50.9% graduation rate using competency-based learning. Students can accelerate through coursework, potentially reducing total program costs despite higher per-term fees.

Does University of Washington-Bothell offer good value despite higher costs?

UW-Bothell costs $10,898 net but delivers a 68.2% graduation rate with an 88% acceptance rate. The Seattle metro area provides abundant internship and job opportunities with major tech employers. Higher upfront costs may pay off through better career placement and starting salaries.

Where can students find the lowest in-state tuition for programming?

Wake Technical Community College offers the lowest published in-state tuition at $2,336 annually. Austin Community College follows at $2,550, though its 18% graduation rate raises completion concerns. Portland Community College charges $5,040 in-state with similarly low completion rates at 17.7%.

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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.