Why This Matters
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97% OF COMPUTER PROGRAMMER JOBS REQUIRE A DEGREE
Although 88% of computer programmer jobs require a bachelor’s, there are some entry-level programming jobs available for those who have an associate degree.
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11% JOB DECLINE EXPECTED FOR COMPUTER PROGRAMMING
Jobs for computer programmers are expected to decline by 11% between 2022 and 2032. With more competition for jobs in this field, it’s important to have the right education.
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POTENTIAL TO EARN OVER $150,000 PER YEAR
The average pay for computer programmers is $97,800 per year, with the top 10% of workers in this field earning more than $157,690.
Our Research
This list features some of the best online associate in 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 education.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and the resources provided for online students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online associate in computer programming degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
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 best online 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.
- 78 hours to write this article
- 114 universities and colleges we assessed
- 227 education programs we compared
Best 30 Online Associate in Computer Programming Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Southeast Technical College
Intelligent Score: 99.96In-state: $23,623
Out-of-state: $23,623
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 830 or higher
ACT: 15 or higher
$124
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
62
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Intelligent Score: 97.98In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$198
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
60
University of Toledo
Intelligent Score: 96.84In-state: $8,736
Out-of-state: $18,096
In-state: $14,398
Out-of-state: $14,398
SAT: 985-1210
ACT: 20-26
In-State: $428
Out-of-State: $496
Online
Higher Learning Commission
61
St. Petersburg College
Intelligent Score: 96.15In-state: $19,485
Out-of-state: $26,089
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
Resident: $122
Non-Resident: $425
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
63
Cochise College
Intelligent Score: 95.6In-state: $11,446
Out-of-state: $15,262
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
$91
Online
Higher Learning Commission
61-62
Seminole State College of Florida
Intelligent Score: 94.34In-state: $14,199
Out-of-state: $22,524
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 480 or higher
ACT: 21 or above
Resident: $79
Non-Resident: $315
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Hinds Community College
Intelligent Score: 93.62In-state: $12,150
Out-of-state: $15,200
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 1010
ACT: 20
Resident: $83 - $116
Non-Resident: $155 - $218
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60-62
South Florida State College
Intelligent Score: 93.58In-state: $16,667
Out-of-state: $20,083
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: NA
ACT: NA
Resident: $79
Non-Resident: $316
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Intelligent Score: 93.18In-state: $17,244
Out-of-state: $21,528
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: 18 or higher
Resident: $183
Non-Resident: $367
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
60
Florida Gateway College
Intelligent Score: 91.03In-state: $22,670
Out-of-state: $32,583
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$230
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Ridgewater College
Intelligent Score: 90.39In-state: $19,584
Out-of-state: $19,584
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
$201
Online
Higher Learning Commission
60
Great Basin College
Intelligent Score: 85.93In-state: $15,343
Out-of-state: $24,607
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
$292
Online
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
61
Lincoln Land Community College
Intelligent Score: 84.8In-state: $20,817
Out-of-state: $24,045
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: 480 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher
In-District: $137 Out-of-District: $274
Out-of-State: $411
Online
Higher Learning Commission
60-67
Southern Crescent Technical College
Intelligent Score: 84.36In-state: $17,852
Out-of-state: $20,252
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
Resident: $100
Non-Resident: $200
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
66
Daytona State College
Intelligent Score: 84.29In-state: $15,630
Out-of-state: $24,518
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
Resident: $79
Non-Resident: $311
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Minnesota State College Southeast
Intelligent Score: 84.06In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$213
Online
Higher Learning Commission
60
Maysville Community and Technical College
Intelligent Score: 83.84In-state: $17,008
Out-of-state: $27,928
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$186
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Atlantic Cape Community College
Intelligent Score: 83.46In-state: $32,720
Out-of-state: $33,920
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: N/A
ACT: 18-22
Resident: $162
Non-Resident: $262
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
60
What You Should Know About This Degree
An online associate in computer programming degree is one option for students seeking entry-level opportunities in the tech industry. There are also bachelor’s in computer programming degree programs, along with master’s degree programs. Students may also want to consider similar degrees, such as an associate in web development or information technology (IT).
Only apply to schools approved by a DOE-recognized accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). If your school isn’t accredited, you may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
There aren’t any specific certifications or licensing required to become a computer programmer. Most programmers possess a bachelor’s or associate degree. There may be optional certifications in various coding languages that programmers can earn to improve their career opportunities.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching online associate in computer programming programs:
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? Most associate in computer programming programs require 60 credits, but some require as many as 90 credits. The duration of the program varies, as some schools have part-time, traditional, and accelerated programs to meet student needs.
- Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? It’s important to find out whether classes are offered synchronously or asynchronously when choosing an online program. Synchronous classes require remote students to attend at a specific time while asynchronous classes allow students to download and complete coursework at any time. Some degree programs give students a choice between these formats.
Be sure to keep track of admission requirements, deadlines, tuition information, and other key program details. You can find out more about each program by contacting the school’s admissions department or visiting the school website.