Compare 12 Computer Programming. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $77,185. Top programs: $113,559+.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Computer Programming tells a different story. Across 12 programs, earnings range from $41,193 to $113,559—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation. The $72K spread between the best and worst outcomes is a clear signal: prestige alone won't tell you which program delivers.
Rochester Institute of Technology leads with Computer Programming graduates earning $113,559—well above the $77,185 average across all 12 ranked programs. The more striking data point: University of Michigan-Dearborn, a public commuter school, comes in second at $106,484. Regional publics competing at the top of a national ranking is exactly why program-level evaluation matters. Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →
University of Michigan-Dearborn earns the best value distinction from both angles. Student borrowers face a 3.7% payment burden on $22,500 in debt—an 'Excellent' GPS affordability rating where loan payments take a trivial share of post-grad income. For families, the picture holds: a 6.7% combined burden also lands in the 'Excellent' tier, making it the strongest debt story in this ranking.
Highest program earnings: $113,559
Strong outcomes ($113,559) with 67% acceptance
3.7% payment burden | Excellent
6.7% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $113,559 | 27 | $26,778 | Excellent | $35,625 | Good | |
| #2 | $106,484 | 57 | $22,500 | Excellent | $16,132 | Excellent | |
| #3 | Depaul UniversityPrivate | $101,315 | 138 | $23,168 | Excellent | $41,563 | Manageable |
| #4 | $86,965 | 35 | $23,250 | Excellent | $22,000 | Good | |
| #5 | Southwestern CollegePrivate | $83,746 | 36 | $25,000 | Excellent | $19,900 | Good |
| #6 | $73,380 | 148 | $21,000 | Excellent | $11,833 | Good | |
| #7 | $71,665 | 136 | $14,718 | Excellent | $18,349 | Good | |
| #8 | $67,437 | 42 | $23,833 | Excellent | $19,000 | Manageable | |
| #9 | $67,047 | 8 | $20,500 | Excellent | $33,574 | Challenging | |
| #10 | Rowan UniversityPublic | $60,493 | 122 | $20,500 | Excellent | $27,445 | Challenging |
| #11 | Baker CollegePrivate | $52,941 | 26 | $25,000 | Good | $9,540 | Manageable |
| #12 | $41,193 | 11 | $24,000 | Manageable | $16,900 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
