For those looking to start a career in computer programming without committing to the time and expense of a bachelor’s degree, an online associate program is a wise choice. With a median salary of $99,700, computer programming careers are undeniably lucrative, even as the field is expected to see a 10% decline in demand over the next decade. Despite this, over 6,000 new jobs are projected to be added annually, making this degree a worthwhile investment. Here, we’ve highlighted some of the best online programs to provide you with the technical skills needed for entry-level roles, offering a flexible path to break into the tech industry.
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. 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: Graduation Rate Cost and ROI Student Resources Read more about our ranking methodology.Why Trust Us
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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 an Online Associate in Computer Programming 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.
No specific certifications or licenses are required to become a computer programmer. Most programmers possess a bachelor’s or associate degree. However, programmers may earn optional certifications in various coding languages to improve their career opportunities.
Finding the Right Online Program
Here are some questions to ask when researching online associate in computer programming programs:
- How long does it take to earn 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 schools may have part-time, traditional, and accelerated options to meet student needs.
- Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? Synchronous classes require remote students to attend at a specific time, while asynchronous classes allow students to download and complete coursework anytime. Some degree programs give students a choice between these formats.
Keep track of admission requirements, deadlines, tuition information, and other key program details. You can learn more about each program by contacting the school’s admissions department or visiting the school website.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Associate in Computer Programming Programs
What career opportunities are available with an online associate in computer programming degree?
Although a bachelor’s degree is required for many computer programming roles, many workers with just an associate degree still find employment as entry-level computer programmers, software testers, or web developers. While demand for professionals in these roles is expected to decline by 10% over the next decade, the field is still expected to add 6,400 new jobs annually. With this competitive job market, receiving high-quality, specialized education to help you stand out in applicant pools is critical. You’ll be able to adapt to industry needs with foundational coding, software development, and problem-solving skills, making this degree valuable in the tech industry.
Are online associate in computer programming degree programs as credible as on-campus programs?
You will likely receive the same high-quality education online or in person. These programs often offer an identical curriculum to their on-campus counterparts, featuring classes taught by the same faculty. Additionally, many online programs provide virtual labs, allowing students to develop hands-on coding and software development skills, mirroring the traditional classroom experience.
Accreditation is crucial in ensuring program credibility, and all the programs we recommend maintain regional accreditation, the gold standard for academic quality in postsecondary education.
How long does it take to earn an online associate in computer programming degree?
For full-time students, an online associate degree in computer programming usually takes about two years to earn. Depending on their courseload each semester, part-time learners may take three to four years. It’s important to remember that online learning is known for its flexibility, and many programs allow learners to balance their studies with a full-time job or other commitments.
Are there specialization options within online associate in computer programming degree programs?
Some of these programs offer specializations to help you more closely align your education to your career goals. Options will vary by institution, including web development, mobile app development, database management, and cybersecurity. These more focused areas of study can boost your skills and make you a more competitive hire in a relatively crowded job market. However, those seeking a more in-depth and specialized education might consider pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer programming, as these programs often provide a broader range of specializations and more advanced coursework.
What is the cost of an online associate in computer programming degree?
For the 2022-2023 academic year, the average annual tuition for an associate degree was $3,885. However, costs can vary significantly based on institution type and residency status. Public schools often offer lower tuition, especially for in-state students, while private institutions tend to have higher rates. Regardless of these factors, you’re still likely to receive a more affordable education as an online student, as you’ll avoid expenses related to housing, relocation, and commuting.