A computer programming associate degree program takes only two years to complete and qualifies graduates for jobs building websites, writing code for software, and providing computer support to users. An associate degree can also serve as a prerequisite to a bachelor’s degree in computer programming, which employers often prefer or require.
As virtually every business, organization, and agency uses computer programs to operate, opportunities in this field should remain steady. Computer support specialists, for example, should see a projected 9% job growth increase during 2020-2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS projects a 13% employment growth for web developers.
The best online computer programming associate degrees
ZDNet’s ranking methodology builds rankings based on expert curation, research, and meticulous editing. Schools cannot pay for inclusion in ZDNet’s rankings, which ensures the objectivity and accuracy of each program listed.
Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard.
1. Hinds Community College
Raymond, Mississippi
About the program: The associate of applied science in computer programming degree at Hinds CC can be completed online. Courses cover C++, Java, operating platforms, and systems analysis and design.
- Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
- Graduation rate: 23%
- Avg. annual net price: $3,757
- Years to completion: Two
- SAT range: Not required (ACT score required)
- Minimum GPA: Not required
- Enrollment periods per year: Spring, summer, and fall semesters
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous with possible on-campus exams
Accreditation: Hinds Community College is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
2. Lincoln Land Community College
Springfield, Illinois
About the program: LLCC’s computer programming associate degree program awards an associate in arts. Graduates can complete the 60-67 credits online and emerge prepared for computer science positions in business settings.
- Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
- Graduation rate: 35%
- Avg. annual net price: $6,168
- Years to completion: Two
- SAT range: Not required but recommended if available
- Minimum GPA: Not required
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Lincoln Land Community College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
3. Moberly Area Community College
Moberly, Missouri
About the program: Students enrolled in MACC’s associate of applied science in information technology — programming can take all of their courses virtually and learn C#, C++, and Java, along with SQL.
- Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
- Graduation rate: 23%
- Avg. annual net price: $7,143
- Years to completion: Two
- SAT range: Not required
- Minimum GPA: Not required
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery method: Synchronous with live lab options
Accreditation: Moberly Area Community College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
4. Southeast Technical College
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
About the program: Southeast Tech’s online computer programming associate degree requires 62-63 credits that include courses in programming languages like C#, CSS, HTML, JavaScript, MySQL, and PHP.
- Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
- Graduation rate: 49%
- Avg. annual net price: $14,633
- Years to completion: Two to three
- SAT range: 360 math
- Minimum GPA: 2.0
- Enrollment
