Three RoutesCompare · Ontario figures · updated 2 November 2026
Computer programming vs Computer science
Same columns, no opinion about which is better for you. On typical Ontario figures, Computer science is ahead by year 10 ($482k against $466k), because it pays more per year once you are working. The gap is before tax, rent and loan interest, which hit both routes. Computer programming gets to a real paycheque first (about 3 years). Computer programming costs $36,700 less to get into.
| Measure | Computer programming | Computer science |
|---|---|---|
| Route | College diploma | University degree |
| Credential | Ontario College Advanced Diploma | Bachelor of Science (BSc) |
| Years to finish | 3 | 4 |
| First real paycheque | About 3 years | About 4 years |
| Cost (tuition and fees) | $13,300 | $50,000 |
| Typical debt if you borrow | $16,700 | $30,600 |
| Earnings, first years | $52,000 | $77,900 |
| Earnings by year 5 | $75,000 | $94,100 |
| Net by year 10 (typical) | $466k | $482k |
| Demand in Ontario | Limited | Limited |
| Time in a classroom | 70% | 80% |
Earnings by year, roughly
Before tax. Years in school show as "school". Medians rise from the starting figure to the year-5 figure, then stay flat.
Computer programming
A day looks like: Coding, testing, working in small teams. Co-op terms matter enormously.
What stops people: Getting the first job; entry-level tech hiring has tightened since 2023.
Downside: Employers increasingly expect a degree or a strong portfolio. AI tools are changing what junior developers do.
Computer science
A day looks like: Programming, algorithms, math; project work; ideally two or three internships.
What stops people: Admission averages in the 90s at top programs; internships are now essential and hard to get.
Downside: Entry-level hiring has cooled sharply. Outcomes are split between graduates with internships and those without.
Quick answers
Which pays more, computer programming or computer science?
By year five, Computer programming is about $75,000 and Computer science about $94,100 (Ontario medians, before tax). By year ten, counting what each cost, Computer programming nets roughly $466k and Computer science roughly $482k.
Which is faster to a real paycheque?
Computer programming: about 3 years. Computer science: about 4 years.
What does each cost?
Computer programming: $13,300 in tuition and fees, typical debt $16,700. Computer science: $50,000, typical debt $30,600.
What is the downside of each?
Computer programming: Employers increasingly expect a degree or a strong portfolio. AI tools are changing what junior developers do. Computer science: Entry-level hiring has cooled sharply. Outcomes are split between graduates with internships and those without.
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Figures are Ontario medians and typical costs from Job Bank, Statistics Canada, Skilled Trades Ontario and institution fee pages; the data page lists every source and date. Switch province on either pathway page for BC, Alberta or Quebec figures.