Best Online Computer Science Programs in Bessemer, AL (2026)
Bessemer, Alabama has a population of about 25,655. The city’s median household income is $37,844 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 14.4% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited computer science programs within 100 miles of Bessemer, with tuition ranging from $8,832 to $33,200 per year. In the Birmingham, AL metro area, the top-earning computer science-related role is Computer and Information Systems Manager at a median $135,100 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Computer Science Schools to Bessemer
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer computer science programs. Distances are calculated from Bessemer city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miles College | Fairfield, AL | 8.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Herzing University-Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 10.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | 13.1 mi | $8,832 - $27,826 | – |
| Strayer University-Alabama | Birmingham, AL | 13.7 mi | $13,920 - $23,838 | – |
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 35.0 mi | $11,900 - $33,200 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Alabama schools on the Alabama computer science page.
Computer Science Wages Near Bessemer
Bessemer is part of the Birmingham, AL metro area (BLS area code 13820). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Alabama statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $106,890 | Birmingham, AL | $116,692 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $100,800 | Birmingham, AL | $110,044 |
| Computer Network Architect | $127,850 | Birmingham, AL | $139,574 |
| Database Administrator | $101,640 | Birmingham, AL | $110,961 |
| Database Architect | $132,700 | Birmingham, AL | $144,869 |
| Information Security Analyst | $100,950 | Birmingham, AL | $110,207 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $56,040 | Birmingham, AL | $61,179 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $49,570 | Birmingham, AL | $54,116 |
| Web Developer | $64,690 | Birmingham, AL | $70,622 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer | $57,720 | Birmingham, AL | $63,013 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $135,100 | Birmingham, AL | $147,489 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Bessemer at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 25,655 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $37,844 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 14.4% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 91.6 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Computer Science-related employment in Jefferson County | 2,532 workers, 460 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Bessemer-Area Cities With Computer Science Programs
- Hoover, AL – 9.5 mi away (84,978 pop)
- Homewood, AL – 11.3 mi away (25,613 pop)
- Pelham, AL – 13.0 mi away (23,050 pop)
- Alabaster, AL – 13.5 mi away (32,948 pop)
- Vestavia Hills, AL – 14.2 mi away (34,688 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited computer science programs are near Bessemer, AL?
Our directory lists 5 computer science programs within 100 miles of Bessemer. The closest is Miles College in Fairfield, AL (8.4 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is The University of Alabama (35.0 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying computer science roles near Bessemer?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying computer science-related roles near Bessemer are: Computer and Information Systems Manager ($135,100), Database Architect ($132,700), Computer Network Architect ($127,850). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Alabama statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Hoover instead of Bessemer?
Hoover, AL is 9.5 miles from Bessemer and has its own set of local computer science programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Bessemer an affordable place to study computer science?
Bessemer’s median household income of $37,844 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Bessemer while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Alabama public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
- Online Computer Science Programs in Alabama
- Main Computer Science Degree Guide
- Computer Science Programs by State
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