Best Online Computer Science Programs in Chico, CA (2026)
Chico, California has a population of about 102,032. The city’s median household income is $67,929 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 41.3% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited computer science programs within 100 miles of Chico. In California, the top-earning computer science-related role is Database Architect at a median $159,130 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Computer Science Schools to Chico
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer computer science programs. Distances are calculated from Chico city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butte College | Oroville, CA | 11.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Shasta College | Redding, CA | 65.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Sierra College | Rocklin, CA | 74.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Lassen Community College | Susanville, CA | 77.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| MTI College | Sacramento, CA | 79.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all California schools on the California computer science page.
Computer Science Wages Near Chico
Chico is part of the Chico, CA metro area (BLS area code 17020). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to California statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $126,490 | Chico, CA | $124,990 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $88,240 | Chico, CA | $87,194 |
| Computer Network Architect | $138,350 | CA statewide | $136,709 |
| Database Administrator | $111,090 | CA statewide | $109,773 |
| Database Architect | $159,130 | CA statewide | $157,243 |
| Information Security Analyst | $140,660 | CA statewide | $138,992 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $79,520 | CA statewide | $78,577 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $61,120 | Chico, CA | $60,395 |
| Web Developer | $117,380 | CA statewide | $115,988 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer | $79,200 | Chico, CA | $78,261 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $135,610 | Chico, CA | $134,002 |
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.
Chico at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 102,032 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $67,929 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 41.3% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 101.2 (above U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Computer Science-related employment in Butte County | 246 workers, 40 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Chico-Area Cities With Computer Science Programs
- Paradise, CA – 11.1 mi away (35,163 pop)
- Oroville, CA – 22.2 mi away (45,445 pop)
- Yuba City, CA – 44.0 mi away (120,159 pop)
- Grass Valley, CA – 54.8 mi away (34,508 pop)
- Redding, CA – 63.2 mi away (120,288 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited computer science programs are near Chico, CA?
Our directory lists 5 computer science programs within 100 miles of Chico. The closest is Butte College in Oroville, CA (11.7 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is MTI College (79.8 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying computer science roles near Chico?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying computer science-related roles near Chico are: Database Architect ($159,130), Information Security Analyst ($140,660), Computer Network Architect ($138,350). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with California statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Paradise instead of Chico?
Paradise, CA is 11.1 miles from Chico 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 Chico an affordable place to study computer science?
Chico’s median household income of $67,929 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Chico while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and California 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 California
- Main Computer Science Degree Guide
- Computer Science Programs by State
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