Best Online Computer Science Programs in Shafter, CA (2026)
Shafter, California has a population of about 20,618. The city’s median household income is $67,989 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 10.7% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited computer science programs within 100 miles of Shafter, with tuition ranging from $1,334 to $11,413 per year. In the Bakersfield-Delano, CA metro area, the top-earning computer science-related role is Computer and Information Systems Manager at a median $159,210 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Computer Science Schools to Shafter
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer computer science programs. Distances are calculated from Shafter city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield College | Bakersfield, CA | 13.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| College of the Sequoias | Visalia, CA | 58.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Lemoore College | Lemoore, CA | 66.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Allan Hancock College | Santa Maria, CA | 78.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Reedley College | Reedley, CA | 79.5 mi | $1,334 - $11,413 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all California schools on the California computer science page.
Computer Science Wages Near Shafter
Shafter is part of the Bakersfield-Delano, CA metro area (BLS area code 12540). 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 | $132,590 | Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $131,407 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $100,950 | Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $100,050 |
| Computer Network Architect | $112,640 | Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $111,635 |
| Database Administrator | $93,030 | Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $92,200 |
| Database Architect | $159,130 | CA statewide | $157,711 |
| Information Security Analyst | $98,740 | Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $97,859 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $77,290 | Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $76,601 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $61,880 | Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $61,328 |
| Web Developer | $90,460 | Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $89,653 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer | $67,740 | Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $67,136 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $159,210 | Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $157,790 |
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.
Shafter at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 20,618 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $67,989 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 10.7% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 100.9 (above U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Computer Science-related employment in Kern County | 1,282 workers, 132 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Shafter-Area Cities With Computer Science Programs
- Wasco, CA – 12.4 mi away (26,337 pop)
- Bakersfield, CA – 12.6 mi away (567,585 pop)
- Delano, CA – 20.3 mi away (54,030 pop)
- Arvin, CA – 28.6 mi away (21,380 pop)
- Porterville, CA – 41.5 mi away (76,512 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited computer science programs are near Shafter, CA?
Our directory lists 5 computer science programs within 100 miles of Shafter. The closest is Bakersfield College in Bakersfield, CA (13.7 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Reedley College (79.5 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying computer science roles near Shafter?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying computer science-related roles near Shafter are: Computer and Information Systems Manager ($159,210), Database Architect ($159,130), Software Developer ($132,590). 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 Wasco instead of Shafter?
Wasco, CA is 12.4 miles from Shafter 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 Shafter an affordable place to study computer science?
Shafter’s median household income of $67,989 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Shafter 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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