Best Online Computer Science Programs in Carbondale, IL (2026)
Carbondale, Illinois has a population of about 21,813. The city’s median household income is $29,670 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 46.3% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited computer science programs within 100 miles of Carbondale, with tuition ranging from $9,496 to $23,337 per year. In Illinois, the top-earning computer science-related role is Computer and Information Systems Manager at a median $165,720 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Computer Science Schools to Carbondale
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer computer science programs. Distances are calculated from Carbondale city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John A Logan College | Carterville, IL | 7.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Southeast Missouri State University | Cape Girardeau, MO | 32.5 mi | $9,496 - $23,337 | – |
| Rend Lake College | Ina, IL | 32.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Southeastern Illinois College | Harrisburg, IL | 38.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Kaskaskia College | Centralia, IL | 58.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Illinois schools on the Illinois computer science page.
Computer Science Wages Near Carbondale
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Illinois, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $127,770 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $95,920 |
| Computer Network Architect | $132,310 |
| Database Administrator | $101,070 |
| Database Architect | $134,490 |
| Information Security Analyst | $114,300 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $64,800 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $56,540 |
| Web Developer | $103,300 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer | $94,660 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $165,720 |
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.
Carbondale at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 21,813 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $29,670 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 46.3% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Computer Science-related employment in Jackson County | 110 workers, 12 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Carbondale-Area Cities With Computer Science Programs
- Cape Girardeau, MO – 33.9 mi away (55,253 pop)
- Paducah, KY – 55.1 mi away (49,027 pop)
- Farmington, MO – 66.0 mi away (44,494 pop)
- Belleville, IL – 68.7 mi away (41,906 pop)
- O’Fallon, IL – 71.2 mi away (29,031 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited computer science programs are near Carbondale, IL?
Our directory lists 5 computer science programs within 100 miles of Carbondale. The closest is John A Logan College in Carterville, IL (7.6 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Kaskaskia College (58.1 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying computer science roles in Illinois?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying computer science-related roles in Illinois are: Computer and Information Systems Manager ($165,720), Database Architect ($134,490), Computer Network Architect ($132,310). Wages for Carbondale workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Cape Girardeau instead of Carbondale?
Cape Girardeau, MO is 33.9 miles from Carbondale 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 Carbondale an affordable place to study computer science?
Carbondale’s median household income of $29,670 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Carbondale while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Illinois 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 Illinois
- Main Computer Science Degree Guide
- Computer Science Programs by State
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