Best Online Computer Science Programs in Kankakee, IL (2026)
Kankakee, Illinois has a population of about 24,384. The city’s median household income is $45,119 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 12.5% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited computer science programs within 100 miles of Kankakee, with tuition ranging from $11,320 to $23,076 per year. In Illinois, the top-earning computer science-related role is Database Architect at a median $134,490 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Computer Science Schools to Kankakee
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer computer science programs. Distances are calculated from Kankakee city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olivet Nazarene University | Bourbonnais, IL | 3.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Governors State University | University Park, IL | 25.2 mi | $11,320 - $23,076 | – |
| Joliet Junior College | Joliet, IL | 30.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Prairie State College | Chicago Heights, IL | 31.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of St Francis | Joliet, IL | 31.8 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 Kankakee
Kankakee is part of the Kankakee, IL metro area (BLS area code 28100). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Illinois statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $121,770 | Kankakee, IL | $126,317 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $85,360 | Kankakee, IL | $88,548 |
| Computer Network Architect | $132,310 | IL statewide | $137,251 |
| Database Administrator | $101,070 | IL statewide | $104,844 |
| Database Architect | $134,490 | IL statewide | $139,512 |
| Information Security Analyst | $114,300 | IL statewide | $118,568 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $60,060 | Kankakee, IL | $62,303 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $58,140 | Kankakee, IL | $60,311 |
| Web Developer | $103,300 | IL statewide | $107,158 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer | $94,660 | IL statewide | $98,195 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $121,110 | Kankakee, IL | $125,633 |
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.
Kankakee at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 24,384 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $45,119 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 12.5% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 96.4 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Computer Science-related employment in Kankakee County | 20 workers, 10 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Kankakee-Area Cities With Computer Science Programs
- Braidwood, IL – 22.0 mi away (22,563 pop)
- Park Forest, IL – 27.8 mi away (21,785 pop)
- New Lenox, IL – 28.6 mi away (26,217 pop)
- Mokena, IL – 29.8 mi away (20,097 pop)
- Chicago Heights, IL – 30.6 mi away (30,026 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited computer science programs are near Kankakee, IL?
Our directory lists 5 computer science programs within 100 miles of Kankakee. The closest is Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL (3.6 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is University of St Francis (31.8 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying computer science roles near Kankakee?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying computer science-related roles near Kankakee are: Database Architect ($134,490), Computer Network Architect ($132,310), Software Developer ($121,770). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Illinois statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Braidwood instead of Kankakee?
Braidwood, IL is 22.0 miles from Kankakee 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 Kankakee an affordable place to study computer science?
Kankakee’s median household income of $45,119 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Kankakee 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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