Best Online Computer Science Programs in Ames, IA (2026)
Ames, Iowa has a population of about 66,112. The city’s median household income is $60,102 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 63.5% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited computer science programs within 100 miles of Ames, with tuition ranging from $5,304 to $27,683 per year. In Iowa, the top-earning computer science-related role is Database Architect at a median $131,370 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Computer Science Schools to Ames
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer computer science programs. Distances are calculated from Ames city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa State University | Ames, IA | 0.9 mi | $10,497 - $27,683 | – |
| Des Moines Area Community College | Ankeny, IA | 22.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Marshalltown Community College | Marshalltown, IA | 36.8 mi | $5,304 - $13,993 | – |
| Iowa Central Community College | Fort Dodge, IA | 43.5 mi | $5,376 - $15,405 | – |
| University of Northern Iowa | Cedar Falls, IA | 68.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Iowa schools on the Iowa computer science page.
Computer Science Wages Near Ames
Ames is part of the Ames, IA metro area (BLS area code 11180). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Iowa statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $127,040 | Ames, IA | $143,063 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $92,100 | Ames, IA | $103,716 |
| Computer Network Architect | $99,740 | Ames, IA | $112,320 |
| Database Administrator | $97,690 | IA statewide | $110,011 |
| Database Architect | $131,370 | IA statewide | $147,939 |
| Information Security Analyst | $112,950 | IA statewide | $127,196 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $80,050 | Ames, IA | $90,146 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $62,130 | Ames, IA | $69,966 |
| Web Developer | $73,300 | Ames, IA | $82,545 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer | $72,820 | IA statewide | $82,005 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $126,810 | Ames, IA | $142,804 |
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.
Ames at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 66,112 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $60,102 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 63.5% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 88.8 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Computer Science-related employment in Story County | 1,113 workers, 166 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Ames-Area Cities With Computer Science Programs
- Ankeny, IA – 20.6 mi away (58,627 pop)
- Johnston, IA – 24.0 mi away (21,114 pop)
- Urbandale, IA – 27.9 mi away (43,018 pop)
- Des Moines, IA – 31.4 mi away (476,689 pop)
- West Des Moines, IA – 33.6 mi away (64,560 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited computer science programs are near Ames, IA?
Our directory lists 5 computer science programs within 100 miles of Ames. The closest is Iowa State University in Ames, IA (0.9 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is University of Northern Iowa (68.5 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying computer science roles near Ames?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying computer science-related roles near Ames are: Database Architect ($131,370), Software Developer ($127,040), Computer and Information Systems Manager ($126,810). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Iowa statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Ankeny instead of Ames?
Ankeny, IA is 20.6 miles from Ames 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 Ames an affordable place to study computer science?
Ames’s median household income of $60,102 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Ames while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Iowa 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 Iowa
- Main Computer Science Degree Guide
- Computer Science Programs by State
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