Best Online Computer Science Programs in Ankeny, IA (2026)
Ankeny, Iowa has a population of about 70,542. The city’s median household income is $106,603 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 53.2% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited computer science programs within 100 miles of Ankeny, with tuition ranging from $5,304 to $27,683 per year. In the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area, the top-earning computer science-related role is Computer and Information Systems Manager at a median $147,160 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Computer Science Schools to Ankeny
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer computer science programs. Distances are calculated from Ankeny city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines Area Community College | Ankeny, IA | 1.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Iowa State University | Ames, IA | 20.8 mi | $10,497 - $27,683 | – |
| Marshalltown Community College | Marshalltown, IA | 40.3 mi | $5,304 - $13,993 | – |
| Southwestern Community College | Creston, IA | 60.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Iowa Central Community College | Fort Dodge, IA | 61.0 mi | $5,376 - $15,405 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Iowa schools on the Iowa computer science page.
Computer Science Wages Near Ankeny
Ankeny is part of the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area (BLS area code 19780). 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 | $124,630 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $135,911 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $98,990 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $107,950 |
| Computer Network Architect | $119,170 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $129,956 |
| Database Administrator | $121,990 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $133,032 |
| Database Architect | $131,900 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $143,839 |
| Information Security Analyst | $117,380 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $128,004 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $62,750 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $68,430 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $58,820 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $64,144 |
| Web Developer | $64,330 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $70,153 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer | $75,690 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $82,541 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $147,160 | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $160,480 |
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.
Ankeny at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 70,542 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $106,603 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 53.2% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 91.7 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Computer Science-related employment in Polk County | 4,294 workers, 1,040 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Ankeny-Area Cities With Computer Science Programs
- Johnston, IA – 6.6 mi away (21,114 pop)
- Des Moines, IA – 10.7 mi away (476,689 pop)
- Urbandale, IA – 11.1 mi away (43,018 pop)
- West Des Moines, IA – 15.2 mi away (64,560 pop)
- Ames, IA – 20.6 mi away (67,841 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited computer science programs are near Ankeny, IA?
Our directory lists 5 computer science programs within 100 miles of Ankeny. The closest is Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, IA (1.5 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Iowa Central Community College (61.0 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying computer science roles near Ankeny?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying computer science-related roles near Ankeny are: Computer and Information Systems Manager ($147,160), Database Architect ($131,900), Software Developer ($124,630). 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 Johnston instead of Ankeny?
Johnston, IA is 6.6 miles from Ankeny 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 Ankeny an affordable place to study computer science?
Ankeny’s median household income of $106,603 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Ankeny 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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