Best Online Computer Science Programs in Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)
Cedar Rapids, Iowa has a population of about 136,859. The city’s median household income is $67,859 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 32.9% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited computer science programs within 100 miles of Cedar Rapids, with tuition ranging from $5,980 to $14,797 per year. In the Cedar Rapids, IA metro area, the top-earning computer science-related role is Computer and Information Systems Manager at a median $143,500 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Computer Science Schools to Cedar Rapids
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer computer science programs. Distances are calculated from Cedar Rapids city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kirkwood Community College | Cedar Rapids, IA | 3.6 mi | $5,980 - $14,797 | – |
| Hawkeye Community College | Waterloo, IA | 46.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of Northern Iowa | Cedar Falls, IA | 55.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Emmaus Bible College | Dubuque, IA | 62.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Clarke University | Dubuque, IA | 62.9 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 Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids is part of the Cedar Rapids, IA metro area (BLS area code 16300). 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 | $108,490 | Cedar Rapids, IA | $121,899 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $87,730 | Cedar Rapids, IA | $98,573 |
| Computer Network Architect | $96,320 | Cedar Rapids, IA | $108,225 |
| Database Administrator | $97,690 | IA statewide | $109,764 |
| Database Architect | $131,370 | IA statewide | $147,607 |
| Information Security Analyst | $103,960 | Cedar Rapids, IA | $116,809 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $61,900 | Cedar Rapids, IA | $69,551 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $56,710 | Cedar Rapids, IA | $63,719 |
| Web Developer | $65,500 | Cedar Rapids, IA | $73,596 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer | $71,290 | Cedar Rapids, IA | $80,101 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $143,500 | Cedar Rapids, IA | $161,236 |
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.
Cedar Rapids at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $67,859 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 32.9% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 89.0 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Computer Science-related employment in Linn County | 1,767 workers, 347 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Cedar Rapids-Area Cities With Computer Science Programs
- Marion, IA – 7.2 mi away (38,480 pop)
- Coralville, IA – 19.0 mi away (20,397 pop)
- Iowa City, IA – 22.8 mi away (116,891 pop)
- Muscatine, IA – 49.2 mi away (26,481 pop)
- Waterloo, IA – 50.1 mi away (112,635 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited computer science programs are near Cedar Rapids, IA?
Our directory lists 5 computer science programs within 100 miles of Cedar Rapids. The closest is Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, IA (3.6 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Clarke University (62.9 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying computer science roles near Cedar Rapids?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying computer science-related roles near Cedar Rapids are: Computer and Information Systems Manager ($143,500), Database Architect ($131,370), Software Developer ($108,490). 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 Marion instead of Cedar Rapids?
Marion, IA is 7.2 miles from Cedar Rapids 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 Cedar Rapids an affordable place to study computer science?
Cedar Rapids’s median household income of $67,859 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Cedar Rapids 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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