Best Online Computer Science Programs in Topeka, KS (2026)
Topeka, Kansas has a population of about 126,103. The city’s median household income is $55,902 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 29.1% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited computer science programs within 100 miles of Topeka. In the Topeka, KS metro area, the top-earning computer science-related role is Computer and Information Systems Manager at a median $135,970 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Computer Science Schools to Topeka
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer computer science programs. Distances are calculated from Topeka city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rasmussen University-Kansas | Topeka, KS | 2.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Washburn Institute of Technology | Topeka, KS | 3.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Ottawa University-Ottawa | Ottawa, KS | 37.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Kansas State University | Manhattan, KS | 49.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| MidAmerica Nazarene University | Olathe, KS | 50.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Kansas schools on the Kansas computer science page.
Computer Science Wages Near Topeka
Topeka is part of the Topeka, KS metro area (BLS area code 45820). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Kansas statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $102,240 | Topeka, KS | $115,135 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $91,420 | Topeka, KS | $102,950 |
| Computer Network Architect | $101,920 | Topeka, KS | $114,775 |
| Database Administrator | $79,330 | Topeka, KS | $89,336 |
| Database Architect | $129,060 | KS statewide | $145,338 |
| Information Security Analyst | $94,990 | Topeka, KS | $106,971 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $66,760 | KS statewide | $75,180 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $50,710 | Topeka, KS | $57,106 |
| Web Developer | $75,180 | Topeka, KS | $84,662 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer | $43,210 | Topeka, KS | $48,660 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $135,970 | Topeka, KS | $153,119 |
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.
Topeka at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $55,902 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 29.1% | 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 Shawnee County | 1,127 workers, 279 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Topeka-Area Cities With Computer Science Programs
- Lawrence, KS – 23.7 mi away (95,800 pop)
- Gardner, KS – 43.8 mi away (21,110 pop)
- Leavenworth, KS – 45.8 mi away (46,445 pop)
- Shawnee, KS – 47.7 mi away (65,194 pop)
- Olathe, KS – 48.2 mi away (135,473 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited computer science programs are near Topeka, KS?
Our directory lists 5 computer science programs within 100 miles of Topeka. The closest is Rasmussen University-Kansas in Topeka, KS (2.4 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is MidAmerica Nazarene University (50.2 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying computer science roles near Topeka?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying computer science-related roles near Topeka are: Computer and Information Systems Manager ($135,970), Database Architect ($129,060), Software Developer ($102,240). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Kansas statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Lawrence instead of Topeka?
Lawrence, KS is 23.7 miles from Topeka 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 Topeka an affordable place to study computer science?
Topeka’s median household income of $55,902 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Topeka while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Kansas 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 Kansas
- Main Computer Science Degree Guide
- Computer Science Programs by State
Back to Best Online Computer Science Programs in Kansas (2026)
Return to Best Online Computer Science Programs in Kansas (2026)