Best Online Computer Science Programs in Wichita, KS (2026)
Wichita, Kansas has a population of about 396,488. The city’s median household income is $63,072 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 30.9% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited computer science programs within 100 miles of Wichita, with tuition ranging from $6,018 to $21,064 per year. In the Wichita, KS metro area, the top-earning computer science-related role is Computer and Information Systems Manager at a median $144,660 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Computer Science Schools to Wichita
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer computer science programs. Distances are calculated from Wichita city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friends University | Wichita, KS | 1.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Wichita State University | Wichita, KS | 2.2 mi | $9,322 - $21,064 | – |
| Wichita Technical Institute | Wichita, KS | 2.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Wichita State University-Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology | Wichita, KS | 8.0 mi | $6,018 - $16,928 | – |
| Butler Community College | El Dorado, KS | 26.8 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 Wichita
Wichita is part of the Wichita, KS metro area (BLS area code 48620). 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 | $102,440 | Wichita, KS | $115,231 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $93,690 | Wichita, KS | $105,388 |
| Computer Network Architect | $94,320 | Wichita, KS | $106,097 |
| Database Administrator | $79,660 | Wichita, KS | $89,606 |
| Database Architect | $117,260 | Wichita, KS | $131,901 |
| Information Security Analyst | $92,990 | Wichita, KS | $104,601 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $74,790 | Wichita, KS | $84,128 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $48,730 | Wichita, KS | $54,814 |
| Web Developer | $61,930 | Wichita, KS | $69,663 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer | $68,810 | Wichita, KS | $77,402 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $144,660 | Wichita, KS | $162,722 |
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.
Wichita at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 396,488 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $63,072 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 30.9% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 88.9 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Computer Science-related employment in Sedgwick County | 1,894 workers, 558 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Wichita-Area Cities With Computer Science Programs
- Derby, KS – 10.4 mi away (23,633 pop)
- Newton, KS – 23.9 mi away (20,625 pop)
- Hutchinson, KS – 40.4 mi away (43,507 pop)
- Ponca City, OK – 68.4 mi away (25,164 pop)
- Salina, KS – 79.1 mi away (47,123 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited computer science programs are near Wichita, KS?
Our directory lists 5 computer science programs within 100 miles of Wichita. The closest is Friends University in Wichita, KS (1.4 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Butler Community College (26.8 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying computer science roles near Wichita?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying computer science-related roles near Wichita are: Computer and Information Systems Manager ($144,660), Database Architect ($117,260), Software Developer ($102,440). 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 Derby instead of Wichita?
Derby, KS is 10.4 miles from Wichita 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 Wichita an affordable place to study computer science?
Wichita’s median household income of $63,072 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Wichita 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
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