Best Online Computer Science Programs in Traverse City, MI (2026)
Traverse City, Michigan has a population of about 15,491. The city’s median household income is $71,731 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 47.0% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited computer science programs within 100 miles of Traverse City, with tuition ranging from $4,320 to $9,674 per year. In the Traverse City, MI metro area, the top-earning computer science-related role is Computer and Information Systems Manager at a median $134,770 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Computer Science Schools to Traverse City
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer computer science programs. Distances are calculated from Traverse City city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwestern Michigan College | Traverse City, MI | 1.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| North Central Michigan College | Petoskey, MI | 52.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| West Shore Community College | Scottville, MI | 62.7 mi | $4,320 - $9,674 | – |
| Mid Michigan College | Harrison, MI | 65.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Ferris State University | Big Rapids, MI | 74.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Michigan schools on the Michigan computer science page.
Computer Science Wages Near Traverse City
Traverse City is part of the Traverse City, MI metro area (BLS area code 45900). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Michigan statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $94,010 | Traverse City, MI | $100,653 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $89,070 | Traverse City, MI | $95,364 |
| Computer Network Architect | $104,300 | Traverse City, MI | $111,670 |
| Database Administrator | $97,880 | MI statewide | $104,797 |
| Database Architect | $120,810 | MI statewide | $129,347 |
| Information Security Analyst | $104,540 | MI statewide | $111,927 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $61,800 | Traverse City, MI | $66,167 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $54,330 | Traverse City, MI | $58,169 |
| Web Developer | $97,690 | MI statewide | $104,593 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer | $81,120 | MI statewide | $86,852 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $134,770 | Traverse City, MI | $144,293 |
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.
Traverse City at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 15,491 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $71,731 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 47.0% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 93.4 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Computer Science-related employment in Grand Traverse County | 131 workers, 30 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Traverse City-Area Cities With Computer Science Programs
- Mount Pleasant, MI – 89.9 mi away (37,877 pop)
- Escanaba, MI – 99.7 mi away (20,370 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited computer science programs are near Traverse City, MI?
Our directory lists 5 computer science programs within 100 miles of Traverse City. The closest is Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City, MI (1.0 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Ferris State University (74.3 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying computer science roles near Traverse City?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying computer science-related roles near Traverse City are: Computer and Information Systems Manager ($134,770), Database Architect ($120,810), Information Security Analyst ($104,540). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Michigan statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Mount Pleasant instead of Traverse City?
Mount Pleasant, MI is 89.9 miles from Traverse City 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 Traverse City an affordable place to study computer science?
Traverse City’s median household income of $71,731 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Traverse City while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Michigan 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 Michigan
- Main Computer Science Degree Guide
- Computer Science Programs by State
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