Best Online Computer Science Programs in Austin, MN (2026)
Austin, Minnesota has a population of about 26,167. The city’s median household income is $66,488 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 23.2% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Our directory has 45 accredited schools offering computer science programs near Austin, with tuition ranging from $50,320 to $62,845 per year for indexed programs. In Minnesota, the top-earning computer science-related role is Computer and Information Systems Manager at a median $171,750 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Computer Science Schools to Austin
The 10 accredited institutions below are the closest among the 45 schools in our directory that offer computer science programs near Austin. Distances are calculated from Austin city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riverland Community College | Austin, MN | 1.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Rochester Community and Technical College | Rochester, MN | 36.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| North Iowa Area Community College | Mason City, IA | 36.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Carleton College | Northfield, MN | 55.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| St Olaf College | Northfield, MN | 55.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Minnesota State University-Mankato | Mankato, MN | 60.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Bethany Lutheran College | Mankato, MN | 61.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| South Central College | North Mankato, MN | 63.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Luther College | Decorah, IA | 63.8 mi | $50,320 - $62,845 | – |
| Northeast Iowa Community College | Calmar, IA | 65.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Minnesota schools on the Minnesota computer science page.
Computer Science Wages Near Austin
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Minnesota, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $124,540 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $106,740 |
| Computer Network Architect | $126,680 |
| Database Administrator | $97,230 |
| Database Architect | $130,420 |
| Information Security Analyst | $128,830 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $77,110 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $62,970 |
| Web Developer | $99,870 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer | $84,950 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $171,750 |
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.
Austin at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 26,167 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $66,488 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 23.2% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
Other Austin-Area Cities With Computer Science Programs
- Owatonna, MN – 31.7 mi away (25,567 pop)
- Rochester, MN – 34.3 mi away (114,976 pop)
- Mason City, IA – 37.9 mi away (26,487 pop)
- Faribault, MN – 45.9 mi away (24,012 pop)
- Northfield, MN – 55.0 mi away (22,005 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited computer science schools are near Austin, MN?
Our directory has 45 accredited schools offering computer science programs near Austin. The closest is Riverland Community College in Austin, MN (1.1 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Northeast Iowa Community College (65.3 miles). 0 of the highlighted schools are flagged as offering distance education.
What are the highest-paying computer science roles in Minnesota?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying computer science-related roles in Minnesota are: Computer and Information Systems Manager ($171,750), Database Architect ($130,420), Information Security Analyst ($128,830). Wages for Austin workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Owatonna instead of Austin?
Owatonna, MN is 31.7 miles from Austin 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 Austin an affordable place to study computer science?
Austin’s median household income of $66,488 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Austin while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Minnesota 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 Minnesota
- Main Computer Science Degree Guide
- Computer Science Programs by State
Data verified: May 5, 2026. Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2024; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.
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