Best Online Computer Science Programs in Laurel, MS (2026)
Laurel, Mississippi has a population of about 17,129. The city’s median household income is $37,781 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 20.4% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited computer science programs within 100 miles of Laurel, with tuition ranging from $3,650 to $14,975 per year. In Mississippi, the top-earning computer science-related role is Computer and Information Systems Manager at a median $117,350 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Computer Science Schools to Laurel
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer computer science programs. Distances are calculated from Laurel city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jones County Junior College | Ellisville, MS | 7.7 mi | $4,000 - $14,975 | – |
| East Central Community College | Decatur, MS | 51.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Meridian Community College | Meridian, MS | 52.4 mi | $3,932 - $13,402 | – |
| Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College | Perkinston, MS | 63.1 mi | $3,950 - $12,908 | – |
| Pearl River Community College | Poplarville, MS | 63.3 mi | $3,650 - $11,607 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Mississippi schools on the Mississippi computer science page.
Computer Science Wages Near Laurel
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Mississippi, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $86,460 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $82,870 |
| Computer Network Architect | $95,710 |
| Database Administrator | $86,420 |
| Database Architect | $90,980 |
| Information Security Analyst | $84,640 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $50,600 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $46,690 |
| Web Developer | $58,260 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer | $60,680 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $117,350 |
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.
Laurel at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 17,129 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $37,781 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 20.4% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
Other Laurel-Area Cities With Computer Science Programs
- Hattiesburg, MS – 28.7 mi away (81,995 pop)
- Meridian, MS – 54.6 mi away (39,478 pop)
- Brandon, MS – 63.8 mi away (23,826 pop)
- Pearl, MS – 68.3 mi away (26,485 pop)
- Jackson, MS – 75.8 mi away (342,607 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited computer science programs are near Laurel, MS?
Our directory lists 5 computer science programs within 100 miles of Laurel. The closest is Jones County Junior College in Ellisville, MS (7.7 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Pearl River Community College (63.3 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying computer science roles in Mississippi?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying computer science-related roles in Mississippi are: Computer and Information Systems Manager ($117,350), Computer Network Architect ($95,710), Database Architect ($90,980). Wages for Laurel workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Hattiesburg instead of Laurel?
Hattiesburg, MS is 28.7 miles from Laurel 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 Laurel an affordable place to study computer science?
Laurel’s median household income of $37,781 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Laurel while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Mississippi 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 Mississippi
- Main Computer Science Degree Guide
- Computer Science Programs by State
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