Best Online Computer Science Programs in Cape Girardeau, MO (2026)
Cape Girardeau, Missouri has a population of about 40,047. The city’s median household income is $54,870 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 36.6% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited computer science programs within 100 miles of Cape Girardeau, with tuition ranging from $4,860 to $23,337 per year. In the Cape Girardeau, MO-IL metro area, the top-earning computer science-related role is Computer and Information Systems Manager at a median $120,970 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Computer Science Schools to Cape Girardeau
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer computer science programs. Distances are calculated from Cape Girardeau city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast Missouri State University | Cape Girardeau, MO | 1.8 mi | $9,496 - $23,337 | – |
| John A Logan College | Carterville, IL | 39.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Three Rivers College | Poplar Bluff, MO | 60.6 mi | $4,860 - $17,482 | – |
| Mineral Area College | Park Hills, MO | 62.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Southeastern Illinois College | Harrisburg, IL | 63.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Missouri schools on the Missouri computer science page.
Computer Science Wages Near Cape Girardeau
Cape Girardeau is part of the Cape Girardeau, MO-IL metro area (BLS area code 16020). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Missouri statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $97,130 | Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $112,811 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $76,510 | Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $88,862 |
| Computer Network Architect | $108,480 | MO statewide | $125,993 |
| Database Administrator | $87,600 | MO statewide | $101,742 |
| Database Architect | $108,820 | MO statewide | $126,388 |
| Information Security Analyst | $102,440 | MO statewide | $118,978 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $52,070 | Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $60,476 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $52,430 | Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $60,894 |
| Web Developer | $100,950 | MO statewide | $117,247 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer | $76,320 | MO statewide | $88,641 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $120,970 | Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $140,499 |
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.
Cape Girardeau at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 40,047 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $54,870 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 36.6% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 86.1 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Computer Science-related employment in Cape Girardeau County | 108 workers, 21 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Cape Girardeau-Area Cities With Computer Science Programs
- Carbondale, IL – 33.9 mi away (68,540 pop)
- Paducah, KY – 53.1 mi away (49,027 pop)
- Farmington, MO – 57.7 mi away (44,494 pop)
- Poplar Bluff, MO – 60.4 mi away (20,714 pop)
- Murray, KY – 83.6 mi away (20,431 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited computer science programs are near Cape Girardeau, MO?
Our directory lists 5 computer science programs within 100 miles of Cape Girardeau. The closest is Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO (1.8 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Southeastern Illinois College (63.9 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying computer science roles near Cape Girardeau?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying computer science-related roles near Cape Girardeau are: Computer and Information Systems Manager ($120,970), Database Architect ($108,820), Computer Network Architect ($108,480). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Missouri statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Carbondale instead of Cape Girardeau?
Carbondale, IL is 33.9 miles from Cape Girardeau 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 Cape Girardeau an affordable place to study computer science?
Cape Girardeau’s median household income of $54,870 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Cape Girardeau while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Missouri 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 Missouri
- Main Computer Science Degree Guide
- Computer Science Programs by State
Back to Best Online Computer Science Programs in Missouri (2026)
Return to Best Online Computer Science Programs in Missouri (2026)