Best Online Computer Science Programs in Rochester, NY (2026)
Rochester, New York has a population of about 209,720. The city’s median household income is $46,628 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 29.9% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited computer science programs within 100 miles of Rochester, with tuition ranging from $6,138 to $71,714 per year. In the Rochester, NY metro area, the top-earning computer science-related role is Computer and Information Systems Manager at a median $162,910 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Computer Science Schools to Rochester
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer computer science programs. Distances are calculated from Rochester city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monroe Community College | Rochester, NY | 4.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| St. John Fisher University | Rochester, NY | 6.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester, NY | 6.6 mi | $57,016 - $71,714 | – |
| SUNY Brockport | Brockport, NY | 17.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Finger Lakes Community College | Canandaigua, NY | 28.1 mi | $6,138 - $19,411 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all New York schools on the New York computer science page.
Computer Science Wages Near Rochester
Rochester is part of the Rochester, NY metro area (BLS area code 40380). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to New York statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $108,770 | Rochester, NY | $112,134 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $91,960 | Rochester, NY | $94,804 |
| Computer Network Architect | $111,280 | Rochester, NY | $114,722 |
| Database Administrator | $86,890 | Rochester, NY | $89,577 |
| Database Architect | $112,050 | Rochester, NY | $115,515 |
| Information Security Analyst | $101,280 | Rochester, NY | $104,412 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $69,050 | Rochester, NY | $71,186 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $58,820 | Rochester, NY | $60,639 |
| Web Developer | $78,240 | Rochester, NY | $80,660 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer | $71,930 | Rochester, NY | $74,155 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $162,910 | Rochester, NY | $167,948 |
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.
Rochester at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 209,720 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $46,628 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 29.9% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 97.0 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Computer Science-related employment in Monroe County | 4,815 workers, 466 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Rochester-Area Cities With Computer Science Programs
- Brockport, NY – 16.6 mi away (20,142 pop)
- Geneva, NY – 38.3 mi away (29,371 pop)
- Lockport, NY – 54.4 mi away (34,859 pop)
- Auburn, NY – 55.3 mi away (31,263 pop)
- Oswego, NY – 59.4 mi away (38,208 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited computer science programs are near Rochester, NY?
Our directory lists 5 computer science programs within 100 miles of Rochester. The closest is Monroe Community College in Rochester, NY (4.6 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Finger Lakes Community College (28.1 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying computer science roles near Rochester?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying computer science-related roles near Rochester are: Computer and Information Systems Manager ($162,910), Database Architect ($112,050), Computer Network Architect ($111,280). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with New York statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Brockport instead of Rochester?
Brockport, NY is 16.6 miles from Rochester 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 Rochester an affordable place to study computer science?
Rochester’s median household income of $46,628 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Rochester while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and New York 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 New York
- Main Computer Science Degree Guide
- Computer Science Programs by State
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