Best Online Computer Science Programs in Shelby, NC (2026)
Shelby, North Carolina has a population of about 21,868. The city’s median household income is $50,705 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 26.6% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited computer science programs within 100 miles of Shelby, with tuition ranging from $2,367 to $24,565 per year. In North Carolina, the top-earning computer science-related role is Computer and Information Systems Manager at a median $167,550 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Computer Science Schools to Shelby
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer computer science programs. Distances are calculated from Shelby city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limestone University | Gaffney, SC | 17.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of South Carolina-Upstate | Spartanburg, SC | 31.4 mi | $11,583 - $24,565 | – |
| Catawba Valley Community College | Hickory, NC | 31.6 mi | $2,367 - $18,703 | – |
| Spartanburg Community College | Spartanburg, SC | 33.3 mi | $5,046 - $15,031 | – |
| DeVry University-North Carolina | Charlotte, NC | 36.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all North Carolina schools on the North Carolina computer science page.
Computer Science Wages Near Shelby
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (North Carolina, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $131,000 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $104,940 |
| Computer Network Architect | $126,000 |
| Database Administrator | $108,430 |
| Database Architect | $130,560 |
| Information Security Analyst | $121,070 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $79,680 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $58,660 |
| Web Developer | $94,070 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer | $84,990 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $167,550 |
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.
Shelby at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 21,868 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $50,705 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 26.6% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Computer Science-related employment in Cleveland County | 110 workers, 28 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Shelby-Area Cities With Computer Science Programs
- Gaffney, SC – 16.2 mi away (21,692 pop)
- Forest City, NC – 18.8 mi away (25,817 pop)
- Gastonia, NC – 20.3 mi away (178,477 pop)
- Lincolnton, NC – 21.4 mi away (23,264 pop)
- Spartanburg, SC – 32.3 mi away (185,031 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited computer science programs are near Shelby, NC?
Our directory lists 5 computer science programs within 100 miles of Shelby. The closest is Limestone University in Gaffney, SC (17.1 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is DeVry University-North Carolina (36.0 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying computer science roles in North Carolina?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying computer science-related roles in North Carolina are: Computer and Information Systems Manager ($167,550), Software Developer ($131,000), Database Architect ($130,560). Wages for Shelby workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Gaffney instead of Shelby?
Gaffney, SC is 16.2 miles from Shelby 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 Shelby an affordable place to study computer science?
Shelby’s median household income of $50,705 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Shelby while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and North Carolina 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 North Carolina
- Main Computer Science Degree Guide
- Computer Science Programs by State
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