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. Our directory has 48 accredited schools offering computer science programs near Shelby, with tuition ranging from $2,367 to $69,601 per year for indexed programs. 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 10 accredited institutions below are the closest among the 48 schools in our directory that offer computer science programs near Shelby. Distances are calculated from Shelby city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gardner-Webb University | Boiling Springs, NC | 7.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Limestone University | Gaffney, SC | 17.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Converse University | Spartanburg, SC | 31.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of South Carolina-Upstate | Spartanburg, SC | 31.6 mi | $11,583 - $24,565 | – |
| Catawba Valley Community College | Hickory, NC | 31.8 mi | $2,367 - $18,703 | – |
| Wofford College | Spartanburg, SC | 31.8 mi | $54,100 - $69,601 | – |
| Spartanburg Community College | Spartanburg, SC | 33.4 mi | $5,046 - $15,031 | – |
| Lenoir-Rhyne University | Hickory, NC | 33.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| DeVry University-North Carolina | Charlotte, NC | 36.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Winthrop University | Rock Hill, SC | 37.5 mi | $15,956 - $30,286 | – |
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 schools are near Shelby, NC?
Our directory has 48 accredited schools offering computer science programs near Shelby. The closest is Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC (7.7 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Winthrop University (37.5 miles). 0 of the highlighted schools are flagged as offering distance education.
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
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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