Best Online Computer Science Programs in Cranston, RI (2026)
Cranston, Rhode Island has a population of about 82,632. The city’s median household income is $87,716 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 35.8% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited computer science programs within 100 miles of Cranston. In the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA metro area, the top-earning computer science-related role is Computer and Information Systems Manager at a median $165,030 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Computer Science Schools to Cranston
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer computer science programs. Distances are calculated from Cranston city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community College of Rhode Island | Warwick, RI | 3.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Johnson & Wales University-Providence | Providence, RI | 5.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Johnson & Wales University-Online | Providence, RI | 5.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Brown University | Providence, RI | 6.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| New England Institute of Technology | East Greenwich, RI | 7.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Rhode Island schools on the Rhode Island computer science page.
Computer Science Wages Near Cranston
Cranston is part of the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA metro area (BLS area code 39300). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Rhode Island statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $132,010 | Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $129,676 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $109,950 | Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $108,006 |
| Computer Network Architect | $125,150 | Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $122,937 |
| Database Administrator | $103,810 | Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $101,974 |
| Database Architect | $147,370 | Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $144,764 |
| Information Security Analyst | $109,410 | Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $107,475 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $78,810 | Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $77,417 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $59,840 | Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $58,782 |
| Web Developer | $95,380 | Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $93,694 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer | $108,940 | Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $107,014 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $165,030 | Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $162,112 |
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.
Cranston at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 82,632 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $87,716 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 35.8% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 101.8 (above U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Computer Science-related employment in Providence County | 3,700 workers, 1,250 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Cranston-Area Cities With Computer Science Programs
- Warwick, RI – 4.9 mi away (81,579 pop)
- Providence, RI – 5.2 mi away (1,198,789 pop)
- East Providence, RI – 7.2 mi away (47,337 pop)
- Pawtucket, RI – 9.4 mi away (71,427 pop)
- Attleboro, MA – 15.1 mi away (44,434 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited computer science programs are near Cranston, RI?
Our directory lists 5 computer science programs within 100 miles of Cranston. The closest is Community College of Rhode Island in Warwick, RI (3.7 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is New England Institute of Technology (7.3 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying computer science roles near Cranston?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying computer science-related roles near Cranston are: Computer and Information Systems Manager ($165,030), Database Architect ($147,370), Software Developer ($132,010). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Rhode Island statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Warwick instead of Cranston?
Warwick, RI is 4.9 miles from Cranston 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 Cranston an affordable place to study computer science?
Cranston’s median household income of $87,716 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Cranston while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island
- Main Computer Science Degree Guide
- Computer Science Programs by State
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