Best Online Computer Science Programs in Columbia, SC (2026)
Columbia, South Carolina has a population of about 138,019. The city’s median household income is $55,653 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 46.1% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited computer science programs within 100 miles of Columbia, with tuition ranging from $5,715 to $13,295 per year. In the Columbia, SC metro area, the top-earning computer science-related role is Computer and Information Systems Manager at a median $137,880 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Computer Science Schools to Columbia
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer computer science programs. Distances are calculated from Columbia city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Carolina-Columbia | Columbia, SC | 7.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Midlands Technical College | West Columbia, SC | 13.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Central Carolina Technical College | Sumter, SC | 31.4 mi | $5,715 - $13,295 | – |
| Morris College | Sumter, SC | 32.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College | Orangeburg, SC | 34.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all South Carolina schools on the South Carolina computer science page.
Computer Science Wages Near Columbia
Columbia is part of the Columbia, SC metro area (BLS area code 17900). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to South Carolina statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $103,400 | Columbia, SC | $110,352 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $87,880 | Columbia, SC | $93,789 |
| Computer Network Architect | $117,690 | Columbia, SC | $125,603 |
| Database Administrator | $88,050 | Columbia, SC | $93,970 |
| Database Architect | $121,880 | Columbia, SC | $130,075 |
| Information Security Analyst | N/A | SC statewide | – |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $69,190 | Columbia, SC | $73,842 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $55,050 | Columbia, SC | $58,751 |
| Web Developer | $126,380 | Columbia, SC | $134,877 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer | $79,090 | Columbia, SC | $84,408 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $137,880 | Columbia, SC | $147,150 |
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.
Columbia at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 138,019 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $55,653 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 46.1% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 93.7 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Computer Science-related employment in Richland County | 2,584 workers, 426 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Columbia-Area Cities With Computer Science Programs
- Lexington, SC – 18.4 mi away (20,988 pop)
- Sumter, SC – 30.1 mi away (73,468 pop)
- Orangeburg, SC – 37.6 mi away (31,666 pop)
- Lancaster, SC – 48.1 mi away (25,691 pop)
- Aiken, SC – 58.8 mi away (30,937 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited computer science programs are near Columbia, SC?
Our directory lists 5 computer science programs within 100 miles of Columbia. The closest is University of South Carolina-Columbia in Columbia, SC (7.6 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College (34.2 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying computer science roles near Columbia?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying computer science-related roles near Columbia are: Computer and Information Systems Manager ($137,880), Web Developer ($126,380), Database Architect ($121,880). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with South Carolina statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Lexington instead of Columbia?
Lexington, SC is 18.4 miles from Columbia 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 Columbia an affordable place to study computer science?
Columbia’s median household income of $55,653 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Columbia while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and South 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 South Carolina
- Main Computer Science Degree Guide
- Computer Science Programs by State
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