Best Online Computer Science Programs in Lancaster, SC (2026)
Lancaster, South Carolina has a population of about 8,738. The city’s median household income is $43,234 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 17.3% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited computer science programs within 100 miles of Lancaster, with tuition ranging from $15,956 to $30,286 per year. In the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metro area, the top-earning computer science-related role is Computer and Information Systems Manager at a median $172,100 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Computer Science Schools to Lancaster
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer computer science programs. Distances are calculated from Lancaster city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winthrop University | Rock Hill, SC | 20.5 mi | $15,956 - $30,286 | – |
| DeVry University-North Carolina | Charlotte, NC | 29.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Charlotte, NC | 40.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of South Carolina-Columbia | Columbia, SC | 52.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Limestone University | Gaffney, SC | 54.3 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 Lancaster
Lancaster is part of the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metro area (BLS area code 16740). 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 | $132,100 | Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $135,766 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $110,020 | Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $113,073 |
| Computer Network Architect | $129,640 | Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $133,237 |
| Database Administrator | $109,940 | Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $112,991 |
| Database Architect | $138,480 | Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $142,323 |
| Information Security Analyst | $127,840 | Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $131,387 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $65,380 | Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $67,194 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $61,250 | Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $62,950 |
| Web Developer | $96,110 | Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $98,777 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer | $96,450 | Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $99,126 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $172,100 | Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $176,876 |
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.
Lancaster at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,738 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $43,234 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 17.3% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 97.3 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Computer Science-related employment in Lancaster County | 224 workers, 106 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Lancaster-Area Cities With Computer Science Programs
- Rock Hill, SC – 20.5 mi away (115,755 pop)
- Monroe, NC – 23.1 mi away (34,818 pop)
- Indian Trail, NC – 25.0 mi away (38,222 pop)
- Matthews, NC – 27.6 mi away (31,495 pop)
- Mint Hill, NC – 32.1 mi away (26,236 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited computer science programs are near Lancaster, SC?
Our directory lists 5 computer science programs within 100 miles of Lancaster. The closest is Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC (20.5 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Limestone University (54.3 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying computer science roles near Lancaster?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying computer science-related roles near Lancaster are: Computer and Information Systems Manager ($172,100), Database Architect ($138,480), Software Developer ($132,100). 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 Rock Hill instead of Lancaster?
Rock Hill, SC is 20.5 miles from Lancaster 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 Lancaster an affordable place to study computer science?
Lancaster’s median household income of $43,234 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Lancaster 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
Back to Best Online Computer Science Programs in South Carolina (2026)
Return to Best Online Computer Science Programs in South Carolina (2026)