Best Online Computer Science Programs in Watertown, SD (2026)
Watertown, South Dakota has a population of about 22,859. The city’s median household income is $62,721 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 21.2% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited computer science programs within 100 miles of Watertown, with tuition ranging from $9,633 to $24,447 per year. In South Dakota, the top-earning computer science-related role is Computer and Information Systems Manager at a median $160,850 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Computer Science Schools to Watertown
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer computer science programs. Distances are calculated from Watertown city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dakota State University | Madison, SD | 62.0 mi | $9,633 - $24,447 | – |
| Northern State University | Aberdeen, SD | 74.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Southwest Minnesota State University | Marshall, MN | 75.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Minnesota West Community and Technical College | Granite Falls, MN | 78.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Mitchell Technical College | Mitchell, SD | 94.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all South Dakota schools on the South Dakota computer science page.
Computer Science Wages Near Watertown
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (South Dakota, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $87,770 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $95,850 |
| Computer Network Architect | $149,300 |
| Database Administrator | $85,890 |
| Database Architect | $127,460 |
| Information Security Analyst | $103,310 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $52,120 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $46,780 |
| Web Developer | $50,420 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer | $94,630 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $160,850 |
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.
Watertown at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 22,859 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $62,721 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 21.2% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Computer Science-related employment in Codington County | 30 workers, 31 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Watertown-Area Cities With Computer Science Programs
- Brookings, SD – 45.7 mi away (24,357 pop)
- Aberdeen, SD – 74.6 mi away (28,291 pop)
- Sioux Falls, SD – 97.0 mi away (177,629 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited computer science programs are near Watertown, SD?
Our directory lists 5 computer science programs within 100 miles of Watertown. The closest is Dakota State University in Madison, SD (62.0 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Mitchell Technical College (94.1 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying computer science roles in South Dakota?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying computer science-related roles in South Dakota are: Computer and Information Systems Manager ($160,850), Computer Network Architect ($149,300), Database Architect ($127,460). Wages for Watertown workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Brookings instead of Watertown?
Brookings, SD is 45.7 miles from Watertown 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 Watertown an affordable place to study computer science?
Watertown’s median household income of $62,721 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Watertown while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and South Dakota 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 Dakota
- Main Computer Science Degree Guide
- Computer Science Programs by State
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