Best Online Computer Science Programs in Bristol, TN (2026)
Bristol, Tennessee has a population of about 27,490. The city’s median household income is $55,007 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 29.8% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited computer science programs within 100 miles of Bristol, with tuition ranging from $4,901 to $15,885 per year. In the Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA metro area, the top-earning computer science-related role is Computer and Information Systems Manager at a median $135,200 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Computer Science Schools to Bristol
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer computer science programs. Distances are calculated from Bristol city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Abingdon, VA | 15.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Elizabethton | Elizabethton, TN | 16.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Milligan University | Milligan, TN | 18.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Southwest Virginia Community College | Cedar Bluff, VA | 44.5 mi | $4,901 - $15,885 | – |
| Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College | Cumberland, KY | 51.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Tennessee schools on the Tennessee computer science page.
Computer Science Wages Near Bristol
Bristol is part of the Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA metro area (BLS area code 28700). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Tennessee statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $114,540 | Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $132,569 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $94,560 | Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $109,444 |
| Computer Network Architect | $105,890 | Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $122,558 |
| Database Administrator | $84,890 | Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $98,252 |
| Database Architect | $128,440 | TN statewide | $148,657 |
| Information Security Analyst | $100,910 | Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $116,794 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $60,840 | Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $70,417 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $49,780 | Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $57,616 |
| Web Developer | $94,530 | Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $109,410 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer | $39,050 | Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $45,197 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $135,200 | Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $156,481 |
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.
Bristol at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 27,490 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $55,007 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 29.8% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 86.4 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Computer Science-related employment in Sullivan County | 359 workers, 79 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Bristol-Area Cities With Computer Science Programs
- Johnson City, TN – 17.6 mi away (127,134 pop)
- Kingsport, TN – 18.5 mi away (116,745 pop)
- Boone, NC – 38.7 mi away (25,039 pop)
- Greeneville, TN – 43.1 mi away (23,953 pop)
- Morristown, TN – 65.1 mi away (60,098 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited computer science programs are near Bristol, TN?
Our directory lists 5 computer science programs within 100 miles of Bristol. The closest is Virginia Highlands Community College in Abingdon, VA (15.2 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College (51.8 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying computer science roles near Bristol?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying computer science-related roles near Bristol are: Computer and Information Systems Manager ($135,200), Database Architect ($128,440), Software Developer ($114,540). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Tennessee statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Johnson City instead of Bristol?
Johnson City, TN is 17.6 miles from Bristol 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 Bristol an affordable place to study computer science?
Bristol’s median household income of $55,007 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Bristol while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Tennessee 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 Tennessee
- Main Computer Science Degree Guide
- Computer Science Programs by State
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