Best Online Computer Science Programs in Waco, TX (2026)
Waco, Texas has a population of about 141,925. The city’s median household income is $51,468 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 28.6% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited computer science programs within 100 miles of Waco, with tuition ranging from $3,660 to $13,382 per year. In Texas, the top-earning computer science-related role is Database Architect at a median $133,800 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Computer Science Schools to Waco
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer computer science programs. Distances are calculated from Waco city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McLennan Community College | Waco, TX | 2.4 mi | $3,660 - $13,382 | – |
| Baylor University | Waco, TX | 2.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Texas State Technical College | Waco, TX | 7.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Temple College | Temple, TX | 35.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Central Texas College | Killeen, TX | 47.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Texas schools on the Texas computer science page.
Computer Science Wages Near Waco
Waco is part of the Waco, TX metro area (BLS area code 47380). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Texas statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $118,870 | Waco, TX | $128,508 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $83,710 | Waco, TX | $90,497 |
| Computer Network Architect | $119,820 | Waco, TX | $129,535 |
| Database Administrator | $95,490 | Waco, TX | $103,232 |
| Database Architect | $133,800 | TX statewide | $144,649 |
| Information Security Analyst | $104,590 | Waco, TX | $113,070 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $60,470 | Waco, TX | $65,373 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $51,700 | Waco, TX | $55,892 |
| Web Developer | $93,120 | TX statewide | $100,670 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer | $83,420 | Waco, TX | $90,184 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $131,750 | Waco, TX | $142,432 |
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.
Waco at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,925 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $51,468 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 28.6% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 92.5 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Computer Science-related employment in McLennan County | 467 workers, 74 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Waco-Area Cities With Computer Science Programs
- Temple, TX – 33.4 mi away (100,641 pop)
- Belton, TX – 38.8 mi away (20,873 pop)
- Harker Heights, TX – 43.9 mi away (29,757 pop)
- Killeen, TX – 46.2 mi away (243,947 pop)
- Copperas Cove, TX – 52.6 mi away (32,808 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited computer science programs are near Waco, TX?
Our directory lists 5 computer science programs within 100 miles of Waco. The closest is McLennan Community College in Waco, TX (2.4 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Central Texas College (47.9 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying computer science roles near Waco?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying computer science-related roles near Waco are: Database Architect ($133,800), Computer and Information Systems Manager ($131,750), Computer Network Architect ($119,820). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Texas statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Temple instead of Waco?
Temple, TX is 33.4 miles from Waco 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 Waco an affordable place to study computer science?
Waco’s median household income of $51,468 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Waco while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Texas 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 Texas
- Main Computer Science Degree Guide
- Computer Science Programs by State
Back to Best Online Computer Science Programs in Texas (2026)
Return to Best Online Computer Science Programs in Texas (2026)