Best Online Computer Science Programs in Salem, VA (2026)
Salem, Virginia has a population of about 25,477. The city’s median household income is $66,716 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 31.1% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited computer science programs within 100 miles of Salem, with tuition ranging from $12,286 to $26,681 per year. In the Roanoke, VA metro area, the top-earning computer science-related role is Computer and Information Systems Manager at a median $159,190 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Computer Science Schools to Salem
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer computer science programs. Distances are calculated from Salem city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American National University | Salem, VA | 2.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Virginia Western Community College | Roanoke, VA | 5.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | Blacksburg, VA | 20.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Ferrum College | Ferrum, VA | 24.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Radford University | Radford, VA | 29.1 mi | $12,286 - $26,681 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Virginia schools on the Virginia computer science page.
Computer Science Wages Near Salem
Salem is part of the Roanoke, VA metro area (BLS area code 40220). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Virginia statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $99,700 | Roanoke, VA | $106,517 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $88,610 | Roanoke, VA | $94,669 |
| Computer Network Architect | $98,040 | Roanoke, VA | $104,744 |
| Database Administrator | $81,760 | Roanoke, VA | $87,350 |
| Database Architect | $128,330 | Roanoke, VA | $137,105 |
| Information Security Analyst | $104,600 | Roanoke, VA | $111,752 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $53,550 | Roanoke, VA | $57,212 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $51,720 | Roanoke, VA | $55,256 |
| Web Developer | $82,370 | Roanoke, VA | $88,002 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer | $53,550 | Roanoke, VA | $57,212 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $159,190 | Roanoke, VA | $170,075 |
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.
Salem at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 25,477 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $66,716 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 31.1% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 93.6 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Computer Science-related employment in Salem (city) County | 74 workers, 14 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Salem-Area Cities With Computer Science Programs
- Roanoke, VA – 5.4 mi away (215,793 pop)
- Blacksburg, VA – 20.8 mi away (93,560 pop)
- Christiansburg, VA – 21.6 mi away (22,088 pop)
- Martinsville, VA – 43.0 mi away (34,132 pop)
- Lynchburg, VA – 48.1 mi away (123,795 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited computer science programs are near Salem, VA?
Our directory lists 5 computer science programs within 100 miles of Salem. The closest is American National University in Salem, VA (2.0 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Radford University (29.1 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying computer science roles near Salem?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying computer science-related roles near Salem are: Computer and Information Systems Manager ($159,190), Database Architect ($128,330), Information Security Analyst ($104,600). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Virginia statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Roanoke instead of Salem?
Roanoke, VA is 5.4 miles from Salem 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 Salem an affordable place to study computer science?
Salem’s median household income of $66,716 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Salem while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Virginia 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 Virginia
- Main Computer Science Degree Guide
- Computer Science Programs by State
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