Best Online Technology Programs in Irvine, CA (2026)
Irvine, California has a population of about 308,160. The city’s median household income is $129,647 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 70.6% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited technology programs within 100 miles of Irvine, with tuition ranging from $1,156 to $11,750 per year. In the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro area, the top-earning technology-related role is Computer and Information Systems Manager at a median $191,410 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Technology Schools to Irvine
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer technology programs. Distances are calculated from Irvine city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Irvine Valley College | Irvine, CA | 0.4 mi | $1,156 - $11,750 | – |
| Chapman University | Orange, CA | 4.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Westcliff University | Irvine, CA | 4.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Orange Coast College | Costa Mesa, CA | 7.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Laguna College of Art and Design | Laguna Beach, CA | 8.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all California schools on the California technology page.
Technology Wages Near Irvine
Irvine is part of the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro area (BLS area code 31080). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to California statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $155,330 | Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $136,734 |
| Information Security Analyst | $131,280 | Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $115,563 |
| Computer Network Architect | $137,910 | Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $121,400 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrator | $105,270 | Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $92,667 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $74,040 | Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $65,176 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $71,230 | Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $62,702 |
| Web Developer | $97,990 | Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $86,259 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $191,410 | Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $168,495 |
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.
Irvine at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 308,160 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $129,647 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 70.6% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 113.6 (above U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Technology-related employment in Orange County | 21,292 workers, 1,568 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Irvine-Area Cities With Technology Programs
- Tustin, CA – 4.3 mi away (80,395 pop)
- Lake Forest, CA – 6.0 mi away (83,240 pop)
- Newport Beach, CA – 6.9 mi away (86,688 pop)
- Aliso Viejo, CA – 7.2 mi away (51,424 pop)
- Laguna Hills, CA – 7.3 mi away (31,509 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited technology programs are near Irvine, CA?
Our directory lists 5 technology programs within 100 miles of Irvine. The closest is Irvine Valley College in Irvine, CA (0.4 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Laguna College of Art and Design (8.0 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying technology roles near Irvine?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying technology-related roles near Irvine are: Computer and Information Systems Manager ($191,410), Software Developer ($155,330), Computer Network Architect ($137,910). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with California statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Tustin instead of Irvine?
Tustin, CA is 4.3 miles from Irvine and has its own set of local technology programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Irvine an affordable place to study technology?
Irvine’s median household income of $129,647 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Irvine while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and California 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.
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