Carbondale, Illinois has a population of about 21,813. The city’s median household income is $29,670 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 46.3% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited technology programs within 100 miles of Carbondale, with tuition ranging from $9,496 to $23,337 per year. In Illinois, the top-earning technology-related role is Computer and Information Systems Manager at a median $165,720 annually (BLS, May 2024).
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer technology programs. Distances are calculated from Carbondale city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | Carbondale, IL | 0.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| John A Logan College | Carterville, IL | 7.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Southeast Missouri State University | Cape Girardeau, MO | 32.5 mi | $9,496 - $23,337 | – |
| Rend Lake College | Ina, IL | 32.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center | Cape Girardeau, MO | 36.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Illinois schools on the Illinois technology page.
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Illinois, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $127,770 |
| Information Security Analyst | $114,300 |
| Computer Network Architect | $132,310 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrator | $96,640 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $64,800 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $56,540 |
| Web Developer | $103,300 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $165,720 |
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.
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 21,813 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $29,670 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 46.3% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Technology-related employment in Jackson County | 84 workers, 16 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Our directory lists 5 technology programs within 100 miles of Carbondale. The closest is Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in Carbondale, IL (0.7 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center (36.2 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying technology-related roles in Illinois are: Computer and Information Systems Manager ($165,720), Computer Network Architect ($132,310), Software Developer ($127,770). Wages for Carbondale workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Cape Girardeau, MO is 33.9 miles from Carbondale 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.
Carbondale’s median household income of $29,670 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Carbondale while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Illinois public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
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.
Return to Best Online Technology Programs in Illinois (2026)