Best Online Technology Programs in Rockford, IL (2026)
Rockford, Illinois has a population of about 147,649. The city’s median household income is $53,328 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 23.2% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited technology programs within 100 miles of Rockford. In the Rockford, IL metro area, the top-earning technology-related role is Computer and Information Systems Manager at a median $135,190 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Technology Schools to Rockford
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer technology programs. Distances are calculated from Rockford city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rasmussen University-Illinois | Rockford, IL | 1.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Rock Valley College | Rockford, IL | 4.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Kishwaukee College | Malta, IL | 24.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Northern Illinois University | Dekalb, IL | 26.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Blackhawk Technical College | Janesville, WI | 29.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Illinois schools on the Illinois technology page.
Technology Wages Near Rockford
Rockford is part of the Rockford, IL metro area (BLS area code 40420). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Illinois statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $102,510 | Rockford, IL | $111,182 |
| Information Security Analyst | $107,400 | Rockford, IL | $116,486 |
| Computer Network Architect | $94,300 | Rockford, IL | $102,278 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrator | $87,790 | Rockford, IL | $95,217 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $61,060 | Rockford, IL | $66,226 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $51,730 | Rockford, IL | $56,106 |
| Web Developer | $103,300 | IL statewide | $112,039 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $135,190 | Rockford, IL | $146,627 |
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.
Rockford at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 147,649 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $53,328 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 23.2% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 92.2 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Technology-related employment in Winnebago County | 1,091 workers, 69 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Rockford-Area Cities With Technology Programs
- Loves Park, IL – 6.3 mi away (23,413 pop)
- Machesney Park, IL – 7.7 mi away (22,873 pop)
- Belvidere, IL – 10.2 mi away (25,070 pop)
- Beloit, WI – 18.4 mi away (63,470 pop)
- DeKalb, IL – 28.0 mi away (67,501 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited technology programs are near Rockford, IL?
Our directory lists 5 technology programs within 100 miles of Rockford. The closest is Rasmussen University-Illinois in Rockford, IL (1.7 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Blackhawk Technical College (29.3 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying technology roles near Rockford?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying technology-related roles near Rockford are: Computer and Information Systems Manager ($135,190), Information Security Analyst ($107,400), Web Developer ($103,300). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Illinois statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Loves Park instead of Rockford?
Loves Park, IL is 6.3 miles from Rockford 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 Rockford an affordable place to study technology?
Rockford’s median household income of $53,328 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Rockford while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Illinois 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
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