Cloud Computing: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Cloud Computing programs equip students with the advanced technical expertise needed to architect, deploy, and manage scalable, secure, and high-performance computing environments in modern enterprise settings. This field emphasizes the integration of distributed systems, virtualization technologies, and on-demand service models to support dynamic business operations across industries.
- Data Management: Explore strategies for organizing, storing, retrieving, and securing large-scale datasets in cloud-native environments, with a focus on relational and NoSQL database systems.
- Distributed and Cloud Computing: Study the principles of decentralized computing infrastructures, including virtualization, containerization, and elastic resource allocation across public, private, and hybrid cloud platforms.
- Enterprise Software Architecture: Learn how to design modular, interoperable, and resilient software systems using service-oriented and microservices architectures tailored for cloud deployment.
- Enterprise and Cloud Security: Master protective measures for safeguarding cloud environments, including identity management, encryption, threat detection, compliance frameworks, and secure access controls.
- Mobile Systems and Applications: Develop skills in building responsive, secure, and scalable mobile applications that integrate seamlessly with cloud backends and enterprise services.
- Server Administration: Gain hands-on experience in configuring, monitoring, and maintaining cloud-based servers and infrastructure using automation tools and DevOps practices.
- Web Development: Acquire proficiency in creating dynamic, high-performance web applications optimized for cloud delivery, including front-end frameworks and server-side scripting.
Cloud Computing Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Cloud Computing Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Cloud Computing degrees, including Computer and Information Research Scientists, Database Architects and Software Developers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 2,227,260 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Research Scientists 15-1221 | $140,910 | $80,670 - $232,120 | 38,480 | $67.74 |
| Database Architects 15-1243 | $135,980 | $81,630 - $209,990 | 64,770 | $65.37 |
| Software Developers 15-1252 | $133,080 | $79,850 - $211,450 | 1,654,440 | $63.98 |
| Computer Network Architects 15-1241 | $130,390 | $79,520 - $198,030 | 177,010 | $62.69 |
| Computer Programmers 15-1251 | $98,670 | $52,190 - $162,090 | 109,870 | $47.44 |
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1021 | $96,690 | $48,910 - $172,380 | 36,240 | N/A |
| Computer Network Support Specialists 15-1231 | $73,340 | $46,010 - $124,470 | 146,450 | $35.26 |
Cloud Computing Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $80,231 in Mississippi to $146,003 in Washington—a 82% difference. The highest-paying states include Washington, California, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 2,227,260 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Cloud Computing by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 50 institutions offering Cloud Computing programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Cloud Computing is found at Western Governors University (WGU) (356 graduates), Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (131 graduates), Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) (81 graduates), Purdue University Global (62 graduates), and Delgado Community College (61 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,229 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Governors University (WGU) |
Bachelor's
|
356 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Private | wgu.edu |
| Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
131 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | ivytech.edu |
| Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) |
Residency
|
81 | Lacombe, Louisiana | Public | northshorecollege.edu |
| Purdue University Global |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
62 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdueglobal.edu |
| Delgado Community College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
61 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Public | dcc.edu |
| University of Phoenix (UOPX) |
Other Award
|
54 | Phoenix, Arizona | Private | phoenix.edu |
| California Institute of Arts & Technology (CalArts) |
Other Award
|
45 | San Diego, California | Private | ciat.edu |
| George Washington University (GW) |
Master's
|
43 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | gwu.edu |
| Mesa Community College (MCC) |
Residency
|
39 | Mesa, Arizona | Public | mesacc.edu |
| South Louisiana Community College (SLCC) |
Other Award
|
35 | Lafayette, Louisiana | Public | solacc.edu |
| Northwest Kansas Technical College (NWKTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
33 | Goodland, Kansas | Public | nwktc.edu |
| Dallas College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
30 | Dallas, Texas | Public | dallascollege.edu |
| Saint Martin's University |
Other Award
|
28 | Lacey, Washington | Private | stmartin.edu |
| Victoria College (VC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
24 | Victoria, Texas | Public | victoriacollege.edu |
| Glendale Community College (GCC) |
Residency
|
21 | Glendale, Arizona | Public | gccaz.edu |
| Collin County Community College District (CCCCD) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
15 | McKinney, Texas | Public | collin.edu |
| College of Southern Nevada (CSN) |
Other Award
|
14 | Las Vegas, Nevada | Public | csn.edu |
| Laredo College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
13 | Laredo, Texas | Public | laredo.edu |
| Madison Area Technical College |
Associate's
|
13 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | madisoncollege.edu |
| Lake Technical College (Lake Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
12 | Eustis, Florida | Public | laketech.org |
| Dunwoody College of Technology (DCT) |
Associate's
|
9 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Private | dunwoody.edu |
| University of Virginia (UVA) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
9 | Charlottesville, Virginia | Public | virginia.edu |
| Erwin Technical College (ETC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
9 | Tampa, Florida | Public | hillsboroughschools.org |
| Atlantic Technical College (ATC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
8 | Coconut Creek, Florida | Public | atlantictechnicalcollege.edu |
| Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) |
Associate's
|
7 | Alexandria, Louisiana | Public | cltcc.edu |
| Nicolet Area Technical College |
Other Award
|
7 | Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Public | nicoletcollege.edu |
| Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
7 | Pewaukee, Wisconsin | Public | wctc.edu |
| Keiser University |
Associate's
|
6 | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Private | keiseruniversity.edu |
| Frederick Community College (FCC) |
Other Award
|
5 | Frederick, Maryland | Public | frederick.edu |
| Macomb Community College |
Associate's
|
5 | Warren, Michigan | Public | macomb.edu |
| Blinn College District |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
4 | Brenham, Texas | Public | blinn.edu |
| River Parishes Community College (RPCC) |
Associate's
|
4 | Gonzales, Louisiana | Public | rpcc.edu |
| Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC) |
Associate's
|
4 | Monroe, Louisiana | Public | ladelta.edu |
| Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) |
Other Award
|
3 | Bossier City, Louisiana | Public | bpcc.edu |
| Howard Community College (HCC) |
Other Award
|
3 | Columbia, Maryland | Public | howardcc.edu |
| Morgan State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Baltimore, Maryland | Public | morgan.edu |
| The University of Montana (UM) |
Other Award
|
3 | Missoula, Montana | Public | umt.edu |
| Capella University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Private | capella.edu |
| Asher College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
3 | Sacramento, California | Private | asher.edu |
| Phoenix College (PC) |
Residency
|
2 | Phoenix, Arizona | Public | phoenixcollege.edu |
| Modesto Junior College (MJC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Modesto, California | Public | mjc.edu |
| Nunez Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Chalmette, Louisiana | Public | nunez.edu |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College (LSU) |
Post-Master's
|
2 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Public | lsu.edu |
| Trident Technical College (TTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Charleston, South Carolina | Public | tridenttech.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Stevens Point, Wisconsin | Public | uwsp.edu |
| Connecticut State Community College (CT State) |
Associate's
|
1 | Hartford, Connecticut | Public | ctstate.edu |
| Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Canandaigua, New York | Public | flcc.edu |
| Ensign College |
Other Award
|
1 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Private | ensign.edu |
| Weber State University (WSU) |
Other Award
|
1 | Ogden, Utah | Public | weber.edu |
| Laurel Business Institute (LBI) |
Associate's
|
1 | Uniontown, Pennsylvania | Private | laurel.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Cloud Computing programs
How much can I earn with a Cloud Computing degree?
Salaries for Cloud Computing graduates vary by role and location. Computer and Information Research Scientists earn a median of $140,910 annually, while Database Architects earn around $135,980. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Washington average $146,003 compared to $80,231 in Mississippi. Approximately 2,227,260 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Cloud Computing programs?
Currently 50 accredited institutions offer Cloud Computing degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Western Governors University (WGU) (356 graduates), Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) (131 graduates), and Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) (81 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Cloud Computing degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Computer and Information Research Scientists, Database Architects, and Software Developers. Related occupations employ approximately 2,227,260 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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