19 Computer Science Programs
| # | School | Net Price | Program Earnings | In-State Tuition | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Grinnell College
Grinnell, Iowa
|
$15,608 | $91,744 | $64,862 | 87.5% | 10.8% |
| 2 |
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, Iowa
|
$14,609 | $60,399 | $9,728 | 68.9% | 95.0% |
| 3 |
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa
|
$18,165 | $71,734 | $10,497 | 75.5% | 90.2% |
| 4 |
Simpson College
Indianola, Iowa
|
$22,231 | $74,576 | $46,212 | 65.7% | 89.1% |
| 5 |
Coe College
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
|
$19,155 | $61,516 | $52,576 | 59.0% | |
| 6 |
Luther College
Decorah, Iowa
|
$25,635 | $75,518 | $50,320 | 75.0% | 75.3% |
| 7 |
Mount Mercy University
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
|
$23,435 | $63,005 | $39,070 | 55.9% | 75.3% |
| 8 |
Cornell College
Mount Vernon, Iowa
|
$25,079 | $42,682 | $50,634 | 71.7% | 79.3% |
| 9 |
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
|
$21,398 | $10,964 | 73.1% | 86.0% | |
| 10 |
William Penn University
Oskaloosa, Iowa
|
$22,115 | $28,750 | 29.2% | 57.7% | |
| 11 |
Saint Ambrose University
Davenport, Iowa
|
$22,750 | $35,598 | 62.8% | 73.9% | |
| 12 |
Northwestern College
Orange City, Iowa
|
$23,519 | $35,300 | 63.6% | 87.3% | |
| 13 |
Maharishi International University
Fairfield, Iowa
|
$18,225 | $16,530 | 17.6% | 94.3% | |
| 14 |
Loras College
Dubuque, Iowa
|
$21,057 | $38,298 | 69.9% | 89.8% | |
| 15 |
Briar Cliff University
Sioux City, Iowa
|
$21,590 | $35,534 | 49.4% | ||
| 16 |
Grand View University
Des Moines, Iowa
|
$21,616 | $33,450 | 55.8% | 98.4% | |
| 17 |
Emmaus Bible College
Dubuque, Iowa
|
$12,904 | $20,000 | 81.7% | 100.0% | |
| 18 |
Central College
Pella, Iowa
|
$22,353 | $20,988 | 69.2% | 79.2% | |
| 19 |
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, Iowa
|
$18,321 | $40,190 | 47.3% | 77.3% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Grinnell College's Computer Science program such strong value?
Grinnell graduates earn $91,744 annually, ranking first among Iowa programs, while maintaining a net cost of only $15,608. The college accepts just 10.76% of applicants and achieves an 87.50% graduation rate. Students benefit from small class sizes and individualized attention that translate directly into higher starting salaries and better job placement rates.
How do public universities compare for Computer Science value in Iowa?
University of Northern Iowa offers the lowest net cost at $14,609 with graduates earning $60,399, while Iowa State University costs slightly more at $18,165 but delivers $71,734 in earnings. Both schools maintain high acceptance rates above 90% and provide solid returns. Iowa State's engineering focus gives it an edge in technical preparation and industry connections.
Is the earnings gap between programs worth considering?
Computer Science earnings range from $42,682 at Cornell College to $91,744 at Grinnell College, representing a $49,062 annual difference. Simpson College graduates earn $74,576 despite higher costs, while Luther College produces $75,518 earners. The variation suggests program quality and industry connections matter significantly more than tuition price alone.
Where do Iowa Computer Science graduates typically find employment?
Major Iowa employers include Principal Financial Group, which relies heavily on software developers for financial technology platforms, and John Deere, which increasingly needs programmers for agricultural automation systems. Des Moines hosts numerous insurance companies requiring database specialists and cybersecurity experts. The state's low cost of living allows technology salaries to stretch further than in coastal markets.
More Computer Science Rankings
Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.