16 Computer and Information Sciences, General Programs
| # | School | Net Price | In-State Tuition | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Emmaus Bible College
Dubuque, Iowa
|
$12,904 | $20,000 | 81.7% | 100.0% |
| 2 |
Graceland University-Lamoni
Lamoni, Iowa
|
$15,975 | $33,220 | 38.3% | 74.5% |
| 3 |
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa
|
$18,165 | $10,497 | 75.5% | 90.2% |
| 4 |
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, Iowa
|
$18,321 | $40,190 | 47.3% | 77.3% |
| 5 |
Clarke University
Dubuque, Iowa
|
$20,068 | $39,600 | 54.9% | 84.8% |
| 6 |
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
|
$21,398 | $10,964 | 73.1% | 86.0% |
| 7 |
Grand View University
Des Moines, Iowa
|
$21,616 | $33,450 | 55.8% | 98.4% |
| 8 |
William Penn University
Oskaloosa, Iowa
|
$22,115 | $28,750 | 29.2% | 57.7% |
| 9 |
Simpson College
Indianola, Iowa
|
$22,231 | $46,212 | 65.7% | 89.1% |
| 10 |
Wartburg College
Waverly, Iowa
|
$22,604 | $51,040 | 66.8% | 97.5% |
| 11 |
Saint Ambrose University
Davenport, Iowa
|
$22,750 | $35,598 | 62.8% | 73.9% |
| 12 |
Morningside University
Sioux City, Iowa
|
$23,169 | $38,190 | 52.8% | 70.6% |
| 13 |
Upper Iowa University
Fayette, Iowa
|
$23,172 | $19,000 | 41.5% | 54.2% |
| 14 |
University of Dubuque
Dubuque, Iowa
|
$23,250 | $40,065 | 41.1% | 85.1% |
| 15 |
Dordt University
Sioux Center, Iowa
|
$25,383 | $35,960 | 65.3% | 87.7% |
| 16 |
Drake University
Des Moines, Iowa
|
$30,042 | $49,944 | 77.3% | 67.2% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Emmaus Bible College such an affordable option for computer science?
Emmaus Bible College offers the lowest net cost at $12,904 while maintaining open admissions and an impressive 81.7% graduation rate. The college's small size and focused mission allow for streamlined operations that keep costs down. Despite charging $20,000 in published tuition, substantial financial aid brings the actual student cost well below state averages. This combination makes it particularly attractive for students seeking affordable technical education.
How do Iowa's public universities compare in computer science costs?
Iowa State University and University of Iowa both charge residents around $10,500 in tuition, but their net costs differ significantly at $18,165 and $21,398 respectively. Iowa State maintains a 90.22% acceptance rate compared to Iowa's 86%, suggesting slightly less competitive admission. Both schools graduate over 73% of their computer science students, well above many private alternatives. The $3,200 net cost difference likely reflects varying financial aid policies and living expenses.
Is the salary variation worth considering when choosing schools?
Starting salaries range dramatically from $54,835 at University of Iowa to $73,041 at Simpson College, an $18,206 difference that compounds significantly over a career. However, Simpson College costs $22,231 net compared to Iowa's $21,398, making the return on investment favorable. Clarke University graduates earn $57,318 while paying $20,068 net, offering middle-ground value. These salary differences often reflect program focus, with some emphasizing enterprise development while others target specialized technical roles.
Does Iowa's job market support computer science graduates effectively?
Iowa's economy relies heavily on insurance giants like Principal Financial and manufacturing leaders like John Deere, both requiring extensive IT infrastructure and custom software solutions. The state's agricultural technology sector also drives demand for data analytics and precision farming applications. With starting salaries ranging from $54,835 to $73,041, graduates find competitive compensation that goes further due to Iowa's low cost of living. The concentration of Fortune 500 companies in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids creates additional opportunities for software development and cybersecurity professionals.
More Computer and Information Sciences, General Rankings
Related
Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.