19 Computer Science 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 |
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, Iowa
|
$14,609 | $9,728 | 68.9% | 95.0% |
| 3 |
Grinnell College
Grinnell, Iowa
|
$15,608 | $64,862 | 87.5% | 10.8% |
| 4 |
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa
|
$18,165 | $10,497 | 75.5% | 90.2% |
| 5 |
Maharishi International University
Fairfield, Iowa
|
$18,225 | $16,530 | 17.6% | 94.3% |
| 6 |
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, Iowa
|
$18,321 | $40,190 | 47.3% | 77.3% |
| 7 |
Coe College
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
|
$19,155 | $52,576 | 59.0% | |
| 8 |
Loras College
Dubuque, Iowa
|
$21,057 | $38,298 | 69.9% | 89.8% |
| 9 |
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
|
$21,398 | $10,964 | 73.1% | 86.0% |
| 10 |
Briar Cliff University
Sioux City, Iowa
|
$21,590 | $35,534 | 49.4% | |
| 11 |
Grand View University
Des Moines, Iowa
|
$21,616 | $33,450 | 55.8% | 98.4% |
| 12 |
William Penn University
Oskaloosa, Iowa
|
$22,115 | $28,750 | 29.2% | 57.7% |
| 13 |
Simpson College
Indianola, Iowa
|
$22,231 | $46,212 | 65.7% | 89.1% |
| 14 |
Central College
Pella, Iowa
|
$22,353 | $20,988 | 69.2% | 79.2% |
| 15 |
Saint Ambrose University
Davenport, Iowa
|
$22,750 | $35,598 | 62.8% | 73.9% |
| 16 |
Mount Mercy University
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
|
$23,435 | $39,070 | 55.9% | 75.3% |
| 17 |
Northwestern College
Orange City, Iowa
|
$23,519 | $35,300 | 63.6% | 87.3% |
| 18 |
Cornell College
Mount Vernon, Iowa
|
$25,079 | $50,634 | 71.7% | 79.3% |
| 19 |
Luther College
Decorah, Iowa
|
$25,635 | $50,320 | 75.0% | 75.3% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Grinnell College worth considering despite higher sticker prices?
Grinnell College graduates earn $91,744 annually, the highest among Iowa computer science programs, while maintaining a reasonable $15,608 net cost after aid. The college achieves an 87.50% graduation rate with highly selective 10.76% acceptance. Students graduate with just $16,125 in debt on average, making the return on investment particularly strong for those who gain admission.
How do public universities compare for computer science value in Iowa?
University of Northern Iowa offers strong value with a $14,609 net cost and $60,399 median earnings, while Iowa State University provides $71,734 earning potential for $18,165 net cost. Both maintain strong graduation rates above 68% with high acceptance rates. Public options consistently deliver lower debt loads and strong employment outcomes for computer science graduates.
Is there significant variation in graduation rates among affordable programs?
Graduation rates vary dramatically, from Maharishi International University's concerning 17.60% to Grinnell College's excellent 87.50%. Most affordable options like University of Northern Iowa (68.90%) and Iowa State (75.50%) maintain solid completion rates. Students should carefully evaluate institutional support systems, as low graduation rates can indicate underlying program challenges regardless of cost.
Where do Iowa computer science graduates typically find employment?
Iowa hosts major technology employers including Principal Financial Group in Des Moines and John Deere's technology divisions in Moline and other locations. The state's insurance and agricultural technology sectors provide steady demand for software developers and data analysts. Many graduates also transition to larger tech markets in Chicago, Minneapolis, or Kansas City while benefiting from Iowa's lower cost of living during their studies.
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.