2026 Best Value Computer Programming Schools in Iowa
[Computer Programming](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-programming/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 11 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for computer programming students.
What’s on this page:
2026 Best Value Computer Programming Schools in Iowa
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in computer programming, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Computer Programming Schools
Our analysis ranked Indian Hills Community College the best value for a degree in computer programming in Iowa. Indian Hills Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Ottumwa. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,040, compared with $6,120 for out-of-state students. Computer Programming graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, computer programming degree recipients from Indian Hills Community College generally make around $63,559. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Kirkwood Community College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value computer programming schools. Kirkwood Community College is a large public school located in the city of Cedar Rapids. In-state tuition and fees average $6,176, with out-of-state students paying around $8,220. Students borrow a median of $15,737 to complete the computer programming program here. Computer Programming graduates of Kirkwood Community College earn a median of $39,216 early in their careers. Set against $15,737 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in computer programming will find it at Des Moines Area Community College, which ranked #3. Located in the suburb of Ankeny, Des Moines Area Community College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,790, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. Typical student debt for computer programming graduates is $14,956. Computer Programming graduates of Des Moines Area Community College earn a median of $43,121 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Iowa Western Community College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value computer programming schools. Set in the suburb of Council Bluffs, Iowa Western Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,930, with out-of-state students paying around $7,080. Students borrow a median of $15,153 to complete the computer programming program here. Computer Programming graduates of Iowa Western Community College earn a median of $43,444 early in their careers. Set against $15,153 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Maharishi University Of Management earned it the #5 place for computer programming. Located in the town of Fairfield, Maharishi University Of Management is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $16,530 in tuition and fees. Computer Programming graduates of Maharishi University Of Management earn a median of $73,644 early in their careers. Maharishi University Of Management admits about 96% of applicants.
More Computer Programming Rankings
View All Computer Programming Rankings >
Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 11 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
