2027 Best Value Computer Programming Schools in Iowa

[Computer Programming](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-programming/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 7 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for computer programming students.
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2027 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
Leading the list is Kirkwood Community College, our #1 best value for computer programming in Iowa. Kirkwood Community College is a large public school located in the city of Cedar Rapids. Students from in state pay about $6,176 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,220 for out-of-state students. Computer Programming graduates carry a median of $15,737 in student loans. Early-career computer programming graduates make about $39,216. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #2 makes Indian Hills Community College one of the best values for computer programming. Indian Hills Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Ottumwa. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $6,120. 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. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt.
Des Moines Area Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in computer programming, landing the #3 spot this year. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. Typical student debt for computer programming graduates is $14,956. Early-career computer programming graduates make about $43,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Eastern Iowa Community College District is a great value for students pursuing a degree in computer programming, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Davenport, Eastern Iowa Community College District is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,848, while out-of-state students pay about $6,456. Typical student debt for computer programming graduates is $15,995. Early-career computer programming graduates make about $41,510. Set against $15,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in computer programming will find it at Iowa Western Community College, which ranked #5. Set in the suburb of Council Bluffs, Iowa Western Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,930, while out-of-state students pay about $7,080. Typical student debt for computer programming graduates is $15,153. Early-career computer programming graduates make about $43,444. Set against $15,153 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Maharishi University Of Management ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value computer programming schools. Maharishi University Of Management is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Fairfield. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,530. Soon after graduation, computer programming degree recipients from Maharishi University Of Management generally make around $73,644. The acceptance rate is 96%.
Morningside College placed #7 among the best values for computer programming. Set in the city of Sioux City, Morningside College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,519. Students borrow a median of $27,281 to complete the computer programming program here. Soon after graduation, computer programming degree recipients from Morningside College generally make around $54,988. Set against $27,281 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.
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Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 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.