2026 Best Value Computer Science Schools in Iowa

1

Grinnell College
Grinnell, IA

Grinnell College tops our 2026 list of the best value computer science schools in Iowa. Set in the town of Grinnell, Grinnell College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,196 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $16,375 to complete the computer science program here. Soon after graduation, computer science degree recipients from Grinnell College generally make around $84,449. That is a strong return on a $16,375 median debt. Grinnell College admits about 14% of applicants.

2

Iowa State University
Ames, IA

A rank of #2 makes Iowa State University one of the best values for computer science. Set in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for computer science graduates is $24,663. Early-career computer science graduates make about $78,517. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants.

3

University Of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA

University Of Northern Iowa is a great value for students pursuing a degree in computer science, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Cedar Falls, University Of Northern Iowa is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Students borrow a median of $26,200 to complete the computer science program here. Early-career computer science graduates make about $65,960. That is a strong return on a $26,200 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%.

4

Maharishi University Of Management
Fairfield, IA

Maharishi University Of Management is a great value for students pursuing a degree in computer science, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the town of Fairfield, Maharishi University Of Management is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,530. Computer Science graduates of Maharishi University Of Management earn a median of $114,993 early in their careers. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa is a great value for students pursuing a degree in computer science, landing the #5 spot this year. University Of Iowa is a very large public school located in the city of Iowa City. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Computer Science graduates carry a median of $24,463 in student loans. Soon after graduation, computer science degree recipients from University Of Iowa generally make around $57,375. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%.

6

Simpson College
Indianola, IA

Simpson College landed the #6 spot for computer science value this year. Located in the town of Indianola, Simpson College is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $47,656. Typical student debt for computer science graduates is $25,000. Early-career computer science graduates make about $70,950. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Simpson College admits about 86% of applicants.

7

Saint Ambrose University
Davenport, IA

Saint Ambrose University earned the #7 position for value in computer science this year. Located in the city of Davenport, Saint Ambrose University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $36,658. Students borrow a median of $27,528 to complete the computer science program here. Soon after graduation, computer science degree recipients from Saint Ambrose University generally make around $57,252. That is a strong return on a $27,528 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%.

8

Cornell College
Mount Vernon, IA

Cornell College came in at #8 for value in computer science this year. Set in the town of Mount Vernon, Cornell College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,660. Computer Science graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, computer science degree recipients from Cornell College generally make around $35,545. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cornell College admits about 80% of applicants.