2027 Best Value Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications Schools in the The Plains States Region
[Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-systems-networking/internet-technology/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 23 schools to find the best return on investment for computer systems networking and telecommunications students.
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2027 Best Value Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications Schools in the The Plains States Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in computer systems networking and telecommunications, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications Schools
Leading the list is Ozarks Technical Community College, our #1 best value for computer systems networking and telecommunications in the The Plains States Region. Set in the city of Springfield, Ozarks Technical Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,256, compared with $7,040 for out-of-state students. Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications graduates carry a median of $17,101 in student loans. Soon after graduation, computer systems networking and telecommunications degree recipients from Ozarks Technical Community College generally make around $44,381. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Saint Louis Community College earned it the #2 place for computer systems networking and telecommunications. Set in the suburb of Bridgeton, Saint Louis Community College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,660 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,990. Students borrow a median of $11,424 to complete the computer systems networking and telecommunications program here. Early-career computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates make about $38,235. Set against $11,424 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southeast Community College Area earned it the #3 place for computer systems networking and telecommunications. Set in the city of Lincoln, Southeast Community College Area is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,444, with out-of-state students paying around $4,032. Students borrow a median of $14,935 to complete the computer systems networking and telecommunications program here. Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications graduates of Southeast Community College Area earn a median of $44,877 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,935 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Crowder College earned it the #4 place for computer systems networking and telecommunications. Crowder College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Neosho. In-state tuition and fees average $4,104, while out-of-state students pay about $5,784. Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications graduates carry a median of $9,887 in student loans. Early-career computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates make about $32,289. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Jefferson College came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best value computer systems networking and telecommunications schools. Located in the rural area of Hillsboro, Jefferson College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,250, while out-of-state students pay about $8,850. Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications graduates carry a median of $13,664 in student loans. Early-career computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates make about $47,560. That is a strong return on a $13,664 median debt.
South Central College ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value computer systems networking and telecommunications schools. Located in the suburb of North Mankato, South Central College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,146. Students borrow a median of $13,139 to complete the computer systems networking and telecommunications program here. Early-career computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates make about $46,447. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Washburn Institute Of Technology landed the #7 spot for computer systems networking and telecommunications value this year. Set in the city of Topeka, Washburn Institute Of Technology is a small public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,880. Students borrow a median of $11,362 to complete the computer systems networking and telecommunications program here. Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications graduates of Washburn Institute Of Technology earn a median of $39,749 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Iowa Central Community College earned the #8 position for value in computer systems networking and telecommunications this year. Iowa Central Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Fort Dodge. In-state tuition and fees average $5,496, while out-of-state students pay about $7,788. Students borrow a median of $25,375 to complete the computer systems networking and telecommunications program here. Early-career computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates make about $43,253. That is a strong return on a $25,375 median debt.
Bismarck State College placed #9 among the best values for computer systems networking and telecommunications. Bismarck State College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Bismarck. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,247, compared with $7,331 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates is $19,101. Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications graduates of Bismarck State College earn a median of $61,364 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Hawkeye Community College placed #10 among the best values for computer systems networking and telecommunications. Set in the rural area of Waterloo, Hawkeye Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,525, compared with $6,612 for out-of-state students. Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications graduates carry a median of $17,001 in student loans. Early-career computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates make about $40,873. Set against $17,001 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Southwestern Community College Creston earned the #11 position for value in computer systems networking and telecommunications this year. Southwestern Community College Creston is a small public school located in the town of Creston. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,064, while out-of-state students pay about $8,316. Typical student debt for computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates is $15,881. Early-career computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates make about $46,106. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Indian Hills Community College landed the #12 spot for computer systems networking and telecommunications value this year. Indian Hills Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Ottumwa. Students from in state pay about $5,040 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,120 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates is $14,085. Soon after graduation, computer systems networking and telecommunications degree recipients from Indian Hills Community College generally make around $41,166. Set against $14,085 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College came in at #13 for value in computer systems networking and telecommunications this year. Located in the city of Saint Paul, Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,326. Students borrow a median of $16,065 to complete the computer systems networking and telecommunications program here. Early-career computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates make about $38,654. Set against $16,065 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
North Central Kansas Technical College placed #14 among the best values for computer systems networking and telecommunications. Set in the rural area of Beloit, North Central Kansas Technical College is a small public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,350. Median earnings reach $46,928 ten years out.
Western Dakota Technical Institute placed #15 among the best values for computer systems networking and telecommunications. Located in the city of Rapid City, Western Dakota Technical Institute is a small public university. Students from in state pay about $8,294 in tuition and fees. Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications graduates carry a median of $20,049 in student loans. Early-career computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates make about $40,418. That is a strong return on a $20,049 median debt.
Alexandria Technical And Community College placed #16 among the best values for computer systems networking and telecommunications. Alexandria Technical And Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Alexandria. Students from in state pay about $6,236 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates is $14,054. Soon after graduation, computer systems networking and telecommunications degree recipients from Alexandria Technical And Community College generally make around $49,706. That is a strong return on a $14,054 median debt.
Central Lakes College Brainerd earned the #17 position for value in computer systems networking and telecommunications this year. Set in the town of Brainerd, Central Lakes College Brainerd is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,249. Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications graduates carry a median of $14,479 in student loans. Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications graduates of Central Lakes College Brainerd earn a median of $44,264 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Johnson County Community College earned the #18 position for value in computer systems networking and telecommunications this year. Located in the city of Overland Park, Johnson County Community College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $2,424 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,688. Students borrow a median of $13,532 to complete the computer systems networking and telecommunications program here. Early-career computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates make about $46,473. Set against $13,532 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Linn State Technical College ranked #19 on our 2027 list of the best value computer systems networking and telecommunications schools. Set in the rural area of Linn, Linn State Technical College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,160, with out-of-state students paying around $14,610. Typical student debt for computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates is $11,545. Soon after graduation, computer systems networking and telecommunications degree recipients from Linn State Technical College generally make around $41,270. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Iowa Western Community College came in at #20 for value in computer systems networking and telecommunications this year. Set in the suburb of Council Bluffs, Iowa Western Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,930, with out-of-state students paying around $7,080. Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications graduates carry a median of $15,153 in student loans. Soon after graduation, computer systems networking and telecommunications degree recipients from Iowa Western Community College generally make around $43,444. Set against $15,153 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities earned the #21 position for value in computer systems networking and telecommunications this year. Set in the city of Minneapolis, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications graduates of University Of Minnesota Twin Cities earn a median of $68,047 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Minnesota Duluth placed #22 among the best values for computer systems networking and telecommunications. Set in the city of Duluth, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,608 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. Typical student debt for computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates is $26,125. Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications graduates of University Of Minnesota Duluth earn a median of $51,291 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Minnesota Duluth admits about 89% of applicants.
Dunwoody College Of Technology placed #23 among the best values for computer systems networking and telecommunications. Set in the city of Minneapolis, Dunwoody College Of Technology is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $27,477 in tuition and fees. Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications graduates carry a median of $18,000 in student loans. Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications graduates of Dunwoody College Of Technology earn a median of $47,217 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted.
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 23 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 23 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.
