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2026 Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools in the The Plains States Region

87 Colleges in the United States
$20,596 Avg Student Debt
$51,319 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Badge [Computer & Information Sciences](/majors/computer-information-sciences/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong computer & information sciences education at a price that pays off.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 255 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for computer & information sciences students.

What’s on this page:

2026 Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools in the The Plains States Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in computer & information sciences, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools

1

Leading the list is Metropolitan Community College Area, our #1 best value for computer & information sciences in the The Plains States Region. Located in the city of Omaha, Metropolitan Community College Area is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,375, while out-of-state students pay about $4,950. Typical student debt for computer & information sciences graduates is $14,340. Early-career computer & information sciences graduates make about $48,719. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2
Crowder College crest
Crowder College
Neosho, MO

A rank of #2 makes Crowder College one of the best values for computer & information sciences. Set in the town of Neosho, Crowder College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,104, with out-of-state students paying around $5,784. Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $9,887 in student loans. Computer & Information Sciences graduates of Crowder College earn a median of $32,289 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,887 median debt.

3
Central Community College crest
Central Community College
Grand Island, NE

A rank of #3 makes Central Community College one of the best values for computer & information sciences. Central Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Grand Island. In-state tuition and fees average $3,360, with out-of-state students paying around $4,800. Students borrow a median of $10,000 to complete the computer & information sciences program here. Early-career computer & information sciences graduates make about $43,218. That is a strong return on a $10,000 median debt.

4

A rank of #4 makes Indian Hills Community College one of the best values for computer & information sciences. Located in the town of Ottumwa, Indian Hills Community College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $6,120. Students borrow a median of $12,417 to complete the computer & information sciences program here. Early-career computer & information sciences graduates make about $60,852. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

5

A rank of #5 makes Saint Louis Community College one of the best values for computer & information sciences. Located in the suburb of Bridgeton, Saint Louis Community College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,660, compared with $6,990 for out-of-state students. Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $11,424 in student loans. Early-career computer & information sciences graduates make about $38,235. That is a strong return on a $11,424 median debt.

6

Metropolitan Community College Kansas City placed #6 among the best values for computer & information sciences. Set in the city of Kansas City, Metropolitan Community College Kansas City is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,630 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,600 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,038 to complete the computer & information sciences program here. Early-career computer & information sciences graduates make about $46,804. Set against $11,038 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

7

Southeast Community College Area earned the #7 position for value in computer & information sciences this year. Set in the city of Lincoln, Southeast Community College Area is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,444, while out-of-state students pay about $4,032. Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $19,140 in student loans. Computer & Information Sciences graduates of Southeast Community College Area earn a median of $55,738 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

8

Western Nebraska Community College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value computer & information sciences schools. Set in the town of Scottsbluff, Western Nebraska Community College is a small public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,840, with out-of-state students paying around $4,410. Typical student debt for computer & information sciences graduates is $14,507. Early-career computer & information sciences graduates make about $62,413. That is a strong return on a $14,507 median debt.

9

Northeast Community College earned the #9 position for value in computer & information sciences this year. Located in the town of Norfolk, Northeast Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,840, with out-of-state students paying around $5,130. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete the computer & information sciences program here. Computer & Information Sciences graduates of Northeast Community College earn a median of $37,509 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

10

St Charles Community College placed #10 among the best values for computer & information sciences. St Charles Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Cottleville. Students from in state pay about $3,810 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,620. Typical student debt for computer & information sciences graduates is $12,606. Early-career computer & information sciences graduates make about $47,228. That is a strong return on a $12,606 median debt.

11

North Hennepin Community College came in at #11 for value in computer & information sciences this year. Set in the suburb of Brooklyn Park, North Hennepin Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,061 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for computer & information sciences graduates is $15,751. Soon after graduation, computer & information sciences degree recipients from North Hennepin Community College generally make around $52,492. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

12

Bismarck State College landed the #12 spot for computer & information sciences value this year. Set in the city of Bismarck, Bismarck State College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,247 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,331. Typical student debt for computer & information sciences graduates is $19,101. Soon after graduation, computer & information sciences degree recipients from Bismarck State College generally make around $61,364. That is a strong return on a $19,101 median debt.

13

Ozarks Technical Community College landed the #13 spot for computer & information sciences value this year. Ozarks Technical Community College is a large public school located in the city of Springfield. In-state tuition and fees average $4,256, compared with $7,040 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for computer & information sciences graduates is $12,991. Soon after graduation, computer & information sciences degree recipients from Ozarks Technical Community College generally make around $37,642. Set against $12,991 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

14
Century College crest
Century College
White Bear Lake, MN

Century College landed the #14 spot for computer & information sciences value this year. Set in the suburb of White Bear Lake, Century College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,214. Typical student debt for computer & information sciences graduates is $20,000. Early-career computer & information sciences graduates make about $47,502. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

15

Riverland Community College came in at #15 for value in computer & information sciences this year. Riverland Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Austin. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,297. Typical student debt for computer & information sciences graduates is $15,732. Soon after graduation, computer & information sciences degree recipients from Riverland Community College generally make around $49,194. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

16

Western Iowa Tech Community College placed #16 among the best values for computer & information sciences. Western Iowa Tech Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Sioux City. Students from in state pay about $5,186 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,330 for out-of-state students. Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $8,875 in student loans. Computer & Information Sciences graduates of Western Iowa Tech Community College earn a median of $23,745 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

17
Kirkwood Community College crest
Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids, IA

Kirkwood Community College came in at #17 for value in computer & information sciences this year. Kirkwood Community College is a large public school located in the city of Cedar Rapids. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,176, while out-of-state students pay about $8,220. Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $16,753 in student loans. Soon after graduation, computer & information sciences degree recipients from Kirkwood Community College generally make around $39,915. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

18
Hennepin Technical College crest
Hennepin Technical College
Brooklyn Park, MN

Hennepin Technical College earned the #18 position for value in computer & information sciences this year. Hennepin Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Brooklyn Park. Students from in state pay about $5,940 in tuition and fees. Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $20,998 in student loans. Computer & Information Sciences graduates of Hennepin Technical College earn a median of $46,775 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,998 median debt.

19
South Central College crest
South Central College
North Mankato, MN

South Central College landed the #19 spot for computer & information sciences value this year. South Central College is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of North Mankato. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,146. Typical student debt for computer & information sciences graduates is $13,139. Computer & Information Sciences graduates of South Central College earn a median of $46,447 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

20
Truman State University crest
Truman State University
Kirksville, MO

Truman State University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value computer & information sciences schools. Set in the town of Kirksville, Truman State University is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,838, compared with $18,566 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the computer & information sciences program here. Early-career computer & information sciences graduates make about $39,764. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%.

21

Hawkeye Community College landed the #21 spot for computer & information sciences value this year. Located in the rural area of Waterloo, Hawkeye Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,525, compared with $6,612 for out-of-state students. Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $17,001 in student loans. Early-career computer & information sciences graduates make about $40,873. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

22

Wichita Area Technical College placed #22 among the best values for computer & information sciences. Set in the city of Wichita, Wichita Area Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,237. Students borrow a median of $11,828 to complete the computer & information sciences program here. Computer & Information Sciences graduates of Wichita Area Technical College earn a median of $35,358 early in their careers. Set against $11,828 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

23

Des Moines Area Community College ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value computer & information sciences schools. Des Moines Area Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Ankeny. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,790, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for computer & information sciences graduates is $17,399. Early-career computer & information sciences graduates make about $66,093. That is a strong return on a $17,399 median debt.

24

Eastern Iowa Community College District ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value computer & information sciences schools. Eastern Iowa Community College District is a large public school located in the city of Davenport. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,848, compared with $6,456 for out-of-state students. Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $15,995 in student loans. Computer & Information Sciences graduates of Eastern Iowa Community College District earn a median of $41,510 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,995 median debt.

25

University Of Minnesota Morris placed #25 among the best values for computer & information sciences. Set in the town of Morris, University Of Minnesota Morris is a small public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,526, while out-of-state students pay about $16,710. Computer & Information Sciences graduates carry a median of $19,993 in student loans. Early-career computer & information sciences graduates make about $55,441. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Computer & Information Sciences Schools

These schools also delivered strong value for computer & information sciences this year:

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Jefferson College crest
Jefferson College
Hillsboro, MO
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Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 255 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 87 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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