Top 3 Computer Science Programs in Iowa 2025
Grinnell College
62 computer science graduates annually, 98% graduation rate
Maharishi International University
334 computer science graduates annually, 55% graduation rate
Iowa State University
106 computer science graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
- 1.Iowa offers 26+ accredited computer science programs across public and private universities
- 2.Grinnell College leads with 98% graduation rate
- 3.Iowa software developers earn median $89,450 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City
- 5.Cost of living index: 90.1% of US average (below average)
Computer Science Education in Iowa: Overview
Iowa offers 26 accredited computer science programs, producing approximately 815 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, with major employers including Principal Financial, Wellmark, Rockwell Collins.
With a median software developer salary of $89,450 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 90.1% compared to the US average, Iowa offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers.
The top computer science programs in the state are led by Grinnell College, Maharishi International University, Iowa State University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Iowa Computer Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grinnell College | Grinnell, IA | Private | $64,342 | 98% | 72.7 |
| 2 | Maharishi International University | Fairfield, IA | Private | $16,000 | 55% | 64.7 |
| 3 | Iowa State University | Ames, IA | Public | $8,982 | 99% | 62 |
| 4 | University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA | Public | $9,016 | 93% | 61.6 |
| 5 | William Penn University | Oskaloosa, IA | Private | $28,750 | 95% | 46.4 |
| 6 | Dordt University | Sioux Center, IA | Private | $35,360 | 87% | 44.1 |
| 7 | Buena Vista University | Storm Lake, IA | Private | $40,190 | 94% | 44 |
| 8 | Northwestern College | Orange City, IA | Private | $35,000 | 99% | 43.9 |
| 9 | Simpson College | Indianola, IA | Private | $45,306 | 87% | 43.8 |
| 10 | Clarke University | Dubuque, IA | Private | $38,400 | 81% | 43.3 |
| 11 | Grand View University | Des Moines, IA | Private | $32,800 | 99% | 42.7 |
| 12 | Drake University | Des Moines, IA | Private | $49,466 | — | 42.6 |
| 13 | Luther College | Decorah, IA | Private | $49,650 | — | 38.1 |
| 14 | Briar Cliff University | Sioux City, IA | Private | $33,369 | — | 38.1 |
| 15 | Saint Ambrose University | Davenport, IA | Private | $35,318 | — | 37.1 |
| 16 | Coe College | Cedar Rapids, IA | Private | $52,226 | — | 36.6 |
| 17 | University of Northern Iowa | Cedar Falls, IA | Public | $8,396 | — | 36.5 |
| 18 | Cornell College | Mount Vernon, IA | Private | $49,970 | — | 36 |
| 19 | Central College | Pella, IA | Private | $20,988 | — | 34.4 |
| 20 | Mount Mercy University | Cedar Rapids, IA | Private | $38,070 | — | 32.3 |
| 21 | Graceland University-Lamoni | Lamoni, IA | Private | $32,500 | — | 31.5 |
| 22 | Loras College | Dubuque, IA | Private | $36,454 | — | 31.4 |
| 23 | Wartburg College | Waverly, IA | Private | $48,490 | — | 31.3 |
| 24 | Upper Iowa University | Fayette, IA | Private | $18,000 | — | 30 |
| 25 | Emmaus Bible College | Dubuque, IA | Private | $20,000 | — | 29.5 |
Top 5 Computer Science Programs in Iowa: Side-by-Side
| School | Grinnell College | Maharishi International | Iowa State | U of Iowa | William Penn |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $64,342 | $16,000 | $8,982 | $9,016 | $28,750 |
| Graduation Rate | 98% | 55% | 99% | 93% | 95% |
| Annual Graduates | 62 | 334 | 106 | 110 | 1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 13% | 97% | 89% | 85% | 57% |
| Type | Private | Private | Public | Public | Private |
| Score | 72.7/100 | 64.7/100 | 62.0/100 | 61.6/100 | 46.4/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Science in Iowa
Iowa offers 26 bachelor's-level computer science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Grinnell College, Iowa State University, University of Iowa. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $62,615 in the Iowa market.
A bachelor's in computer science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Science Bachelor's Programs in Iowa
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Grinnell College | $64,342 | 98% | 62 | 72.7 |
| #2 Iowa State | $8,982 | 99% | 106 | 62.0 |
| #3 U of Iowa | $9,016 | 93% | 110 | 61.6 |
Top Computer Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Iowa
For graduate study, Iowa offers 3 master's-level computer science programs. Leading institutions include Maharishi International University, Iowa State University, University of Iowa. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Iowa reaching $116,285 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best computer science master's programs for more options beyond Iowa.
Top 3 Computer Science Master's Programs in Iowa
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Maharishi International | $16,000 | 55% | 334 | 64.7 |
| #2 Iowa State | $8,982 | 99% | 29 | 49.7 |
| #3 U of Iowa | $9,016 | 93% | 26 | 48.3 |
Most Affordable Computer Science Colleges in Iowa
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer science programs in Iowa are at University of Northern Iowa ($8,396/year), Iowa State University ($8,982/year), University of Iowa ($9,016/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Iowa's competitive tech salaries.
At University of Northern Iowa, a 4-year degree costs approximately $33,584 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $62,615, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 1.2 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Science Programs in Iowa (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Northern Iowa | $8,396 | $33,584 | 1.2 years | Public |
| #2 Iowa State | $8,982 | $35,928 | 1.3 years | Public |
| #3 U of Iowa | $9,016 | $36,064 | 1.3 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Science Schools in Iowa
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer science programs in Iowa, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Grinnell College
Grinnell, IA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $64,342 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 98% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 62 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 13%
- • Ranking Score: 72.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 98% graduation rate
- 62 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 72.7 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (98%), program size (62 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (13% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Grinnell College offers a Computer Science major with graduates working at top technology companies including Apple, Amazon, and other major employers across diverse industries and locations.
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: Apple, Amazon, Amazon Web Services, Allstate Corporation, Anchorage Digital, Airtable
Maharishi International University
Fairfield, IA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $16,000 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 55% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 334 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 97%
- • Ranking Score: 64.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 55% graduation rate
- 334 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 64.7 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (55%), program size (334 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (97% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Iowa State University
Ames, IA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,982 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 106 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 89%
- • Ranking Score: 62.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 106 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 62.0 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (106 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (89% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Iowa State's Computer Science program offers direct admission into the major with immediate course enrollment in the first year, plus structured undergraduate research opportunities through rotating lab experiences.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Four years of English
- •Three years of science with at least two years of lab science focusing on biology, chemistry, or physics
- •Three years of math including algebra and geometry
- •Two years of social studies
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,016 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 93% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 110 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 85%
- • Ranking Score: 61.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- 110 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 61.6 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (93%), program size (110 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (85% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Iowa's computer science and engineering program is the first in the state and one of only 12 programs nationwide that offer accredited degrees in this major, seeking accreditation by both the Engineering Accreditation Council and the Computing Accreditation Council. The program admits students directly into engineering with exceptionally strong employer demand for graduates whose background combines computer science and engineering skills.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Available Scholarships
Admission Prerequisites
- •MATH:1010 with minimum grade of C-
- •MATH:1340 with minimum grade of C-
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.75
- Transfer Friendly
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: 96 percent of Iowa graduates are employed, continuing education, or not seeking work within six months of graduating
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Rankings & Recognition
- U.S. News & World Report ranks Iowa's undergraduate program in the top third of engineering programs nationwide
- Engineering majors hold eight of the top ten spots on the list of top-paid majors for bachelor's degree graduates
William Penn University
Oskaloosa, IA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $28,750 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 57%
- • Ranking Score: 46.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 1 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 46.4 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (1 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (57% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
Full Stack Developer
SOC 15-1252Full Stack Developer opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
Systems Architect
SOC 15-1252Systems Architect opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
Technical Lead
SOC 15-1252Technical Lead opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
Computer Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City
- You're seeking lower cost of living (90.1% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Principal Financial or Wellmark
- You prefer Iowa's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Iowa's 26)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Computer Science in Iowa FAQ
Based on 25 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Science degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Iowa-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Iowa salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.