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Key Takeaways
Iowa State University is the standout public value: 99% graduation rate, ABET-accredited, dual CAE-CDE/CAE-R designation, and $8,982/yr in-state tuition
Strong research focus in AI and data science, with direct recruiting ties to John Deere, Rockwell Collins, and Principal Financial in the Des Moines-Cedar Rapids corridor
Grinnell College ranks #1 overall with a 98% graduation rate, but at $64,342/yr it serves a different audience than the public flagships
University of Iowa rounds out the top three at $9,016/yr with a 93% graduation rate, offering a research-tier alternative in Iowa City
Iowa CS graduates earn an $89,450 median salary, below the national average, but the state's low cost of living makes take-home dollars stretch further
Principal Financial, Wellmark, Rockwell Collins, and John Deere are the main CS employers across Des Moines and Cedar Rapids
26 accredited CS programs statewide, heavily weighted toward private liberal arts colleges
Dordt University, Simpson College, Northwestern College, and Drake University all offer small-campus CS degrees with 87%+ graduation rates
5 online CS programs available, with Iowa State offering the most recognized online option
Limited community college options compared to neighboring states, only 1 associate's program is available
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Iowa Computer Science programs
We rank 32 accredited computer science programs in Iowa using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Are Computer Science Degree Programs in Iowa Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Computer Science Degree Rankings in Iowa
Compare the top-ranked Computer Science programs in Iowa by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Computer Science Programs in Iowa
Program Landscape
Iowa ranks among the nation's top destinations for computer science education, with 26 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 3 public and 23 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Grinnell College, Iowa State, U of Iowa, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Iowa computer science programs earn a median salary of $76,033, 23% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Principal Financial, Wellmark, Rockwell Collins.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $8,396 to $64,342 annually, with an average of $34,050/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 90%, with the highest reaching 99%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Iowa's leading technology employers. For students seeking computer science degrees in Iowa, these top-ranked computer science schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Show all 18 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Coe College | Cedar Rapids, IA | Private nonprofit | $54,316 | 66% | 74.5 |
| #7 | University of Northern Iowa | Cedar Falls, IA | Public | $8,564 | 68% | 73.0 |
| #8 | Northwestern College | Orange City, IA | Private nonprofit | $36,400 | 66% | 70.9 |
| #9 | Cornell College | Mount Vernon, IA | Private nonprofit | $51,970 | 62% | 70.6 |
| #10 | Saint Ambrose University | Davenport, IA | Private nonprofit | $36,378 | 61% | 69.3 |
| #11 | Central College | Pella, IA | Private nonprofit | $20,988 | 66% | 68.1 |
| #12 | Simpson College | Indianola, IA | Private nonprofit | $46,750 | 63% | 68.1 |
| #13 | Mount Mercy University | Cedar Rapids, IA | Private nonprofit | $39,878 | 58% | 66.6 |
| #14 | Clarke University | Dubuque, IA | Private nonprofit | $39,550 | 56% | 65.9 |
| #15 | William Penn University | Oskaloosa, IA | Private nonprofit | $29,750 | 33% | 65.1 |
| #16 | Loras College | Dubuque, IA | Private nonprofit | $37,912 | 68% | 64.9 |
| #17 | Maharishi International University | Fairfield, IA | Private nonprofit | $16,000 | 50% | 60.6 |
| #18 | Grand View University | Des Moines, IA | Private nonprofit | $34,112 | 54% | 59.6 |
Best Master's Computer Science Programs in Iowa
Program Landscape
Iowa offers 3 master's degree programs in computer science, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Maharishi International, Iowa State, U of Iowa, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Iowa earn a median salary of $89,450, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Principal Financial, Wellmark, Rockwell Collins actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $11,333/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Iowa's computer science schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Maharishi International University
Best Doctoral Computer Science Programs in Iowa
Program Landscape
Iowa is home to 2 doctoral programs in computer science, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at Iowa State, U of Iowa are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Iowa PhD holders earning a median of $111,813, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Principal Financial, Wellmark, Rockwell Collins.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Iowa programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing computer science degrees in Iowa, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
Computer Science Degree Costs & Tuition in Iowa
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $34,050/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $85,125/year |
| Community college tuition | $8,513/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $204,300 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $51,074 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Computer Science Students in Iowa
State Aid Programs
Iowa residents pursuing computer science degrees have access to strong state and federal financial aid programs. The Iowa Tuition Grant provides need-based grants specifically for Iowa residents attending private institutions, making programs at schools like Grinnell College and Drake University more accessible. All students can access federal aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines eligibility for Pell Grants, federal loans, and work-study opportunities. The federal government provides comprehensive resources on aid eligibility and application procedures through Federal Student Aid.
Key Programs & Amounts
Public institutions in Iowa, particularly those governed by the Iowa Board of Regents, offer additional financial advantages. Iowa State University and University of Iowa, the state's top-ranked computer science programs, charge average public in-state tuition of approximately $8,798 for four-year institutions. Beyond tuition assistance, many institutions offer merit-based scholarships, departmental awards, and graduate assistantships. Students transferring from Iowa's community colleges benefit from the Iowa LACTS Agreement, which ensures seamless course transfer and reduces overall degree costs. Prospective students should explore institution-specific aid packages through each school's financial aid office and use College Scorecard to compare net price and aid availability across Iowa's 34 institutions offering computer science programs.
Computer Science Degree ROI Calculator, Iowa
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a computer science degree in Iowa. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Computer Science Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a computer science degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$133,333
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Computer Science Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Iowa metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Des Moines | $98K |
| Cedar Rapids | $94K |
| Iowa City | $89K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Computer Science Graduates in Iowa
Find computer science jobs in Iowa. These major employers across Iowa metro areas are actively hiring computer science degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Computer Science Jobs in Des Moines
IAComputer Science Jobs in Cedar Rapids
IATransfer Pathways for Computer Science Degrees in Iowa
State Transfer System
Iowa provides seamless transfer pathways for computer science students through the Iowa LACTS Agreement, a comprehensive statewide transfer system ensuring community college credits transfer directly to four-year institutions. This agreement protects students by guaranteeing that courses completed at Iowa's 31 two-year institutions will transfer with full credit toward bachelor's degrees at regent universities and other participating four-year institutions. The framework eliminates course redundancy, reduces time-to-degree, and keeps education costs low by allowing students to complete general education and foundational computer science courses at community colleges before transferring. Iowa currently supports 3 associate's programs in computer science, providing accessible entry points for students beginning their higher education journey.
How Transfers Work
Transfer students often benefit from lower tuition costs at community colleges and flexible scheduling before transitioning to universities like Iowa State University or the University of Iowa, where they complete upper-level coursework and specializations. The Iowa Board of Regents maintains detailed articulation agreements outlining course equivalencies and ensuring transfer credit acceptance. Students should verify specific program requirements with their target four-year institution, as some upper-level computer science courses may have prerequisites best completed at the transfer-receiving university. The Iowa Tuition Grant provides additional need-based financial support for Iowa residents attending private institutions, helping transfer students manage costs. For more information on program options, explore best bachelor's programs and most affordable programs to identify institutions welcoming transfer students.
Why Pursue a Computer Science Degree in Iowa?
Industry & Workforce
Iowa offers a strong landscape for computer science education with 34 institutions offering programs across all degree levels (IPEDS). The state supports 436 bachelor's degree completions annually, reflecting strong academic infrastructure and employer demand. Leading institutions like Iowa State University and the University of Iowa consistently rank among the nation's best computer science programs, providing students access to faculty and advanced research opportunities. Iowa's affordability advantage is significant, public in-state tuition averages just $8,798 compared to the national average, making quality education accessible to more students (College Scorecard).
Salary Outlook
Iowa's strategic location and thriving tech sector create excellent career prospects for graduates. Major metropolitan areas including Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City host significant technology employers such as UnityPoint Health, Principal Financial, and Wells Fargo. Students benefit from proximity to these innovation hubs while maintaining low cost of living. The state's commitment to higher education through institutions governed by the Iowa Board of Regents ensures consistent program quality and support services. For specialized career paths, students can explore related programs like Software Engineering in Iowa, Data Science in Iowa, or Cybersecurity in Iowa to complement their computer science foundation.
Computer Science Program Availability in Iowa
Source: IPEDS 2024
Computer Science Job Market & Salary Data in Iowa
Employment Outlook
Iowa's computer science job market is supported by a diverse range of employers and growing opportunities across the state's major metropolitan areas. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Iowa's tech sector continues to expand, with demand concentrated in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities region. Des Moines and West Des Moines serve as the largest tech hubs, attracting computer science professionals to financial services and healthcare technology roles. Cedar Rapids and Iowa City also represent significant employment centers, each with distinct industry focuses that create varied career pathways for graduates.
Salaries by Metro
The state's major employers, including UnityPoint Health, Principal Financial, Wells Fargo, and the University of Iowa, actively recruit computer science graduates for software development, data analysis, and infrastructure roles. Iowa State University and the University of Iowa together produce 283 bachelor's degree completions annually, providing a steady pipeline of talent to regional employers. Students completing degrees at top-ranked programs like Iowa State University and the University of Iowa gain access to established internship networks and employer partnerships. For broader context on national salary trends and role projections, the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook provides detailed Iowa-specific wage and employment data.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Computer Science Programs in Iowa
Online Programs
5 available in Iowa
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Computer Science Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 78
- Median Tuition
- $31,000
- Total Programs
- 33
- Median Tuition
- $9,600
- Total Programs
- 42
- Median Tuition
- $12,800
- Total Programs
- 10
- Median Tuition
- $7,800
- Total Programs
- 22
- Median Tuition
- $6,500
- Total Programs
- 50
- Median Tuition
- $13,000
- Total Programs
- 193
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 45
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
Computer Science Degree Programs in Iowa: FAQ
What are the best computer science degree programs in Iowa?
How much do computer science degree programs cost in Iowa?
What salary can computer science degree graduates earn in Iowa?
Are there online computer science degree programs in Iowa?
What companies hire computer science degree graduates in Iowa?
Is a computer science degree program worth it in Iowa?
How long do computer science degree programs take in Iowa?
What financial aid is available for computer science degree students in Iowa?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Iowa salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.