Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Iowa 2025
Iowa State University
349 software engineering graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
Grinnell College
62 software engineering graduates annually, 98% graduation rate
University of Iowa
170 software engineering graduates annually, 93% graduation rate
- 1.Iowa offers 21+ accredited software engineering programs across public and private universities
- 2.Iowa State University leads with 99% 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)
Software Engineering Education in Iowa: Overview
Iowa offers 21 accredited software engineering programs, producing approximately 1,107 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 software engineering programs in the state are led by Iowa State University, Grinnell College, University of Iowa, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Iowa Software Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iowa State University | Ames, IA | Public | $8,982 | 99% | 76.7 |
| 2 | Grinnell College | Grinnell, IA | Private | $64,342 | 98% | 71.8 |
| 3 | University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA | Public | $9,016 | 93% | 65.2 |
| 4 | Maharishi International University | Fairfield, IA | Private | $16,000 | 55% | 64.7 |
| 5 | William Penn University | Oskaloosa, IA | Private | $28,750 | 95% | 48.5 |
| 6 | Northwestern College | Orange City, IA | Private | $35,000 | 99% | 43.6 |
| 7 | Clarke University | Dubuque, IA | Private | $38,400 | 81% | 43.1 |
| 8 | Grand View University | Des Moines, IA | Private | $32,800 | 99% | 42.4 |
| 9 | Simpson College | Indianola, IA | Private | $45,306 | 87% | 40.2 |
| 10 | Briar Cliff University | Sioux City, IA | Private | $33,369 | — | 37.9 |
| 11 | Luther College | Decorah, IA | Private | $49,650 | — | 37.6 |
| 12 | Saint Ambrose University | Davenport, IA | Private | $35,318 | — | 36.7 |
| 13 | Coe College | Cedar Rapids, IA | Private | $52,226 | — | 36.3 |
| 14 | University of Northern Iowa | Cedar Falls, IA | Public | $8,396 | — | 35.9 |
| 15 | Morningside University | Sioux City, IA | Private | $36,680 | — | 35.7 |
| 16 | Cornell College | Mount Vernon, IA | Private | $49,970 | — | 35.6 |
| 17 | Central College | Pella, IA | Private | $20,988 | — | 34.1 |
| 18 | Mount Mercy University | Cedar Rapids, IA | Private | $38,070 | — | 32.1 |
| 19 | Loras College | Dubuque, IA | Private | $36,454 | — | 31.1 |
| 20 | Upper Iowa University | Fayette, IA | Private | $18,000 | — | 28.7 |
| 21 | Eastern Iowa Community College District | Davenport, IA | Public | $4,680 | — | 27.4 |
Top 5 Software Engineering Programs in Iowa: Side-by-Side
| School | Iowa State | Grinnell College | U of Iowa | Maharishi International | William Penn |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $8,982 | $64,342 | $9,016 | $16,000 | $28,750 |
| Graduation Rate | 99% | 98% | 93% | 55% | 95% |
| Annual Graduates | 349 | 62 | 170 | 376 | 5 |
| Acceptance Rate | 89% | 13% | 85% | 97% | 57% |
| Type | Public | Private | Public | Private | Private |
| Score | 76.7/100 | 71.8/100 | 65.2/100 | 64.7/100 | 48.5/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Software Engineering in Iowa
Iowa offers 20 bachelor's-level software engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Iowa State University, Grinnell College, University of Iowa. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $62,615 in the Iowa market.
A bachelor's in software engineering typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs in Iowa
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Iowa State | $8,982 | 99% | 349 | 76.7 |
| #2 Grinnell College | $64,342 | 98% | 62 | 71.8 |
| #3 U of Iowa | $9,016 | 93% | 170 | 65.2 |
Top Software Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Iowa
For graduate study, Iowa offers 3 master's-level software engineering 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 software engineering master's programs for more options beyond Iowa.
Top 3 Software Engineering Master's Programs in Iowa
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Maharishi International | $16,000 | 55% | 376 | 64.7 |
| #2 Iowa State | $8,982 | 99% | 59 | 55.9 |
| #3 U of Iowa | $9,016 | 93% | 15 | 45.6 |
Most Affordable Software Engineering Colleges in Iowa
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable software engineering programs in Iowa are at Eastern Iowa Community College District ($4,680/year), University of Northern Iowa ($8,396/year), Iowa State University ($8,982/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Iowa's competitive tech salaries.
At Eastern Iowa Community College District, a 4-year degree costs approximately $18,720 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $62,615, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years. See our Most Affordable Software Engineering Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Software Engineering Programs in Iowa (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Eastern Iowa Community... | $4,680 | $18,720 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #2 U of Northern Iowa | $8,396 | $33,584 | 1.2 years | Public |
| #3 Iowa State | $8,982 | $35,928 | 1.3 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Software Engineering Schools in Iowa
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 software engineering 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.
Iowa State University
Ames, IA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,982 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 349 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 89%
- • Ranking Score: 76.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 349 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 76.7 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (349 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (89% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Grinnell College
Grinnell, IA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $64,342 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 98% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 62 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 13%
- • Ranking Score: 71.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 98% graduation rate
- 62 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 71.8 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 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.
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,016 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 93% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 170 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 85%
- • Ranking Score: 65.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- 170 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 65.2 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (93%), program size (170 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (85% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Maharishi International University
Fairfield, IA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $16,000 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 55% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 376 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 97%
- • Ranking Score: 64.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 55% graduation rate
- 376 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 64.7 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (55%), program size (376 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (97% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
William Penn University
Oskaloosa, IA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $28,750 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 5 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 57%
- • Ranking Score: 48.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 5 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 48.5 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (5 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.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
Software Engineering 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 21)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Software Engineering in Iowa FAQ
Based on 21 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Software Engineering 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.