Best colleges for Computer Science in Iowa
Ranked by graduate earnings
Grinnell College, Iowa State University and University of Northern Iowa are the top bachelor's Computer Science programs in Iowa by graduate earnings. Grinnell College leads with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $84,449, College Scorecard. Iowa State University, University of Iowa and Grinnell College award the most Computer Science degrees in Iowa: 189, 108 and 61 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 18 Iowa colleges offer Computer Science and award 816 degrees and certificates a year in all.
The Computer Science program focuses on the study of computation, information, and automation. This field encompasses both theoretical and applied disciplines, making it suitable for individuals interested in technology and…
Top 5 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grinnell College Grinnell Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $84,449 | 61 | 88% | $14,470 | $16,375 |
| 2 | Iowa State University Ames Public · Bachelor's degree | $78,517 | 189 | 75% | — | $24,663 |
| 3 | University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls Public · Bachelor's degree | $65,960 | 35 | 68% | — | $26,200 |
| 4 | Simpson College Indianola Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $70,950 | 6 | 63% | $20,710 | $25,000 |
| 5 | Luther College Decorah Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $63,760 | 13 | 71% | $22,827 | $27,000 |
Colleges awarding the most Computer Science degrees in Iowa
Top 10 by graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25 completions). Certificate and associate programs, online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools, and schools with a graduation rate under 30% are listed in full below.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Starting salary (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iowa State University Ames Public | 189 | $78,517 |
| 2 | University of Iowa Iowa City Public | 108 | Not reported |
| 3 | Grinnell College Grinnell Private not-for-profit | 61 | $84,449 |
| 4 | University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls Public | 35 | $65,960 |
| 5 | Luther College Decorah Private not-for-profit | 13 | $63,760 |
| 6 | Saint Ambrose University Davenport Private not-for-profit | 13 | Not reported |
| 7 | Cornell College Mount Vernon Private not-for-profit | 12 | Not reported |
| 8 | Coe College Cedar Rapids Private not-for-profit | 9 | Not reported |
| 9 | Clarke University Dubuque Private not-for-profit | 8 | Not reported |
| 10 | Grand View University Des Moines Private not-for-profit | 8 | Not reported |
ShowHide the other 8 Iowa colleges offering Computer Science
| Institution | City | Control | Graduates / yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maharishi International University (Online) | Fairfield | Private not-for-profit | 325 |
| Central College | Pella | Private not-for-profit | 7 |
| Loras College | Dubuque | Private not-for-profit | 6 |
| Mount Mercy University | Cedar Rapids | Private not-for-profit | 6 |
| Northwestern College | Orange City | Private not-for-profit | 6 |
| Simpson College | Indianola | Private not-for-profit | 6 |
| Briar Cliff University | Sioux City | Private not-for-profit | 3 |
| Emmaus Bible College | Dubuque | Private not-for-profit | 1 |
Career outlook
What this program leads to: Computer and Information Research Scientists (SOC 15-1221).
Top skills
What Computer and Information Research Scientists earn in Iowa
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing Computer Science programs in Iowa.
Which Iowa colleges award the most Computer Science degrees?+
Iowa State University (189 graduates a year), University of Iowa (108 graduates a year) and Grinnell College (61 graduates a year) award the most Computer Science degrees in Iowa, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 18 Iowa colleges offer Computer Science.
What is the best college for Computer Science in Iowa?+
By graduate earnings, Grinnell College leads among bachelor's Computer Science programs in Iowa, with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $84,449, College Scorecard. Iowa State University and University of Northern Iowa follow. By degrees awarded, Iowa State University is the largest, with 189 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25).
Which Computer Science program in Iowa has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, Grinnell College tops the list at $84,449. Compare it against graduates a year, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.
What is the focus of the Computer Science program?+
The Computer Science program focuses on the study of computation, information, and automation. This field encompasses both theoretical and applied disciplines, making it suitable for individuals interested in technology and…
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop critical thinking, reading comprehension, active listening, speaking, and related professional skills.
What is the job outlook for Computer and Information Research Scientists?+
The national job outlook is about +19.7% growth with around 3,200 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).
What is the typical education requirement?+
A Master's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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