Best Computer Science Schools in Iowa

Iowa has 8 colleges offering Computer Science programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 191 recent graduates. Graduates earn $67,647 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $68,504.

School choice matters significantly: Grinnell College graduates earn $91,744 while Cornell College graduates earn $42,682 — a $49,062 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

8
Schools in IA
$67,647
IA Avg. Earnings
$68,504
National Avg.
312
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Computer Science in Iowa

Public Schools (2)
$66,067
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (6)
$68,174
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $2,107 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Computer Science Schools in Iowa, Ranked by Earnings

#1
G

Grinnell College

Grinnell, IA · Private

$91,744
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $70,658
Graduates: 36
Acceptance: 12.7%
#2
L

Luther College

Decorah, IA · Private

$75,518
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $66,195
Graduates: 21
Acceptance: 73.3%
#3
S

Simpson College

Indianola, IA · Private

$74,576
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 88.9%
#4
I

Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public

$71,734
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $71,184
Graduates: 81
Acceptance: 89.1%
#5
M

Mount Mercy University

Cedar Rapids, IA · Private

$63,005
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 78.8%
#6
C

Coe College

Cedar Rapids, IA · Private

$61,516
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 70.7%
#7
U

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA · Public

$60,399
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $56,120
Graduates: 53
Acceptance: 94.4%
#8
C

Cornell College

Mount Vernon, IA · Private

$42,682
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 80.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Computer Science in Iowa?
Grinnell College ranks #1 for Computer Science in Iowa with median graduate earnings of $91,744 within two years of graduation. There are 8 schools offering Computer Science programs in the state.
How much do Computer Science graduates earn in Iowa?
Computer Science graduates in Iowa earn an average of $67,647 within two years of graduation. This is 1% below the national average of $68,504 for this major.
What is the hardest Computer Science school to get into in Iowa?
Grinnell College is the most selective Computer Science program in Iowa with an acceptance rate of 12.7%. The average acceptance rate across Computer Science programs in the state is 73.6%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Computer Science in Iowa?
In Iowa, private Computer Science programs produce average earnings of $68,174 vs $66,067 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 2 public and 6 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Iowa

All colleges in Iowa →

Computer Science in Other States

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.