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2026 Best Value General Computer Programming Schools in the The Plains States Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general computer programming, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value General Computer Programming Schools
Leading the list is St Charles Community College, our #1 best value for general computer programming in the The Plains States Region. St Charles Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Cottleville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,810, while out-of-state students pay about $7,620. General Computer Programming graduates carry a median of $12,606 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general computer programming degree recipients from St Charles Community College generally make around $47,228. Set against $12,606 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Southeast Community College Area is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general computer programming, landing the #2 spot this year. Southeast Community College Area is a large public school located in the city of Lincoln. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,444, compared with $4,032 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,935 to complete the general computer programming program here. General Computer Programming graduates of Southeast Community College Area earn a median of $44,877 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,935 median debt.
A rank of #3 makes Ozarks Technical Community College one of the best values for general computer programming. Located in the city of Springfield, Ozarks Technical Community College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,256, with out-of-state students paying around $7,040. Typical student debt for general computer programming graduates is $11,964. Early-career general computer programming graduates make about $37,074. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in general computer programming will find it at North Hennepin Community College, which ranked #4. Set in the suburb of Brooklyn Park, North Hennepin Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,061. Students borrow a median of $21,241 to complete the general computer programming program here. General Computer Programming graduates of North Hennepin Community College earn a median of $52,492 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Des Moines Area Community College earned it the #5 place for general computer programming. Des Moines Area Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Ankeny. In-state tuition and fees average $5,790, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. General Computer Programming graduates carry a median of $14,956 in student loans. General Computer Programming graduates of Des Moines Area Community College earn a median of $43,121 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
ADBLOCK #101
Dakota County Technical College came in at #6 for value in general computer programming this year. Dakota County Technical College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Rosemount. In-state tuition and fees average $6,679. General Computer Programming graduates carry a median of $13,474 in student loans. General Computer Programming graduates of Dakota County Technical College earn a median of $50,429 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,474 median debt.
Iowa Western Community College earned the #7 position for value in general computer programming this year. Located in the suburb of Council Bluffs, Iowa Western Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,930, while out-of-state students pay about $7,080. Students borrow a median of $15,153 to complete the general computer programming program here. Early-career general computer programming graduates make about $43,444. That is a strong return on a $15,153 median debt.
Missouri Southern State University landed the #8 spot for general computer programming value this year. Missouri Southern State University is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Joplin. Students from in state pay about $9,600 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,300 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general computer programming graduates is $22,241. General Computer Programming graduates of Missouri Southern State University earn a median of $39,434 early in their careers. Set against $22,241 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%.
Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College landed the #9 spot for general computer programming value this year. Set in the city of Saint Paul, Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,326. General Computer Programming graduates carry a median of $17,650 in student loans. General Computer Programming graduates of Saint Paul College A Community And Technical College earn a median of $38,179 early in their careers. Set against $17,650 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Minneapolis Community And Technical College landed the #10 spot for general computer programming value this year. Set in the city of Minneapolis, Minneapolis Community And Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,161. General Computer Programming graduates carry a median of $22,600 in student loans. Early-career general computer programming graduates make about $55,069. Set against $22,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
[General Computer Programming](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-programming/general-computer-programming/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong general computer programming education at a price that pays off.
