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DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 15
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 11.07), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Computer Science (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Computer Science (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Computer Science (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Computer Science (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Computer Science (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Computer Science (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "AS in Computer Science" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "AS in Computer Science" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Computer Science" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BS in Computer Science" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Software Development & Engineering (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Software Development & Engineering (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Software Development & Engineering (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Software Development & Engineering (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Software Engineering (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Software Engineering (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Software Engineering Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Software Engineering Boot Camp (All Degree Levels)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Software Engineering (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Software Engineering (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Computer Science - Software Engineering" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BS in Computer Science - Software Engineering" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MS in Information Technology - Software Application Development" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MS in Information Technology - Software Application Development" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Science & Engineering Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Science & Engineering Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Science & Engineering Diploma Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Science & Engineering Diploma Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Computer Information Systems" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "BS in Computer Information Systems" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 12
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 8 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.8
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 8
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 3 offers with relevance >= 1.0
2026 Best Value Computer Science Schools in Iowa
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in computer science, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Computer Science Schools
Grinnell College tops our 2026 list of the best value computer science schools in Iowa. Set in the town of Grinnell, Grinnell College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,196 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $16,375 to complete the computer science program here. Soon after graduation, computer science degree recipients from Grinnell College generally make around $84,449. That is a strong return on a $16,375 median debt. Grinnell College admits about 14% of applicants.
A rank of #2 makes Iowa State University one of the best values for computer science. Set in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for computer science graduates is $24,663. Early-career computer science graduates make about $78,517. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants.
University Of Northern Iowa is a great value for students pursuing a degree in computer science, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Cedar Falls, University Of Northern Iowa is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Students borrow a median of $26,200 to complete the computer science program here. Early-career computer science graduates make about $65,960. That is a strong return on a $26,200 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%.
Maharishi University Of Management is a great value for students pursuing a degree in computer science, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the town of Fairfield, Maharishi University Of Management is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,530. Computer Science graduates of Maharishi University Of Management earn a median of $114,993 early in their careers. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Iowa is a great value for students pursuing a degree in computer science, landing the #5 spot this year. University Of Iowa is a very large public school located in the city of Iowa City. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Computer Science graduates carry a median of $24,463 in student loans. Soon after graduation, computer science degree recipients from University Of Iowa generally make around $57,375. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%.
ADBLOCK #101
Simpson College landed the #6 spot for computer science value this year. Located in the town of Indianola, Simpson College is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $47,656. Typical student debt for computer science graduates is $25,000. Early-career computer science graduates make about $70,950. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Simpson College admits about 86% of applicants.
Saint Ambrose University earned the #7 position for value in computer science this year. Located in the city of Davenport, Saint Ambrose University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $36,658. Students borrow a median of $27,528 to complete the computer science program here. Soon after graduation, computer science degree recipients from Saint Ambrose University generally make around $57,252. That is a strong return on a $27,528 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%.
Cornell College came in at #8 for value in computer science this year. Set in the town of Mount Vernon, Cornell College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,660. Computer Science graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, computer science degree recipients from Cornell College generally make around $35,545. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cornell College admits about 80% of applicants.
[Computer Science](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-science/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
