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Best Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region

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2023 Best Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region

30 Schools Ranked
$10,902 Avg Tuition & Fees*

Today's computer science students have lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. You can choose a traditional brick and mortar school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend a school half-way across the country without even leaving your house. Alternatively, you may choose a trade school or bootcamp that prepares you to enter the workforce with knowledge in a specific field.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Computer Science Degree Search has developed this Best Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Our analysis looked at 30 schools in the Plains States Region to see which basic certificate programs offered the best educational experiences for computer science students. Factors related to overall quality of the school, post-graduation earnings, average student debt, and more accumulated were considered when coming up with this list.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region of the U.S.

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Lake Area Technical Institute

Watertown, South Dakota
$6,718 Average Tuition & Fees

Our analysis found Lake Area Technical Institute to be the best school for computer science students who want to pursue a basic certificate in the Plains States Region .

If you want to attend LATI, expect to pay an average of $6,718 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid.

Some students may be able to take online classes at LATI. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 44% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Lake Area Technical Institute Report

#2

North Hennepin Community College

Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
$4,882 Average Tuition & Fees

Out of the 30 schools in the Plains States Region that were part of this year’s ranking, North Hennepin Community College landed the # 2 spot on the list.

The average tuition and fees at North Hennepin Community College is $4,882. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid.

Some students may be able to take online classes at North Hennepin Community College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 86% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on North Hennepin Community College

#3

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis, Missouri
$48,824 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Saint Louis University. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region list.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $48,824 to cover tuition and fees at SLU. The school does not offer an in-state discount.

One thing to take note of is that SLU does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 83% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#4

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Minneapolis, Minnesota
$15,254 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Best Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region list.

In-state students pay an average of $15,254 in tuition and fees if they attend UMN Twin Cities full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $33,818.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at UMN Twin Cities. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 91% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Report

The excellent basic certificate programs at Des Moines Area Community College helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best computer science schools in the Plains States Region .

Online courses are available at DMACC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 63% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Des Moines Area Community College Report

#6

University of Missouri - Columbia

Columbia, Missouri
$11,475 Average Tuition & Fees

University of Missouri - Columbia landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best basic certificate computer science programs.

Full-time students from Missouri pay an average of $11,475 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Mizzou. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $30,450.

Online courses are available at Mizzou, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2019-2020 about 94% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#7

Kansas State University

Manhattan, Kansas
$10,420 Average Tuition & Fees

Kansas State University ranked #7 on this year’s Best Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region list.

In-state students pay an average of $10,420 in tuition and fees if they attend K -State full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $26,491.

K -State does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 70% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Kansas State University

#8

Dunwoody College of Technology

Minneapolis, Minnesota
$23,863 Average Tuition & Fees

Dunwoody College of Technology ranked #8 on this year’s Best Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region list.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $23,863 to cover tuition and fees at Dunwoody College of Technology. The school does not offer an in-state discount.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Dunwoody College of Technology. During the 2019-2020 year, about 92% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Dunwoody College of Technology Report

$3,195 Average Tuition & Fees

Metropolitan Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for computer science students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #9 on the list.

Full-time students from Nebraska pay an average of $3,195 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend MCC. Out-of-state students pay an average of $4,680.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at MCC. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 68% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Metropolitan Community College

#10

Central Community College

Grand Island, Nebraska
$3,210 Average Tuition & Fees

Central Community College ranked #10 on this year’s Best Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region list.

In-state students pay an average of $3,210 in tuition and fees if they attend Central Community College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $4,590.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Central Community College. During the 2019-2020 year, about 69% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#11

Dakota State University

Madison, South Dakota
$9,633 Average Tuition & Fees

Dakota State University landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best basic certificate computer science programs.

Full-time students from South Dakota pay an average of $9,633 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Dakota State. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $12,735.

Dakota State does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In fact, around 73% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Dakota State University Report

$9,146 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #12, Minnesota State University - Mankato did quite well on this year’s best schools for computer science students working on their basic certificate.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Minnesota State Mankato is $9,146. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $18,200.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Minnesota State Mankato. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 47% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Minnesota State University - Mankato Report

#13

Southeast Technical College

Sioux Falls, South Dakota
$7,650 Average Tuition & Fees

Southeast Technical College ranked #13 on this year’s Best Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region list.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $7,650 to cover tuition and fees at Southeast Tech. The school does not offer an in-state discount.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Southeast Tech. In fact, around 45% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Southeast Technical College Report

#14

Normandale Community College

Bloomington, Minnesota
$5,789 Average Tuition & Fees

Normandale Community College landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best basic certificate computer science programs.

If you want to attend Normandale Community College, expect to pay an average of $5,789 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid.

One thing to take note of is that Normandale Community College does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 92% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Normandale Community College

#15

Dakota County Technical College

Rosemount, Minnesota
$6,208 Average Tuition & Fees

Dakota County Technical College ranked #15 on this year’s Best Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region list.

The average tuition and fees at DCTC is $6,208. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid.

Online courses are available at DCTC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 80% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#16

Johnson County Community College

Overland Park, Kansas
$2,688 Average Tuition & Fees

Johnson County Community College landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best basic certificate computer science programs.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at JCCC is $2,688. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $5,352.

Some students may be able to take online classes at JCCC. During the 2019-2020 year, about 84% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Johnson County Community College

#17

Capella University

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Capella University came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region ranking.

If you are interested in distance education, Capella University is an excellent choice, since the school is online.

Read full report on Capella University

#18

Northeast Community College

Norfolk, Nebraska
$3,750 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #18, Northeast Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for computer science students working on their basic certificate.

Full-time students from Nebraska pay an average of $3,750 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Northeast. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $5,010.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Northeast. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 35% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Northeast Community College Report

#19

Kirkwood Community College

Cedar Rapids, Iowa
$5,308 Average Tuition & Fees

Kirkwood Community College ranked #19 on this year’s Best Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Kirkwood Community College is $5,308. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,072.

One thing to take note of is that Kirkwood Community College does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2019-2020 year, about 86% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Kirkwood Community College

#20

Grantham University

Lenexa, Kansas
$8,280 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #20, Grantham University did quite well on this year’s best schools for computer science students working on their basic certificate.

The average tuition and fees at Grantham University is $8,280. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid.

If you are interested in distance education, Grantham University is an excellent choice, since the school is online.

Read full report on Grantham University

#21

Missouri State University - Springfield

Springfield, Missouri
$8,294 Average Tuition & Fees

Missouri State University - Springfield ranked #21 on this year’s Best Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Missouri State is $8,294. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $16,498.

Online courses are available at Missouri State, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. During the 2019-2020 year, about 59% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

$5,906 Average Tuition & Fees

Minneapolis Community and Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for computer science students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #22 on the list.

If you want to attend Minneapolis Community and Technical College, expect to pay an average of $5,906 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Minneapolis Community and Technical College does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 47% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#23

Rasmussen University - Minnesota

St. Cloud, Minnesota
$13,558 Average Tuition & Fees

Rasmussen University - Minnesota came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Best Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region ranking.

Rasmussen University - Minnesota does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $13,558. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Rasmussen University - Minnesota. During the 2019-2020 year, about 99% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Rasmussen University - Minnesota

#24

Grand View University

Des Moines, Iowa
$30,954 Average Tuition & Fees

Grand View University ranked #24 on this year’s Best Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region list.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $30,954 to cover tuition and fees at Grand View University. The school does not offer an in-state discount.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Grand View University. During the 2019-2020 year, about 28% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#25

Hennepin Technical College

Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
$5,741 Average Tuition & Fees

Hennepin Technical College ranked #25 on this year’s Best Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region list.

If you want to attend Hennepin Technical College, expect to pay an average of $5,741 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid.

Hennepin Technical College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2019-2020 year, about 64% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

View Best Basic Certificate Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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