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

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

Highlighting Quality Schools With More Affordable Prices

30 Schools Ranked
$9,486 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. Also there are many trade schools and bootcamps that offer short-term programs that open up more career options.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Computer Science Degree Search has created its Best Value 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 value experiences for computer science students with the aim of identifying those quality schools that are more affordable than some of their counterparts.

When determining this ranking, we place a high emphasis on the school's quality as well as its sticker price. Even though a college may be affordable, it may not offer value. Specifically, our score for quality is discounted by the published tuition and fees charged by the given college. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The more quality your dollar buys, the better the value.

Our calculations use out-of-state tuition and fees in our nationwide and regional rankings. For statewide rankings, we use average in-state tuition and fees.

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

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

North Hennepin Community College

Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
128 Total Awards
$4,882 Average Tuition & Fees

Our 2023 rankings named North Hennepin Community College the best value school in the Plains States Region for computer science students working on their basic certificate. Located in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, the medium-sized public school awarded 128 diplomas to qualifed basic certificate students in 2020-2021.

North Hennepin Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $4,882 in tuition and fees each year.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since North Hennepin Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 86% took at least some of their classes online.

North Hennepin Community College did well in our overall quality rankings, too. It placed #2 on our Best Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region list.

Read full report on North Hennepin Community College

#2

Central Community College

Grand Island, Nebraska
52 Total Awards
$4,590 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent basic certificate programs at Central Community College helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the best value computer science schools in the Plains States Region . Central Community College is a public institution located in Grand Island, Nebraska. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 52 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Central Community College are $4,590 per year.

One thing to take note of is that Central Community College does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 69% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Central Community College

12 Total Awards
$4,680 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent basic certificate programs at Metropolitan Community College helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the best value computer science schools in the Plains States Region . This fairly large public school is located in Omaha, Nebraska, and it awarded 12 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at MCC are $4,680 per year.

One thing to take note of is that MCC does offer online classes in some areas. 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

#4

Lake Area Technical Institute

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

Out of the 30 schools in the Plains States Region that were part of this year’s value ranking, Lake Area Technical Institute landed the # 4 spot on the list. This small public school is located in Watertown, South Dakota, and it awarded 6 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at LATI are $6,718 per year.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at LATI. In fact, around 44% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

In addition to its best value ranking, and one of the reasons why the school is on the list, LATI is ranked #1 for overall quality in the Plains States Region .

Full Lake Area Technical Institute Report

#5

Johnson County Community College

Overland Park, Kansas
28 Total Awards
$5,352 Average Tuition & Fees

Out of the 30 schools in the Plains States Region that were part of this year’s value ranking, Johnson County Community College landed the # 5 spot on the list. JCCC is a fairly large public school situated in Overland Park, Kansas. It awarded 28 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

JCCC undergraduate students pay an average of $5,352 in tuition and fees each year.

Some students may be able to take online classes at JCCC. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 84% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Johnson County Community College

#6

Normandale Community College

Bloomington, Minnesota
4 Total Awards
$5,789 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #6, Normandale Community College did quite well on this year’s best value schools for computer science students working on their basic certificate. Normandale Community College is located in Bloomington, Minnesota and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 4 basic certificates to qualified students.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Normandale Community College are $5,789 per year.

Online courses are available at Normandale Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In fact, around 92% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#7

Northeast Community College

Norfolk, Nebraska
44 Total Awards
$5,010 Average Tuition & Fees

Northeast Community College ranked #7 on this year’s Best Value Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region list. This medium-sized public school is located in Norfolk, Nebraska, and it awarded 44 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Northeast undergraduate students pay an average of $5,010 in tuition and fees each year.

One thing to take note of is that Northeast does offer online classes in some areas. 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

#8

Dakota County Technical College

Rosemount, Minnesota
9 Total Awards
$6,208 Average Tuition & Fees

Dakota County Technical College came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Located in Rosemount, Minnesota, the small public school handed out 9 basic certificate awards in 2020-2021.

DCTC undergraduate students pay an average of $6,208 in tuition and fees each year.

DCTC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 80% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Dakota County Technical College

#9

Southeast Technical College

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

Southeast Technical College landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value basic certificate computer science programs. Located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the small public school handed out 11 basic certificate awards in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Southeast Tech are $7,650 a year.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Southeast Tech. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 45% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Southeast Technical College Report

53 Total Awards
$10,440 Average Tuition & Fees

Des Moines Area Community College landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value basic certificate computer science programs. DMACC is a large public school situated in Ankeny, Iowa. It awarded 53 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at DMACC are $10,440 a year.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at DMACC. In fact, around 63% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

DMACC did well in our overall quality rankings, too. It placed #5 on our Best Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region list.

Full Des Moines Area Community College Report

#11

Hennepin Technical College

Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
15 Total Awards
$5,741 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #11, Hennepin Technical College did quite well on this year’s best value schools for computer science students working on their basic certificate. Located in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, the small public school awarded 15 diplomas to qualifed basic certificate students in 2020-2021.

Hennepin Technical College undergraduate students pay an average of $5,741 in tuition and fees each year.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Hennepin Technical College. In 2019-2020 about 64% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

107 Total Awards
$5,906 Average Tuition & Fees

Minneapolis Community and Technical College came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the medium-sized public school handed out 107 basic certificate awards in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Minneapolis Community and Technical College are $5,906 a year.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. 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…

#13

Kirkwood Community College

Cedar Rapids, Iowa
75 Total Awards
$7,072 Average Tuition & Fees

Kirkwood Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for computer science students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #13 on the list. Located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the fairly large public school awarded 75 diplomas to qualifed basic certificate students in 2020-2021.

Kirkwood Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $7,072 in tuition and fees each year.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Kirkwood 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 More…

#14

Grantham University

Lenexa, Kansas
29 Total Awards
$8,280 Average Tuition & Fees

Grantham University landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value basic certificate computer science programs. Grantham University is a medium-sized private for-profit school located in Lenexa, Kansas that handed out 29 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Grantham University undergraduate students pay an average of $8,280 in tuition and fees each year.

Interested in an online degree? Then you definitely want to check out Grantham University. Every undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Full Grantham University Report

#15

Dakota State University

Madison, South Dakota
36 Total Awards
$12,735 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #15, Dakota State University did quite well on this year’s best value schools for computer science students working on their basic certificate. Dakota State is located in Madison, South Dakota and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 36 basic certificates to qualified students.

Dakota State undergraduate students pay an average of $12,735 in tuition and fees each year.

One thing to take note of is that Dakota State does offer online classes in some areas. In 2019-2020 about 73% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#16

Saint Louis Community College

Saint Louis, Missouri
43 Total Awards
$7,155 Average Tuition & Fees

Saint Louis Community College ranked #16 on this year’s Best Value Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region list. Located in Saint Louis, Missouri, the fairly large public school handed out 43 basic certificate awards in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Saint Louis Community College are $7,155 per year.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Saint Louis Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 80% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Saint Louis Community College

#16

Saint Paul College

Saint Paul, Minnesota
4 Total Awards
$6,041 Average Tuition & Fees

Saint Paul College ranked #16 on this year’s Best Value Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region list. Saint Paul College is a public institution located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 4 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Saint Paul College are $6,041 per year.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Saint Paul College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 75% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Saint Paul College

#18

Park University

Parkville, Missouri
3 Total Awards
$8,853 Average Tuition & Fees

Park University ranked #18 on this year’s Best Value Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region list. Located in Parkville, Missouri, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school awarded 3 diplomas to qualifed basic certificate students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Park University are $8,853 a year.

Park University 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 91% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#19

St Charles Community College

Cottleville, Missouri
12 Total Awards
$6,900 Average Tuition & Fees

St Charles Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for computer science students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #19 on the list. SCC is a medium-sized public school situated in Cottleville, Missouri. It awarded 12 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

SCC undergraduate students pay an average of $6,900 in tuition and fees each year.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at SCC. 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 St Charles Community College Report

46 Total Awards
$18,200 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #20, Minnesota State University - Mankato did quite well on this year’s best value schools for computer science students working on their basic certificate. Mankato, Minnesota is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 46 students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Minnesota State Mankato are $18,200 per year.

Minnesota State Mankato does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 47% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Minnesota State University - Mankato Report

#21

Capella University

Minneapolis, Minnesota
12 Total Awards
$14,148 Average Tuition & Fees

Capella University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for computer science students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #21 on the list. This large private for-profit school is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and it awarded 12 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Capella University are $14,148 a year.

Capella University is primarily an online school, so it is a great choice for returning adults and students who work full time.

Read More…

#22

Rasmussen University - Minnesota

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

Rasmussen University - Minnesota ranked #22 on this year’s Best Value Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region list. Rasmussen University - Minnesota is a private for-profit institution located in St. Cloud, Minnesota. The school has a small population, and it awarded 5 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Rasmussen University - Minnesota are $13,558 a year.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Rasmussen University - Minnesota. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 99% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Rasmussen University - Minnesota

#23

Dunwoody College of Technology

Minneapolis, Minnesota
2 Total Awards
$23,863 Average Tuition & Fees

Dunwoody College of Technology landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value basic certificate computer science programs. Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 2 basic certificate awards in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Dunwoody College of Technology are $23,863 per year.

One thing to take note of is that Dunwoody College of Technology does offer online classes in some areas. In 2019-2020 about 92% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Dunwoody College of Technology

#24

Kansas State University

Manhattan, Kansas
1 Total Awards
$26,491 Average Tuition & Fees

Kansas State University landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best value basic certificate computer science programs. This large public school is located in Manhattan, Kansas, and it awarded 1 basic certificates in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at K -State are $26,491 per year.

One thing to take note of is that K -State does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2019-2020 year, about 70% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

K -State also claimed a spot on our Best Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools in the Plains States Region list. It’s in the top 20% of all schools in this category.

Read full report on Kansas State University

#25

Missouri State University - Springfield

Springfield, Missouri
40 Total Awards
$16,498 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #25, Missouri State University - Springfield did quite well on this year’s best value schools for computer science students working on their basic certificate. Springfield, Missouri is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 40 students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Missouri State are $16,498 per year.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Missouri State does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 59% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Missouri State University - Springfield

View Best Value Basic Certificate Computer Science Basic Certificate Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • 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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