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Most Popular Online Computer Science Schools in the Plains States Region

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2023 Most Popular Online Computer Science Schools in the Plains States Region

61 Schools Ranked
$43,395 Average Earnings
$25,414 Avg Student Debt

With all the computer science programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best for you. As online education opportunities continue to grow, you're not restricted to just schools in your local area anymore. Even some of the 'big name' schools are offering online courses. Also there are many trade schools and bootcamps that offer short-term programs that open up more career options.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Computer Science Degree Search has developed this Most Popular Online Computer Science Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. This report analyzed 61 schools in the Plains States Region to see which ones had the most popular online programs for computer science students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from schools with online programs.

Learn more about these popular schools with online programs:

#1

Bellevue University

Bellevue, Nebraska
626 Total Awards
$54,053 Average Earnings
$29,741 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Bellevue University to be the most popular school for computer science students in the Plains States Region . Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Bellevue, Nebraska. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 626 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $29,741 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Bellevue University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $54,053 during the early years of their career. Around 25% of those degree recipients were women.

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#2

Capella University

Minneapolis, Minnesota
481 Total Awards
$61,758 Average Earnings
$36,349 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Capella University helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular computer science schools in the Plains States Region . This large private for-profit school is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and it awarded 481 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $36,349 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Capella University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $61,758 during the early year of their career. Around 35% of those degree recipients were women.

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#3

Dakota State University

Madison, South Dakota
429 Total Awards
$49,355 Average Earnings
$28,216 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Dakota State University helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular computer science schools in the Plains States Region . Madison, South Dakota is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 429 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $28,216 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Dakota State, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $49,355 during the early years of their career. Around 20% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Dakota State University

#4

Park University

Parkville, Missouri
249 Total Awards
$46,849 Average Earnings
$24,858 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Park University is a great place for computer science students. Park University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in Parkville, Missouri that handed out 249 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $24,858 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Park University graduates make an average of $46,849 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 21% were women.

Full Park University Report

200 Total Awards
$43,454 Average Earnings
$28,036 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Fort Hays State University. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Most Popular Online Computer Science Schools in the Plains States Region list. FHSU is a public institution located in Hays, Kansas. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 200 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,036 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $165, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, FHSU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,454 during the early year of their career. Around 24% of those degree recipients were women.

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#6

Grantham University

Lenexa, Kansas
178 Total Awards
$55,745 Average Earnings
$28,781 Avg Student Debt

Grantham University came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Computer Science Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Grantham University is a medium-sized private for-profit school situated in Lenexa, Kansas. It awarded 178 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,781 in student loans.After graduating from Grantham University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $55,745 during the early years of their career. Around 15% of those degree recipients were women.

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#7

North Hennepin Community College

Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
153 Total Awards
$42,370 Average Earnings
$24,533 Avg Student Debt

North Hennepin Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for computer science students. It came in at #7 on the list. Located in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, the medium-sized public school handed out 153 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,533 in student loans. During the early years of their career, North Hennepin Community College graduates make an average of $42,370 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 22% were women.

Full North Hennepin Community College Report

#8

University of Missouri - St Louis

Saint Louis, Missouri
222 Total Awards
$45,753 Average Earnings
$27,595 Avg Student Debt

University of Missouri - St Louis did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for computer science students. It came in at #8 on the list. UMSL is located in Saint Louis, Missouri and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 222 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,595 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $120. During the early years of their career, UMSL graduates make an average of $45,753 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 29% were women.

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#9

Central Community College

Grand Island, Nebraska
99 Total Awards
$35,791 Average Earnings
$10,096 Avg Student Debt

Central Community College came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Computer Science Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. Located in Grand Island, Nebraska, the medium-sized public school handed out 99 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,096 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Central Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,791 during the early year of their career. Around 13% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Central Community College

#11

University of Missouri - Columbia

Columbia, Missouri
290 Total Awards
$46,901 Average Earnings
$21,797 Avg Student Debt

University of Missouri - Columbia did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for computer science students. It came in at #11 on the list. Located in Columbia, Missouri, the large public school handed out 290 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,797 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $398. During the early years of their career, Mizzou graduates make an average of $46,901 annually. Around 37% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of Missouri - Columbia Report

71 Total Awards
$17,068 Avg Student Debt

American Business and Technology University landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular computer science programs. St Joseph, Missouri is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 71 students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $17,068 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 17% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on American Business and Technology University

#13

Southwestern College

Winfield, Kansas
71 Total Awards
$49,694 Average Earnings
$27,267 Avg Student Debt

Southwestern College came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Computer Science Schools in the Plains States Region ranking. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Winfield, Kansas, and it awarded 71 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from SC accumulate an average of $27,267 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, SC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $49,694 during the early year of their career. Around 7% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Southwestern College Report

#14

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, Minnesota
231 Total Awards
$45,870 Average Earnings
$25,873 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #14, Saint Cloud State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for computer science students working. St. Cloud State University is a public institution located in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 231 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from St. Cloud State University accumulate an average of $25,873 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, St. Cloud State University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,870 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 26% were women.

Full Saint Cloud State University Report

41 Total Awards
$35,028 Average Earnings
$18,463 Avg Student Debt

Eastern Iowa Community College District did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for computer science students. It came in at #15 on the list. Eastern Iowa Community Colleges is a medium-sized public school situated in Davenport, Iowa. It awarded 41 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $18,463 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,028 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 22% were women.

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#16

Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau, Missouri
148 Total Awards
$35,626 Average Earnings
$24,914 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #16, Southeast Missouri State University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for computer science students working. Southeast Missouri State University is a medium-sized public school located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri that handed out 148 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $24,914 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $144 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Southeast Missouri State University graduates make an average of $35,626 annually. Around 34% of those degree recipients were women.

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#17

Lake Superior College

Duluth, Minnesota
53 Total Awards
$37,585 Average Earnings
$20,849 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #17, Lake Superior College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for computer science students working. LSC is located in Duluth, Minnesota and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 53 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from LSC accumulate an average of $20,849 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, LSC graduates make an average of $37,585 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 25% were women.

Full Lake Superior College Report

#18

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis, Missouri
86 Total Awards
$51,202 Average Earnings
$25,051 Avg Student Debt

Saint Louis University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for computer science students. It came in at #18 on the list. Saint Louis University is a fairly large private not-for-profit school located in Saint Louis, Missouri that handed out 86 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,051 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $511.After graduating from SLU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $51,202 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 30% were women.

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54 Total Awards
$39,038 Average Earnings
$19,353 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #19, Minnesota State Community and Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for computer science students working. Fergus Falls, Minnesota is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 54 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,353 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, M State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,038 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 22% were women.

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#20

Southeast Technical College

Sioux Falls, South Dakota
104 Total Awards
$39,912 Average Earnings
$20,379 Avg Student Debt

Southeast Technical College landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular computer science programs. Southeast Tech is a public institution located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The school has a small population, and it awarded 104 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,379 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Southeast Tech graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,912 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 16% were women.

Full Southeast Technical College Report

256 Total Awards
$63,979 Average Earnings
$24,872 Avg Student Debt

Missouri University of Science and Technology landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular computer science programs. Missouri University of Science and Technology is a medium-sized public school located in Rolla, Missouri that handed out 256 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Missouri University of Science and Technology accumulate an average of $24,872 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $336. During the early years of their career, Missouri University of Science and Technology graduates make an average of $63,979 annually. Around 19% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Missouri University of Science and Technology

#23

Ridgewater College

Willmar, Minnesota
24 Total Awards
$38,961 Average Earnings
$18,601 Avg Student Debt

Ridgewater College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for computer science students. It came in at #23 on the list. Located in Willmar, Minnesota, the small public school awarded 24 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $18,601 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Ridgewater College graduates make an average of $38,961 annually. Around 25% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Ridgewater College Report

#23

Concordia University, Saint Paul

Saint Paul, Minnesota
83 Total Awards
$51,318 Average Earnings
$30,777 Avg Student Debt

Concordia University, Saint Paul landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular computer science programs. Located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 83 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $30,777 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Concordia University, Saint Paul graduates make an average of $51,318 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 28% were women.

Full Concordia University, Saint Paul Report

18 Total Awards
$39,784 Average Earnings
$25,044 Avg Student Debt

Central Methodist University - College of Graduate & Extended Studies did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for computer science students. It came in at #25 on the list. CMU CGES is located in Fayette, Missouri and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 18 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from CMU CGES accumulate an average of $25,044 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from CMU CGES, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $39,784 during the early years of their career. Around 6% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Central Methodist University - College of Graduate & Extended Studies Report

View Most Popular Online Computer Science 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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