First UMKC is a good school. Not as good as the other location in Columbia, Missouri (U of M) I hear. It has a reasonably strong CS department for a state schoo

First UMKC is a good school. Not as good as the other location in Columbia, Missouri (U of M) I hear. It has a reasonably strong CS department for a state school. Fort Hays State University is most likely the better bet. You don't need networking opportunities. You need to be so good that they can't ignore you! The CS degree from any school gives you tools, but it's up to you put it to work. If it were me, I would go as low as possible if you are looking at traditional colleges and give yourself time for side projects. Go with #2