Best Colleges in Iowa for 2024

University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlights the best programs in Iowa.

Iowa is incredibly diversified in its stellar higher learning educational opportunities. Iowa does not offer small four-year public colleges and universities; the three primary four-year public universities comprise the majority of the undergraduate population in Iowa. These are Iowa State University, the University of Northern Iowa, and the University of Iowa. They each have extension locations and online courses so that people in rural areas, people outside of Iowa, and people in other countries are able to receive the same top educational opportunities as those who chose to attend in-state.

You will also find dozens of highly reputable, small private colleges and universities. Some of the best-known include Drake University, Grinnell College, Luther College, Central College, Simpson College, Northwestern College, and the University of Dubuque.

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What are the most popular bachelor’s degrees offered in Iowa?

The industries in Iowa are diversifying and, as a result, so are the degrees. You will find that Iowa is at the top of the financial services and insurance industries in the country. Major tech industries have been moving to Iowa in recent years and Iowa leads the nation in the renewable energy industry. All of these industries impact the degree options and popularity.

Many popular degrees exist in computer science, agriculture, virtual reality, research, entrepreneurship, technology, transportation and logistics, veterinary, and community and regional planning. The following are four of the most popular bachelor’s degrees at all of the major universities:

The top degrees in Iowa include:

Business
Engineering
Health Studies
Human and Life Sciences

How Much Can You Make by Having a Degree in Iowa

Much like anywhere in the US, you have to complete a degree to make more money. With each degree you earn, you can expect that your salary will increase by roughly $10,000 to $15,000 annually. Work experience will also influence your pay. The same is true if you continue to complete certificates throughout your career as a way to improve upon your skills and to remain current in your industry and your field. Remember that online degrees provide schedule flexibility to minimize disruption to your home life and your current work life.

Education Level & National Average Median Compensation

NO FORMAL EDUCATION	HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA	ASSOCIATE DEGREE	BACHELOR’S DEGREE	MASTER’S DEGREE	DOCTORAL DEGREE
$36,816*	$46,748*	$55,016*	$77,636*	$90,324*	$109,668*

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Most Popular Degrees and Careers in Iowa

According to the BLS, the careers with the most employees in the state of Iowa include management, business and financial operations, computer and mathematical occupations, architecture and engineering, legal, education and training, healthcare, technical professions, healthcare support, office and administration support and life, and physical and social sciences. The unemployment rate is significantly below the national average; Iowa ended 2018 with a 2.4% unemployment rate.

Some of the largest employers are within industries such as professional and business services, financial activities, education and health services, government, manufacturing and trade, and transportation and utilities.

Business

Top Business Careers and Salaries

The types of business professions and industries in which you can work throughout Iowa are quite extensive. You can pursue successful careers in finance, management, agriculture business, information security, actuary, and much more. You will also find entry level to CEO positions.

Career Name	Number of Jobs	AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Computer Systems Analyst	7,040	$69,500
Compliance Officer	2,700	$69,700
Personal Financial Advisor	1,620	$63,900
Architecture and Engineering Manager	2,360	$64,700

Computer Systems Analysts: build macro functions into existing computer systems, streamlining repetitive functions and increasing efficiency.
Compliance Officers: manage the company’s actions as they are affected by laws and regulations, keeping up with changing law to make sure the company stays on the right side.
Personal Financial Advisors: help individuals invest their wealth, providing retirement assistance and making sure each persona reaches their financial goals.
Architecture and Engineering Managers: keep track of their respective projects, maintaining high standards while staying in budget and within the expected timeframe.
Marketing Managers: help businesses find customers that are interested in their products and services.
Business Administrators: is a person or persons that perform administrative tasks for their organization.
Business Managers: help businesses manage the business, the team and help ensure operations run smoothly.
Accountant or CPA
Business Development Specialists
Entrepreneur
Economist
Finance Professional
Human Resources Manager
Hospitality Manager
International Business
Organizational Leader
Operations Manager
Project Manager
Supply Chain Manager

Best Iowa Schools for Business

Iowa State University
Drake University
University of Iowa
University of Northern Iowa
Saint Ambrose University

Engineering

Top Engineering Careers and Salaries

A career in engineering can lead to a lifelong career in innovation. These jobs impact the everyday lives of millions worldwide. You can build a bridge, develop a disruptive technology, design a plane, create life-saving medications, and much more.

CAREER NAME	CURRENTLY EMPLOYED	AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Electrical Engineering	1,480	$76,400
Civil Engineering	2,050	$67,100
Mechanical Engineering	3,430	$71,400
Mechanical Engineering Technician	440	$52,300

Electrical Engineers: design, create, and implement technology that generates or uses electricity. Basic mechanical work parts are their forte.
Civil Engineers: build important infrastructure, like bridges and highway systems.
Mechanical Engineers: usually focus on the creation of new mechanical products. Instead of focusing on a power system, like an electrical engineer, they focus on the actual parts of the machine that interact with each other.
Mechanical Engineering Technicians: are responsible for maintenance and improvement for existing machines, whether that’s a large factory machine or a single part.

Software Engineer

Best Iowa Schools for Engineering

University of Iowa
Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa
Dordt College
Luther College

Healthcare

Top Health Studies Careers and Salaries

Careers in health studies vary greatly. You can choose to care for animals or humans, specialize in the type of health and medicine you pursue, and even the age range and specific health issues you deal with. These careers are often physical and require a love of people and a substantial helping of compassion and patience.

CAREER NAME	CURRENTLY EMPLOYED	AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Nurse Practitioner	2,000	$97,500
Physician Assistant	960	$97,800
Veterinarian	1,040	$82,900
Occupational Health and Safety	910	$59,300

Nurse Practitioners: are similar to licensed physicians in the duties they perform and can serve as primary care providers.
Physician Assistants: spend their time performing routine tasks (taking vitals, updating patient charts, etc.), so that doctors can be free to diagnose and treat patients.
Veterinarians: are primary caregivers for animals. They can work with domestics, such as cats and dogs, or branch out into equine or bovine breeds in order to work with ranches to keep their animals healthy.
Occupational Health and Safety: Specialists might work in a factory or on a construction site. They are responsible for keeping track of health and safety codes and keeping workers as safe as possible with signs, rules to follow, and training.
Health Care Administrators: Healthcare admins ensure all necessary resources and policies are in place so the healthcare facility will operate smoothly and efficiently.

Best Iowa Schools for Health Studies

University of Iowa
Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa

Human and Life Sciences

Top Human and Life Sciences Careers and Salaries

When you pursue a career in human and life sciences, you have the opportunity to change the lives of millions of people in a number of ways. You can focus on mental health, physical health, or research. The job opportunities are highly diverse. You might work for a pharmaceutical company, a food manufacturer, or even become a therapist.

CAREER NAME	CURRENTLY EMPLOYED	AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Food Scientist and Technologist	320	$65,200
Conservation Scientist	560	$54,300
Clinical, Counselor and School Psychologist	770	$65,000
Urban and Regional Planners	260	$56,400

Food Scientist and Technologist: often work in a plant in the food industry, checking the quality of the product as it is created.
Conservation Scientists: (or Environmental Scientists) often conduct research on a specific environmental issue, looking to affect policy or solve problems related to conservation.
Clinical, Counselor and School Psychologists: help everyday people deal with psychological or emotional issues, from clinical depression to everyday stress.
Urban and Regional Planners: work to optimize the use of land in a city or region by carefully planning where infrastructure, housing, and businesses will be placed.
Addiction Counselors
Psychologists

Best Iowa Schools for Human and Life Sciences

Grinnell College
Iowa State University
University of Iowa

Additional Careers in Iowa

Want to See All the Iowa Occupational Wage Averages

The top occupations with the highest forecasted growth rate in Iowa

The job opportunities in Iowa are going to be vast throughout the next ten years as the capital of Iowa, Des Moines, is the fastest growing city and metro in the Midwest. It is even growing faster than Portland and Denver, according to the US census. It is important to note that the majority of career paths in Iowa require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree even for an entry-level position. Like many states, the top occupations with the highest forecasted growth rate in Iowa are within the healthcare industry.

Alternative energy jobs continue to grow throughout the state at the highest rate. The same is true of technology-related positions in all industries; however, this is particularly true of new job creation from tech-based businesses, and financial services and education continue to add thousands of jobs each year. The fastest growing jobs this year in Iowa are beginning to diversify the industries and workforce opportunities, including the following:

Occupation	Growth Rate
Wind Turbine Service Technicians	13.2%
Operations Research Analyst	6.2%
Information Security Analyst	6.0%
Actuary	5.7%
Home Health Aide	5.4%
Personal Care Aide	5.4%
Ticket Agent and Travel Clerk	4.9%
Nurse Practitioner	4.8%

Top 15 Best Associate Degree Programs in Iowa

Northwest Iowa Community College

Score: 82.92

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,110
- Out-of-State: $7,410
Net Price: $12,334
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 69%

Graduation Rate: 64%
Total Enrollment: 1,811
Undergrad Students: 1,811
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $47,600
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

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Northeast Iowa Community College

Score: 80.85

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,600
- Out-of-State: $7,470
Net Price: $7,097
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 53%

Graduation Rate: 49%
Total Enrollment: 4,355
Undergrad Students: 4,355
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $39,200
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

North Iowa Area Community College

Score: 80.73

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,436
- Out-of-State: $9,245
Net Price: $6,327
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 72%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 2,479
Undergrad Students: 2,479
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $34,800
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

Indian Hills Community College

Score: 75.1

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,872
- Out-of-State: $6,120
Net Price: $7,142
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 58%

Graduation Rate: 36%
Total Enrollment: 3,361
Undergrad Students: 3,361
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $37,700
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

Southwestern Community College-Creston

Score: 73.77

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,024
- Out-of-State: $7,248
Net Price: $9,973
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 66%

Graduation Rate: 52%
Total Enrollment: 1,581
Undergrad Students: 1,581
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $37,100
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Western Iowa Tech Community College

Score: 73.42

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,042
- Out-of-State: $5,186
Net Price: $7,458
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 57%

Graduation Rate: 42%
Total Enrollment: 5,150
Undergrad Students: 5,150
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $32,700
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Marshalltown Community College

Score: 73.36

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,304
- Out-of-State: $5,808
Net Price: $7,522
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 35%
Total Enrollment: 1,707
Undergrad Students: 1,707
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $36,400
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Southeastern Community College-West Burlington

Score: 71.73

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,450
- Out-of-State: $6,450
Net Price: $9,935
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 69%

Graduation Rate: 39%
Total Enrollment: 2,476
Undergrad Students: 2,476
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $36,800
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

Eastern Iowa Community College District

Score: 71.49

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,680
- Out-of-State: $6,299
Net Price: $7,584
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 63%

Graduation Rate: 39%
Total Enrollment: 7,145
Undergrad Students: 7,145
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $35,800
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

Kirkwood Community College

Score: 69.52

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,980
- Out-of-State: $7,968
Net Price: $8,413
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 36%
Total Enrollment: 12,406
Undergrad Students: 12,406
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $36,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

Iowa Central Community College

Score: 67.36

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,376
- Out-of-State: $7,668
Net Price: $7,984
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 53%

Graduation Rate: 37%
Total Enrollment: 5,058
Undergrad Students: 5,058
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $34,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

Hawkeye Community College

Score: 64.82

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,308
- Out-of-State: $6,598
Net Price: $10,149
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 55%

Graduation Rate: 33%
Total Enrollment: 4,787
Undergrad Students: 4,787
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $36,300
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

Des Moines Area Community College

Score: 62.55

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,550
- Out-of-State: $11,100
Net Price: $9,292
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 63%

Graduation Rate: 34%
Total Enrollment: 21,637
Undergrad Students: 21,637
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $31,900
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

Iowa Lakes Community College

Score: 61.94

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,196
- Out-of-State: $7,644
Net Price: $11,789
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 60%

Graduation Rate: 37%
Total Enrollment: 1,960
Undergrad Students: 1,960
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $34,400
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Iowa Western Community College

Score: 59.82

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,780
- Out-of-State: $6,930
Net Price: $11,569
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 66%

Graduation Rate: 36%
Total Enrollment: 5,342
Undergrad Students: 5,342
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $34,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

Top 25 Best Bachelor's Programs in Iowa

Maharishi International University

Score: 77.85

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,530
- Out-of-State: $16,530
Net Price: $16,979
Acceptance Rate: 94%
Retention Rate: 56%

Graduation Rate: 50%
Total Enrollment: 2,673
Undergrad Students: 681
Graduate Students: 1,992
Grads Salary: $119,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

Iowa State University

Score: 72.71

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,497
- Out-of-State: $27,683
Net Price: $15,310
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 74%
Total Enrollment: 29,969
Undergrad Students: 25,241
Graduate Students: 4,728
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

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University of Iowa

Score: 70.05

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,964
- Out-of-State: $32,927
Net Price: $19,587
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Retention Rate: 89%

Graduation Rate: 74%
Total Enrollment: 30,015
Undergrad Students: 21,973
Graduate Students: 8,042
Grads Salary: $73,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

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Grinnell College

Score: 68.87

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $64,862
- Out-of-State: $64,862
Net Price: $33,467
Acceptance Rate: 11%
Retention Rate: 93%

Graduation Rate: 88%
Total Enrollment: 1,759
Undergrad Students: 1,759
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

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Central College

Score: 67.59

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $20,988
- Out-of-State: $20,988
Net Price: $23,303
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 71%
Total Enrollment: 1,169
Undergrad Students: 1,169
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Loras College

Score: 66.6

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $38,298
- Out-of-State: $38,298
Net Price: $21,886
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 68%
Total Enrollment: 1,319
Undergrad Students: 1,227
Graduate Students: 92
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

University of Northern Iowa

Score: 66.52

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,728
- Out-of-State: $21,272
Net Price: $15,782
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Retention Rate: 83%

Graduation Rate: 64%
Total Enrollment: 8,945
Undergrad Students: 7,735
Graduate Students: 1,210
Grads Salary: $66,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

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Luther College

Score: 66.06

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $50,320
- Out-of-State: $50,320
Net Price: $25,734
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Retention Rate: 81%

Graduation Rate: 74%
Total Enrollment: 1,610
Undergrad Students: 1,610
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

Graceland University-Lamoni

Score: 64.78

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,220
- Out-of-State: $33,220
Net Price: $16,627
Acceptance Rate: 74%
Retention Rate: 61%

Graduation Rate: 48%
Total Enrollment: 1,237
Undergrad Students: 885
Graduate Students: 352
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Saint Ambrose University

Score: 64.02

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,598
- Out-of-State: $35,598
Net Price: $23,359
Acceptance Rate: 74%
Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 64%
Total Enrollment: 2,747
Undergrad Students: 2,118
Graduate Students: 629
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

Drake University

Score: 63.83

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $49,944
- Out-of-State: $49,944
Net Price: $30,333
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Retention Rate: 83%

Graduation Rate: 76%
Total Enrollment: 4,685
Undergrad Students: 2,835
Graduate Students: 1,850
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

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Buena Vista University

Score: 63.57

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $40,190
- Out-of-State: $40,190
Net Price: $19,204
Acceptance Rate: 77%
Retention Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 58%
Total Enrollment: 1,973
Undergrad Students: 1,474
Graduate Students: 499
Grads Salary: $65,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

Coe College

Score: 62.95

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $52,576
- Out-of-State: $52,576
Net Price: $21,237
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 65%
Total Enrollment: 1,264
Undergrad Students: 1,264
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $66,000
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

Cornell College

Score: 62.65

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $50,634
- Out-of-State: $50,634
Net Price: $25,686
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Retention Rate: 80%

Graduation Rate: 63%
Total Enrollment: 1,073
Undergrad Students: 1,058
Graduate Students: 15
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Dordt University

Score: 62.22

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,960
- Out-of-State: $35,960
Net Price: $27,375
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 80%

Graduation Rate: 67%
Total Enrollment: 1,861
Undergrad Students: 1,618
Graduate Students: 243
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Mount Mercy University

Score: 62.19

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $39,070
- Out-of-State: $39,070
Net Price: $24,078
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 57%
Total Enrollment: 1,526
Undergrad Students: 1,271
Graduate Students: 255
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

Wartburg College

Score: 61

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $51,040
- Out-of-State: $51,040
Net Price: $23,683
Acceptance Rate: 97%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 67%
Total Enrollment: 1,444
Undergrad Students: 1,416
Graduate Students: 28
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Grand View University

Score: 59.42

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,450
- Out-of-State: $33,450
Net Price: $20,236
Acceptance Rate: 98%
Retention Rate: 69%

Graduation Rate: 52%
Total Enrollment: 1,827
Undergrad Students: 1,556
Graduate Students: 271
Grads Salary: $66,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

Simpson College

Score: 58.88

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $46,212
- Out-of-State: $46,212
Net Price: $23,185
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Retention Rate: 78%

Graduation Rate: 67%
Total Enrollment: 1,151
Undergrad Students: 1,127
Graduate Students: 24
Grads Salary: $52,600
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

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Clarke University

Score: 57.83

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $39,600
- Out-of-State: $39,600
Net Price: $27,275
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 58%
Total Enrollment: 965
Undergrad Students: 785
Graduate Students: 180
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

Northwestern College

Score: 57.69

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,300
- Out-of-State: $35,300
Net Price: $25,198
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Retention Rate: 78%

Graduation Rate: 63%
Total Enrollment: 1,651
Undergrad Students: 1,153
Graduate Students: 498
Grads Salary: $62,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

Briar Cliff University

Score: 57.52

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,534
- Out-of-State: $35,534
Net Price: $21,620
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 43%
Total Enrollment: 927
Undergrad Students: 709
Graduate Students: 218
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

University of Dubuque

Score: 55.49

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $40,065
- Out-of-State: $40,065
Net Price: $22,879
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 39%
Total Enrollment: 1,776
Undergrad Students: 1,444
Graduate Students: 332
Grads Salary: $66,000
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

Upper Iowa University

Score: 55.2

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $19,000
- Out-of-State: $19,000
Net Price: $24,563
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Retention Rate: 57%

Graduation Rate: 42%
Total Enrollment: 3,072
Undergrad Students: 2,463
Graduate Students: 609
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

William Penn University

Score: 53.78

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $28,750
- Out-of-State: $28,750
Net Price: $20,922
Acceptance Rate: 58%
Retention Rate: 62%

Graduation Rate: 30%
Total Enrollment: 1,473
Undergrad Students: 1,404
Graduate Students: 69
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

Top 20 Best Master's Programs in Iowa

Maharishi International University

Score: 80.39

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $29,000
- Out-of-State: $29,000
Net Price: $16,979
Acceptance Rate: 94%
Retention Rate: 56%

Graduation Rate: 50%
Total Enrollment: 2,673
Undergrad Students: 681
Graduate Students: 1,992
Grads Salary: $119,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

Iowa State University

Score: 76.97

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,996
- Out-of-State: $27,848
Net Price: $15,310
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 74%
Total Enrollment: 29,969
Undergrad Students: 25,241
Graduate Students: 4,728
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

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University of Iowa

Score: 73.8

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,256
- Out-of-State: $32,927
Net Price: $19,587
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Retention Rate: 89%

Graduation Rate: 74%
Total Enrollment: 30,015
Undergrad Students: 21,973
Graduate Students: 8,042
Grads Salary: $73,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

University of Northern Iowa

Score: 69.97

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,030
- Out-of-State: $21,502
Net Price: $15,782
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Retention Rate: 83%

Graduation Rate: 64%
Total Enrollment: 8,945
Undergrad Students: 7,735
Graduate Students: 1,210
Grads Salary: $66,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

Loras College

Score: 69.42

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,410
- Out-of-State: $13,410
Net Price: $21,886
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 68%
Total Enrollment: 1,319
Undergrad Students: 1,227
Graduate Students: 92
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

Graceland University-Lamoni

Score: 68.37

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,796
- Out-of-State: $11,796
Net Price: $16,627
Acceptance Rate: 74%
Retention Rate: 61%

Graduation Rate: 48%
Total Enrollment: 1,237
Undergrad Students: 885
Graduate Students: 352
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Saint Ambrose University

Score: 67.25

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $19,125
- Out-of-State: $19,125
Net Price: $23,359
Acceptance Rate: 74%
Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 64%
Total Enrollment: 2,747
Undergrad Students: 2,118
Graduate Students: 629
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

Buena Vista University

Score: 67.08

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,170
- Out-of-State: $10,170
Net Price: $19,204
Acceptance Rate: 77%
Retention Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 58%
Total Enrollment: 1,973
Undergrad Students: 1,474
Graduate Students: 499
Grads Salary: $65,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

Drake University

Score: 66.78

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,009
- Out-of-State: $12,009
Net Price: $30,333
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Retention Rate: 83%

Graduation Rate: 76%
Total Enrollment: 4,685
Undergrad Students: 2,835
Graduate Students: 1,850
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

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Mount Mercy University

Score: 64.9

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,340
- Out-of-State: $11,340
Net Price: $24,078
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 57%
Total Enrollment: 1,526
Undergrad Students: 1,271
Graduate Students: 255
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

Dordt University

Score: 64.17

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,720
- Out-of-State: $9,720
Net Price: $27,375
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 80%

Graduation Rate: 67%
Total Enrollment: 1,861
Undergrad Students: 1,618
Graduate Students: 243
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Wartburg College

Score: 63.06

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,500
- Out-of-State: $11,500
Net Price: $23,683
Acceptance Rate: 97%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 67%
Total Enrollment: 1,444
Undergrad Students: 1,416
Graduate Students: 28
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Simpson College

Score: 61.48

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,244
- Out-of-State: $7,244
Net Price: $23,185
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Retention Rate: 78%

Graduation Rate: 67%
Total Enrollment: 1,151
Undergrad Students: 1,127
Graduate Students: 24
Grads Salary: $52,600
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

Grand View University

Score: 61.34

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,108
- Out-of-State: $9,108
Net Price: $20,236
Acceptance Rate: 98%
Retention Rate: 69%

Graduation Rate: 52%
Total Enrollment: 1,827
Undergrad Students: 1,556
Graduate Students: 271
Grads Salary: $66,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

Northwestern College

Score: 59.87

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,300
- Out-of-State: $6,300
Net Price: $25,198
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Retention Rate: 78%

Graduation Rate: 63%
Total Enrollment: 1,651
Undergrad Students: 1,153
Graduate Students: 498
Grads Salary: $62,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

Clarke University

Score: 59.48

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,024
- Out-of-State: $12,024
Net Price: $27,275
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 58%
Total Enrollment: 965
Undergrad Students: 785
Graduate Students: 180
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

Briar Cliff University

Score: 58.69

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,268
- Out-of-State: $8,268
Net Price: $21,620
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 43%
Total Enrollment: 927
Undergrad Students: 709
Graduate Students: 218
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

Upper Iowa University

Score: 58.18

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $18,958
- Out-of-State: $18,958
Net Price: $24,563
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Retention Rate: 57%

Graduation Rate: 42%
Total Enrollment: 3,072
Undergrad Students: 2,463
Graduate Students: 609
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

University of Dubuque

Score: 57.06

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,740
- Out-of-State: $7,740
Net Price: $22,879
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 39%
Total Enrollment: 1,776
Undergrad Students: 1,444
Graduate Students: 332
Grads Salary: $66,000
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

William Penn University

Score: 56.66

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,500
- Out-of-State: $10,500
Net Price: $20,922
Acceptance Rate: 58%
Retention Rate: 62%

Graduation Rate: 30%
Total Enrollment: 1,473
Undergrad Students: 1,404
Graduate Students: 69
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

Cost of Iowa College Education & Salaries

Iowa only has three colleges and universities that are four-year public schools. They have roughly 42 four-year private schools and 16 two-year public community colleges. The cost of in-state tuition at the four-year public schools is roughly $1,000 less than the national average and significantly less than out-of-state tuition. The most reputable private schools are often more expensive than out-of-state tuition; therefore, many students choose the four-year state public schools.

The four-year public universities in Iowa have some of the best graduation rates in the nation. This is highly important to consider as you make your decision. You should also consider the number of years it will take to complete a degree program. The less time it takes for you to complete a degree the more money you save.

All three schools offer on-campus and off-campus housing and they all offer many accredited degree programs that can be completed entirely or partially online. The cost of living, activities, entertainment, and safety of the towns in which you would be residing are also significant selling points. Iowa is also a renewable energy state. You can find bike share, public transportation, charging stations, and affordable biodiesel everywhere.

The schools offer a significant portion of student employment opportunities. And you can begin internships with large corporations and SMEs for college credit at any time. For those who require financial assistance, the state offers many grant and scholarship options. Be sure to look at scholarships and grants throughout the country as many apply to students pursuing certain degrees and professions rather than simply a geographical location

Search Programs Offering Iowa Majors

College Cost Analysis - Iowa vs National

Average Iowa Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public Schools

In-State Tuition - $9,966

National Average – $9,580

Out-of-State Tuition – $24,521

National Average – $27,437

Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid

Students who choose a public college or university in Iowa will have plenty of access to state and federal financial assistance. You can choose to apply for student loans, scholarships, or grants. Each state varies in their financial assistance offerings and packages. Higher education is expensive, and a small percentage of parents pay for the entire bill. Many studies estimate that over 80% of students receive some form of financial aid in the US. It is important to pursue all options to minimize the amount of debt you have at the start of your career. Some state schools in Iowa have over 80% of their students receiving some type of financial assistance.

Financial Aid	Iowa	Nationally
Received Federal Grants	36%	37.7%
Average $ per Recipient	$9,564	$10,927

* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Scholarships for Iowa Students

HSTS

The Herman Sani Tournament Scholarship

Amount: $2,000
Deadline: March 18
https://iowagolf.org/scholarships/
The Iowa Golf Association selects a number of high school seniors to be awarded a $2,000 scholarship for four years at the annual Sani Awards Banquet. Applicants must provide a self-statement, an official transcript, two letters of recommendation, and proof of financial need. All applicants must also be residents of Iowa, enrolled to an accredited college or university in the US, have a background or experience in golf, and be an active participant in extracurricular activities.

DMWC

The Des Moines Women’s Club (DMWC) Scholarships

Amount: $33,500 (Shared between recipients)
Deadline: January 20
https://www.desmoineswomensclub.com/dmwc-scholarships-1
The Des Moines Women’s Club (DMWC) provide many scholarships each year for higher education. Eleven scholarships are dedicated to high schoolers, eight to college students, and two to graduate students. These scholarships are dedicated to women. Each scholarship focuses on a different area of study, including science, technology, engineering, and math. Another scholarship is for women pursuing education. Each scholarship is different, and all recipients share the $33,500. The recipients are limited to a few select counties in Iowa and all must have a GPA over 2.75.

RDBS

The Robert D. Blue Scholarship

Amount: $500 - $1,000
Deadline: May 10
http://www.rdblue.org/requirements/
The Robert D. Blue Scholarship is administered by the Iowa State Treasurer’s Office. This tuition assistance is dedicated to young people in Iowa who demonstrate moral character, courage, ambition, trustworthiness, and scholastic ability. Applicants will require a federal tax return, an essay on good citizenship, a high school transcript and a student aid report. To be eligible, applicants must reside in Iowa, intend to attend an accredited state college in Iowa, require financial need, and maintain a full-time student status with good academic results.

AIOS

All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship

Amount: $8,368 per year
Deadline: March 1
https://iowacollegeaid.gov/DataCenter
The All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship is funded by the Iowa College Student Aid Commission (ICSAC). It is dedicated to those who require significant financial need who plan to attend a college or university in Iowa. Applicants can be in pursuit of either an associate or bachelor’s degree. Special favor will be bestowed upon those applicants who participate in alternative high schools or federal TRIO programs. The scholarship requires that applicants are an Iowa high school graduate, first-time freshman, 2.5 GPA minimum, and their Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is less than $8,368.

PEI

Professional Educators of Iowa (PEI) Scholarships

Amount: $5,000
Deadline: April 1
https://peiowa.org/foundation/scholarships/
The Professional Educators of Iowa (PEI) Scholarships have a number of different scholarships dedicated to various areas, such as education and science. Some examples include the Teacher of Tomorrow Scholarship. This scholarship is dedicated to those who wish to teach in a classroom, from kindergarten to seniors in high school. The Ed Christian Memorial Scholarship is dedicated to high school seniors who wish to study science. The Child of PEI Member Scholarship is dedicated to the children of educators within the state of Iowa. All applicants must attend either a two-year or four-year college as a full-time student, must be involved in the community and the school, and they must demonstrate the need for financial assistance.

BES

Byers Environmental Scholarships

Amount: $1,000
Deadline: January 6
https://keepiowabeautiful.org/grants-scholarships/scholarships/
The Keep Iowa Beautiful (KIB) initiative awards five scholarships to young students who are passionate about living a green and environmentally friendly life. Preference is often provided to applicants who participate in the Hometown Pride Program. To apply, you must provide an essay, a list of extracurricular activities, and a transcript. Applicants must be graduating from an Iowa high school with the intent to become a full-time student in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree from an Iowa college or university. Applicants must also intend to study fields relating to sustainability, conservation, environmental science, landscape design, architecture, natural resources, or urban planning. A significant amount of experience and a background in community development is also required.