Best Colleges in Iowa for Associate, Bachelor’s & Master’s

Iowa College Guide – What You Need to Know

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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:

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
$30,784* $38,792* $46,124* $64,896* $77,844* $96,772*
*National Average Earnings by Degree Level
delaware-National-Average-earning-by-educational-attainment

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.

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.

  • Business Development Specialists

  • Accountant or CPA

Best Iowa Schools for Business

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

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.

Best Iowa Schools for Engineering

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

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

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

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%

Best Associate Degrees in Iowa

Best Associate Degrees in Iowa
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Some of the best two-year associate programs are available at community colleges and private four-year higher learning institutions. Many of the award-winning and nationally recognized two-year programs in Iowa include STEM degrees, nursing, education, agriculture, computer networking and information security, criminal justice, business, sport management, and much more. No matter your career goals, getting started with an associate degree from an excellent school is never a bad idea.

Northwest Iowa Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,777		 Graduation Rate
61%		 Net Price
$10,395 		Grads Salary
$43,100
North Iowa Area Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,894		 Graduation Rate
52%		 Net Price
$8,456 		Grads Salary
$33,900
Northeast Iowa Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
4,408		 Graduation Rate
47%		 Net Price
$8,218 		Grads Salary
$33,700
Iowa Lakes Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,035		 Graduation Rate
46%		 Net Price
$9,804 		Grads Salary
$34,000
Kirkwood Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
13,788		 Graduation Rate
33%		 Net Price
$8,727 		Grads Salary
$35,800
Southwestern Community College-Creston
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,581		 Graduation Rate
48%		 Net Price
$9,182 		Grads Salary
$31,700
Iowa Central Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
5,237		 Graduation Rate
34%		 Net Price
$9,931 		Grads Salary
$36,500
Marshalltown Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,947		 Graduation Rate
35%		 Net Price
$7,199 		Grads Salary
$31,500
Indian Hills Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,612		 Graduation Rate
35%		 Net Price
$8,048 		Grads Salary
$32,100
Western Iowa Tech Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
5,976		 Graduation Rate
39%		 Net Price
$8,784 		Grads Salary
$31,500
Full Ranking Report

Best Bachelor's Degrees in Iowa

Best Bachelor's Degrees in Iowa
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Iowa has a wealth of high-ranking private higher learning institutions in addition to some of the best state colleges and universities. From these remarkable colleges and universities, students can choose some of the best bachelor’s programs in Iowa. Programs offered include business and management, marketing, social sciences, engineering, communication and journalism, sustainable agriculture, education, and biomedical sciences. A bachelor’s degree may be the last degree you ever need in order to succeed in your chosen field, so find the school that’s right for you.

Iowa State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
33,372		 Graduation Rate
75%		 Net Price
$16,105 		Grads Salary
$69,700
University of Iowa
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
30,318		 Graduation Rate
72%		 Net Price
$17,452 		Grads Salary
$71,000
University of Northern Iowa
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
10,477		 Graduation Rate
64%		 Net Price
$16,166 		Grads Salary
$61,300
Simpson College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,355		 Graduation Rate
71%		 Net Price
$20,457 		Grads Salary
$62,000
Wartburg College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,505		 Graduation Rate
68%		 Net Price
$23,248 		Grads Salary
$68,200
Grinnell College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,733		 Graduation Rate
87%		 Net Price
$32,091 		Grads Salary
$71,000
Luther College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,951		 Graduation Rate
77%		 Net Price
$25,291 		Grads Salary
$65,000
Clarke University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
904		 Graduation Rate
66%		 Net Price
$25,756 		Grads Salary
$72,000
Graceland University-Lamoni
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,733		 Graduation Rate
41%		 Net Price
$18,434 		Grads Salary
$75,000
Cornell College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,020		 Graduation Rate
67%		 Net Price
$25,028 		Grads Salary
$68,600
Full Ranking Report

Best Master's Degrees in Iowa

Best Master's Degrees in Iowa
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Roughly 30% of students at Iowa’s four-year colleges and universities are in pursuit of a master’s degree, a doctoral degree, or postgraduate training. The best graduate degree programs in Iowa are featured at both public and private higher learning institutions. The types of degrees you will find vary from one school to another depending on what’s in-demand in the area. Some of the highest quality master’s and doctoral degrees offered in Iowa include those in law, medicine, MBAs, engineering, agriculture, computer science, social and behavioral sciences, education, and veterinary medicine.

Iowa State University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
33,372		 Graduation Rate
75%		 Net Price
$16,105 		Grads Salary
$69,700
University of Iowa
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
30,318		 Graduation Rate
72%		 Net Price
$17,452 		Grads Salary
$71,000
University of Northern Iowa
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
10,477		 Graduation Rate
64%		 Net Price
$16,166 		Grads Salary
$61,300
Simpson College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,355		 Graduation Rate
71%		 Net Price
$20,457 		Grads Salary
$62,000
Wartburg College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,505		 Graduation Rate
68%		 Net Price
$23,248 		Grads Salary
$68,200
Clarke University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
904		 Graduation Rate
66%		 Net Price
$25,756 		Grads Salary
$72,000
Graceland University-Lamoni
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,733		 Graduation Rate
41%		 Net Price
$18,434 		Grads Salary
$75,000
Loras College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,416		 Graduation Rate
70%		 Net Price
$22,418 		Grads Salary
$59,600
Buena Vista University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,815		 Graduation Rate
62%		 Net Price
$18,300 		Grads Salary
$57,800
Northwestern College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
618		 Graduation Rate
67%		 Net Price
$23,851 		Grads Salary
$64,000
Full Ranking Report

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

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.

Best Scholarships for Iowa

HSTS_logo

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_logo

DMWC

The Des Moines Women’s Club (DMWC) Scholarships

Amount: $33,500 (Shared between recipients)
Deadline: January 20
https://www.desmoineswomensclub.com/scholarships/
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://www.iowacollegeaid.gov/content/all-iowa-opportunity-scholarship
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.

LWCS

Larry W. Carter Scholarship

Amount: $3,000
Deadline: May 15
https://communityfoundationofgreaterdesmoines.wordpress.com/about/
The Larry W. Carter Scholarship was founded by the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines. The scholarship is dedicated to minority students in pursuit of either an undergraduate or graduate degree of any kind. Applicants must be an African American Iowa resident, they must enroll part-time or full-time to an accredited college or university program, and they must exemplify the same “perseverance to achieve goals” as demonstrated by the namesake of the scholarship Larry W. Carter, as stated by the scholarship.

PEI_logo

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.

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