Best Colleges in Iowa

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.

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.

St Luke's College

College Type 4-year, Primarily associate's, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing No Student Population 235 Graduation Rate 100% Net Price $21,704

Hamilton Technical College

College Type 4-year, Primarily associate's, Private for-profit Campus Housing No Student Population 134 Graduation Rate 77% Net Price $20,036

Northwest Iowa Community College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,777 Graduation Rate 69% Net Price $11,288

Emmaus Bible College

College Type 4-year, Primarily associate's, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 215 Graduation Rate 67% Net Price $15,966

Iowa Lakes Community College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 2,035 Graduation Rate 52% Net Price $9,947

Southwestern Community College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,581 Graduation Rate 49% Net Price $8,740

North Iowa Area Community College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 2,894 Graduation Rate 47% Net Price $8,399

Ross College-Quad Cities

College Type 2-year, Private for-profit Campus Housing No Student Population 54 Graduation Rate 46% Net Price $19,330

Northeast Iowa Community College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 4,408 Graduation Rate 45% Net Price $10,328

Western Iowa Tech Community College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 5,976 Graduation Rate 40% Net Price $7,710

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Indian Hills Community College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 3,612 Graduation Rate 38% Net Price $7,057

Eastern Iowa Community College District

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 8,002 Graduation Rate 37% Net Price $9,996

Iowa Central Community College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 5,237 Graduation Rate 33% Net Price $10,239

Kirkwood Community College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 13,788 Graduation Rate 32% Net Price $9,824

Marshalltown Community College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,947 Graduation Rate 32% Net Price $7,834

Des Moines Area Community College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 23,258 Graduation Rate 31% Net Price $9,481

Southeastern Community College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 2,478 Graduation Rate 31% Net Price $6,936

Iowa Western Community College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 5,977 Graduation Rate 30% Net Price $10,717

Ellsworth Community College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 741 Graduation Rate 29% Net Price $11,393

Hawkeye Community College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 5,112 Graduation Rate 29% Net Price $10,666

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.

Allen College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing No Student Population 656 Graduation Rate 100% Net Price NA

Divine Word College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 66 Graduation Rate 100% Net Price $1,585

St Luke's College

College Type 4-year, primarily associate's, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing No Student Population 235 Graduation Rate 100% Net Price $21,704

Grinnell College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,733 Graduation Rate 89% Net Price $29,404

Drake University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 4,884 Graduation Rate 81% Net Price $30,265

Hamilton Technical College

College Type 4-year, primarily associate's, Private for-profit Campus Housing No Student Population 134 Graduation Rate 77% Net Price $20,036

Dordt University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,547 Graduation Rate 75% Net Price $26,570

Luther College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,951 Graduation Rate 75% Net Price $23,805

Iowa State University

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 33,372 Graduation Rate 74% Net Price $15,195

Simpson College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,355 Graduation Rate 72% Net Price $20,145

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University of Iowa

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 31,240 Graduation Rate 72% Net Price $17,008

Cornell College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,020 Graduation Rate 69% Net Price $28,566

Northwestern College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,412 Graduation Rate 68% Net Price $24,085

Central College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,173 Graduation Rate 67% Net Price $23,343

Emmaus Bible College

College Type 4-year, primarily associate's, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 215 Graduation Rate 67% Net Price $15,966

Loras College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,416 Graduation Rate 67% Net Price $21,751

Maharishi University of Management

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,861 Graduation Rate 67% Net Price $13,341

University of Northern Iowa

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 10,477 Graduation Rate 67% Net Price $15,760

Coe College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,430 Graduation Rate 66% Net Price $21,081

Mount Mercy University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,807 Graduation Rate 64% Net Price $20,977

Saint Ambrose University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 2,968 Graduation Rate 64% Net Price $26,561

Clarke University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 904 Graduation Rate 63% Net Price $34,424

Morningside College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 2,599 Graduation Rate 62% Net Price $22,831

Wartburg College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,505 Graduation Rate 62% Net Price $22,363

Buena Vista University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,815 Graduation Rate 60% Net Price $18,449

Grand View University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,889 Graduation Rate 55% Net Price $19,035

Upper Iowa University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 4,279 Graduation Rate 48% Net Price $20,511

Graceland University-Lamoni

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,733 Graduation Rate 46% Net Price $17,952

Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 362 Graduation Rate 43% Net Price $15,151

University of Dubuque

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 2,302 Graduation Rate 43% Net Price $26,193

Briar Cliff University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,129 Graduation Rate 40% Net Price $20,437

William Penn University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,258 Graduation Rate 34% Net Price $20,640

Mercy College of Health Sciences

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing No Student Population 795 Graduation Rate 33% Net Price $20,368

Iowa Wesleyan University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 622 Graduation Rate 31% Net Price $27,540

Waldorf University

College Type 4-year, Private for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 3,071 Graduation Rate 30% Net Price $19,435

Palmer College of Chiropractic

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 2,194 Graduation Rate NA Net Price NA

Shiloh University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing No Student Population 42 Graduation Rate NA Net Price NA

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.

Allen College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing No Student Population 317 Graduation Rate 100% Net Price NA

Drake University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,930 Graduation Rate 81% Net Price $30,265

Dordt University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 162 Graduation Rate 75% Net Price $26,570

Iowa State University

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 5,078 Graduation Rate 74% Net Price $15,195

Simpson College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 48 Graduation Rate 72% Net Price $20,145

University of Iowa

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 7,758 Graduation Rate 72% Net Price $17,008

Northwestern College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 351 Graduation Rate 68% Net Price $24,085

Loras College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 83 Graduation Rate 67% Net Price $21,751

Maharishi University of Management

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,404 Graduation Rate 67% Net Price $13,341

University of Northern Iowa

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,524 Graduation Rate 67% Net Price $15,760

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Mount Mercy University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing yes Student Population 365 Graduation Rate 64% Net Price $20,977

Saint Ambrose University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing yes Student Population 708 Graduation Rate 64% Net Price $26,561

Clarke University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing yes Student Population 219 Graduation Rate 63% Net Price $34,424

Morningside College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing yes Student Population 1,322 Graduation Rate 62% Net Price $22,831

Wartburg College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing yes Student Population 0 Graduation Rate 62% Net Price $22,363

Buena Vista University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing yes Student Population 337 Graduation Rate 60% Net Price $18,449

Grand View University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing yes Student Population 89 Graduation Rate 55% Net Price $19,035

Upper Iowa University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing yes Student Population 599 Graduation Rate 48% Net Price $20,511

Graceland University-Lamoni

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing yes Student Population 701 Graduation Rate 46% Net Price $17,952

Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing yes Student Population 43 Graduation Rate 43% Net Price $15,151

University of Dubuque

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing yes Student Population 402 Graduation Rate 43% Net Price $26,193

Briar Cliff University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing yes Student Population 257 Graduation Rate 40% Net Price $20,437

William Penn University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing yes Student Population 63 Graduation Rate 34% Net Price $20,640

Iowa Wesleyan University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing yes Student Population 29 Graduation Rate 31% Net Price $27,540

Waldorf University

College Type 4-year, Private for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 519 Graduation Rate 30% Net Price $19,435

Des Moines University-Osteopathic Medical Center

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing No Student Population 1,530 Graduation Rate NA Net Price NA

Palmer College of Chiropractic

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 2,165 Graduation Rate NA Net Price NA

Shiloh University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing No Student Population 25 Graduation Rate NA Net Price NA

Wartburg Theological Seminary

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 186 Graduation Rate NA Net Price NA

Best Online Degree Colleges in Iowa (Distance Learning Only)

Iowa colleges and universities are embracing and adapting quality and highly effective distance learning at a rapid rate. Great online programs are being offered all over the state, either one course at a time or as fully developed degree programs that you can complete part-time or take at an accelerated rate so you can get to work fast. The most popular and top-ranking online programs in Iowa cover nearly every field such as engineering, computer science, business, agriculture, sport management, medicine, healthcare, life sciences, management, design, education, and marketing. Students will also have access to experiential learning opportunities with many Iowa online degree programs no matter where they live.

Shiloh University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Student Population 42 Graduation Rate NA Net Price NA

Colorado Technical University

College Type 4-year, Private for-profit Student Population 27,232 Graduation Rate 26% Net Price $16,260

Purdue

College Type 4-year, Public Student Population 38,138 Graduation Rate 27% Net Price NA

Southern New Hampshire University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Student Population 113,514 Graduation Rate 44% Net Price $39,743

Western Governors University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Student Population 136,139 Graduation Rate 21% Net Price $7,785

Capella University

College Type 4-year, Private for-profit Student Population 37,859 Graduation Rate NA Net Price $17,368

Walden University

College Type 4-year, Private for-profit Student Population 48,420 Graduation Rate 33% Net Price NA

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

Best Scholarships for Iowa

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/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

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.