Colleges in Iowa

Why go to College in Iowa?

On-campus and online colleges in Iowa offer affordable, personable, and competitive educational experiences. From Iowa’s small, private schools to its Big Ten powerhouse, the University of Iowa, the state offers some of the strongest academic institutions in the nation. With more than 60 colleges and universities, Iowa is home to leading agricultural programs and the oldest land-grant institution in the nation, Iowa State University.

Population

Iowa has a population of 3.1 million people, more than 91% of whom is white. With more than 200,000 residents, the capital, Des Moines, is the largest city, trailed by Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, and Iowa City. Much of Iowa is farmland, small towns, and villages, and farmsteads account for one-third of the state’s population.

Climate

Iowa experiences hot summers and cold winters, with an average annual snowfall of 27 inches. In July, average highs are about 85 degrees, and January lows are about 14 degrees. Iowa sees almost 200 sunny days a year and only about 68 days of precipitation per year.

Number of Higher Learning Institutions

There are three public universities in Iowa—Iowa State, the University of Iowa, and Northern Iowa—and 33 private, nonprofit institutions. Iowa has 19 two-year community colleges and 4 private for-profit schools.

Sporting Events

There are no professional sports teams in Iowa, but college athletics fill the gap. The University of Iowa, Northern Iowa, Drake, and Iowa State are Division I universities with strong football and basketball programs. Iowa is also home to one Division II school, eleven Division III schools, and dozens of junior college teams.

Nightlife

Cities like Des Moines and Iowa City offer dancing, socializing, and dining to residents and visitors. There are numerous wineries and breweries in Iowa, many in scenic rural settings.

What Options are Available for Colleges in Iowa?

Popular Degree Programs in Iowa

Iowa is known for agriculture, and its most popular degrees reflect this trend. Online colleges in Iowa, as well as on-campus schools, offer innovative agricultural programs in horticulture and plant sciences, plant rotation, and agricultural business management. In addition to agriculture, on-campus and online schools in Iowa offer degrees in elementary education and medical fields.

• Elementary education

  This is the most popular major in Iowa, and graduates with a degree in elementary education earn average salaries of more than $53,000 per year. As Iowa’s population rises, more children are enrolling in public school each year. As a result, elementary education teachers are in high demand in Iowa. On-campus and online colleges in Iowa offer degrees in elementary education that prepare students for state licensure.

• Genetics

  Iowa has a high number of genetics majors due to the numerous genetics programs at Iowa State and the University of Iowa. Iowa State offers five undergraduate degrees in genetics, and the University of Iowa offers one; both schools also have strong graduate programs in genetics.

What are the Best Online Colleges in Iowa?

Iowa State University offers bachelor’s degrees online, some of which are designed for students transitioning from a community college to a four-year program. The University of Iowa, Northern Iowa University, and private schools such as Graceland University and Buena Vista University, help associate degree holders pursue baccalaureate degrees. Kaplan University has locations in Iowa and offers fully online degrees in business, education, and the sciences. With an emphasis on helping students find affordable and flexible options for continuing their education, these schools offer ideal professional development, certificate, and graduate programs for adult learners.

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1	University of Iowa Iowa City, IA		ADMISSIONS RATE 81% GRADUATION RATE 72% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 9% RETENTION RATE 85% DEFAULT RATE 4% One of the premier research institutions in the Midwest, the University of Iowa’s diverse distance education programs makes it one of the best online colleges in Iowa. Located in the nation’s only City of Literature, the University of Iowa is known for its writer’s workshop and state-of-the-art medical training facility. The university's balance of arts and sciences produces well-rounded professionals prepared for careers in a global society. Students outside Iowa City can pursue degrees from the state’s oldest university. Iowa offers fully online undergraduate degrees in areas such as enterprise leadership, sport and recreation management, and political science. Online degree completion programs are available for registered nurses and radio technologists.	Visit Site
2	Buena Vista University Storm Lake, IA		ADMISSIONS RATE 68% GRADUATION RATE 51% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 32% RETENTION RATE 78% DEFAULT RATE 7% Offering a variety of online undergraduate degree completion programs, Buena Vista provides a convenient and flexible learning platform for bachelor's degree seekers who hold an associate degree or 60 credits from a regionally accredited institution. Located in Storm Lake, Iowa, Buena Vista is a private liberal arts college founded more than 125 years ago. Buena Vista's online degrees emphasize an interdisciplinary approach to professional training. Degree completion programs allow students to apply their previous academic training toward an undergraduate degree from one of the top online schools in Iowa. The university’s general undergraduate major allows students to create a degree that combines a variety of disciplines. Applicants to any of Buena Vista’s degree completion programs must submit official transcripts and a degree completion application.	Visit Site
3	Mount Mercy University Cedar Rapids, IA		ADMISSIONS RATE 61% GRADUATION RATE 65% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 4% RETENTION RATE 78% DEFAULT RATE 4% A leader among private online colleges in Iowa, Mount Mercy offers several fully online undergraduate programs that feature asynchronous instruction in an accelerated format. As a Catholic school, Mount Mercy's undergraduate curriculum incorporates social justice perspectives and Christian values. Online students may pursue degrees in areas of business and healthcare, and the university offers BBA degrees in management, business, and human resource management. Courses last five to ten weeks, and students complete weekly assignments at their convenience. Online learning utilizes discussion forums, group projects, written assignments, and quizzes. The university’s RN to BSN degree allows students with active RN licensure and an associate degree in nursing to pursue their bachelor’s degree while employed in the nursing field.	Visit Site
4	Graceland University-Lamoni Lamoni, IA		ADMISSIONS RATE 48% GRADUATION RATE 52% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 45% RETENTION RATE 62% DEFAULT RATE 9% Located along Iowa's southern border in the picturesque community of Lamoni, Graceland University exemplifies its Community of Christ roots through its commitment to Christ-centered learning and social justice. Graceland University offers five fully online undergraduate degrees in areas such as business administration and nursing. Graceland is one of the few online colleges in Iowa to offer a dual undergraduate degree in business administration and organizational leadership, which teaches students skills in marketing, finance, and conflict resolution. Applicants must meet two of the following criteria: be ranked in the upper 50% of their high school class, have a GPA of 2.5 or better, or have an ACT score of 21 or an SAT score of 1060. Transfer students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0. Online courses follow a trimester calendar and may consist of two 8-week sessions or one 16-week session.	Visit Site
5	University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, IA		ADMISSIONS RATE 80% GRADUATION RATE 68% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 6% RETENTION RATE 80% DEFAULT RATE 4% UNI was founded as a teacher training school more than 140 years ago. Today, it offers more than 90 majors, including several fully online undergraduate degree completion programs. With degrees in areas such as criminal justice and technology management, UNI has established itself as one of the best online schools in Iowa for nontraditional students. Applicants to UNI's completion programs must hold an associate degree and may transfer up to 60 credits. Many of UNI's online degree programs deliver course material synchronously through interactive video conferencing. UNI offers a unique BAS in tactical emergency services with vulnerable populations. This program equips students to work with special populations, including immigrants and refugees, in situations that require disaster and emergency management skills.	Visit Site
6	Iowa State University Ames, IA	ADMISSIONS RATE 87% GRADUATION RATE 71% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 4% RETENTION RATE 87% DEFAULT RATE 5% A public, land-grant university, ISU's enrollment of more than 36,000 students reflects its commitment to diversity and inclusiveness. Located in Ames, Iowa, ISU is one of the most convenient online colleges in Iowa, for both on-campus and remote students. Students with an associate degree or 60 previously earned credits and a GPA of 2.0 are eligible for ISU’s online undergraduate degree in liberal studies. This multidisciplinary major is an alternative to a field-specific degree and allows students with diverse circumstances to complete a degree that leads to numerous career paths. Course options are available in areas such as humanities, communications and arts, and social sciences.	Visit Site
7	Briar Cliff University Sioux City, IA	GRADUATION RATE 48%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 25%	RETENTION RATE 70%	DEFAULT RATE 8%	More than one-third of Briar Cliff’s student population consists of minority students. With diverse perspectives and the openness indicative of the school’s Catholic roots, students enrolled in one of Briar Cliff’s online undergraduate degree completion programs gain professional skills that prepare them for lives of service and social responsibility. Degree completion programs in areas such as accounting, health sciences, and social work allow busy students to apply their associate degree or equivalent credits toward a bachelor's degree. Briar Cliff's online programs feature flexible and convenient courses. One of the most transfer-friendly online schools in Iowa, Briar Cliff accepts up to 90 previous credits, and transfer students may test out of courses. Applicants must submit an online application and official college transcripts.	Visit Site
8	Upper Iowa University Fayette, IA	ADMISSIONS RATE 66% GRADUATION RATE 41% ONLINE ENROLLMENT 37% RETENTION RATE 42% DEFAULT RATE 9% UIU's expansive distance education programs make it one of the top online colleges in Iowa. With more than 20 online undergraduate degrees, students from around the world earn an accessible education that emphasizes innovation and personal empowerment. UIU provides multiple instructional methods to meet the needs of individual students. Online students may choose a synchronous format, which allows students to interact in an online classroom as they complete weekly assignments during eight-week courses. They may also choose self-paced courses, during which students complete assignments over a six-month period and submit assignments electronically or through postal mail. While most of UIU’s distance education programs are synchronous, programs with self-paced options include bachelor’s degrees in accounting, management, and psychology.	Visit Site

What are the Best Online Community Colleges in Iowa?

Flexible two-year online degree programs allow Iowa students to take courses applicable to their current or future careers. Online community college education benefits from the Iowa Online Community College Consortium (IOCCC). Established in 1999, this group includes seven community colleges that support each other’s programs to help online students meet their educational goals. Two-year online colleges in Iowa focus on technical and vocational degrees, many of which are common to IOCCC member schools.

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1	Northwest Iowa Community College Sheldon, IA		GRADUATION RATE 56%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 36%	RETENTION RATE 75%	DEFAULT RATE 11%	NCC offers 13 associate degrees completely online, including business administration, healthcare management, graphic design, and agriculture. Students have access to more than 750 online courses, most of which take place asynchronously. While instructors set weekly deadlines, students can access course lectures and materials at their convenience. The school, located in Sheldon, is one of the most popular online community colleges in Iowa. All students pay the same tuition rate regardless of state residency status. NCC also offers academic advising, counseling, career services, and veteran services to its distance learners. To apply to NCC, prospective students must provide high school transcripts or official GED scores. Graduates can seamlessly transfer into bachelor's programs thanks to the school's articulation agreements with six four-year colleges in Iowa and Nebraska.	Visit Site
2	Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar, IA		GRADUATION RATE 39%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 9%	RETENTION RATE 63%	DEFAULT RATE 18%	Located in Calmar, NICC offers 10 online associate degrees that prepare students for careers in accounting, agriculture, business, management, and health information. Students may also pursue a "Z-Degree," an associate of arts program that does not require any textbooks. Z-Degree courses last eight weeks each, allowing students to graduate quickly. For students interested in a bachelor's program, NICC maintains transfer agreements with 21 colleges and universities across the Midwest and Mountain West. Applicants to NICC must provide high school transcripts or GED scores, along with transcripts from any other postsecondary institutions previously attended. Students may also receive exemption from the placement exam by submitting ACT or SAT scores.	Visit Site
3	Iowa Central Community College Fort Dodge, IA		GRADUATION RATE 32%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 12%	RETENTION RATE 59%	DEFAULT RATE 21%	Iowa Central features a unique eight-week online degree format that allows students to work full time and take care of children while earning an education. Students may choose from six affordable distance learning programs, all of which use the iNET learning platform. Students take two eight-week courses at a time. New classes start each month. The college charges the same tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students. Prospective students must provide high school transcripts and GED scores. Applicants also take a placement exam. Once enrolled, students may choose to focus their studies on business, computer networking, criminal justice, healthcare administration, human services, or a general associate of arts. Iowa Central operates a main campus in Fort Dodge and satellite locations in Storm Lake, Webster City, and Eagle Grove.	Visit Site
4	Marshalltown Community College Marshalltown, IA		GRADUATION RATE 23%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 18%	RETENTION RATE 62%	DEFAULT RATE 25%	Known as one of the best online community colleges in Iowa, MCC offers an online AA in liberal arts and an online AAS in paralegal studies. The liberal arts degree establishes a strong foundation for those who wish to move into a bachelor's program at Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, or the University of Northern Iowa -- all of which maintain articulation agreements with MCC. The paralegal program serves those looking to enter the legal field. Both associate programs require 64 credits and take two years of full-time study to complete. All distance learning takes place through Blackboard and most classes follow an asynchronous format. Students can access lectures, materials, and assignments whenever is most convenient as long as they meet set deadlines. MCC is located in central Iowa.	Visit Site
5	Western Iowa Tech Community College Sioux City, IA		GRADUATION RATE 27%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 23%	RETENTION RATE 52%	DEFAULT RATE 22%	WITCC offers one of the most diverse selections of programs and courses of all online community colleges in Iowa. Students may select from 18 associate degree and certificate options in subjects like accounting, business, child development, health information technology, and human resources. Based in Sioux City, the school maintains articulation agreements with 12 colleges and universities in Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Many students complete all or most of their general education requirements at WITCC, saving them considerable money on a bachelor's program. WITCC has an open-door admissions policy, accepting all applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent. Incoming students must take a placement exam before commencing coursework.	Visit Site
6	Indian Hills Community College Ottumwa, IA	GRADUATION RATE 35%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 15%	RETENTION RATE 53%	DEFAULT RATE 24%	Located in Ottumwa, IHCC offers numerous AA, AS, and diploma programs, making it one of the top online community colleges in Iowa. The school's distance education program includes more than 250 online courses. Thanks to the college's articulation agreements with 21 four-year postsecondary institutions in Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska, many students begin their higher education at IHCC before transferring into a bachelor's program of their choice. IHCC offers affordable tuition, with Iowa residents paying a lower in-state rate. Applicants to IHCC must provide official high school transcripts or GED scores. The school also requires students to complete a placement exam before enrolling in courses.	Visit Site
7	Kirkwood Community College Cedar Rapids, IA	GRADUATION RATE 24%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 12%	RETENTION RATE 61%	DEFAULT RATE 21%	Kirkwood Community College, located in Cedar Rapids, offers four online certificates and three online associate degrees in liberal arts, business administration management, and water environmental technology. The water environmental technology program prepares individuals to enter the wastewater treatment field. All courses take place via WebLive, a digital platform that enables students to access lectures, materials, and assignments from anywhere with a high-speed internet connection. Kirkwood is one of the most popular online community colleges in Iowa for students who wish to transfer into a bachelor's program. The school holds articulation agreements with 38 colleges and universities throughout the Midwest. Prospective students submit high school transcripts or GED scores, along with transcripts from any other postsecondary institutions previously attended. The college also offers assistance with financial aid, scholarships, and tutoring.	Visit Site
8	Iowa Western Community College Council Bluffs, IA	GRADUATION RATE 21%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 16%	RETENTION RATE 50%	DEFAULT RATE 20%	Located in Council Bluffs, IWCC offers 18 associate degrees in subjects like business administration, criminal justice, human services, marketing management, and psychology. For students who wish to enter a bachelor's program upon receiving their associate degree, IWCC maintains articulation agreements with Iowa State, the University of Iowa, and the University of Northern Iowa. Applying to the college is free. Prospective students must provide high school transcripts or GED scores and take a placement exam. IWCC may waive the placement exam for students who submit ACT or SAT scores. IWCC offers significantly lower tuition than most four-year schools.	Visit Site
9	Des Moines Area Community College Ankeny, IA	GRADUATION RATE 22%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 12%	RETENTION RATE 57%	DEFAULT RATE 22%	DMACC offers distance education associate degrees in business administration, the arts, applied science, and accounting and financial administration. Online course terms range from five to 15 weeks each. Students can take advantage of the school's articulation agreements with 41 colleges and universities nationwide. The school maintains an open-door admissions policy. DMACC accepts all students with a high school diploma or equivalent, only requiring new students to take a placement exam. All students pay the same tuition rate regardless of where they live, making DMACC one of the best online community colleges in Iowa for out-of-state residents.	Visit Site
10	Ellsworth Community College Iowa Falls, IA	GRADUATION RATE 25%	ONLINE ENROLLMENT 6%	RETENTION RATE 51%	DEFAULT RATE 22%	Located in Iowa Falls, Ellsworth offers 10 associate of arts degrees in fields such as psychology, journalism, finance, and history. The 64-credit liberal arts transfer degree specially prepares students for a four-year program. Like many online community colleges in Iowa, Ellsworth holds articulation agreements with the University of Iowa, University of Northern Iowa, and Iowa State University. Applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED. The school uses ACT or SAT scores for placement purposes only, and does not consider these scores in admission decisions. Iowa residents pay a lower tuition rate.	Visit Site

Education Trends in Iowa

Iowa allocates a higher percentage of tax revenue to education than the national average, but when accounting for population, the amount falls below the national average of $5,503 per full-time student. More than 37% of the population have postsecondary degrees, and 8.5% have graduate degrees or higher. The number of bachelor’s degrees in Iowa is just shy of the national average.

Paying for College in Iowa

Cost is a major consideration when choosing an on-campus or online school in Iowa. In addition to tuition and fees, the cost of room and board, transportation and parking, books, and extracurricular activities add up quickly. Financial aid and scholarships mitigate or cover many of these expenses. Additional factors to consider when choosing a school include program length, job opportunities, and future earning potential.

Tuition Prices

The average cost of tuition for two-year schools in Iowa is higher than the national average, but tuition costs for four-year colleges is lower than the national average. However, depending on the student’s major and the location of the school in relation to the student’s home, pursuing a two-year degree may save on housing and transportation costs.

Financial Aid

U.S. college students should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, each year. Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship or noncitizen special status, a social security number, and enrollment in a degree- or certificate-seeking program. Submitting the FAFSA automatically applies the student for federal aid programs such as Pell Grants and TEACH Grants.

Federal work-study opportunities help students secure on-campus employment at their college or university. Federal loans are available with both subsidized and unsubsidized provisions based on financial need. These loans have lower interest rates, making them easier to repay.

Students should contact potential colleges and universities to learn about in-state financial aid and school-specific grants and scholarships.

Cost of Living by Region

Most students consider living expenses when choosing a school, and the cost of living in Iowa is lower than neighboring states, in which comparable institutions are located in cities with higher rents and mortgage payments. The cost of education, the amount of debt to be accrued, and effects of debt on post-graduation life are important factors when choosing a college.

Cost for Online Programs in Iowa

Both on-campus and online schools in Iowa may be eligible for federal financial aid. Tuition rates for on-campus and online colleges in Iowa are often the same, but some schools offer discounted rates for online courses. Even with comparable or identical tuition costs, online programs may offer better value for students. The flexibility of online programs allow students to work full- or part-time jobs, and online students save on transportation and housing costs. State and local grants may be applied toward tuition for eligible online colleges in Iowa.

Scholarships for Iowa College Students

Kenny C. Guinn Memorial Millennium Scholarship

$10,000; must be a graduate from a public or private high school in Iowa with at least a 3.25 GPA.

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All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship

$4,383 for 2017–2018 academic year; must have graduated from an eligible school within the past two years.

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GEAR UP Iowa Scholarship

$2,600; must be a GEAR UP Iowa participant and under the age of 22 at first award; must be enrolled in a Title IV eligible college program.

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Gov. Terry E. Branstad Iowa State Fair Scholarship

$5,000; must have participated in the Iowa State Fair and be attending an Iowa college or university.

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Iowa Tuition Grant

Covers up to four years of undergraduate study; must be enrolled in an eligible private college or university in Iowa.

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Iowa Vocational - Technical Tuition Grant

$900; must be an Iowa resident enrolled in a vocational or technical program at an Iowa community college.

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Robert D. Blue Scholarship

$500–$1,000; must demonstrate literary and scholarly ability and must provide letters of recommendation and an essay.

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Education and Training Voucher Grant

$5,000; must have aged out of foster care and must have been adopted after age 16; must be under 21 years of age.

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Iowa National Guard Education Assistance Program

Average tuition rate; must be a member of the Iowa Army or Air National Guard; only available for 120 credit hours total.

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Kibbie Grant

Tuition and fees for up to two years; must be enrolled in an approved technical or vocational program at an Iowa community college.

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Can all Scholarships be Used for Online Programs?

Scholarships are available for on-campus and online schools in Iowa. Requirements typically specify the number of hours a student must be taking, rather than the class delivery method. Additional scholarship opportunities exist for veterans, through individual universities, and for specific areas of study. Many scholarships are even available for part-time students. The Iowa College Aid, a resource provided by the state of Iowa, provides further scholarship information.

Employment Outlook in Iowa

Iowa ranks eighth in the U.S. for its unemployment rate, which is well below the national average. According to a recent Iowa Workforce Development report, Iowa’s workforce population will decline by 2030, increasing job availability. Iowa added over 200,000 jobs between 2004 and 2014. Additionally, the aging population creates employment opportunities. Many of these jobs are in the industrial and service sectors, occupations with earnings comparable to the annual mean.

Top Employers and Industries in Iowa

State Exchange Program for Iowa College Students

A state-to-state exchange program offers students discounted tuition at a participating school in a neighboring or partner state. This encourages students to explore educational options without the stress of higher out-of-state tuition. State exchange programs are particularly beneficial for students in states with few higher education options. Plus, it gives students the opportunity to venture far from home. Many schools limit the number of state exchange students, so early application is important.

Accreditation for Colleges in Iowa

Accreditation lends credibility to an academic institution or program and helps students secure quality college instruction through oversight and accountability. Accreditation for universities and colleges may be national, regional, or specialized.

Regional accreditation is awarded by one several bodies in the U.S. that oversee institutions of higher education in specific states. Regional accrediting bodies are overseen by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). National accreditation is generally given to technical and vocational programs. The CHEA also oversees national accrediting bodies. Specialized accreditation is awarded to programs, departments, or colleges within institutions; these bodies are typically overseen by professionals in the fields they represent.

For regional accreditation, online schools in Iowa must apply to the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, just like their on-campus counterparts. Students should determine which accrediting bodies oversee degrees in the field they intend to pursue.