Best Grad Schools Iowa 2024

Badge for BEST IN IOWA GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

Best Grad Schools in Iowa

  1. University of Iowa
    • Tuition: $10K
  2. Iowa State University
    • Tuition: $10K
  3. Drake University
    • Tuition: $48K
  4. Maharishi International University
    • Tuition: $17K
  5. St. Ambrose University
    • Tuition: $35K
  6. Mount Mercy University
    • Tuition: $38K

Key Takeaways

  • Iowa has 6 of the best graduate programs, each offering doctorate degrees and a wide array of master’s degrees.
  • The best graduate programs allow students to advance their knowledge and boost their career prospects.
  • There are a number of affordable public universities and smaller private colleges in Iowa, providing a perfect higher education option for any prospective grad student.

Colleges and Universities in Iowa

With a large number of both brick-and-mortar and online colleges in Iowa, students have plenty of great schools to choose from.

Iowa’s largest public university, Iowa State University, serves over 30,000 students and offers extra flexibility for both undergraduate and graduate students through a selection of online degree programs in more than 50 academic fields including business administration, psychology, computer science, and more.

The University of Iowa—home of the Hawkeyes—is also home to some of the nation’s top programs in literature, philosophy, and law. The University of Iowa has also been at the forefront of higher education, starting the nation’s first co-educational medical school, as well as being the first public school to grant a law degree to a woman, Mary B. Hickey Wilkinson, in 1873.

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What are Iowa’s Colleges & Universities?

Iowa’s Best Overall


There are 6 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Iowa. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Iowa is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

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Best Grad Schools in Iowa

  1. #1

    University of Iowa

    Iowa City , IA
    #2 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #19 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #19 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1235/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Iowa

    Cost of Degree: $10,353
    Expenses: $16,530
    Starting Salary: $62,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Iowa known for?

    University of Iowa’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    The University of Iowa is the oldest in Iowa and home to one of the most popular academic medical centers in the nation. It ranks among the top public universities and best global universities for several consecutive years.

    What we love about the University of Iowa:

    It was the first school to endorse an LGBT student group in 1970 officially.

    The University of Iowa is ideal for students who:

    Value a grad school that is renowned for its programs in arts, business, engineering, healthcare, and law.

    The University of Iowa might not be the best fit for students who:

    Thrive in a school with a smaller campus size to ensure navigating it is easy and convenient.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Iowa State University

    Ames , IA
    #2 Best Public Colleges in Iowa 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Iowa 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in Iowa 2024 #2 Best Colleges in Iowa 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1220/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Iowa State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,133
    Expenses: $13,339
    Starting Salary: $56,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Iowa State University known for?

    Iowa State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Iowa State University, founded in 1858, officially pened its doors in 1869. Then, it was officially called Iowa State University of Science and Technology in 1959. Since then, it has been known globally for its excellence in science, technology, and innovation.

    What we love about Iowa State University:

    This university offers plenty of activities outside of class, including billiards, movies, and special events.

    Iowa State University is ideal for students who:

    Do well in a big university with lots of people with similar interests and support networks.

    Iowa State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Seek a big city environment since Ames is a small city and is a bit far from urban centers.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Drake University

    Des Moines , IA
    #2 Best Small Colleges in Iowa 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Iowa 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Drake University

    Cost of Degree: $47,742
    Expenses: $15,820
    Starting Salary: $68,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Drake University known for?

    Drake University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Drake University is known for being one of the finest universities for experiential learning. It is a private university that is committed to offering students the resources and benefits of a big university while maintaining smaller class sizes. It offers 100+ undergraduate programs and 35+ graduate degrees.

    What we love about Drake University:

    This university has ranked among the top colleges that offer the best value for money education.

    Drake University is ideal for students who:

    Want a school located in Iowa’s capital, Des Moines, to have more entertainment options.

    Drake University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Think that this school’s tuition and fees are not affordable for low-income students.

    Compare school
    4. student walking on college campus reading while walking
  5. #4

    Maharishi International University

    Fairfield , IA
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Iowa 2024 #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Iowa #8 Best Online Colleges in Iowa 2024 #8 Best Online MBAs in Sustainability
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Maharishi International University

    Cost of Degree: $16,530
    Expenses: $12,200
    Starting Salary: $30,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Maharishi International University known for?

    Maharishi International University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Maharishi International University is committed to consciousness-based education that combines transcendental meditation with learning that’s grounded in the universal principles of life. It offers innovative academic programs that provide experiential learning and develop core skills that will help students achieve their professional and personal goals

    What we love about Maharishi International University:

    This university is dedicated to developing each student’s full potential and achieving their spiritual goals.

    Maharishi International University is ideal for students who:

    Wish to study in a school that fosters a holistic education through cutting-edge knowledge.

    Maharishi International University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Would rather choose a university with more master’s and doctoral program offerings, especially in specialized fields.

    Compare school
  6. #5

    St. Ambrose University

    Davenport , IA
    #9 Best Christian Colleges in Iowa 2024 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Iowa #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Iowa #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Iowa 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1130/23

    Career Outlook for degree at St. Ambrose University

    Cost of Degree: $34,570
    Expenses: $16,728
    Starting Salary: $50,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is St. Ambrose University known for?

    St. Ambrose University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    St. Ambrose University is a Catholic university deeply influenced by the life of Saint Ambrose of Milan. It offers several master’s and doctoral degree programs, including Business Administration, Accounting, Public Health, and Criminal Justice.

    What we love about St. Ambrose University:

    This university has ranked number one in scholar-athlete teams for seven consecutive years.

    St. Ambrose University is ideal for students who:

    Are searching for a university committed to civic engagement, community service, and social justice.

    St. Ambrose University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Would opt for a big university with a wide range of facilities for hands-on learning.

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Mount Mercy University

    Cedar Rapids , IA
    #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024 #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Iowa #13 Best Online Master's Programs in Iowa 2024 #17 Best Online Colleges in Iowa 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Mount Mercy University

    Cost of Degree: $37,606
    Expenses: $16,060
    Starting Salary: $48,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Mount Mercy University known for?

    Mount Mercy University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Mount Mercy University is committed to offering students of all backgrounds a comprehensive education and a solid foundation that will prepare them to enter the modern workforce. Its academic programs emphasize ethical leadership, service, and social responsibility.

    What we love about Mount Mercy University:

    It offers graduate courses in multiple formats and tailored to students’ busy schedules.

    Mount Mercy University is ideal for students who:

    Love a school located in a beautiful and scenic setting like Mount Mercy University, which is in Cedar Rapids.

    Mount Mercy University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Would opt for a big university with a wider range of master’s and doctoral degree programs.

    Compare school
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Iowa’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

2023 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. University of Iowa
  2. Iowa State University
  3. Drake University
  4. Maharishi International University
  5. St. Ambrose University
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