Most Affordable Colleges in Iowa 2025

Badge for MOST AFFORDABLE COLLEGES IN IOWA
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • There are 4 colleges in Iowa that are among the most affordable higher education choices in the state.
  • Public colleges and universities are typically among the most affordable choices in in Iowa.
  • Three of the most affordable colleges in Iowa have a tuition rate of $10K.

Most Affordable Colleges in Iowa 2025

  1. University of Iowa
  2. Iowa State University
  3. Maharishi International University
    +1
  4. University of Northern Iowa
    –1

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

The University of Iowa and Iowa State University remain in the top 2 spots in our 2025 ranking of the most affordable colleges in Iowa, while the Maharishi International University moves up 1 position to the number 3 spot.

While the University of Iowa did implement a modest 3% tuition increase for resident undergraduates, the university continues to offer tuition rates that are among the most affordable in Iowa. Additionally, the university has enhanced its financial aid offerings, including scholarships and need-based grants, to support students in managing educational expenses.

Iowa State University has also implemented a modest 3% tuition increase, the university continues to offer some of the lowest tuition rates within the state. The school has also expanded its scholarship opportunities through the OneApp system, allowing students to apply for multiple scholarships with a single application, increasing the potential for financial support.

There are 4 colleges and universities in Iowa with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. The following list of the most affordable colleges and universities in Iowa is composed entirely of schools offering bachelor’s degree programs, have stated tuition and fees near or under the national average of $16,000/year, and are fully accredited colleges.

Most Affordable Colleges in Iowa 2025

These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.

  1. #1

    University of Iowa

    Iowa City , IA
    #2 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #19 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #19 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Iowa 2025
    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: $10,964
    Expenses: $17,632
    Starting Salary: $62,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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

    University of Iowa’s Online Degrees

    BA in Applied Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Creative Writing
    • Human Relations
    • Justice Studies
    • Political Science
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Enterprise Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120-136
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Expression in Writing and Arts
    • Global Studies
    • Family
    • Community
    • and Social Support
    • Health and Human Studies
    • Justice and Ethics
    • Organizational Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 32
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Radiation Sciences
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 121-132
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Iowa State University

    Ames , IA
    #2 Best Grad Schools in Iowa 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Iowa 2024 #2 Best Colleges in Iowa 2024 #2 Best Research Universities 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: $10,497
    Expenses: $13,707
    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’s Online Degrees

    BS in Early childcare education and programming
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  3. #3

    Maharishi International University

    Fairfield , IA
    #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Iowa 2025 #4 Best Small Colleges in Iowa 2025 #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Iowa
    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’s Online Degrees

    BA in Ayurveda Wellness & Integrative Health
    • Required Credits: 50
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Applied Arts & Sciences
    Degree Concentrations
    • Consciousness and Human Potential
    • Sustainable and Regenerative Living
    • Cinematic Arts and New Media
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Cinematic Arts & New Media
    • Required Credits: 40
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  4. #4

    University of Northern Iowa

    Cedar Falls , IA
    #3 Best Public Colleges in Iowa 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Iowa 2024 #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Iowa 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/23

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Northern Iowa

    Cost of Degree: $9,728
    Expenses: $12,998
    Starting Salary: $49,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Northern Iowa known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Northern Iowa’s Online Degrees

    BAS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Elementary Education
    • Required Credits: 48-53
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BA in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
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