Most Affordable Colleges in Iowa 2025
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
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.
- #2 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #19 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #19 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #1 Best Research Universities in Iowa 2025
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: $10,964Expenses: $17,632Starting Salary: $62,000Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #2 Best Research Universities in Iowa 2025 #2 Best Colleges in Iowa 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Iowa 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Iowa 2024
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: $10,497Expenses: $13,707Starting Salary: $56,000Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Iowa State University known for?
Iowa State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Economics
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Earth Sciences
- Education
- History
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
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2025 #4 Best Small Colleges in Iowa 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Iowa 2025 #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Iowa
Tuition + fees
$17K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
50%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Maharishi International University
Cost of Degree: $16,530Expenses: $12,200Starting Salary: $30,400Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #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
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: $9,728Expenses: $12,998Starting Salary: $49,700Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Northern Iowa known for?
University of Northern Iowa’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- History
- Education
- Computer Science
- Business
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Social Work
- Communications
- Literature
- Political Science
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
