Most Affordable Colleges in Iowa 2023
Here are the most affordable colleges and universities in Iowa. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you, at a price you can afford.
Most Affordable Colleges in Iowa 2022
- Iowa State University 18 to 1
- University of Northern Iowa 17 to 1
- University of Iowa 16 to 1
- University of Iowa $8,356
- Iowa State University $8,324
- University of Iowa $10,432
- Iowa State University $10,140
- University of Iowa 16 to 1
- University of Northern Iowa 17 to 1
- Iowa State University 18 to 1
- Iowa State University $8,324
- University of Iowa $8,356
- Iowa State University $10,140
- University of Iowa $10,432
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.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
For prospective students hoping to obtain their degrees at a smaller school, Iowa offers over 40 options to choose from. For a more affordable option, students can pay $4,000 per year for tuition at Indian Hills Community College. Like most community colleges in Georgia, Indian Hills also offers an array of online programs.
At the other end of the spectrum, students will pay up to $52,000 for an academic year at Grinnell College. Furthermore, nearly half of the schools in Iowa are religiously affiliated.
Iowa is often recognized for its agriculture as it produces the most pork and corn in the nation. Equally noteworthy is Iowa’s wealth of one-of-a-kind roadside attractions. From the largest wooden nickel, to the crookedest street, to the Grotto of Redemption, The Hawkeye State is full of wonders. Students in search of curiosities and oddities while earning a degree can attend one of Iowa’s public or private colleges.
Whether you’re looking to earn your associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, Iowa offers a wealth of on-campus and online learning options. Discover more about Iowa’s top brick-and-mortar and online programs as well as top career paths in the state of Iowa.
What are Iowa’s Colleges & Universities?
- 5 Research Universities
- 23 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 6 Graduate Schools
- 4 Public Colleges & Universities
- 24 Private Colleges & Universities
- 19 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 24 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 4 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 15 Community Colleges
- Best Online Colleges
Iowa’s Best Overall
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 2022
These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.
- #14 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2023 #1 Best Public Colleges in Iowa 2023 #1 Best Grad Schools Iowa 2023 #1 Best Colleges in Iowa 2023
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
74%
Student body
26K
Median SAT/ACT
1210/25
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
- #2 Best Public Colleges in Iowa 2023 #2 Best Grad Schools Iowa 2023 #2 Best Colleges in Iowa 2023 #2 Best Research Universities in Iowa 2023
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
76%
Student body
28K
Median SAT/ACT
1160/24
What is Iowa State University known for?
Iowa State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Engineering
- Biology
- Economics
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Earth Sciences
- Education
- Business
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
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2023 #3 Best Public Colleges in Iowa 2023 #5 Best Colleges in Iowa 2023
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
69%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
1130/23
What is University of Northern Iowa known for?
University of Northern Iowa’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- History
- Computer Science
- Business
- Political Science
- Education
- Biology
- Social Work
- Literature
- Anthropology
- Mathematics
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
Tuition + fees
$17K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
35%
Student body
2K
What is Maharishi International University known for?
Maharishi International University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
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
