Most Affordable Colleges in Iowa 2026
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 2026
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 2026 #18 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #18 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2026 #1 Best Research Universities in Iowa 2026
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
76%
Student body
33K
Median SAT/ACT
1230/24
Career Outlook for degree at University of Iowa
Cost of Degree: $10,964Expenses: $17,632Starting Salary: $70,727Cost Recoup Time: 9 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
- Format: Fully online
BA in Enterprise Leadership
- Required Credits: 120-136
- Format: Fully 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
- Format: Fully online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 32
- Format: Fully online
BS in Radiation Sciences
- Required Credits: 60
- Format: Fully online
BA in Social Work
- Required Credits: 121-132
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Sport and Recreation Management
Degree Concentrations
- Business Studies
- Coaching and Sport Instruction
- Communications Public Relations/Journalism
- Entrepreneurship
- Event Management
- Interscholastic Athletic/Activities Administration
- Sport and Diversity
- Student-Designed
- Required Credits: 123-129
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
- #2 Best Research Universities in Iowa 2026 #2 Best Public Colleges in Iowa 2026 #2 Best Colleges in Iowa 2026 #2 Best Grad Schools in Iowa 2026
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
77%
Student body
32K
Median SAT/ACT
1240/24
Career Outlook for degree at Iowa State University
Cost of Degree: $10,497Expenses: $13,707Starting Salary: $67,568Cost Recoup Time: 8 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
- Format: Fully online
BA in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2026 #4 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2026 #4 Best Small Colleges in Iowa 2026 #4 Best Grad Schools in Iowa 2026
Tuition + fees
$19K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
27%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Maharishi International University
Cost of Degree: $16,530Expenses: $12,200Starting Salary: $38,786Cost Recoup Time: 13 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
- Format: Fully online
BA in Applied Arts & Sciences
Degree Concentrations
- Consciousness and Human Potential
- Sustainable and Regenerative Living
- Cinematic Arts and New Media
- Required Credits: 48
- Format: Fully online
BA in Cinematic Arts & New Media
- Required Credits: 40
- Format: Fully online
- #3 Best Public Colleges in Iowa 2026 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2026 #7 Best Colleges in Iowa 2026 #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Iowa 2026
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
69%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1150/22
Career Outlook for degree at University of Northern Iowa
Cost of Degree: $9,728Expenses: $12,998Starting Salary: $57,187Cost Recoup Time: 9 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: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Elementary Education
- Required Credits: 48-53
- Completion Time: 2 years
BA in Liberal Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BAS in Managing Business and Organizations
- Required Credits: 63
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
Iowa’s Most Affordable Colleges in Your Area of Interest
Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here
