Best Online Colleges in Iowa 2024

Updated: Nov 22, 2023

Find the best online colleges in Iowa ranked by the academic success of faculty and alumni associated with the colleges and universities and their online degree programs.

Top 10 Online Colleges in Iowa

University of Iowa
Iowa State University
Drake University
University of Northern Iowa
Clarke University
Graceland University
Iowa Wesleyan University
Maharishi International University
Grand View University
St. Ambrose University

University of Iowa
Iowa State University
Drake University
Maharishi International University
University of Northern Iowa
Upper Iowa University
Graceland University
Clarke University
Simpson College
Iowa Wesleyan University

Grand View University 98%
Mercy College of Health Sciences 97%
University of Northern Iowa 95%
Maharishi International University 93%
Iowa State University 90%
Simpson College 89%
Dordt University 88%
Northwestern College 87%
University of Iowa 86%
Clarke University 85%

Waldorf University 24 to 1
Iowa State University 18 to 1
William Penn University 18 to 1
University of Northern Iowa 17 to 1
University of Iowa 16 to 1
Northwestern College 15 to 1
Dordt University 14 to 1
Mount Mercy University 13 to 1
Maharishi International University 13 to 1
Graceland University 13 to 1

Drake University $47,742
Simpson College $45,108
Clarke University $38,060
Mount Mercy University $37,606
Morningside University $36,610
Iowa Wesleyan University $34,700
Dordt University $34,600
St. Ambrose University $34,570
Briar Cliff University $34,498
Northwestern College $34,250

Maharishi International University $29,000
St. Ambrose University $19,040
Upper Iowa University $18,870
Allen College $18,400
Clarke University $12,868
Mercy College of Health Sciences $12,224
Drake University $11,878
Graceland University $11,688
Mount Mercy University $11,106
University of Iowa $10,875

Mercy College of Health Sciences
Allen College
Waldorf University
Upper Iowa University
Mount Mercy University
Dordt University
William Penn University
Morningside University
Briar Cliff University
Northwestern College

Dordt University
Allen College
Mercy College of Health Sciences
Waldorf University
Morningside University
Northwestern College
Briar Cliff University
Mount Mercy University
Grand View University
William Penn University

Upper Iowa University 54%
William Penn University 58%
Drake University 67%
Morningside University 71%
Waldorf University 74%
St. Ambrose University 74%
Graceland University 74%
Mount Mercy University 75%
Iowa Wesleyan University 81%
Clarke University 85%

Mercy College of Health Sciences 8 to 1
Clarke University 9 to 1
Allen College 9 to 1
Drake University 10 to 1
Simpson College 10 to 1
Briar Cliff University 12 to 1
Grand View University 12 to 1
St. Ambrose University 12 to 1
Mount Mercy University 13 to 1
Maharishi International University 13 to 1

University of Northern Iowa $8,111
Iowa State University $8,678
University of Iowa $8,711
Maharishi International University $16,530
Mercy College of Health Sciences $16,632
Allen College $20,008
Waldorf University $24,526
William Penn University $27,800
Graceland University $31,970
Grand View University $32,068

Waldorf University $5,040
Northwestern College $6,120
Iowa Wesleyan University $6,420
Simpson College $6,526
Briar Cliff University $8,474
Grand View University $8,730
Dordt University $9,360
University of Northern Iowa $9,691
William Penn University $10,500
Morningside University $10,548

Key Takeaways

Iowa has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the U.S.
Despite the slip in numbers on a year-to-year comparison, Iowa showed strong enrollment rates in degree-granting academic institutions during the pandemic.
Iowa’s public 4-year institutions, online colleges and universities included, show a lower cost of attendance than the national average.

Table of Contents

Featured Programs

Popular Online Programs in Iowa

In the Fall of 2020, Iowa reported 208,220 students enrolled in degree-granting academic institutions, indicating one of America’s highest enrollment rates amid the pandemic.

The best online colleges in Iowa provide a variety of academic programs in in-demand fields of study, including healthcare, engineering, business administration, and education.

Here are the most popular online programs offered in Iowa:

Business Administration

Undergraduate and graduate degrees in business administration are common in most online colleges and universities in Iowa. Distance learners gain foundational knowledge in accounting, finance, entrepreneurship, and other key areas of business administration.

While most courses are completed online, some online schools require in-person attendance, like internships.

Social Sciences

Social science-related academic programs include psychology and social work, training distance learners to become knowledgeable and skilled in the education and healthcare sectors. Online students may complete courses in secondary education, counseling, and childhood development.

A variety of social sciences online programs in Iowa can lead to licensure and certification in different areas of specialization.

Communication

Online academic programs in communication enhance students’ communication skills, a highly-valued skill in many professions. Distance learners pursuing this program are trained on how to speak and write professionally.

A variety of specializations are also offered by many online colleges and universities in Iowa, including broadcasting, sports communication, and field reporting.

Engineering

Thanks to Iowa’s manufacturing industries, engineering graduates enjoy a variety of career opportunities in the state. Although engineering is an academic path itself, Iowa’s online schools offer different specializations in the field, including civil, mechanical, electrical, aerospace, and chemical engineering.

Engineering degree-holders can find work in the local, federal, and regional government.

Out-of-State Tuition Discounts in Iowa

Aspiring students can save on tuition expenses and other fees by applying to schools in their home state. As an overview, here are the tuition rates for undergraduate programs in different degree-granting schools in Iowa:

Public 4-Year Institution

$19,788 (In-State)
$27,684 (Out-of-State)

Public 2-Year Institution

$5,411 (In-State)
$6,844 (Out-of-State)

Online colleges and universities in Iowa have 5.83% less than the national average cost of attendance at a public 4-year institution.

Private 4-Year Institution

$45,382 (In-State)

Given the significant difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition, students can qualify for in-state tuition in Iowa.

To become eligible, they must provide proof that they have resided in the state for at least 12 months for reasons other than schooling. Students can either provide a driver’s license, income tax returns, or employment records to demonstrate their residency in Iowa.

Out-of-state students living in a state that is a member of the Midwestern Higher Education Compact can also be qualified to receive discounted tuition rates from Iowa colleges and universities.

Some schools in Iowa offer flat-rate tuition fees, which means that both in-state and out-of-state students pay the same tuition fees. Distance learners must verify first with their prospective schools regarding detailed information about residency requirements.

As Iowa has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the U.S., with just 2.9% in October 2022, college graduates enjoy job opportunities that match their skills.

Accreditation in Iowa

Determining the accreditation status of an online college or university you’re planning to enroll in is crucial. Accreditation ensures that students’ academic credits are eligible to receive financial aid.

Additionally, it indicates that specific standards of professional and academic quality are met.

The most reputable accreditation for the majority of online programs in the U.S. is granted by regional accrediting agencies. Iowa’s regional accrediting agency is The Higher Learning Commission.

It is the same accrediting agency responsible for accrediting online schools for undergraduate and graduate programs in Wyoming, West Virginia, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Ohio, New Mexico, Nebraska, North Dakota, Missouri, Minnesota, Michigan, Kansas, Indiana, Illinois, Colorado, Arizona, and Arkansas.

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?

Iowa’s Best Overall

Online education has grown dramatically in quality, credibility, and popularity over the last two decades. Today, more than a quarter of all college students are taking at least one online course. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are more than 5 million college students who are pursuing their undergraduate degree fully online. And the number of online college and graduate students continues to grow as online technology and instructional methods improve.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, access to remote learning has proven an essential part of the educational ecosystem. Schools that offer primarily online degree programs saw an increase of 7% enrollment just between Fall 2020 and Spring 2021. The number of traditional institutions offering online courses and degrees is growing as well. This all paints a promising picture for the future of online education. But it also produces a dizzying array of options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Online Colleges 2024

Asynchronous learning means classes don’t meet at set times. This is the most flexible online learning experience, making when you cover your course material up to you. Most asynchronous online courses will still have deadlines throughout the semester for various assignments and tests. Some asynchronous classes may still ask for an occasional meeting, such as initial meet-and-greets, and in some cases there may be scheduled test times. The idea of asynchronous learning is to allow the student to manage their schedules as needed.

Synchronous learning means you will have scheduled meeting times for your online classes. Synchronous learning gives online students the flexibility of location while also giving students a chance to engage with each other and their professors. For many online students, the structured class schedules and ability to see and hear from peers in real-time helps create the learning experience they want.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities—educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

How do we determine the best online colleges for undergrads?

Methodology

Pursuing your degree online doesn’t mean you need to settle for an inferior school. Today, most universities and colleges offer online degrees, and many respected schools are seeing significant growth in their numbers of online students.

The people affiliated with a school are ultimately what make it great. This is why influence — i.e., the academic impact of faculty and alumni associated with a school — gets at the heart of what is truly best in education. The combined influence score of a college or university’s top academic influencers is the best indicator of academic excellence. For our online degree rankings, we focus on the academic influence of faculty and alumni in the specific disciplines we’re ranking.

If you are serious about finding the best online colleges, you should be asking where the most influential professors are teaching, and whether their graduates themselves are advancing the school’s reputation for academic excellence. Most ranking sites rely on an opaque combination of reputation surveys and arbitrary performance metrics. Influence, as measured by our InfluenceRanking engine, provides a ranking that is free from bias, insulated from manipulation, and reflective of real-world educational outcomes.

Best Online Colleges in Iowa 2023

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Best Online Colleges in Iowa 2024

Top 10 Online Colleges in Iowa

Key Takeaways

Featured Programs

Popular Online Programs in Iowa

Business Administration

Social Sciences

Communication

Engineering

Out-of-State Tuition Discounts in Iowa

Accreditation in Iowa

Colleges and Universities in Iowa

What are Iowa’s Colleges & Universities?

Best Online Colleges in Iowa 2023

Career Outlook for degree at University of Iowa

Online Degrees

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Career Outlook for degree at Iowa State University

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Career Outlook for degree at Drake University

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Career Outlook for degree at University of Northern Iowa

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Career Outlook for degree at Clarke University

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Career Outlook for degree at Graceland University

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Career Outlook for degree at Maharishi International University

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Career Outlook for degree at Grand View University

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Career Outlook for degree at St. Ambrose University

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Career Outlook for degree at Simpson College

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Career Outlook for degree at Northwestern College

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Career Outlook for degree at Briar Cliff University

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Career Outlook for degree at Morningside University

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Career Outlook for degree at William Penn University

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Career Outlook for degree at Dordt University

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Career Outlook for degree at Mount Mercy University

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Career Outlook for degree at Upper Iowa University

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Career Outlook for degree at Waldorf University

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Career Outlook for degree at Allen College

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