Best Online Master’s Programs in Iowa 2024

BEST ONLINE MASTER'S IN IOWA

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. Faculty and alumni with influential ideas are the foundation of respectable online degree programs employers can trust.

Top 10 Online Master's Programs in Iowa

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  1. Drake University
  2. Maharishi International University
  3. University of Northern Iowa
  4. Loras College
  5. Graceland University
  6. Clarke University
  7. Simpson College
  8. Iowa Wesleyan University
  9. Des Moines University
  10. St. Ambrose University
  1. Grand View University 100%
  2. Maharishi International University 95%
  3. Simpson College 91%
  4. Clarke University 89%
  5. University of Northern Iowa 86%
  6. Northwestern College 83%
  7. Iowa Wesleyan University 82%
  8. Mount Mercy University 81%
  9. University of Dubuque 76%
  10. Morningside University 74%
  1. University of Northern Iowa 17 to 1
  2. University of Dubuque 15 to 1
  3. William Penn University 15 to 1
  4. Dordt University 14 to 1
  5. Graceland University 14 to 1
  6. Mount Mercy University 14 to 1
  7. Morningside University 13 to 1
  8. Grand View University 12 to 1
  9. Maharishi International University 12 to 1
  10. Loras College 12 to 1
  1. Drake University $45,912
  2. Simpson College $44,030
  3. Buena Vista University $37,518
  4. Clarke University $36,870
  5. Mount Mercy University $36,540
  6. University of Dubuque $36,010
  7. Morningside University $35,270
  8. Loras College $35,268
  9. Dordt University $34,170
  10. Iowa Wesleyan University $33,650
  1. Maharishi International University $32,000
  2. Des Moines University $19,025
  3. St. Ambrose University $18,360
  4. Clarke University $13,847
  5. Loras College $12,960
  6. Drake University $11,738
  7. Mount Mercy University $11,106
  8. Graceland University $10,970
  9. William Penn University $10,500
  10. Buena Vista University $9,936
  1. Dordt University
  2. Morningside University
  3. Buena Vista University
  4. Mount Mercy University
  5. William Penn University
  6. Northwestern College
  7. Grand View University
  8. University of Dubuque
  9. St. Ambrose University
  10. Des Moines University
  1. William Penn University 58%
  2. Buena Vista University 66%
  3. Graceland University 67%
  4. Drake University 69%
  5. Loras College 72%
  6. St. Ambrose University 72%
  7. Dordt University 73%
  8. Morningside University 74%
  9. University of Dubuque 76%
  10. Mount Mercy University 81%
  1. Clarke University 8 to 1
  2. Buena Vista University 10 to 1
  3. Drake University 10 to 1
  4. Simpson College 11 to 1
  5. Northwestern College 11 to 1
  6. Grand View University 12 to 1
  7. Maharishi International University 12 to 1
  8. Loras College 12 to 1
  9. Iowa Wesleyan University 12 to 1
  10. St. Ambrose University 12 to 1
  1. University of Northern Iowa $7,780
  2. Maharishi International University $16,530
  3. William Penn University $27,200
  4. Grand View University $30,864
  5. Graceland University $31,920
  6. St. Ambrose University $33,570
  7. Northwestern College $33,590
  8. Iowa Wesleyan University $33,650
  9. Dordt University $34,170
  10. Loras College $35,268
  1. Northwestern College $6,120
  2. Iowa Wesleyan University $6,300
  3. Morningside University $6,516
  4. Simpson College $6,526
  5. University of Dubuque $6,960
  6. Grand View University $9,270
  7. University of Northern Iowa $9,296
  8. Dordt University $9,750
  9. Buena Vista University $9,936
  10. William Penn University $10,500

Featured Programs

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

Best Online Colleges in Iowa
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Best Online Master’s Program in Iowa 2023

  1. #1

    Drake University

    Des Moines , IA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Drake University

    Cost of Degree: $11,988
    Expenses: $16,213
    Starting Salary: $53,150
    Salary after 4 years: $66,290
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Communication

    Concentrations

    • Brand Communication
    • Communication Leadership
    • Public Affairs and Advocacy
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: 1 year
    • Format: Online
    MS in Health Informatics and Analytics
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MPA in Public Administration

    Concentrations

    • Information Technology Management
    • Healthcare Management
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MEd in Education

    Concentrations

    • Redading Specialist
    • English as a Second Language
    • Talented and Gifted
    • Required Credits: 32
    • Completion time: 1 year
    • Format: Online
    Master of Business Administration (MBA)

    Concentrations

    • Healthcare
    • Business Analytics
    • Individualized
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    MJ in Jurisprudence in Compliance and Risk Management
    • Required Credits: 24
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MBA in Business Analytics
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  2. #2

    University of Northern Iowa

    Cedar Falls , IA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1130/23

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Northern Iowa

    Cost of Degree: $10,569
    Expenses: $12,356
    Starting Salary: $42,213
    Salary after 4 years: $52,141
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Art Education
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Education

    Concentrations

    • Elementary Education
    • Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MM in Music Education
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Development
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 3-5 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Physical Education - Pedagogy
    • Required Credits: 51
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Master of Social Work
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Education in Special Education

    Concentrations

    • Consultant
    • Field Specialization
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Teaching English in Secondary Schools
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  3. #3

    Loras College

    Dubuque , IA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Loras College

    Cost of Degree: $12,990
    Expenses: $11,619
    Starting Salary: $41,201
    Salary after 4 years: $52,920
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Coaching Leadership
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 12 months
    • Format: Online
  4. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1000/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Graceland University

    Cost of Degree: $11,187
    Expenses: $14,460
    Starting Salary: $57,841
    Salary after 4 years: $69,614
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Data Science and Analytics
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Religion

    Concentrations

    • Christian Theology
    • Spiritual Leadership
    • Peace and Justice
    • Required Credits: 34
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Nursing

    Concentrations

    • Family Nurse Practitioner
    • Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
    • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
    • Required Credits: 47
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Nutrition and Human Performance
    • Required Credits: 66
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  5. #5

    Grand View University

    Des Moines , IA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1015/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Grand View University

    Cost of Degree: $9,440
    Expenses: $14,308
    Starting Salary: $41,082
    Salary after 4 years: $51,369
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Mental Health Counseling
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 21 months
    • Format: Online
  6. #6

    Iowa Wesleyan University

    Mount Pleasant , IA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    23%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    920/18

    Career Outlook for degree at Iowa Wesleyan University

    Cost of Degree: $6,300
    Starting Salary: $39,503

    Online Degrees

    MEd in Curriculum and Instruction
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Management Leadership

    Concentrations

    • Athletic Administration
    • Criminal Justice
    • Strategic Leadership
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  7. #7

    Des Moines University

    Des Moines , IA

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Des Moines University

    Cost of Degree: $19,065
    Starting Salary: $74,706
    Salary after 4 years: $97,762

    Online Degrees

    MHA in Health Care Administration
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    MPH in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 42
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  8. #8

    University of Dubuque

    Dubuque , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    949/20

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Dubuque

    Cost of Degree: $7,940
    Expenses: $12,150
    Starting Salary: $45,837
    Salary after 4 years: $56,146
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Christian Leadership
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  9. #9

    St. Ambrose University

    Davenport , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1075/22

    Career Outlook for degree at St. Ambrose University

    Cost of Degree: $18,640
    Expenses: $16,266
    Starting Salary: $54,115
    Salary after 4 years: $60,966
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 14 months
    • Format: Online
    MS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 18-24 months
    • Format: Online
    MPH in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 10 months
    • Format: Online
    MPH in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 43
    • Completion time: 18 months
    • Format: Online
  10. #10

    Simpson College

    Indianola , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Simpson College

    Cost of Degree: $6,606
    Expenses: $14,134
    Starting Salary: $45,742
    Salary after 4 years: $53,655
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Teaching
    • Required Credits: 42
    • Completion time: 18 months
    • Format: Online
  11. #11

    Clarke University

    Dubuque , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1022/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Clarke University

    Cost of Degree: $14,147
    Expenses: $15,371
    Starting Salary: $55,981
    Salary after 4 years: $62,244
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Education
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  12. #12

    Buena Vista University

    Storm Lake , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Buena Vista University

    Cost of Degree: $9,936
    Expenses: $14,278
    Starting Salary: $41,611
    Salary after 4 years: $49,099
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    MEd in Special Education
    • Required Credits: 30-42
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    MEd in Teacher Leadership in Curriculum and Instruction

    Concentrations

    • Effective Teaching and Instructional Leadership
    • Teaching English as a Second Language
    • Talented and Gifted Education
    • Teacher Technology Integrationist
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  13. #13

    Mount Mercy University

    Cedar Rapids , IA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Mount Mercy University

    Cost of Degree: $11,176
    Expenses: $15,852
    Starting Salary: $44,012
    Salary after 4 years: $56,369
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    Master of Business Administration (MBA)

    Concentrations

    • Finance
    • Heath Care Administration
    • Human Resources
    • International Business
    • Quality Management
    • Remote and Virtual Workforce
    • Required Credits: 40
    • Completion time: 12-18 months
    • Format: Online
  14. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Maharishi International University

    Cost of Degree: $32,530
    Expenses: $12,200
    Starting Salary: $110,783
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Consciousness and Human Potential
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 32 months
    • Format: Online
    MS in Aromatherapy and Ayurveda
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 3 years
    • Format: Online
    MFA in Creative Writing
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Hybrid/li>
    Master of Business Administration (MBA)

    Concentrations

    • Sustainable Business
    • Required Credits: 58
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Leadership and Workplace Conflict Resolution
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 18 months
    • Format: Online
    MS in Maharishi Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 3 years
    • Format: Online
    MFA in Screenwriting

    Concentrations

    • David Lynch
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Hybrid
    MS in Sustainability Measurement and Reporting
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in SAP Enterprise Resource Planning and Business Analytics
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 12 months
    • Format: Online
  15. #15

    William Penn University

    Oskaloosa , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at William Penn University

    Cost of Degree: $10,500
    Expenses: $13,400
    Starting Salary: $40,323
    Salary after 4 years: $55,964
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    Master of Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Master of Sport Management
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  16. #16

    Dordt University

    Sioux Center , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1171/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Dordt University

    Cost of Degree: $9,850
    Expenses: $15,310
    Starting Salary: $50,837
    Salary after 4 years: $53,536
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MPA in Public Administration

    Concentrations

    • Police Administration
    • Nonprofit Administration
    • General Administration
    • Required Credits: 30-38
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MEd in Education

    Concentrations

    • Teacher Leadership
    • Developmental Reading
    • Early Childhood Education
    • Educational Technology
    • Instructional Coach
    • School Leadership
    • Sport Leadership
    • Required Credits: 30-36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MPH in Social Work

    Concentrations

    • Clinical Practice
    • Community Practice and Administration
    • Advanced Generalist
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 21-33 months
    • Format: Online
  17. #17

    Northwestern College

    Orange City , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Northwestern College

    Cost of Degree: $6,360
    Expenses: $14,060
    Starting Salary: $50,064
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Data Science
    • Required Credits: 30-40
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Counseling
    • Required Credits: 30-40
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
  18. #18

    Morningside University

    Sioux City , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Morningside University

    Cost of Degree: $6,516
    Expenses: $14,560
    Starting Salary: $53,232
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Nursing

    Concentrations

    • Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)
    • Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
    • Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse (AGNP)
    • Required Credits: 38-47
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MA in Teaching
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online

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