Best Online Master’s Programs in Iowa 2024
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
- Drake University
- University of Northern Iowa
- Loras College
- Graceland University
- Grand View University
- Iowa Wesleyan University
- Des Moines University
- University of Dubuque
- St. Ambrose University
- Simpson College
- Drake University
- Maharishi International University
- University of Northern Iowa
- Loras College
- Graceland University
- Clarke University
- Simpson College
- Iowa Wesleyan University
- Des Moines University
- St. Ambrose University
- Grand View University 98%
- University of Northern Iowa 95%
- Maharishi International University 93%
- Loras College 90%
- Simpson College 89%
- Dordt University 88%
- Northwestern College 87%
- Clarke University 85%
- University of Dubuque 85%
- Iowa Wesleyan University 81%
- William Penn University 18 to 1
- University of Northern Iowa 17 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
- Morningside University 13 to 1
- Iowa Wesleyan University 13 to 1
- Loras College 12 to 1
- Drake University $47,742
- Simpson College $45,108
- Buena Vista University $38,644
- University of Dubuque $38,526
- Clarke University $38,060
- Mount Mercy University $37,606
- Morningside University $36,610
- Loras College $36,570
- Iowa Wesleyan University $34,700
- Dordt University $34,600
- Maharishi International University $29,000
- Des Moines University $21,062
- St. Ambrose University $19,040
- Loras College $13,410
- Clarke University $12,868
- Drake University $11,878
- Graceland University $11,688
- Mount Mercy University $11,106
- Morningside University $10,548
- William Penn University $10,500
- Morningside University
- Northwestern College
- Dordt University
- William Penn University
- Maharishi International University
- Mount Mercy University
- Buena Vista University
- Clarke University
- Simpson College
- St. Ambrose University
- Dordt University
- Morningside University
- Buena Vista University
- Northwestern College
- Mount Mercy University
- Grand View University
- William Penn University
- University of Dubuque
- St. Ambrose University
- Des Moines University
- William Penn University 58%
- Drake University 67%
- Morningside University 71%
- St. Ambrose University 74%
- Graceland University 74%
- Mount Mercy University 75%
- Buena Vista University 77%
- Iowa Wesleyan University 81%
- University of Dubuque 85%
- Clarke University 85%
- University of Dubuque 9 to 1
- Clarke University 9 to 1
- Drake University 10 to 1
- Simpson College 10 to 1
- Loras College 12 to 1
- Grand View University 12 to 1
- St. Ambrose University 12 to 1
- Buena Vista University 12 to 1
- Mount Mercy University 13 to 1
- Maharishi International University 13 to 1
- University of Northern Iowa $8,111
- Maharishi International University $16,530
- William Penn University $27,800
- Graceland University $31,970
- Grand View University $32,068
- Northwestern College $34,250
- St. Ambrose University $34,570
- Dordt University $34,600
- Iowa Wesleyan University $34,700
- Loras College $36,570
- Northwestern College $6,120
- Iowa Wesleyan University $6,420
- Simpson College $6,526
- University of Dubuque $7,440
- Grand View University $8,730
- Dordt University $9,360
- University of Northern Iowa $9,691
- Buena Vista University $9,936
- William Penn University $10,500
- Morningside University $10,548
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?
- 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
Best Online Master’s Program in Iowa 2023
- #2 Best Small Colleges in Iowa 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Iowa 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Iowa 2025
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Colleges in Iowa 2024
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #3 Best Online Colleges in Iowa 2024
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Iowa
- #9 Best Online MBA in Business Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024
- #19 Best Online Master’s in Communications 2025
- #19 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2025
Tuition + fees
$48K
Acceptance
67%
Graduation
76%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1225/27
Career Outlook for degree at Drake University
Cost of Degree: $12,777Expenses: $17,136Starting Salary: $68,700Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline 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
- #3 Best Public Colleges in Iowa 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Iowa 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Iowa 2024
Other Rankings
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: $11,362Expenses: $12,998Starting Salary: $49,700Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline 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
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in Iowa 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #7 Best Small Colleges in Iowa 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
68%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Loras College
Cost of Degree: $13,440Expenses: $12,543Starting Salary: $50,200Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MA in Coaching Leadership
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 12 months
- Format: Online
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in Iowa 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Iowa 2025 #8 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
48%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Graceland University
Cost of Degree: $11,991Expenses: $15,240Starting Salary: $40,200Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline 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
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
52%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Grand View University
Cost of Degree: $9,278Expenses: $18,426Starting Salary: $45,200Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline 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
- #10 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2024 #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Iowa #7 Best Online Bachelor’s in Agribusiness and Agriculture Degree Programs #7 Best Online Colleges in Iowa 2024
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
30%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
920/19
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
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Des Moines University
Cost of Degree: $19,428Starting Salary: $176,700Online 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
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
39%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Dubuque
Cost of Degree: $9,020Expenses: $14,370Starting Salary: $42,500Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MA in Christian Leadership
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
- #5 Best Grad Schools in Iowa 2025 #9 Best Christian Colleges in Iowa 2024 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Iowa #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Iowa
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
64%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1130/23
Career Outlook for degree at St. Ambrose University
Cost of Degree: $19,405Expenses: $17,206Starting Salary: $50,500Cost Recoup Time: 8 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline 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
Tuition + fees
$45K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
67%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Simpson College
Cost of Degree: $7,244Expenses: $15,352Starting Salary: $51,200Cost Recoup Time: 6 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline 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
- #8 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #4 Best Research Universities in Iowa 2025 #6 Best Christian Colleges in Iowa 2024 #5 Best Online Colleges in Iowa 2024
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
58%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1040/20
Career Outlook for degree at Clarke University
Cost of Degree: $12,224Expenses: $15,888Starting Salary: $44,800Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
MA in Education
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion time: 2-3 years
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
77%
Graduation
58%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1030/22
Career Outlook for degree at Buena Vista University
Cost of Degree: $10,170Expenses: $14,589Starting Salary: $42,600Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline 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
- #6 Best Grad Schools in Iowa 2025 #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024 #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Iowa #17 Best Online Colleges in Iowa 2024
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
57%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Mount Mercy University
Cost of Degree: $11,410Expenses: $16,930Starting Salary: $48,400Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline 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
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Iowa 2025 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2025 #4 Best Small Colleges in Iowa 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Iowa 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$17K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
50%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Maharishi International University
Cost of Degree: $29,530Expenses: $12,200Starting Salary: $30,400Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline 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
Tuition + fees
$28K
Acceptance
58%
Graduation
30%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
965/18
Career Outlook for degree at William Penn University
Cost of Degree: $10,500Expenses: $15,050Starting Salary: $46,400Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline 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
- #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs #16 Best Online Colleges in Iowa 2024 #22 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2025
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
67%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1140/24
Career Outlook for degree at Dordt University
Cost of Degree: $9,820Expenses: $15,940Starting Salary: $45,300Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline 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
- #8 Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Bachelor's (Online, On-Campus) 2025 #12 Best Online Colleges in Iowa 2024 #19 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2025
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
63%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Northwestern College
Cost of Degree: $6,600Expenses: $15,000Starting Salary: $40,200Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline 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
Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
56%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Morningside University
Cost of Degree: $11,111Expenses: $15,480Starting Salary: $47,900Cost Recoup Time: 7 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline 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