20 Best Affordable Schools in Iowa for Bachelor's Degree 2020
You are here: Home / 20 Best Affordable Schools in Iowa for Bachelor's Degree 2020
In the following ranking, we evaluate the most affordable bachelor's degrees in Iowa that are offered through on-campus and online delivery formats. Although not as flashy or intimidating than some of the more populated States, Iowa offers a number of competitive programs and schools. While some Midwestern states are home to a small number of schools compared to their East Coast counterparts, a reflection on the sparser distribution of residents and comparatively smaller populations, Iowa remains an exception. There are 60 universities and colleges in Iowa, including 21 associate colleges, 19 bachelor's colleges nine master's universities, and two research universities.
Due to the sheer number of higher education options available, choosing the right school to meet your academic needs and professional goals can be challenging. Not only must you decide between two- and four-year colleges as well as private and public schools, but you must also consider location, reputation, tuition rates, graduation rates, and student-to-faculty ratios when making your decision. Fortunately, we have constructed a rigorous ranking methodology to help make the process a little easier. Below, you will find a list of the most affordable bachelor's degree colleges in Iowa that provide high-quality academic programs at a cost that won't break the bank.
In order to provide a comprehensive overview of the most affordable bachelor's degree colleges in Iowa, we developed a specific ranking methodology by which we scored schools based on three core metrics related to the size of classes, level of student satisfaction, and affordability. Even if you are unsure of the career path you wish to follow, Iowa is home to hundreds of programs in nearly every field imaginable, but narrowing down these options can be time-consuming. Therefore, we conducted a search for the term "colleges in Iowa" using the College Navigator tool at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to get a list of the top schools in the state. We then ranked them according to student-to-faculty ratios, graduation rates, and the average cost of attendance as detailed below. We also consulted each school's website to ensure the statistics we obtained were current for 2019.
Average Cost of Attendance
Before you spend time researching and evaluating programs and whether they meet your educational goals, it is important to determine whether you can afford the cost of the degree. However, when looking at the average cost of attendance, try to avoid basing your decision solely on price. Some of the state's most prestigious and expensive universities might fall short in terms of their academic offerings, while you might be pleasantly surprised by the programs offered at the cheapest bachelor's degree colleges in Iowa. For this article, we ranked tuition rates based on the cost for in-state students completing 15 hours of coursework per semester for one full year and awarded points based on the following table. We also provided out-of-state tuition rates for your reference, although these figures were not used as a basis for awarding points.
Under $7,500: 3 points
$7,500 to $15,000: 2 points
$15,001 and above: 1 point
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Student-to-faculty ratios give us a good idea of not only the size of the school but also the size of its classes. Consider your prior academic background and your personal priorities when determining whether you would thrive in a large public university or a small private college, and narrow down your options accordingly. Ask yourself whether your dream school is characterized by plenty of extracurriculars, concentrations, and opportunities for experiential, hands-on learning or whether you would fare better in a setting in which you can take advantage of opportunities for mentoring, one-on-one studies, or close relationships with your professors and peers. Although large and small schools each have their benefits and drawbacks, for this ranking, we awarded the most points to colleges and universities that reported student-to-faculty ratios of 10 or fewer students per faculty member.
10:1 or less: 3 points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 points
Greater than 15:1: 1 point
In the following ranking, we used each school's graduation rate as a measure of student satisfaction. Although admission rates are a great way to determine the likelihood of being admitted into a program, graduation rates tell us how many students actually completed their program requirements and earned their degree, which is the ultimate goal. Before you commit your money and time to a school, consider its graduation rates as most colleges and universities with high numbers may be more likely to offer academic support, experienced faculty, affordable degrees, and other academic components that students are looking for in a program. Therefore, the schools with the highest graduation rates earned the most number of points based on the following ranges.
More than 50 percent: 3 points
Between 30 percent and 50 percent: 2 points
Less than 30 percent: 1 point
Ranking Top 20 Best Affordable Bachelor's Degree Colleges in Iowa
20. Graceland University
Lamoni, Iowa
Graceland University was established in 1895.
A private, liberal arts university located an hour south of Des Moines in Lamoni, Iowa, Graceland University was established in 1895 by the Community of Christ, formerly known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. However, the school considers itself nonsectarian and enrolls students from all religious backgrounds. Graceland is recognized as one of the most affordable colleges in Iowa, offering dozens of undergraduate degrees in professional studies, science, and the arts, including web design, sports management, social media marketing, and movement and health science. Graceland is also home to a popular arts community, and one-third of its students participate in some type of performing or visual arts. The Lamoni campus is also known for its Shaw Center, Graceland's regional arts building comprised of a black box theater, recital hall, and a 625-seat auditorium.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
19. William Penn University
William Penn University enrolls more than 1,300 students.
Founded in 1873 as Penn College by the Religious Society of Friends, William Penn University is a private liberal arts university located in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Serving more than 1,300 students, the school provides a curriculum founded in the Quaker heritage and beliefs, although students from all religious backgrounds are welcome to attend. Penn divides its affordable programs into seven divisions in applied technology, social and behavioral sciences, business administration, nursing, education, the humanities, and the health and life sciences as well as a division of graduate studies. Students may take advantage of a number of extracurricular activities, including academic clubs, a literary magazine, campus ministries, and participation in the school's NAIA Division II athletic programs.
18. Briar Cliff University
Briar Cliff University is affiliated with the Catholic Church.
Founded in 1930 as an all-women's school, Briar Cliff University is now a coeducational, private liberal arts university located in Sioux City, Iowa. Affiliated with the Catholic Church, Briar Cliff offers low cost undergraduate and graduate programs in graphic design, computer science, criminal justice and criminology, and business administration, to name a few. Evening courses and online options are also provided. The school's 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio leads to lasting relationships, and faculty members and students team up to work side-by-side on service projects and research. Students may also participate in organizations and clubs as well as in campus ministry through local outreach programs, student-led retreats, and daily Mass. Approximately 95 percent of Briar Cliff graduates are pursuing graduate studies or employed within six months of earning their degree.
17. Grand View University
Grand View University is a private liberal arts university.
Founded in 1896, Grand View University is an inexpensive private liberal arts university located in Des Moines, Iowa. Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Grand View enrolls more than 2,100 undergraduate and graduate students each year. Grand View confers more than 40 majors, 28 minors, and four certificates for undergraduate students, and bachelor's degree options include business administration, psychology, church music, kinesiology and health promotion, and management information systems. Students also have the opportunity to study abroad in Italy, Denmark, and other countries to earn college credit. For more than 20 years, Grand View has boasted a 98 percent to 99 percent placement rate, meaning that its graduates are either employed or pursuing graduate studies within six months of graduation. Athletics include tennis, cross country, basketball, and baseball.
16. Iowa Wesleyan University
Mount Pleasant, Iowa
Iowa Wesleyan University was founded in 1842.
Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Iowa Wesleyan University is a four-year, private liberal arts college located in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Founded in 1842, IW is the state's first coeducational postsecondary institution and the oldest coeducational institution of higher learning west of the Mississippi River. The school's curriculum is founded in the liberal arts, and undergraduate students can pursue inexpensive bachelor's degrees in social work, exercise and wellness, digital media design, education, business administration, or Christian studies, to name a few. Online bachelor's programs are offered in human services, criminal justice, business administration, and nursing. IW students come from 29 states and 30 countries, and 100% of students receive some type of financial assistance. In terms of student life, IW provides 12 competitive athletic programs, more than 16 intramural sports, and student organizations as well as a number of musical ensembles.
15. Mercy College of Health Sciences
Mercy College of Health Sciences was established in 1899.
Established in 1899 by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy College of Health Sciences is a private Catholic college that offers cheap certificate, associate, and bachelor's degrees in healthcare. Mercy College offers a unique academic experience unlike anything found at more traditional, larger four-year institutions. The school accomplishes this by using the latest technologies and techniques, flexible scheduling, industry-experienced faculty members, small class sizes, and affiliations with clinics and hospitals. Mercy College offers five affordable Bachelor of Science programs based on a foundation of the liberal arts and sciences that allow students to work while earning their degree. These options include programs in public health, healthcare administration, and health science as well as three degrees in nursing: a BSN, RN to BSN, and accelerated BSN.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
14. Simpson College
Indianola, Iowa
Simpson College is affiliated with the United Methodist Church.
Simpson College is a coeducational, four-year liberal arts college located in Indianola, Iowa. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Simpson enrolls a close-knit community of around 1,400 undergraduate students and offers an impressive 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Undergraduates may choose from more than 80 low-cost majors and minors through 20 academic departments, including low-cost bachelor's programs in sports administration, multimedia journalism, global management, and forensic science/biochemistry. In addition to offering rigorous educational programs, Simpson also maintains an active on-campus community, and approximately 84% of students participate in some type of activity such as the campus radio station or newspaper, arts and music organizations, or student government. The Simpson experience also largely revolves around Greek life, with the school consisting of one local fraternity, three national sororities, and three national fraternities.
13. Central College
Pella, Iowa
Central College was established in 1853.
Central College is a four-year, private liberal arts college located in Pella, Iowa. Established in 1853, the school enrolls around 1,100 undergraduates each year, and it is noted for its emphasis on global experiential learning, sustainability education, and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs. Central also offers a number of study abroad opportunities in countries such as Ghana, France, and China. On campus, undergraduates may choose from more than 70 inexpensive academic majors, including business management, exercise science, music education, psychology, and environmental studies Approximately 99 percent of Central students receive some type of financial aid to help make their education slightly more affordable. Students benefit from Central's ongoing environmental efforts by studying and living in well-designed, clean spaces, by developing their understanding of important global topics, and by volunteering and interning for environmental organizations.
12. Loras College
Dubuque, Iowa
Loras College is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state.
Loras College, located in Dubuque, Iowa, is a Catholic college that was founded in 1839, making it the oldest institution of higher learning in the state. The school enrolls 1,600 students each year and offers more than 40 low-cost majors and programs, service-learning opportunities, internships, study-abroad programs, and small class sizes, thanks to its 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Undergraduates may choose from more than 40 bachelor's degrees in the liberal arts and professional studies, including athletic training, international studies, politics, neuroscience, and media studies. Student life consists of many opportunities for involvement, including intramural sports, student advocacy, faith organizations, and academic clubs.
11. Mount Mercy University
Mount Mercy University offers more than 45 undergraduate programs of study.
Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1928, Mount Mercy University is a Catholic liberal arts university in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Like other Catholic schools, Mount Mercy strives to instill a sense of spirituality, service, and scholarship, and it accomplishes this by focusing on five concerns: women, racism, nonviolence, immigration, and earth. Undergraduate students may choose from more than 45 inexpensive major programs of study through the school's eight academic departments. Mount Mercy is known for professional programs in business, education, and nursing as well as for affordable degrees in in-demand fields such as human resource management, international studies, biology, and criminal justice. Students complete specialized courses in the liberal arts as well as interdisciplinary core classes that emphasize community values and social justice. Mount Mercy also focuses on service learning, and undergraduates are encouraged to take advantage of work and educational opportunities to help and serve the local community.
10. Morningside College
Morningside College enrolls 2,900 full- and part-time students annually.
Morningside College, located in Sioux City, Iowa, is a private liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church that enrolls 2,900 full- and part-time students annually. Founded in 1894, Morningside offers more than 65 inexpensive undergraduate degree programs, including majors in business, nursing, education, biology, and agriculture. Courses are taught by world-class faculty, and students benefit from active learning environments in which they not only develop their knowledge but also gain experience through hands-on training. Morningside is home to a number of performing arts options as well as a wide array of athletics and co-curriculars. Morningside boasts a 99 percent graduate school and job replacement rate, and it offers an "XP Guarantee" to new undergraduates, assuring them that they will earn their degree within four years and either begin a job or start their graduate studies within six months of graduation.
9. Northwestern College
Orange City, Iowa
Northwestern College was established in 1882.
Northwestern College was established in 1882 as an academy before becoming a junior college in 1928 and a four-year institution in 1961. Located in Orange City, Iowa, the private Christian liberal arts college is affiliated with the Reformed Church in America and enrolls 1,300 undergraduate and graduate students annually. NWC boasts a low 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an intimate campus setting, and it offers a number of low-cost bachelor's degrees in nonsecular and secular areas of study such as worship arts, youth ministry and Christian education, business administration, sports management, and ecological science. The school operates a Bridge Scholars program that offers co-curricular activities and academic scholarships to exceptional multicultural students to help them develop their capacity for cultural intelligence, reconciliation, and leadership.
8. St. Ambrose University
St. Ambrose University is a private Roman Catholic liberal arts university.
Established in 1882, St. Ambrose University is a private Roman Catholic liberal arts university located in Davenport, Iowa. Affiliated with the Diocese of Davenport, SAU serves undergraduate, graduate, adult, transfer, and online students with average class sizes of just 20 students. Boasting a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, SAU's faculty members have the opportunity to get to know their students on a personal level. SAU's extensive educational offerings include more than 60 affordable bachelor's degrees, 14 master's programs, and three doctorates. In addition to unique undergraduate majors in mechanical engineering, human fitness and performance, behavioral neuropsychology, and book arts, SAU confers a number of accelerated degrees in nursing, accounting, business administration, and applied management studies. Students benefit from access to career resources, veterans' services, and academic advising as well as study groups, tutoring, and academic resources through SAU's student success center.
7. Dordt University
Sioux Center, Iowa
Dordt University was founded in 1955.
Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt University is a private, Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church in North America. Founded as Midwest Christian Junior College in 1955 and formerly known as Dordt College, the university became Dordt University in May 2019. Enrolling around 1,500 students annually, Dordt offers more than 90 cheap programs of study, including 40 bachelor's degrees, an honors program, and a number of opportunities for off-campus studies. In addition to offering inexpensive religious degrees in worship arts, theology, and Christianity and popular culture, Dordt provides affordable secular bachelor's programs in digital media production, construction management, community development, and environmental studies.
6. University of Iowa
The University of Iowa was founded in 1847.
Located in Iowa City, Iowa, the University of Iowa is a public research university that was founded in 1847, making it the oldest and second-largest university in the state. UIowa is organized into 11 colleges that offer more than 200 affordable majors, minors, and certificate programs as well as 13 graduate programs ranked among the top 10 in their fields. In addition to in-demand majors in business, science, and the arts, UIowa confers bachelor's programs in unique fields such as nuclear medicine technology, geoscience, environmental planning and policy, and actuarial science. Though it excels in many academic areas, UIowa is best known for its commitment to the arts, and the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art is home to nearly 15,000 pieces.
5. Iowa State University
Iowa State University enrolls more than 36,000 students.
Founded in 1858, Iowa State University is a public space- and land-grant research university located in Ames, Iowa. Enrolling more than 36,000 students, it is the largest university in Iowa, drawing students from more than 100 countries and all 50 states. ISU offers more than 100 affordable degree programs through eight academic colleges, including unique majors in genetics, horticulture, animal ecology, and aerospace engineering. An ISU graduate student and professor are noted for creating the world's first electronic computer, and the school's campus is the only one in the U.S. to house a research laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy. At ISU, students benefit from the feel of a small-town school with the resources of a large-city university, and opportunities abound for participation in scientific pursuits, sports, and the arts.
4. University of Northern Iowa
The University of Northern Iowa offers more than 90 majors.
The University of Northern Iowa is a public research university located in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Founded in 1876 as Iowa State Normal School, UNI offers more than 90 inexpensive majors through its colleges of education, business administration, social and behavioral sciences, and humanities, arts, and sciences as well as a graduate college. Unique programs are available in graphics technologies, criminology, movement and exercise science, and gerontology, and UNI is recognized for providing the top teaching program in the state. Students may take advantage of more than 250 different student organizations as well as opportunities to study abroad. UNI's 900-acre campus is home to several landmarks, including the UNI Gallery of Art, the 16,000-seat UNI-Dome, and KULT, the school's student-run radio station.
3. Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, Iowa
Buena Vista University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1.
Founded as Buena Vista College in 1891, Buena Vista University is a private four-year college located on in Storm Lake, Iowa. Affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, the school's academic programs feature a combination of traditional liberal arts classes and hands-on learning through opportunities for internships and travel. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1, the school serves around 900 students, making BVU one of the smaller institutions of higher learning in the state. Students at BVU can choose from more than 45 low-cost bachelor's degrees in majors such as biomedical sciences, digital media, exercise science, business, and education. In addition to providing rigorous programs, BVU encourages community service, and the school's staff, faculty, and students report 37,000 annual hours of service for local businesses and organizations. Approximately 98 percent of graduates pursue graduate studies or find work within six months of earning their degree.
2. Clarke University
Clarke University was founded in 1843.
Ranked among the top colleges and universities in Iowa for its arts programs, Clarke University is a four-year liberal arts college located in Dubuque, Iowa that offers affordable undergraduate, graduate, adult, and continuing education programs. Founded as an academy for women in 1843, the school is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church and offers a broad undergraduate curriculum through 22 academic departments and more than 26 majors in areas such as athletic training, education, accounting, business administration, psychology, and nursing. Students benefit from the school's impressive 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio as well as its 63 percent graduation rate and high return on investment. Clarke prides itself on attracting faculty members who are experts in their field, including Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin, who taught journalism and English.
1. Emmaus Bible College
Emmaus Bible College is a four-year private college affiliated with the Open Brethren.
Emmaus Bible College, located in Dubuque, Iowa, is a four-year private college affiliated with the Open Brethren. Established as Emmaus Bible School in 1941 in Ontario, Canada, the school offers more than 35 ministry-oriented and professional majors and minors in educational ministries, counseling psychology, and the Bible and theology as well as intercultural studies, health sciences, computer studies, and business. With an annual enrollment of fewer than 300 students, EBC is proud to offer a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio that promotes the building of long-term relationships between students and their professors. EBC works Bible instruction and Christian values into every field of study, and some students use their Christian education to pursue secular careers, while others opt to join the ministry.
What Are the Most In-Demand Careers in Iowa for Graduates With a Bachelor's Degree?
As a major hub for agriculture, Iowa is responsible for producing one-tenth of the country's total food supply. Therefore, it is no surprise that agriculture is one of Iowa's top industries, along with insurance and finance, biotechnology, and manufacturing. Top employers include Principal Financial Group, Genesis Medical Center, and various healthcare and medical organizations. Below we have compiled a list of the top 10 fastest-growing in-demand careers in Iowa, as reported by the Des Moines Register, as well as their projected growth rates between 2017 and 2019 and median hourly wages:
1. Wind Turbine Technicians: 13.2 percent
– Median Hourly Wage: $30.64
2. Operations Research Analysts: 6.2 percent
3. Information Security Analysts: 6 percent
4. Actuaries: 5.7 percent
5. Home Health Aides: 5.4 percent
6. Personal Care Aides: 5.4 percent
7. Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks: 4.9 percent
8. Nurse Practitioners: 4.8 percent
9. Respiratory Therapists: 4.8 percent
10. Physician Assistants: 4.8 percent
What Are the Highest-Paying Jobs in Iowa?
To determine the highest-paying jobs in Iowa, we turned to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statics for assistance. The BLS is tasked with calculating occupational employment and wage estimates using data from employers in all industries throughout metropolitan and nonmetropolitan regions across the state. According to the BLS, the annual mean wage across all occupations in Iowa was $46,150 as of May 2018. The top three highest-paying careers include orthodontists, who earned $267,870, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, who brought home $263,270, and obstetricians and gynecologists, who raked in $254,100 during the same year. For this article, we wanted to look at some high-earning careers outside of the medical field that one can hold with only a bachelor's degree or with additional experience and training such as:
Postsecondary Law Teachers: $166,520
Natural Sciences Managers: $127,440
Computer Network Architects: $119,590
Sales Managers: $117,170
Financial Managers: $114,620
Advertising and Promotions Managers: $113,030
Marketing Managers: $109,450
Postsecondary Education Administrators: $107,760
Personal Financial Advisors: $105,540
Postsecondary Biological Science Teachers: $101,810
What Are the Best Schools in Iowa for Bachelor's Recipients?
In order to determine the best schools in Iowa for graduates with a bachelor's degree, we calculated the 20-year net return on investment (ROI) by comparing the amount that one can earn over a 20-year period with the median earnings that high school graduates report during the same time period, according to PayScale. In other words, we took a look at how much more graduates of the following colleges earned compared to those with only a high school diploma. We also provided early career earnings and mid-career pay for each school in order to provide a comprehensive look at salary expectations. If you are considering a bachelor's degree college in Iowa, it is important to think about your financial future before you invest time and money into a particular program. The following five schools are ranked in order from the highest ROI to the lowest ROI for in-state, on-campus students who graduated with a bachelor's degree without financial aid.
– 20-Year Net ROI: $435,000
– Early Career Pay: $54,900
– Mid-Career Pay: $99,000
– Mid-Career Pay: $100,200
4. Dordt College
5. Graceland University-Lamoni
6. Loras College
The only state whose west and east borders are formed completely by rivers, Iowa is known for its acres of farmland and rolling hills. The birthplace of Western movie star John Wayne, actor Elijah Wood, former U.S. President Herbert Hoover, and Super Bowl-winning football player Kurt Warner, Iowa is also home to Iowa State University and the University of Iowa — two institutions that offer a significant ROI for in-state graduates earning a bachelor's degree. Whether you choose to attend one of these top-ranked schools or you pursue a degree from a different institution, we hope that our list of the most affordable bachelor's degree colleges in Iowa serves as a helpful starting point as you narrow down your options.
This concludes our ranking of the top 20 most affordable bachelor's degree colleges in Iowa.