Attending college requires a huge financial commitment and the thought of the cost of tuition can discourage an individual from fulfilling their academic dreams. If you are a resident of Iowa or neighboring states and you prioritize affordability when it comes to college education, then you will like this article on the most affordable colleges in Iowa.
When people hear “most affordable colleges,” they think they offer low-quality education. This is not true, that a school is affordable does not mean that they do not know their onions. The schools on our list of the most affordable colleges in Iowa are high-ranking schools known for high-quality education and affordable tuition rates. Check out the list and choose the college that suits your budget and offers your preferred program/course.
Most Affordable Colleges in Iowa
Below are the cheapest colleges in Iowa.
1. University of Northern Iowa
The University of Northern Iowa which was founded in 1876 is a public university located in Cedar Falls, Iowa. This college offers over 90 affordable programs in disciplines like social sciences, education, business, humanities, arts, and sciences. UNI is known for having the best teaching program in the state.
Students can join over 250 student organizations and study abroad. The 900-acre campus features landmarks like the UNI Gallery of Art, the 16,000-seat UNI-Dome, and KULT, the student-run radio station. For residents, tuition costs $8,938, while out-of-state students pay $19,480.
2. Buena Vista University
Buena Vista University is a private four-year institution located in Storm Lake, Iowa, this university was established in 1891 as Buena Vista College. This college also maintains an affiliation with the Presbyterian Church and the college offers a mix of traditional liberal arts courses and practical experiences like internships and travel opportunities.
Besides academic rigor, BVU emphasizes community service, with staff, faculty, and students contributing 37,000 service hours annually to local businesses and organizations. Nearly all graduates, around 98 percent, either continue their education or secure employment within six months of graduation. Tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students, costing $34,004.
3. Dordt University
Dordt University was established as Midwest Christian Junior College in 1955. It is a private Christian college located in Sioux Center, Iowa. The school offers over 90 programs, including 40 bachelor’s degrees. They have religious programs like worship arts and theology, as well as secular programs like digital media and construction management. Tuition costs the same for in-state and out-of-state students, at $30,840.
4. University of Iowa
The University of Iowa is a public research university in Iowa City, Iowa. It was founded in 1847, making it the oldest and second-largest university in the state. The university has 11 colleges offering over 200 majors, minors, and certificate programs, including 13 graduate programs ranked in the top 10.
Alongside popular majors in business, science, and the arts, UIowa also offers bachelor’s programs in unique fields like nuclear medicine technology, and geoscience. One of its highlights is the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art, which houses nearly 15,000 pieces. Tuition costs $9,267 for in-state students and $31,233 for out-of-state students.
5. Iowa State University
Iowa State University is a public research university in Ames, Iowa. It was founded in 1858 and is the largest university in Iowa, with over 36,000 students from around the world. The university offers more than 100 degree programs through eight colleges, including unique majors like genetics and aerospace engineering.
ISU is known for its contributions to technology, with a graduate student and professor creating the world’s first electronic computer. The campus also houses a research lab for the U.S. Department of Energy. ISU provides a small-town feel with big-city resources, and students can participate in various activities, including science, sports, and the arts. Tuition costs $8,988 for in-state students and $23,392 for out-of-state students.
6. University of Northern Iowa
Clarke University is a liberal arts college in Dubuque, Iowa, known for its arts programs. Established in 1843 as a women’s academy, it’s affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. Clarke offers affordable undergraduate, graduate, adult, and continuing education programs.
With 22 academic departments and over 26 majors, students can study areas like athletic training, education, accounting, and nursing. The school has an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a 63 percent graduation rate. It’s proud to have faculty who are experts in their fields, including George R.R. Martin, author of Game of Thrones, who taught journalism and English.
Tuition costs the same for in-state and out-of-state students, at $33,350.
7. Emmaus Bible College
Emmaus Bible College, situated in Dubuque, Iowa, is a private four-year college affiliated with the Open Brethren. It was founded as Emmaus Bible School in 1941 in Ontario, Canada. The college offers over 35 majors and minors focusing on ministry, counseling psychology, Bible and theology, as well as intercultural studies, health sciences, computer studies, and business.
With less than 300 students enrolled annually, EBC boasts a low student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, fostering close relationships between students and professors. The college integrates Bible instruction and Christian values into all areas of study, allowing students to pursue secular careers or enter the ministry with their Christian education.
Both in-state and out-of-state tuition is $18,400.
8. Morningside College
Morningside College, in Sioux City, Iowa, is a private liberal arts school linked with the United Methodist Church. It has about 2,900 students each year. Established in 1894, Morningside offers over 65 different degrees, like business, nursing, education, biology, and agriculture.
Classes are taught by great teachers, and students get to learn actively with hands-on experience. There are lots of activities at Morningside, including performing arts and sports. Almost all students find jobs or get into grad school after graduating, and the college promises new students that they’ll finish their degree in four years and start working or studying again within six months of graduating.
Tuition costs the same for everyone, at $31,530.
9. Northwestern College
Northwestern College began as an academy in 1882 and later became a junior college in 1928 and a four-year college in 1961. It’s located in Orange City, Iowa, and is a private Christian liberal arts college associated with the Reformed Church in America.
Each year, it enrolls about 1,300 undergraduate and graduate students. With a low student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1 and a close-knit campus, NWC offers affordable bachelor’s degrees in both religious and secular fields like worship arts, business administration, sports management, and ecological science.
The college runs a Bridge Scholars program, which supports multicultural students with co-curricular activities and academic scholarships to enhance their cultural intelligence, reconciliation, and leadership skills.
Tuition is $31,100 for both in-state and out-of-state students.
10. St. Ambrose University
St. Ambrose University, founded in 1882, is a private Roman Catholic liberal arts school in Davenport, Iowa. Connected with the Diocese of Davenport, it caters to undergraduate, graduate, adult, transfer, and online students, with small class sizes averaging 20 students.
The university offers over 60 bachelor’s degrees, 14 master’s programs, and three doctorates. SAU has unique majors like mechanical engineering, human fitness and performance, behavioral neuropsychology, and book arts, as well as accelerated programs in nursing, accounting, business administration, and applied management studies. Students have access to career services, veterans’ support, academic advising, study groups, tutoring, and other resources through SAU’s Student Success Center.
Tuition costs $30,894 for both in-state and out-of-state students.
Highest-Paying Jobs in Iowa
Here are some of the highest-paying jobs in Iowa along with their average salaries:-
- Anesthesiologists: $271,440
- Surgeons: $255,110
- Psychiatrists: $234,440
- Orthodontists: $208,000
- Physicians (Other Specialties): $194,450
- Chief Executives: $190,920
- Pediatricians: $190,150
- Dentists: $178,950
- Nurse Anesthetists: $176,990
- Financial Managers: $116,400
How Much Does a College Degree Cost in Iowa?
The cost of getting a college degree in Iowa depends on a few things, like whether you are from Iowa or another state, and if you attend a public or private school.
If you are from Iowa and go to a public university, it might cost around $8,000 to $9,000 each year for tuition and fees. If you are from another state, it could be more, like $20,000 to $30,000 a year. Private colleges in Iowa usually cost more, maybe $20,000 to $40,000, or even higher each year.
These are just estimates, and the actual cost can be different based on where you go and what you study. Also, you might be able to get financial help like scholarships or grants to help pay for college.
Do The Most Affordable Colleges Offer High-Quality Education?
Yes, affordable colleges can provide high-quality education, but it varies. Some affordable colleges focus on giving students a great education without charging too much. They might have good instructors, useful programs, and support for students to do well.
But it’s important to check each college to see if it is good. Look at things like if it is accredited, how qualified the instructors are, how many students there are for each class, how many students graduate, and if students get help finding jobs after graduation. Also, think about things like the college’s reputation and what other opportunities it offers.
So, while a college might be affordable, it can still offer a great education if it has the right qualities.