Best Online Colleges in Iowa
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Iowa enjoys a low 2.5% unemployment rate as of September 2019. This rate is below what economists consider full employment, and signifies a time when the number of open positions outpace those looking for work. As a result, employers must offer higher salaries and competitive benefit packages to attract talented professionals. Additionally, employers open up more opportunities to recent college graduates.
Some of the largest employment sectors in the state — such as education, healthcare, and management — provide salaries between $52,360 and $100,560 per year. In addition to low unemployment, Iowa residents enjoy a low cost of living. Even in Iowa’s largest city, Des Moines, residents pay 10% less for housing, food, and services than the national average. However, to obtain a well-paying career, you typically need some education beyond a high school diploma. Earning a certificate or degree at one of the best online colleges in Iowa can help you turn your career goals into reality.
Related Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Online colleges and universities feature many advantages, especially for busy individuals who cannot attend courses on campus. Programs often use an asynchronous curriculum with courses that do not have specific meeting times. Students can view pre-recorded lectures and study when convenient.
Online learners can also save significant money compared to their on-campus counterparts. For instance, they avoid paying for on-campus housing, parking, or childcare, and most online learners pay in-state tuition prices regardless of their state of residency.
This guide highlights the 20 best online colleges and universities in Iowa to help you make an informed decision. The following institutions boast multiple online programs, outstanding student support services, and other important benefits. Additionally, embedded links take you to each school’s website, where you can learn more about each program and find contact information for academic and admissions counselors.
Best Online Colleges in Iowa
- In-State$10,964
- Out-of-state$32,927
- In-State$10,875
- Out-of-state$29,822
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled30,042
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$8,982
- Out-of-state$26,168
- In-State$10,572
- Out-of-state$26,776
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled30,177
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$8,396
- Out-of-state$19,940
- In-State$9,691
- Out-of-state$20,774
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled9,021
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
St Luke's College
Sioux City, IA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$19,440
- Out-of-state$19,440
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate100%
- Acceptance Rate23%
- Students Enrolled196
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$38,644
- Out-of-state$38,644
- In-State$9,936
- Out-of-state$9,936
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled1,290
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$16,000
- Out-of-state$16,000
- In-State$29,000
- Out-of-state$29,000
- Retention Rate56%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled2,673
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$34,000
- Out-of-state$34,000
- In-State$6,120
- Out-of-state$6,120
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled1,665
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$36,606
- Out-of-state$36,606
- In-State$11,106
- Out-of-state$11,106
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled1,526
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$31,250
- Out-of-state$31,250
- In-State$11,688
- Out-of-state$11,688
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled1,204
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment28%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$34,290
- Out-of-state$34,290
- In-State$19,040
- Out-of-state$19,040
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled2,703
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment8%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2020. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.
Explore More College Resources
How to Choose Your College Class Schedule
Learn how to create the best class schedule each semester by considering important academic and nonacademic factors.
by Steve Bailey
Updated March 22, 2023
Full-Time vs. Part-Time Student: What’s the Difference?
Discover the challenges and opportunities full-time vs. part-time students face and get tips on which college experience is right for you.
by Marisa Upson
Updated October 12, 2023
Summer Semester: When Does It Start? And Should You Enroll?
School’s out — or, rather, in — for summer. Discover the pros and cons of enrolling in an optional summer semester in college.
by Anne Dennon
Updated March 20, 2023