Affordable Online Colleges In Iowa
In Iowa, 42% of jobs require a bachelor’s degree, but only 22% of the state’s residents currently hold one, according to a 2025 report by the Community Colleges for Iowa. That gap suggests strong demand for workers with bachelor’s degrees.
State employment projections by the Department of Labor also show a high demand for master’s degree holders over the next decade. Explore this page for top online colleges in Iowa, average costs, in-demand careers, and scholarships to make your degree more affordable.
Top Affordable Online Colleges in Iowa
Grand View University
- Des Moines, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
A private institution in Des Moines, Iowa, Grand View University offers in-person and online degrees from its main campus. The school's online programs enroll students countrywide. The online college helps graduates meet their professional goals by offering in-demand degrees in STEM, healthcare, and business.
Virtual learners can enroll in undergraduate and graduate programs, and general education courses give undergraduate degree-seekers foundational knowledge. Enrollees also take advanced classes in their major. Graduate learners develop advanced skills through online classes and seminars.
Prospective students can contact the school for more information on admission requirements, application deadlines, and start dates. Enrollees work with the accredited institution to get connected with financial aid opportunities.
Grand View University Numbers:
- Student Pursuing Degrees Online: 507
- Total Number of Online Bachelor's Programs: 7
- Allows Transfer Credits: No
49%
$32,800
73%
$32,800
- Acceptance Rate
- 98%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,796
- Institution Type
- Private
Mount Mercy University
- Cedar Rapids, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Mount Mercy University, a private institution, enrolls students on campus in Iowa. The institution offers both residential and online undergraduate and graduate programs. Undergraduates and graduates choose from a catalog of 79 online programs. Enrollees receive a strong liberal arts and professional education. Students complete programs in various disciplines.
The degree blends classroom theory and practical experience, such as internships and practicums. Some online degrees require limited on-campus requirements such as residencies. Most online degrees require no residencies. Students gain practical experience applicable to the real world.Â
Mount Mercy University offers online services, such as tutoring in various subjects. Prospective students can expect an admission rate of 66% at Mount Mercy University. Students use affordable tuition and financial aid to help pay for college. Online learners pay the same tuition regardless of in-state or out-of-state residency.
Mount Mercy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
34%
$38,070
70%
$38,070
- Acceptance Rate
- 79%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,451
- Institution Type
- Private
Saint Ambrose University
- Davenport, IA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
A private institution, Saint Ambrose University operates a campus in Davenport, Iowa. Many of the school's accredited programs are available online and in person. The college enrolls a total of 514 online students, and fully online bachelor's programs are available in addition to single remote classes.
Learners can pursue a college degree in many top-choice fields at the school. Degree-seekers benefit from the flexibility of an online learning environment. Many of the school's programs are designed to help people get more advanced roles in their field. Distance learners choose from two online bachelor's programs and four online master's programs at the school.
Pursuing a bachelor's degree often takes about four years. Transferring credits from previous institutions makes it possible for students to earn a four-year bachelor's degree in less time. Criteria for admission and the timeline for applying may be found on the school's website.
41%
$35,318
76%
$35,318
- Acceptance Rate
- 77%
- Students Enrolled
- 2,498
- Institution Type
- Private
Simpson College
- Indianola, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Degree-seekers can enroll in liberal arts and professional studies programs offered at the nonprofit school. Online learners can conveniently earn accredited degrees while working.
A 120-credit bachelor’s degree typically requires a four-year commitment. Enrollees complete a master’s degree in about 24 months. Nontraditional learners can view live and recorded classes, and degrees incorporate classroom instruction and practical experience, such as internships or practicums. Faculty establish a timeframe for assignment submissions.
Simpson College's programs include certificates or associate degrees for new students. Services, such as tutoring and career advising, give online students invaluable support. Simpson College charges affordable online tuition. The school has an acceptance rate of 80%.
Simpson College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an independent, regional accrediting agency.
21%
$45,306
76%
$45,306
- Acceptance Rate
- 89%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,163
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Iowa
- Iowa City, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
The University of Iowa offers a comprehensive catalog of 430 online and on-campus programs. In total, 15,672 distance learners are enrolled at the school. The convenient online learning format is ideal for working professionals.Â
The University of Iowa delivers student support services, and degree-seekers can take advantage of peer tutoring to improve their academic performance.
The institution's website provides details about how to earn credit for internships. Students can expect an admission rate of 83%, and online learners can use test scores to bolster their application. The school has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
University of Iowa At a Glance:
- Percentage of Learners Receiving Aid: 85%
- Students Awarded Loans: 43%
56%
$ 9,565
90%
$31,653
- Acceptance Rate
- 84%
- Students Enrolled
- 30,779
- Institution Type
- Public
Price Check
According to NCES data, college costs in Iowa are about average compared to the rest of the country. In-state students pay $10,121 in average annual tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay $29,072 (2022–2023, adjusted to 2026 dollars).
5 Fast-Growing Jobs in Iowa
The fastest-growing jobs in Iowa are split between healthcare and technology. The Department of Labor projects the highest growth for nurse practitioners (52.9%) from 2022-2032, while medical and health services managers will have the most new openings (8,350).
| Job | Projected Growth, Iowa (2024-2034) | Median Annual Wage, Iowa, May 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner | 52.9% | $129,420 |
| Data Scientists | 37.3% | $97,980 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants | 36.5% | $60,720 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 34.7% | $100,750 |
| Information Security Analysts | 33.6% | $112,950 |
Degrees to Consider to Prepare for Iowa’s Job Market
Some degrees may lead to high-demand careers in Iowa over the next decade. The following options can help you find jobs faster after graduation and stay employed long term.
Nursing
There are multiple paths to becoming a nurse practitioner. The most common is earning a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), followed by a master of science in nursing (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP), along with national certification and state licensure.
Another option is to become a registered nurse with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and then complete an RN-to-MSN or RN-to-DNP bridge program, which includes additional undergraduate and graduate coursework.
STEM
Careers in data science and information security offer flexibility in choosing which degree to pursue. For example, data scientists may hold bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. degrees in fields like data science, computer science, statistics, or analytics.
A bachelor’s in cybersecurity or information security is the most direct path to becoming an information security analyst. You can also qualify with a degree in computer science or information technology. For advancement or specialization, consider a master’s in cybersecurity or information assurance.
Healthcare Administration
Medical and health services managers typically earn degrees in healthcare or business administration, such as a bachelor’s in healthcare administration, health management, or business. Higher-level roles may require a master’s in healthcare administration or a master’s of business administration with a healthcare focus.
What Is the Cost of College in Iowa?
Iowa students attending in-state, public four-year schools paid an average of $10,121, while out-of-state students paid $29,072 (2022–2023, adjusted to 2026 dollars). Students at private four-year colleges paid an average of $37,623. However, online degree programs typically cost less than on-campus programs, so your education may be cheaper as an online student.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees in Iowa (adjusted to 2026 dollars) | Average Tuition & Required Fees in the U.S. (adjusted to 2026 dollars) |
|---|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $10,121 | $10,443 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $29,072 | $30,307 |
| Private Four-Year | $37,623 | $35,248 |
Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in Iowa
Robert D. Blue Scholarship
The Robert D. Blue Scholarships awards scholarships between $500-$1,000 to Iowa residents who attend or plan to attend an Iowa-based school. You must submit GPA information, reference letters, and a 500-word essay. The application deadline is mid-May.
Brian Pearson Memorial Scholarship
The Brian Pearson Memorial Scholarship awards two $1,000 scholarships to athletes who participate in the Iowa Games. Additional criteria include academic achievement, athletic accomplishments, and school and community volunteer service. Applications are due in early April.
Iowa National Guard Service Scholarship
The Iowa National Guard Service Scholarship helps Iowa residents pay for a degree or certificate at an approved Iowa school. You must be an active National Guard member while receiving the scholarship and submit the FAFSA. For 2024–2025, the maximum award is $9,034.
Greater Iowa Credit Union Project Scholar
Greater Iowa Credit Union offers the Project Scholar scholarship for Iowa high school seniors. Six $1,000 scholarships are available each spring, with a late March deadline. Applicants must be Iowa residents planning to attend college or a career-training program full-time and must complete a required financial education course.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Iowa
While there are no fully online-only four-year colleges in Iowa, at least 27 schools offer fully online programs. These include Morningside University, Simpson College, and Buena Vista University, where most undergraduate or graduate students are enrolled in online programs.
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