Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degrees in Iowa 2025

For many students, online courses are far more convenient than in-person learning. Most online courses are asynchronous, meaning students can complete their coursework at the time that works best for them. Some even allow students to proceed through the course at their own pace.

While online learning is a great way for many busy students to finish their higher education, it can still be expensive. Luckily, there are many affordable bachelor's degrees online. Keep reading to learn about affordable online bachelor's degree programs in Iowa.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree Cost in Iowa?

The cost of an online bachelor's degree in Iowa depends on several factors. To start, it depends on which school you choose. In Iowa, the cheapest online bachelor's degrees come from both public and private schools, but costs can vary from around $350 to over $800 per credit based on the school.

Your cost will also depend on your eligibility for financial aid. There are many cheap online colleges that accept financial aid in Iowa and across the U.S. To find out what you qualify for, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.

Cheapest Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Iowa

Several schools in Iowa offer online bachelor's degree programs at an affordable tuition rate. We've highlighted the most affordable options below.

1. University of Northern Iowa

The University of Northern Iowa is a public institution in Cedar Falls, IA. It offers online bachelor's degrees in fields like business administration, criminal justice, education, and social sciences.

Tuition for online students at UNI is $357 per credit hour with the exception of the business administration degree, which is $438 per credit. All online learners pay the same rate regardless of what state they live in.

Average in-state tuition: $357 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $357 per credit hour

Financial aid: UNI accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Briar Cliff University

At Briar Cliff University, students can choose from several bachelor's degrees online. Areas of study include criminal justice, finance, social work, and Spanish.

This private Catholic school is located in Sioux City, IA. It charges $375 per credit for all online undergraduate degrees.

Average in-state tuition: $375 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $375 per credit hour

Financial aid: Briar Cliff offers institutional aid, like scholarships. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: HLC

3. University of Iowa

The University of Iowa offers a handful of distance learning bachelor's degrees. UIowa is a public research institution in Iowa City, IA.

Online bachelor's degrees are available in liberal studies, nursing, political science, and sport and recreation management. Tuition for online students is $387 per credit hour.

Average in-state tuition: $387 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $387 per credit hour

Financial aid: UIowa offers institutional aid, accepts FAFSA, and accepts private aid.

Accreditation: HLC

4. Iowa State University

Iowa State University offers a few bachelor's degrees through online learning. Areas of study include business administration, early childcare education, and liberal studies.

Iowa State is a public university in Ames, Iowa. Tuition varies by program, ranging from $387 per credit for the liberal studies degree to $516 per credit for the business administration program.

Average in-state tuition: $447.67 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $447.67 per credit hour

Financial aid: Iowa State accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs. It also offers institutional aid.

Accreditation: HLC

5. Graceland University

Graceland University is a private Mormon institution in Lamoni, IA. It offers online bachelor's degrees in fields such as business management, nursing, and organizational leadership.

Tuition for online undergrad degrees is $420 per credit, but there is one exception. The online registered nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program is $535 per credit.

Average in-state tuition: $420 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $420 per credit hour

Financial aid: Graceland University accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.

Accreditation: HLC

6. Mercy College of Health Sciences

Mercy College of Health Sciences offers three online bachelor's degrees. These are in healthcare administration, nursing, and public health.

The private Catholic healthcare and health sciences college is located in Des Moines, IA. It charges just $425 per credit for the online RN to BSN program, but all other online bachelor's degrees are $710 per credit.

Average in-state tuition: $615 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $615 per credit

Financial aid: Mercy College offers institutional financial aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: HLC

7. William Penn University

William Penn University offers a few bachelor's degrees through online education. The private Quaker school is located in Oskaloosa, IA.

Online degrees at William Penn are available in business management, human resource management, nursing, and psychology. All online bachelor's programs cost $450 per credit, with the exception of the RN to BSN program, which is $483 per credit.

Average in-state tuition: $458.25 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $458.25 per credit hour

Financial aid: William Penn offers institutional aid and accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: HLC

8. Simpson College

Multiple bachelor's degrees are available through online learning at Simson College. Areas of study include computer science, criminal justice, information technology, and marketing.

Simpson College, located in Indianola, IA, is a private Christian liberal arts school. It charges $465 per credit for online undergrad programs.

Average in-state tuition: $465 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $465 per credit hour

Financial aid: Simpson College accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs. It also offers institutional aid.

Accreditation: HLC

9. Buena Vista University

Through Buena Vista University, students can pursue nearly a dozen bachelor's degrees online. Areas of study include agricultural business, criminal justice, education, and social work.

BVU, a private Christian school, is located in Storm Lake, IA. It charges $475 per credit hour for online undergraduate programs.

Average in-state tuition: $475 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $475 per credit hour

Financial aid: BVU accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid.

Accreditation: HLC

10. Grand View University

Grand View University is a Christian liberal arts school in Des Moines, IA. It offers online bachelor's degrees in fields like business analytics, cybersecurity, information technology, and social work.

The tuition rate for online programs at Grand View is $495 per credit hour. This rate is the same for all students, regardless of where they live or what program they study.

Average in-state tuition: $495 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $495 per credit hour

Financial aid: Grand View accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid.

Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

To choose the affordable online colleges listed above, our methodology focused on:

• Accreditation: Every online school on this list is regionally accredited.
• Affordability: Once we determined which accredited Iowa schools offer online degrees, we looked at which have the lowest tuition rates.
• Program reputation and quality: We only chose accredited public and private nonprofit schools to ensure high-quality college degree programs.
• Online format: All schools offer at least three online bachelor's degree programs.

FAQs About the Cheapest Bachelor's Degrees in Iowa

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about low-cost bachelor's degrees in Iowa.

What Is the Average Cost of an Online Bachelor's Degree in Iowa?

All the programs listed above offer online bachelor's degrees for less than $500 per credit. However, there are Iowa schools that charge more, with some having tuition rates over $700 per credit.

The school you choose will have a large impact on your costs. At some schools, costs vary between different programs and majors.

The financial aid you qualify for also impacts your costs. By filling out the FAFSA, you can receive state and federal aid, like the federal Pell Grant. All schools listed above are online colleges that accept Pell Grant.

What Is the Cheapest Way To Get a Bachelor's Degree?

There are a few ways to lower the cost of a bachelor's degree. Choosing an affordable college and applying for financial aid are great options to keep costs low. In addition to filling out FAFSA, look for scholarships for online students.

Another way to lower your costs is to find cheap ways to earn your general education credits. Some high schools offer options, like Advanced Placement (AP) classes, that allow students to earn college credit for free. You can also start by earning an associate degree at a community college, as community colleges often have much lower tuition rates than four-year institutions.

Once you've completed some coursework at a lower tuition rate, you can look for online colleges that accept transfer credits or offer credit for prior learning. Most colleges will accept at least a portion of credits from an online institution.

What Is the Easiest BA Degree To Get Online?

The easiest Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree will depend on your strengths. However, for many students, the easiest options are degrees in general studies or liberal studies.

These degrees often give you more freedom over your courses, allowing you to choose options that you'll enjoy more or are easier for you. However, it's important to note that these degrees aren't always in demand and may not be the right choice depending on your career goals.

What Student Support Services Are Available for Online Students?

Support services, like tuition costs, will vary between online schools. Some common support services you'll find include:

• academic advising
• career services
• counseling and mental health services
• financial aid assistance
• technical support
• tutoring

You can usually find a full list of support services on the school's website. In many cases, online students can receive the same support services as on-campus students. However, financial aid options may be different. You can also find online colleges with tuition payment plans to help.

Discover Online Colleges

Reach your career goals by exploring the online programs featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools to request information on enrollment, start dates, and financial aid options.