Top 3 Cheapest Colleges in Iowa (2025)

If you live in Iowa and are hoping to find a college you can afford, you've come to the right place.

In this article, we'll talk about some of the cheapest colleges in Iowa and provide a snapshot of some of their degree programs and tuition prices. We'll also answer some frequently asked questions.

List of Cheap Colleges in Iowa

There are three universities in Iowa that provide cheaper-than-average tuition rates. Let's look at each of these schools in turn.

1. University of Northern Iowa

The University of Northern Iowa enrolls around 9,000 students in more than 90 degree programs. It is located in Cedar Falls.

Some of the degree programs to choose from include:

• advertising and digital media
• art history
• composition and theory
• construction management
• family services

In-state students pay an average yearly tuition rate of $8,396 per year, while out-of-state students can expect rates of around $19,940 annually.

2. Iowa State University

Iowa State University is located in Ames. This large public school enrolls more than 30,000 students in a wide variety of degree programs.

Some of the bachelor's degree options include:

• aerospace engineering
• kinesiology and health
• landscape architecture
• meteorology
• occupational safety

Undergraduate tuition for Iowa students is $10,497 per year, while nonresidents are charged $27,683 per year.

3. University of Iowa

The University of Iowa is the oldest school in Iowa and enrolls around 30,000 students. It is located in Iowa City.

Degree offerings include:

• American studies
• criminology, law, and justice
• finance
• neuroscience
• astronomy

Tuition and fees add up to $10,964 per year for Iowa residents and $32,927 for nonresidents.

Other Affordable Colleges for Iowa Students

Let's turn our attention to some other schools that offer affordable college degrees to students around the country, including those in Iowa.

University of the People

University of the People is a private online school enrolling more than 20,000 students.

The school offers three bachelor's degree programs:

• computer science
• health science
• business administration

The school does not charge tuition fees, so completing your education is much cheaper. However, application and course fees do apply.

College of the Ozarks

College of the Ozarks is a private school in Missouri. It is a small school with around 1,500 students, but it will enroll students from anywhere in the country.

Various degree programs are offered, including:

• agriculture
• Biblical and theological studies
• criminal justice
• communication arts
• foreign language

Full-time students enrolled in the school's work-study program pay no tuition, allowing them to save significant amounts of money on their education.

Brigham Young University

Brigham Young University is a private school with campuses in Utah and Idaho, as well as a distance education component known as BYU Pathway Worldwide.

Degree options include:

• information technology
• software development
• professional studies
• communication
• applied health

Tuition rates start at $81 per credit hour for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints but are just 25 percent higher for nonmembers.

Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University is a medium-sized public school in Kansas. It enrolls around 15,000 students and has a variety of degree programs offered both online and in person.

Some of the degrees available include:

• marketing
• medical diagnostic imaging
• geography
• health and human performance
• psychology

Online tuition is $242.76 for all students regardless of residency. For regional students attending classes on campus, including those from Iowa, the in-state rate of $187.80 is charged.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a private school that offers all of its degrees and courses online.

Some of the options to choose from include:

• special education
• information technology
• supply chain and operations management
• data analytics
• healthcare administration

Tuition is charged per term and varies depending on the program. However, students typically pay an average of $8,010 per year.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private school that enrolls mostly online students. Over 200 degree programs are available.

Bachelor's degrees include:

• cybersecurity
• education
• entrepreneurship
• geosciences
• nursing

All online students pay a flat tuition rate of $330 per credit hour or $231 for active-duty military.

American Public University

American Public University is an online public school offering a vast range of degree programs.

Choose from bachelor's degrees such as:

• esports
• sociology
• public health
• accounting
• philosophy

Tuition costs $350 per credit hour, or $250 per credit hour if you are a current or former member of the military.

How Much Will a College Degree Cost?

The cost of a degree varies depending on many factors, not just tuition. Commonly, the total costs for a bachelor's degree can reach $80,000 to $100,000 or more depending on your school and how many total credits you take.

How to Make College Affordable

Even relatively affordable college degrees come at a steep price. Let's look at some tips that will help you make your college experience more affordable.

Grants and Scholarships

Grants and other forms of need-based aid are often available through schools, organizations, and state and federal governments. Fill out the FAFSA to find out if you qualify for this aid.

Scholarships are similar to grants but are merit-based instead of need-based. Look for scholarships available through your school or through various private and public organizations.

Tuition Assistance and Work-Study Programs

Some companies offer tuition assistance benefits to their employees. If you have a job, check to find out if this benefit is available to you.

Similarly, many schools offer work-study programs to help students work off some or all of their college costs. Find out if your school offers these types of programs and apply for open positions.

Transfer Credits

Many high school students complete advanced placement or early college courses to gain college credit while still in high school. These courses are often available at greatly reduced tuition rates.

If you are already out of high school, you can complete your first couple of years at a community college. These schools typically provide cheaper tuition rates than regular four-year universities.

The more college credits you can obtain through advanced high school or community colleges, the cheaper your overall college experience will be.

Do Cheap Colleges in Iowa Offer High-Quality Education?

All of the cheapest colleges in Iowa are accredited, respected universities and all of them provide high-quality education that prepares you to enter a competitive workforce.

In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition Rates

In-state tuition rates at most public universities are lower than out-of-state rates. For comparison, check out the in-state tuition rates of the Iowa colleges discussed above:

• Cheapest: University of Northern Iowa ($8,396 per year)
• Most expensive: ($10,964 per year)

See how the in-state tuition rates above compare with the out-of-state rates listed below:

• Cheapest: University of Northern Iowa ($19,940 per year)
• Most Expensive: University of Iowa ($32,927 per year)

Note that these figures don't account for the online and national schools also featured in this article, many of which provide lower tuition rates than the schools in Iowa. Compare these figures to the ones above:

• Cheapest: University of the People (tuition-free)
• Most expensive: American Public University (up to $10,500 per year)

Find an Affordable College in Iowa Today

Get your degree in Iowa without breaking the bank. Check out the cheapest colleges in Iowa outlined above to find an affordable option that works for you.