10 Most Affordable Online Colleges in Iowa 2025

College degrees are now more accessible than ever. Learn about affordable online degrees in Iowa and earn a life-changing qualification at a lower cost.

A college degree may significantly boost an individual's lifelong earning potential.

College students gain expertise in their area of study as well as broad skills such as critical thinking, professional communication, interpersonal skills, and project management.

Tuition costs associated with some programs can put valuable qualifications out of reach for many students.

Students with limited resources should be aware of great affordable online degrees in Iowa. These online programs increase accessibility through lower tuition costs and more flexible schedules that allow students to continue working while they study.

Cheapest Online Colleges in Iowa

Here are some of the best affordable online degrees in Iowa.

1. University of Iowa

University of Iowa is a great choice for earning affordable online degrees in Iowa.

Students will benefit from in-state tuition costing only $10,964 per year. Some majors, such as nursing or pharmacy, may have higher tuition fees.

There is a financial literacy support team available to help all students make their degree as affordable as possible. This team will match students with grants that they are eligible for, as well as direct students toward merit-based scholarships.

2. Simpson College

Simpson College makes earning an online degree affordable. They ensure that every student receives a scholarship of at least $27,000, though many students receive even more financial aid of over $35,000.

The Simpson Promise is available to qualified students and provides a full tuition grant to cover the costs of tuition. Students must live on campus and have a family income below $100,000.

There are many scholarships available to students that do not qualify for the Simpson Promise grant.

3. St. Ambrose University

St. Ambrose University offers online degrees that are perfect for working adults who need flexibility in earning their degree. These online degrees cost $515 per credit hour.

Grants and scholarships can help to make tuition affordable. Students at St. Ambrose University are eligible to receive the Iowa Tuition Grant of $7,500.

Eligible students can also receive the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG).

4. Mount Mercy University

All first year and transfer students at Mount Mercy University are guaranteed to receive scholarships or grants. From 2022 to 2023, over $22 million was awarded in financial aid through scholarships and grants.

Corporate partners offer a 10% tuition discount to employees, helping to make the degree even more affordable.

The average tuition cost for students is $12,000 after application of financial aid.

5. Grand View University

Grand View University is located in Des Moines, Iowa, but offers many degrees online. Online courses cost $491 per credit hour.

Over 99% of students receive financial aid through scholarships, grants, and other funding opportunities.

There are many scholarships available to first time students and transfer students. The Presidential Scholarship offers qualified students $20,000 to apply toward tuition and fees.

6. Iowa State University

Iowa State University is a cost-effective choice for online degrees in Iowa. Students can choose from numerous majors offered online.

Iowa residents will pay $10,497 in tuition costs per year. Several financial aid options are available to help students reduce this cost even further.

Students can inquire about the First Cyclones Scholarships, the George Washington Carver Scholastic Leadership Scholarship, the OneApp Scholarship, and the State of Iowa Scholarship.

7. University of Northern Iowa

Students looking for affordable online degrees in Iowa should consider University of Northern Iowa's distance learning program.

Online undergraduate degrees cost $350 per credit and guided independent study is available for $277 per credit.

Available scholarships include the Online & Distance Learning Scholarship, Bachelor of Liberal Studies Scholarship, PACE Scholarship for Teachers, and the Raymond & Genevieve Schlicher Scholarship.

8. Upper Iowa University

Upper Iowa University's (UIU) online learning platform offers students a great degree at an affordable price.

Online undergraduate degrees are priced at $498 per credit hour. Students who select the self-paced study option will pay $330 per credit hour.

Several scholarship options are available to online students. Students can apply for all available scholarships with one application.

Students can also apply for the Iowa Tuition Grant, the Pell Grant, the Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, and the Federal TEACH Grant.

9. Drake University

Drake University is another exciting option for students looking for affordable degrees in Iowa.

An 11:1 student to faculty ratio enables personalized guidance and has resulted in a 98% job placement rate for graduates.

All full-time students will receive a Presidential Scholarship during their first year of enrollment.

Online students can apply for a range of scholarships such as:

National Alumni Scholarships
Fine Arts Scholarships
Changemaker Scholars
Legacy Awards
National Merit Scholarships
Inclusive Scholars of Digital Proficiency Scholarship
School of Education Scholarships

10. Waldorf University

Waldorf University (WU) gives Iowa students the chance to earn a high-quality degree for a significantly reduced cost.

Online undergraduate degrees at WU cost $325 per credit hour. Active military members will only pay $250 per credit hour.

Online students will also benefit from the Waldorf Book Grant that gives students free access to all textbooks.

WU also offers a wide range of scholarships such as family legacy and learning partner scholarships to online students.

What Is the Average Tuition Cost for an Online Degree in Iowa?

The cost of an online degree in Iowa varies depending on several key factors. Students who have lived in Iowa for at least one year are eligible for significantly reduced in-state tuition rates.

Public universities also tend to be more affordable than private institutions, although there may be some exceptions.

The average tuition cost for Iowa residents attending public universities is $8,766 per year.

How Can I Make an Online Degree Affordable?

There are a number of grants and scholarships that can help Iowa students afford degrees.

Students should fill out the FAFSA form to determine their eligibility for federal programs such as the Pell Grant.

Iowa also offers several scholarships requiring essays. Students can apply for scholarships such as:

Robert D. Blue Scholarship
Brian Pearson Memorial Scholarship
PMI Eastern Iowa Chapter Scholarship

Learn more below on how to make an online degree more affordable:

Is an Online Degree Worth It?

The best affordable online degrees in Iowa have been created with value in mind.

Not only can students earn respected degrees for less money, but they will also save on living costs associated with on-campus study.

Online degrees help students learn marketable skills affordably and efficiently while boosting their long-term earning potential.

Start Your Degree Online Today

Affordable online degrees in Iowa mean that anyone can access a top-notch education and shape their future career. Find an affordable program in your area of study and get started today.