8 Best Online Colleges in Iowa 2025
Iowa's best online colleges are reputable institutions offering perks like accelerated degree completion, online student services, and financial assistance.
Distance learning is a popular choice in Iowa. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) revealed that nearly half (48.8%) of all Iowa students enrolled in at least some distance college courses in 2023.
But why are online degrees in Iowa popular? Most online college programs make coursework accessible from anywhere and some allow students to learn at their own pace. Online colleges in Iowa offer a vast selection of undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields that range from criminal justice to healthcare. Extra resources, like online tutoring and writing assistance, are also available at many of these schools.
Below, we'll highlight the best online colleges to consider and discuss the average cost of earning a distance degree. We'll also share tips for choosing accredited online degrees and answer frequently asked questions about online schools.
Best Accredited Online Colleges in Iowa
Online learning provides a great opportunity to earn a graduate or undergraduate degree from home and start or leverage a career in your dream field. Are you ready to get started? Explore the top Iowa online colleges below.
1. University of Iowa
The University of Iowa is recognized for online education with numerous U.S. News & World Report-ranked program offerings. Its online master's in business programs and online MBAs are ranked among the nation's top 7% of programs. Its online business analytics and finance MBAs, master's in education, and master's in nursing programs are also ranked degrees.
Students attending this Iowa City-based institution can choose from over 40 undergraduate and graduate programs and 700 distance and online courses. Many enrollees (88%) receive financial aid and all enjoy support services to enhance their distance education experience.
Tuition Costs
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State: $10,964
Out-of-State: $32,927
Average Graduate Tuition
In-State: $11,256
Out-of-State: $32,927
College Stats
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Retention Rate: 89%
Institution Type: Public University
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
2. Northwestern College
Northwestern College offers online bachelor's degrees ranked among the nation's top 6% programs by U.S. News & World Report. Students can enroll in early childhood education bachelor's programs or pursue top-ranked online master's in education degrees. Reputable online counseling, nursing, and business administration are also available.
Northwestern's traditional learning tuition rate is slightly more than $35,000; however, online learners pay less. Undergraduate and graduate programs start as low as $360 per credit hour. All students can reduce school expenses with financial aid.
Tuition Costs
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State and Out-of-State: $35,300
Average Graduate Tuition
In-State and Out-of-State: $6,300
College Stats
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Retention Rate: 80%
Institution Type: Private University
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
3. University of Northern Iowa
Students at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls can choose from fully online undergraduate and graduate degrees, certificates, and endorsements in fields of study like criminal justice, mathematics, social work, and public policy. U.S. News & World Report has ranked its online master's in education programs among the nation's top third. Its online bachelor's programs have also received high marks.
Distance learners benefit from student advising, library access, and other support services. Most students (83%) receive financial aid, including scholarships for online learners.
Tuition Costs
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State: $9,728
Out-of-State: $21,272
Average Graduate Tuition
In-State: $10,030
Out-of-State: $21,502
College Stats
Acceptance Rate: 95%
Retention Rate: 85%
Institution Type: Public University
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
4. Iowa State University
Iowa State University offers dozens of online learning opportunities. Prospective students with credits can earn bachelor's degrees by enrolling in business administration or liberal arts completion programs. ISU offers reputable graduate programs in engineering, design, analytics, cybersecurity, agriculture, and education and U.S. News & World Report-ranked master's in business programs.
The university provides library access, academic coaching, writing consultation, career services, and more to help online learners excel. Financial aid is granted to 89% of attendees to lower tuition rates even more.
Tuition Costs
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State: $10,497
Out-of-State: $27,683
Average Graduate Tuition
In-State: $10,996
Out-of-State: $27,848
College Stats
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Retention Rate: 88%
Institution Type: Public University
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
5. Buena Vista University
Buena Vista University offers numerous online degrees with flexible schedules, short eight-week terms, and multiple start dates. Bachelor's and master's programs are available in accounting, criminology, education, counseling, organizational leadership, and beyond. The school's bachelor's degrees and master's in education programs are U.S. News & World Report-ranked.
Students attending partner Iowa community colleges can complete their bachelor's degrees at BVU 100% online. All learners enjoy academic advising and success coaching and about 99% receive financial aid. Online bachelor's tuition is $475 per credit, and online graduate tuition starts at $300.
Tuition Costs
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State and Out-of-State: $40,190
Average Graduate Tuition
In-State and Out-of-State: $10,170
College Stats
Acceptance Rate: 77%
Retention Rate: 76%
Institution Type: Private University
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
6. Graceland University
Lamoni is home to Graceland University where students can find online undergraduate degree completion programs in business management and interdisciplinary studies and online graduate degrees in nursing, data science, religion, and more. Its online bachelor's programs and business degrees are U.S. News & World Report-ranked.
Online learners don't pay traditional in-state tuition. Rates start as low as $310 per semester hour and 100% of students receive financial aid. Writing center, tutoring, and other services enhance the online learning experience.
Tuition Costs
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State and Out-of-State: $33,220
Average Graduate Tuition
In-State and Out-of-State: $11,796
College Stats
Acceptance Rate: 74%
Retention Rate: 64%
Institution Type: Private University
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
7. Upper Iowa University
Upper Iowa University, which has campuses in Fayette, Cedar Rapids, and Des Moines, delivers traditional online programs with flexible schedules and self-paced programs for enrollees who want to manage their learning experience. Enrollees can choose from undergraduate and graduate programs in business administration, psychology, public administration, and more.
UIU's online master's in education, bachelor's programs, and MBAs have received recognition from U.S. News & World Report. Tutoring, writing services, and library access help online learners excel. At UIU, online students pay as little as $330 per credit hour. Nearly all learners (99%) receive financial aid to increase affordability.
Tuition Costs
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State and Out-of-State: $19,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-State and Out-of-State: $18,958
College Stats
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Retention Rate: 59%
Institution Type: Private University
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
8. Mount Mercy University
Mount Mercy University offers several online degree options. Students can pursue accelerated bachelor's degree completion programs in nursing, business, management, and beyond. Learners can also choose from online master's degrees in education, strategic leadership, and supply chain management. Programs are available live or on demand.
The tuition rate for traditional undergraduate programs is just under $40,000; however, online undergraduate students and some graduate learners pay the reduced price of $582 per credit hour. All enrollees receive financial aid to make degrees even more affordable.
Tuition Costs
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State and Out-of-State: $39,070
Average Graduate Tuition
In-State and Out-of-State: $11,340
College Stats
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Retention Rate: 70%
Institution Type: Private University
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Other Featured Online Schools
As you can see, Iowa is home to many accredited online colleges with great reputations. Are you interested in exploring more schools? Review the following list of online institutions located outside of Iowa.
University of Massachusetts Global
The University of Massachusetts Global offers over 55 online associate, bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and certificate programs for learners interested in studying business, teaching, psychology, social work, and more. UMass Global offers instructor-led online classes for students seeking structured learning and MyPath competency-based learning for individuals who want no schedules or deadlines.
Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University's World Campus has been nationally recognized for its distance education offerings. Attendees can choose from over 200 online undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates in engineering, turfgrass, nursing, human resources, education, and beyond. Penn State World Campus supports its online learners with services such as tutoring, academic advising, and career counseling.
Webster University
At Webster University, students can choose from over 60 online undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. Fields of study include scriptwriting, nursing, education studies, criminal justice, finance, and counseling. Online students can choose from two learning formats. Asynchronous classes offer learning materials without requiring specific class meeting times, and synchronous courses enable students to enjoy traditional, scheduled classes.
How We Rank Schools
Our team selected the colleges and universities in the rank list above using a thorough vetting process backed by NCES and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data. Every school has met the following criteria for delivering a high-quality experience in higher education:
- Accredited: These online schools in Iowa have received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, guaranteeing recognized academic standards.
- Reputation: We confirmed that the colleges and universities in this list are respected schools, considering factors such as student outcomes and retention rates.
- Online learning resources: The institutions above help online learners excel in their studies by offering tutoring, success coaching, writing help, and other online resources.
- Affordable: These schools increase affordability by offering scholarships, financial aid, or lower tuition.
Pros and Cons of Online Degrees in Iowa
Online learning offers many perks; however, it's not always a perfect experience. Discover some of the pros and cons of pursuing online degrees.
Pros of earning an online degree:
- Learn on your schedule: You can find online schools offering programs that allow students to access coursework 24/7 and learn when their schedules permit.
- Study from anywhere: Online learning platforms let students submit assignments, take exams, and participate in discussions from any location with internet access.
- Pick the right program: You aren't limited to degree programs in your city. As an online learner, you can expand your search to pick the program that matches your academic goals.
Cons of earning an online degree:
- Lack of personal interactions: Online learners don't have as many opportunities to connect with classmates and develop personal relationships with instructors.
- Computer requirements: Students uncomfortable with computers and online learning technology could struggle to navigate courses.
- Self-discipline needed: Some online programs are self-paced, requiring discipline and self-motivation to complete coursework without schedules or deadlines.
How To Choose the Best Online College Programs in Iowa
When researching online schools in Iowa, be sure to first look for institutions that have received accreditation from organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Also, confirm school reputations by checking their student outcomes and retention rates.
Ensuring schools offer your major at the right degree level and confirming that you meet admission requirements (GPA, ACT/SAT scores, prerequisites) is important. If you have financial limitations, look for institutions that charge a low tuition rate or can reduce costs with financial aid.
Do you want to graduate quickly? Look for schools that have accelerated programs or accept transfer credits. Also, consider institutions offering online learning resources like math help, tutoring, and academic advising.
How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree in Iowa Cost?
What you'll pay to earn an online college degree depends on factors like enrollment status, residency, or degree type. However, the average cost of earning an online bachelor's degree at a private school is about $460 per credit. Public institutions often provide cheaper tuition rates than private schools.
Tips on How To Make Online College in Iowa More Affordable
Saving money for college is a priority for many students. NCES data reveals that 90.6% of full-time, first-time students in Iowa received financial aid in the 2022-23 academic year.
Fortunately, it's possible to make online college programs more affordable. You can apply to schools offering cheap online degrees in Iowa or look for institutions providing financial aid. Explore the list below to discover more ways to reduce the cost of online learning.
- online colleges that accept FAFSA
- online colleges with payment plans
- online colleges that accept the Pell Grant
- online colleges that accept transfer credits
- online colleges with scholarships
- online colleges with no application fee
Iowa Scholarships & Grants
Grants and scholarships are funds students can use to cover college costs that don't have to be repaid. Review the programs below to discover ways to use these types of financial aid to save on tuition.
All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship
This state-funded award helps Iowa residents pay to attend an eligible Iowa college or university. Students must have graduated from an eligible Iowa high school to qualify.
Award Amount: up to $5,334
Deadline: Complete FAFSA and Iowa Financial Aid Application by April 1
Iowa Tuition Grant
This grant lowers costs for Iowa residents enrolled at Iowa private colleges and universities. Applicants must pursue a bachelor's or associate degree.
Award Amount: Up to $8,500 at Iowa not-for-profit private institutions, or up to $6,000 at Iowa for-profit institutions
Deadline: Submit FAFSA by July 1
Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship
This scholarship covers the remaining gap between federal and state grants/scholarships and tuition and qualified fees. Eligibility is open to recent Iowa high school (or equivalent) graduates.
Award Amount: Full tuition after grants and scholarships are applied
Deadline: March 31
Top Majors for Iowa Graduates
Have you chosen your college major yet? Many options are available at online colleges in Iowa. Explore the list below to discover the top majors for Iowa graduates.
- Accounting: Students who major in accounting typically start careers as accountants, auditors, or budget analysts. Bachelor's degree programs teach learners to make financial decisions and present financial information to stakeholders.
- Registered nursing: Nursing programs teach students the theoretical and practical skills to provide patient care. Many future and current nurses pursue Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees to become nurse case managers, dialysis nurses, and more.
- Business administration and management: This major teaches leadership skills and how to manage business operations. A bachelor's degree opens doors to operations, project, or sales management careers.
- Communication and media studies: Students learn how information is communicated through digital platforms, traditional media, and more. A bachelor's degree qualifies learners for public relations, event planning, and digital reporting roles.
- Business, management, marketing, and related support services: Students in bachelor's programs learn to provide managerial and technical support and help operate for-profit and nonprofit enterprises as they prepare for careers in commerce, accounting, finance, and more.
FAQs About Accredited Online Colleges in Iowa
Is enrolling in an online degree program right for you? Review these frequently asked questions about attending accredited colleges online to learn more.
How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in Iowa?
Students interested in graduating with a bachelor's degree in less than two years or completing a master's degree in less than a year can benefit from accelerated online degrees in Iowa. These programs offer multiple start dates, shorter course terms, generous transfer credit policies, and more to speed up degree completion.
Are Any Online Colleges Worth It?
Yes, schools offering distance learning degrees are worth it. Students attending the best colleges online can choose from numerous majors at different educational levels and access a broad selection of online support services. Flexible scheduling helps busy learners earn their degrees at their preferred pace from the comfort of home.
What Is the Easiest Online University in Iowa To Get Into?
The easiest institutions to gain admission are schools with the highest acceptance rates. Look for colleges with open enrollment or 100% acceptance rates. Some of Iowa's best online colleges with high acceptance rates include the University of Northern Iowa (95%) and Iowa State University (90%).
Can I Earn an Online Education Degree in Iowa?
Yes, several schools in Iowa offer online degrees in education � and some are highly ranked. Institutions with reputable programs include the University of Iowa, Northwestern College, the University of Northern Iowa, and Buena Vista University.
Discover Online Courses and Degree Programs for Learners in Iowa
If you're eager to begin a fulfilling journey in online higher education, explore the colleges and universities featured on Learn.org. Discover top programs at online colleges in Iowa and find out how they can help you reach your academic and career goals.