We did the math: Here are the 10 cheapest colleges in Iowa

Where to enroll in college is a huge decision, often driven by cost of attendance. Learn more about the cheapest colleges in Iowa.  

A college education is a serious investment these days. Luckily, students in the state of Iowa have plenty of options when it comes to getting a quality education at a great price. Of course, a lot goes into figuring out the total cost of getting a four-year degree. Scholarships, student aid, and other factors can help provide important financial support to make higher education a financially attainable goal for many.

For this article, we looked at the listed tuition rates at four-year colleges and universities (based on the 2024-2025 school year) to come up with a list of 10 schools to consider. Read on to learn more about the cheapest colleges in Iowa. 

1. University of Northern Iowa

Tuition in-state/out-of-state: $9,728/$21,272

Location: Cedar Falls

Acceptance rate: 94%

Undergrad enrollment: 9,283 

The University of Northern Iowa, located in Cedar Falls, comes out on top when it comes to the lowest tuition costs for a four-year degree in Iowa. UNI is one of three public universities in Iowa and offers more than 90 majors across a variety of interests including business, education, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences.

UNI is ranked second in the “Top Public Schools Regional University (Midwest)” category, according to U.S. News & World Report. The University also boasts a 98% job placement rate for graduates. 

An aerial view of the University of Northern Iowa’s campanile at golden hour. (University of Northern Iowa/Facebook)

2. Iowa State University

Tuition in-state/out-of-state: $10,497/$27,683

Location: Ames

Acceptance rate: 90% 

Undergrad enrollment: 30,432

Iowa State University, centrally located in Ames, is nearly the largest public university in the state. It was also one of the country’s first land-grant universities. The beautiful campus is home to more than 100 majors, minors, and certificates in a variety of fields, including agriculture, business, engineering, and veterinary medicine. Master’s and doctoral programs are also offered, and there is a heavy focus on research throughout ISU programs.

It may be a large institution, but it truly has the feel of a much smaller school. ISU is a member of the Big Twelve Conference and boasts several successful athletic programs. 

Overhead view of a main building at Iowa State University. (Iowa State University/Facebook)

3. University of Iowa

Tuition in-state/out-of-state: $10,964/$32,927

Location: Iowa City 

Acceptance rate: 86%

Undergrad enrollment: 33,334 

In the heart of Eastern Iowa, you’ll find the University of Iowa. Making its home in Iowa City since 1847, it is the state’s oldest institution of higher learning. It is known for its academic medical center, public research, and writing program, among other offerings, and it’s also a part of the Big Ten Conference for athletics. And here’s a fun fact: Iowa was the first university to admit men and women on an equal basis. 

A vista of the University of Iowa’s campus from above. (University of Iowa/Facebook)

4. Maharishi International University

Tuition in-state/out-of-state: $16,530

Location: Fairfield

Acceptance rate: 94%

Undergrad enrollment: 2,673

The first private institution of higher learning to make our list, Maharishi International University is located in Fairfield. Formerly called Maharishi Institute of Management, it was founded in 1971 by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and boasts a “consciousness-based education” system that includes the Transcendental Meditation technique.

Students can enroll in degree programs including art, business, education, communications, mathematical science, literature, physiology and health, regenerative organic agriculture, Vedic Science, and sustainable living. The diverse student population studies via a block system, enrolling in one course at a time for a four-week period. 

Forest view of the Maharishi University’s campus. (Maharishi University/Facebook)

5. Upper Iowa University

Tuition in-state/out-of-state: $19,000

Location: Fayette

Acceptance rate: 65%

Undergrad enrollment: 4,377

Upper Iowa University is another relatively affordable private university option here in Iowa. Located in Fayette, the school has been around since 1857. Today, it offers self-paced degree programs across 46 majors. UIU is also the only NCAA Division II Athletics Program in Iowa, and it also offers six master’s programs. 

A central building at Upper Iowa University in the fall. (Upper Iowa University/Facebook)

6. Central College

Tuition in-state/out-of-state: $20,988

Location: Pella

Acceptance rate: 79%

Undergrad enrollment: 1,095

Located in Pella, Central College first opened in 1853. This four-year, private college is known for its academic rigor, engaged citizenship and character formation, experiential learning, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), athletics, and service. While it was founded on Christian principles, it welcomes learners from all backgrounds and faiths.

Degree programs are offered in the sciences, social sciences, arts, humanities, and interdisciplinary programs. Recently, new programs were added in data analytics, musical theatre, and strength and conditioning. B.S. degrees are available in biochemistry, chemistry, and engineering. The student-to-faculty ratio sits at 12 to 1. 

A view of the lake on Central College’s campus. (Central College/Facebook)

7. Waldorf University

Tuition in-state/out-of-state: $25,220

Location: Forest City 

Acceptance rate: 74%

Undergrad enrollment: 643

Forest City is home to Waldorf University. This super small four-year school is a faith-based (Lutheran), private institution that values tradition, passion, community, and success. While small (and walkable!), the campus features state-of-the-art science labs, television and recording studios, classrooms, a performing arts center, athletic facilities, and a beautiful library. Students can choose from some 25 majors for their course of study, and community service is also highly encouraged. 

8. William Penn University

Tuition in-state/out-of-state: $28,750

Location: Oskaloosa 

Acceptance rate: 58%

Undergrad enrollment: 1,118

William Penn University is a small liberal arts college located in the artsy town of Oskaloosa. The school was founded in 1873 on the Quaker principles of simplicity, peace-making, integrity, community, and equality which drive the university to this day. It offers 20 different majors (elementary education, business, and psychology being popular options) for its 1,100 students to choose from. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1, students enrolled at William Penn have a tight-knit experience interacting with their professors throughout their educational journey. 

9. Grand View University

Tuition in-state/out-of-state: $33,450

Location: Des Moines 

Acceptance rate: 98%

Undergrad enrollment: 1,827

Grand View University is located in Des Moines. This small liberal arts school is affiliated with the Lutheran Church but welcomes students of all backgrounds. The small student body is made up of traditional students as well as adult learners. Class sizes average about 16 students, and there is a 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. Grand View offers about 35 majors to choose from, along with eight graduate programs and nine graduate certificate programs. The school also boasts a 98% job placement rate for graduates. 

The outside of Humphrey Center at Grand View University. (Grand View University/Facebook)

10. Graceland University

Tuition in-state/out-of-state: $33,646

Location: Lamoni

Acceptance rate: 83%

Undergrad enrollment: 910

Rounding out the top 10 least expensive four-year schools in the state of Iowa, we have Graceland University. Located in Lamoni close to the Missouri border, this private university offers a liberal arts education. Its small size allows students to feel closely supported on their academic journey. Students graduate with two majors, one of their choosing and one in transformational leadership. Graceland also offers a master’s degree program in nursing. 

An aerial view of Graceland University’s campus at golden hour. (Graceland University/Facebook)

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.