Best Online Colleges in Iowa for 2023
Get detailed info on Best Online Colleges in Iowa and their online degrees, financial aid and scholarships, acceptance rate, tuition and fees.
Iowa being the Breadbasket of America because of its agricultural legacy, is also rapidly growing as a hotspot for technology and innovation. Around 60 universities include both public and private institutes which offer online education programs. As the technological reforms are transforming the agricultural based state has evolved into an IT hub. The enrollments in online education have taken a great leap and have proven to be successful and effective.
Iowa became the youngest state to be accepted for becoming a member of the Midwestern Higher Education Compact. It allows you to be enrolled in other colleges of the member state which provides online education. This opens the opportunities for pursuing an online course as well as increases the enrollment of other state students in an Iowa based college for online education.
Opportunities for college education in Iowa
There are 67 institutions in the state which are divided as 14 Private for-profits, 34 Private not-for-profits, and 19 Public schools. In the year 2015-2016, the total number of enrollments were 266,153. The number of degrees awarded was 15693 Associate's Degree, 27,761 Bachelor's Degree, 8,341 Master's Degree, and 2,721 Doctoral Degrees, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics.
The timings for online programs are flexible and affordable. There are financial aids and scholarships available and you can be benefited by the in-state discount on the tuition fees for the online education program.
Universities like, Upper Iowa University, Iowa State University are considered the best online colleges in Iowa which offer you the best online degree programs in Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s degree and certification programs. The online programs are often available in accelerated formats, allowing you to graduate quickly with good knowledge and learning, and the degree options are available in a wide range, so you can find any field you are interested in and learn about it in a very profound, exciting and interactive manner.
The following is a list of top online colleges in Iowa in 2019
1 University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
Institution Type: Public
Financial Aid Percentage: 81%
Average Financial Aid: $9,501
Acceptance Rate: 84.00
Total Programs Offered (47)
22
Business Management Programs
8
Education Programs
3
Literature Programs
14
Other Programs
The University of Iowa is the nation's oldest premier public research institution situated in Iowa City. It is certified and regionally approved by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The institution offers programs and certificates through online and on-campus modes in Undergraduate, Graduate, Professional programs, International program level.
It provides numerous scholarships like Braverman scholarship, Disability national scholarships, Horatio Alger scholarship, First Nations Tuition Program, Mayer scholarship and many more.
The University of Iowa conducts many events for the students each year, some of which include Humanize My Hoodie, A Bicentennial Celebration, Interdisciplinary Cerebrovascular Symposium, Amie Aulwes, etc. The university supports veterans by providing Counselling Services, VA Caregiver Support, Joint Service Support, Health Care System, Educational Services, and more.
Iowa Institute Stead Family Children’s Hospital is ranked by the U.S. News and World Report as one of the “Best Children’s Hospitals” in the country.
2 Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, Iowa
Institution Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Financial Aid Percentage: 100%
Average Financial Aid: $22,047
Acceptance Rate: 64.00
Total Programs Offered (8)
7
Education Programs
1
Business Management Program
Buena Vista University is a private institution located in Iowa which is certified and regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). It offers various online and on-campus programs in Undergraduate and Graduates degrees levels.
A cumulative GPA of 3.4 is required to take admission in this institution.
The university supports veteran students by providing them with the 9/11 GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation, Yellow Ribbon Program, Education fee, and Training Corps (ROTC) programs, etc.
Buena Vista received several prestigious awards for academic quality, civic engagement, sustainability initiatives and many more. In the last 5 years, it has been recognized more than 20 times by elite organizations and ranking bodies from across the nation.
3 Graceland University (GU)
Lamoni, Iowa
Institution Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Financial Aid Percentage: 100%
Average Financial Aid: $21,897
Acceptance Rate: 48.00
Total Programs Offered (15)
5
Nursing Programs
5
Education Programs
3
Business Management Programs
2
Other Programs
Graceland University is a 4-year public liberal arts institution that is regionally approved by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). It offers online and on-campus academic programs in Undergraduate, Graduate, Professional Degree, and Doctorate level.
The institute financially supports its students by providing some financial benefits like Loans, Grants, and Scholarships. Almost 98% of students here receive financial aid which includes the international students as well.
Graceland regularly rewards its students who provide some outstanding contributions to numerous areas of the Institute community. The university chooses the recipient of these awards based on their leadership qualities, excellent academic record, and respect by fellow students, faculty, and staff.
4 Briar Cliff University
Sioux City, Iowa
Institution Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Financial Aid Percentage: 98%
Average Financial Aid: $21,058
Acceptance Rate: Request Info
Total Programs Offered (6)
2
Business Management Programs
1
Human Services Program
1
Accounting Program
2
Other Programs
Briar Cliff University is a private institute that is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). It offers various programs in Undergraduate majors and minors, Graduate and Online Certificates.
A cumulative GPA of 3.17 is required to get admission in this university.
It provides various types of financial aid like Loans, Scholarships and Grants, etc. to support its students. Some of the scholarships awarded are Presidential, Athletic, Multicultural Scholarships, etc.
It is a part of the Yellow Ribbon Program, Tuition Assistance Program and provides Academic Counselling, Medical Services, etc. Briar Cliff is ranked among the most affordable online colleges for social work.
6 Iowa State University (ISU)
Ames, Iowa
Institution Type: Public
Financial Aid Percentage: 79%
Average Financial Aid: $7,425
Acceptance Rate: 87.00
Total Programs Offered (58)
13
Engineering Programs
11
Agriculture Programs
10
Human Services Programs
24
Other Programs
Iowa State University Iowa is a public research university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) offering Undergraduate, Graduate, Doctoral and Certificate level programs in Business, Design, Engineering, Human Sciences, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, etc.
The minimum grade point average required to take admission in this university is GPA 2.25 out of 4.0 and 2.0 for those who have completed an Associate's degree. Students can also get admission through ACT or SAT scores.
It is fully dedicated to help and support the military students, veterans and their dependents. It has a dedicated veteran center office to serve the veterans.
The university has awarded thousands of scholarships to the meritorious and extraordinary students to encourage them in excelling in higher studies. Some of its scholarship programs are Freshman Awards, Transfer Awards, etc.
7 Mount Mercy University
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Institution Type: Private For-Profit
Financial Aid Percentage: 100%
Average Financial Aid: $21,024
Acceptance Rate: 62.00
Total Programs Offered (8)
5
Business Management Programs
1
Nursing Program
1
Criminal Justice Program
1
Other Program
Mount Mercy University Iowa is a Catholic liberal arts university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). It offers Undergraduate, Graduate, and Online degree programs in the areas of Actuarial Science, Art & Design, Biology, Business, Communication, Computer Science, Education, Law, Medicine, Veterinary, etc.
To get admission in this university the candidate must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 out of 4.0, Composite Score of 1030 and 20 in SAT and ACT respectively.
Mount Mercy offers all kinds of possible facilities to the veteran, military spouses and their families. It offers Special Services, Veteran Scholarships, Free Lunch Fridays and Financial Aid to acknowledge their services for the country.
The eligible freshmen students receive 100% financial aid to help in their tuition and fees so that they don’t have to think about their financial requirements. To avail of this facility, they must have to register for Federal Student Aid.
8 Upper Iowa University (UIU)
Fayette, Iowa
Institution Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Financial Aid Percentage: 96%
Average Financial Aid: $17,054
Acceptance Rate: 56.00
Total Programs Offered (97)
25
Business Management Programs
21
Education Programs
10
Public Administration Programs
41
Other Programs
Upper Iowa University is a private university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). It offers Undergraduate, Graduate, Associate and Certificate programs in Art, Science, Biology, Business Administration, Chemistry, Graphic Design, Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, Liberal Arts, etc.
The minimum grade point average required for freshman candidates to take admission in this university is GPA 3.21 out of 4.0 and they must have to submit their ACT or SAT score.
UIU provides educational benefits to new and transfer-eligible veteran candidates for their contribution to the nation. To avail this facility, they must have to submit a Certificate of Eligibility letter to the veteran affairs office.
It offers student financial services to those who require financial assistance for their study. Various financial aid such as Federal, State, Institutional financial aid and Loan facilities are available for financially needy students.
9 Maharishi University of Management (MUM)
Fairfield, Iowa
Institution Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Financial Aid Percentage: 81%
Average Financial Aid: $19,296
Acceptance Rate: 51.00
Total Programs Offered (6)
3
Arts Programs
2
Theology Programs
1
Business Management Program
The Maharishi University of Management Iowa is a private nonprofit university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). It gives Undergraduate, Graduate and Online courses in the area of Art, Business, Applied Arts and Sciences, Computer Science, Media & Communication, etc.
The minimum grade point average required to take admission in this university is 2.5 on a scale of 4.0 for Bachelor’s applicants and 3.0 out of 4.0 for Master’s applicants.
Its veteran administration is working for military personnel and their dependents to get essential benefits based on the eligibility criteria.
MUM provides additional financial aid to the needy and deserving candidates. It is given in the form of personal expenses and books, scholarships and grants, federal student loans, education tax incentives, etc.
10 Saint Ambrose University
Davenport, Iowa
Institution Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Financial Aid Percentage: 100%
Average Financial Aid: $17,665
Acceptance Rate: 64.00
Total Programs Offered (7)
3
Business Management Programs
1
Health Science Program
1
Criminal Justice Program
2
Other Programs
Saint Ambrose University is a private Catholic institution located in Iowa. It is regionally certified by the Higher Education Learning (HLC) to provide Undergraduate, Graduate, Transfer, Adult, Doctoral and Online programs along with Study Abroad program at an affordable cost.
The institution conducts many events every academic year such as Undergraduate Scholars Conference, Day of Giving, Easter Monday, Senior Honors Art Exhibition and many more.
It provides numerous ways to support students financially by providing Scholarships, Grants, Study Program, etc. In 2018, 98% of students received financial aid and the average amount that was received was $19,056.
It is ranked 13th among the best Regional Universities by the Midwest.
Simpson College
Indianola, Iowa
Institution Type: Private Not-For-Profit
Financial Aid Percentage: 100%
Average Financial Aid: $23,011
Acceptance Rate: 85.00
Total Programs Offered (2)
1
Business Management Program
1
Information Systems Program
