Best Online Colleges in Iowa (IA): Top Schools in 2024

From 2016 to 2021, the number of online college degrees completed in Iowa increased by 20%. And that number is only growing. Online college courses are only becoming more and more popular for a number of reasons including overall quality, flexibility and price.

With online degrees becoming more and more common, you’ll want to determine which colleges in Iowa will help you to acheive your goals. To help you feel confident pursuing your degree online, this guide ranks Iowa’s top colleges based on factors such as affordability, number of degree options, students services and more. It also provides key information about online program formats, the importance of accreditation, and financial aid opportunities. Keep reading to find the program that’s right for you.

Top-Ranked Online Colleges in Iowa for 2023

When choosing an online degree program, you want it to come from a school that fully supports your goals and is flexible enough to work with your busy schedule. You need a college that puts students first and is dedicated to helping you achieve success, one with experienced instructors, accreditation, affordable tuition, and financial aid.

Having small student-to-teacher ratios, stellar student services, and a variety of online program options to choose from are also important. The Iowa colleges that made our best-of-2023 list below exemplify all of these qualities. Learn more about each school and find the one that has the online program that meets your needs.

2 Year Schools 4 Year Schools

1
Iowa State University

Ames, Iowa

Public $$
Iowa State University offers online degree programs taught by the same world-class faculty that teaches on-campus courses. You will be able to access assignments, quizzes, readings, lectures, videos, and exams online whenever and wherever you choose through the Canvas learning management system. This allows you to pursue your education while working around your other time commitments. Online students have access to tutoring services, academic and technology support, career services, enrollment services, the writing center, student assistance, the online library, and financial aid. All students will be able to apply and register for classes online.
Program Highlights:
Early Childhood Education and Programming
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $363/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Bachelor of Business Administration
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $363/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Bachelor of Liberal Studies
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $363/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

18/1
2
University of Iowa

Iowa City, Iowa

Public $$
The University of Iowa offers 46 online programs and over 700 online courses. Online programs allow you to further your education anytime and anywhere, without running into scheduling conflicts. You can work around your career or family life with 24/7 access to assignments, reading, lectures, videos, quizzes, and exams. Some courses are synchronous, which means you will be required to meet online at a specific time for a discussion or lecture. Research each course so you know what to expect. Many courses are asynchronous, so there are no online meetings or in-person requirements. To be a successful online student, you’ll need to be able to pace yourself and manage your time.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Political Science
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $363/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Bachelor of Enterprise Leadership
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $363/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Bachelor of Applied Studies
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $363/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

16/1
3
University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, Iowa

Public $$
The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) is one of the best online colleges both in the state and in the Midwest according to U.S. News & World Report. UNI offers a variety of online degrees and programs for students unable to come to campus in person. Choose to complete an online degree, certificate, endorsement, stand-alone course, or workshop. UNI’s online offerings use the Blackboard learning management system, with ample resources for online students, including online access to the library, scholarships for distancing learning students, online tutoring, and plenty of technical support.
Program Highlights:
BA, Technology Management
- Credits:120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $337/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: AACSB
BA, Human Services
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $337/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: AACSB
BA, Elementary Education 2+2 Program
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $337/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: AACSB
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

17/1
4
Maharishi International University

Fairfield, Iowa

Private not-for-profit $$$$
Like other high-quality universities, Maharishi International University (MIU) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission but it offers a different sort of education. Online courses focus on self-discovery, sustainability, and healthy lifestyles, with bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees that focus on health and wellness, regenerative agriculture, and arts and new media. Noncredit enrichment courses are available for any student as well. Every course integrates meditation to help students find inner peace, enhance clear thinking, and boost creativity. MIU’s online classes are in a block format, only allowing students to fully immerse themselves in one class at a time.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences with a specialization in Regenerative Organic Agriculture
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $333/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Bachelor’s with a specialization in Creative Writing
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $333/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Bachelor’s with a specialization in Cinematic Arts and New Media
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $333/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

12/1
5
St Luke’s College

Sioux City, Iowa

Private not-for-profit $$$$
Saint Luke’s College offers health-system-based degrees in online and hybrid learning formats for students who want to become competent and compassionate healthcare providers. Online courses are accessed through the Blackboard learning management platform and NetLearning, an online application that’s used to deliver training to employees and students. To take online courses, you must have a computer and Internet connection, be able to navigate a computer and the Internet, have good time management skills, be able to participate in online discussions, express yourself in writing, communicate online, have computer protection software, and understand that feedback from professors is not as fast as in person.
Program Highlights:
RN to BSN
- Credits: 120 total
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $600/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Bachelor of Health Science
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $600/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

5/1
6
Mercy College of Health Sciences

Des Moines, Iowa

Private not-for-profit $$$$
Mercy College of Health Sciences offers online degrees for students wanting the flexibility of studying at the time and place of their choosing. Mercy College offers multiple start dates every year, affordable tuition, and curricula designed for adults seeking to enter the field of healthcare. Mercy College is partnered with national healthcare leaders to make sure the degrees meet the requirements for obtaining a license (if applicable). Mercy College also offers the unique opportunity to obtain your online degree in just one year, setting it apart from almost every other college in the nation.
Program Highlights:
RN to BSN
- Credits: 120 total
- Length: 1 year
- Cost: $680/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Bachelor of Public Health
- Credits: 120
- Length: 1 year
- Cost: $680/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Bachelor of Health Care Administration
- Credits: 120
- Length: 1 year
- Cost: $680/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

8/1

2 Year Schools 4 Year Schools

1
Western Iowa Tech Community College

Sioux City, Iowa

Public $
Western Iowa Tech Community College offers several 2-year online programs to prepare you for a career. Online course lengths vary from 4 to 16 weeks, though the same amount of course material is covered regardless of length. So, a 4-week course involves a more rigorous experience since courses are not self-paced and regular deadlines must be met. Whether you choose an online certificate, diploma, or degree, time management is crucial for keeping track of assignments and exam due dates and because professors can’t always give immediate feedback.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Political Science
- Credits: 64
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $208/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate of Sociology
- Credits: 64
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $208/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate of General Education
- Credits: 64
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $208/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

16/1
2
Indian Hills Community College

Ottumwa, Iowa

Public $
Indian Hills Community College offers over 300 online courses with more being developed each term. If you have access to the internet and a computer and are self-driven and able to manage your time, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. Online students have the same support and access to materials as on-campus students, and step-by-step guides and tutorials are available through printable downloads or video tutorials. IHCC requires online students to register for the MyHills program to receive course content and interact with faculty and peers. You can apply and register for classes online through the university’s website to start your educational journey today.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Arts
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $2,925/semester
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate of History
- Credits: 60
- Length: 1.5 years
- Cost: $2,925/semester
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate of Theater
- Credits: 60
- Length: 1.5 years
- Cost: $2,925/semester
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

14/1
3
Ellsworth Community College

Iowa Falls, Iowa

Public $
Ellsworth Community College offers a variety of 2-year online degree programs designed for students to start at ECC and then transfer to a four-year college. Degree options include sociology, biology, business, engineering, physics, and criminal justice. If you enjoy working alone and need a flexible schedule, an online degree is a good option. Students at Ellsworth have the same support and resources as on-campus students in addition to technical support and video tutorials for navigating online programs.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Liberal Arts
- Credits: 64
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $190/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

16/1
4
Iowa Western Community College

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Public $$
Iowa Western Community College’s core values are caring, commitment, and challenge. They have been offering several 2 year, online degree programs to get you started on your higher education pursuit since 1967. You can obtain degrees from accounting to welding completely online with all the same support and resources available to on-campus students. All assignments, quizzes, discussions, lectures, readings, and exams can be accessed any time, anywhere, even if that means in the middle of the night in your kitchen. Online courses allow you the flexibility and convenience, without the scheduling conflicts or sacrificing other time commitments.
Program Highlights:
Associate in Computer Web Programming
- Credits: 66
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $201/credit
- Mode: online
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
Associate in Cyber Security Technology
- Credits: 69
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $201/credit
- Mode: Wonline
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
Associate of Elementary Education
- Credits: 64
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $201/credit
- Mode: online
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

18/1
5
Iowa Lakes Community College

Estherville, Iowa

Public $$
Iowa Lakes Community College offers affordable online courses whether you’re taking a few online courses or want a degree. ILCC’s online courses are hosted via Canvas, and new students receive online orientation to help them get started. You have access to both technical support for your online programs and devices as well as student-focused advising and counseling for a personalized experience. Online students need to be self-driven and able to manage their time well to meet deadlines for assignments, quizzes, and exams since there are no regular class meeting times.
Program Highlights:
Assoicate of Criminal Justice
- Credits: 68
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $196/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate of Paralegal and Legal Studies
- Credits: 68
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $196/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate of Substance Abuse Counseling
- Credits: 68
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $196/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

15/1
6
Iowa Central Community College

Fort Dodge, Iowa

Public $

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

17/1
7
Southwestern Community College

Creston, Iowa

Public $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

14/1
8
Marshalltown Community College

Marshalltown, Iowa

Public $

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

17/1
9
North Iowa Area Community College

Mason City, Iowa

Public $

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

22/1
10
Northeast Iowa Community College

Calmar, Iowa

Public $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

12/1
11
Southeastern Community College

West Burlington, Iowa

Public $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

15/1
12
Eastern Iowa Community College District

Davenport, Iowa

Public $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

25/1
13
Des Moines Area Community College

Ankeny, Iowa

Public $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

20/1
14
Hawkeye Community College

Waterloo, Iowa

Public $$

Online Programs

1

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

17/1

How Online Programs Work at Iowa Colleges

There are several ways to earn a college degree in Iowa, and it’s important to find a format that matches your schedule and learning style. Consider whether coursework is completely online or offered in a hybrid format and find out if classes have scheduled lecture times or are prerecorded and accessible anytime. Below is a thorough explanation of each format option along with program examples to illustrate how they work.

Fully Online versus Hybrid or Blended

Fully online courses offer all coursework, quizzes, exams, discussions, and lectures completely online. Hybrid or blended programs have some combination of in-person instruction and discussion alongside online components. While many degrees can be obtained completely online, some cannot. Degrees requiring clinical experience requirements or hands-on skills, for example, need face-to-face lab or classroom instruction. A benefit of these hybrid classes is the opportunity to speak to professors in person to ask questions and get clarification. Below are examples of each format.

RN to BSN at the University of Iowa (Hybrid)

The RN to BSN at the University of Iowa is a hybrid program with all courses online, an in-person practicum/clinical course, and one project course with face-to-face components. The program helps licensed nurses, whether they have a diploma or associate degree, expand their skills and professional potential by completing a bachelor’s degree in nursing. It requires 32 credits and takes one and a half to two years to complete. The program costs $15,136 in tuition and requires that some general core courses are completed before acceptance into the program.

Bachelor of Business Administration at Iowa State University (Fully Online)

This Bachelor of Business Administration degree at Iowa State is a general business degree that pairs rigorous coursework with the foundational knowledge students need to build the skills and understanding for successful careers in business. The faculty includes internationally-known professionals that are former industry executives with real-world experience. All coursework, exams, quizzes, and discussions are completely online. Online students can also take advantage of the student support administration and get professional career coaching. This program takes approximately four years to complete.

Asynchronous versus Synchronous

Online courses are either asynchronous or synchronous. Synchronous courses have a set schedule for students to meet online (e.g., 6:00 pm on Thursdays). An asynchronous course means all material, including lectures and discussion boards, are accessible anytime and anywhere for a more flexible schedule. Students with busy lives benefit more from asynchronous courses since they can do coursework and readings whenever they have time without needing to block out a specific slot in their schedules. Here are a few examples of each format.

B.S. Accounting at Upper Iowa University (Asynchronous)

The BS in Accounting at Upper Iowa University gives students a balanced, versatile education with the practical skills and experience needed for professional success. It’s tailored to meet CPA exam qualifications in most states as well. All coursework, quizzes, exams, and lectures can be completed online with many courses being asynchronous. This degree takes four years to complete. Classes are held in eight-week sessions, and there is an accelerated summer semester available. Online students also have full access to tutoring, career advising, and student support services online.

B.S. in Radiation Science at the University of Iowa (Synchronous)

The Bachelor of Science in Radiation Science at the University of Iowa is for registered radiologic technologists and nuclear medicine technologists who want to earn their degrees through distance education. This degree helps graduates provide direct patient care, deliver treatment, and produce quality radiation images. Students learn to operate complex equipment safely through intellectual and professional growth. Asynchronous courses are held through Zoom meetings, lectures, and discussions. This degree takes two to four years, depending on prerequisites, and costs approximately $432/credit.

Part-Time versus Full-Time

Full-time attendance for undergraduates requires 12 or more credits each semester, while part-time refers to anything less than that. Full-time study for graduate students is typically nine credits. If you plan to attend full-time, you’ll complete your degree faster. The time commitment is higher, though. Part-time attendance allows for more flexibility, but it takes longer to finish your degree. Students with careers or busy family lives are better suited to part-time attendance with a smaller time commitment every semester. Below are a few examples of each program type in Iowa.

AAS in Human Services at Iowa Lakes Community College (Part-Time)

The AAS in Human Services from Iowa Lakes Community College is for students who enjoy working with people and helping them meet their goals. It prepares students for a variety of careers by developing skills and knowledge in case planning, assessment and referrals, interviewing and behavioral observations, and working with individuals and groups. Students become familiar with learning and behavior disabilities, mental illness, dementia, and other related disorders. This program can be completed entirely online and requires 69 credits. Online tuition is $208/credit hour, and the program can be completed in two to four years.

AA in Digital Arts at Iowa Central Community College (Full-Time)

The AA in Digital Arts at Iowa Central Community College is for students wishing to pursue new media and methods of digital creation, including video, photography, sound production, coding, interactive design, and 2D/3D graphics. It combines artistic abilities with complex technological skills to create stories, messages, and graphics. Full-time students can complete this degree online in two years. It consists of 60 credits with tuition at $193/credit. Students take courses in photography, TV and radio production, graphics technology, and engineering and design technology as well as other core classes and electives. Students also have access to the academic resource center and the online help desk, which provides technical support for online students.

Online Colleges in Iowa: Accreditation Check

When researching which school you should attend, always check for accreditation. An accredited school or program meets the quality requirements of the region, state, or nation. Accredited institutions have high-quality curricula, meet licensure requirements, and are eligible for federal and state financial aid. Schools are accredited as an institution by national agencies, and some individual programs have additional accreditation. This additional accreditation is especially important for careers – e.g., educators, social workers, or health care providers – that require state licensing and certification. Check out this guide to accreditation for more information.

Examining the Cost of Online College in Iowa

College costs often fluctuate depending on residency and whether they are online or on-campus. Some schools offer resident tuition to students taking online programs even if they live out of state. Also, note that attending a university online can be substantially cheaper than attending in person simply because you won’t have to pay the transportation costs of commuting. If you don’t live close to the school, taking classes online also removes the burden of paying for housing close to campus. This table gives you an idea of tuition costs for online colleges in Iowa.

School Name	On-Campus In-State	On-Campus Out-of-State	Online In-State	Online Out-of-State
University of Iowa	$10,353/year	$32,316/year	$10,353/year	$10,353/year
Iowa State University	$8,678/year	$25,160/year	$11,616/year	$11,616/year
Buena Vista University	$38,644/year	$40,190/year	$10,824/year	$10,824/year
University of Northern Iowa	$9,411/year	$20,565/year	$8,112/year	$8,112/year
Upper Iowa University	$19,000/year	$19,000/year	$11,952/year	$11,952/year

* Costs include tuition and required fees of undergraduate programs.

Financial Aid for Iowa Colleges

There are several different types of financial aid you can apply for when attending a college or university in Iowa. Options include scholarships from private businesses and non-profit agencies and aid from the federal government. Each college also offers its own scholarships. The most common financial aid resources are scholarships and federal aid obtained by filling out the FAFSA. The state of Iowa also offers scholarship programs as well as grants. Iowa-specific scholarships include the:

Herbert Hoover Uncommon Student Award
Iowa Financial Know-How Challenge
Iowa Scholarships for the Arts
Iowa UMF Seminary Scholarships
Westmar Scholarship

Iowa also has a college aid website with links to the government’s FAFSA, state-wide scholarships, state-specific grants, financial aid information for students and families, and programs like GEAR UP Iowa and Future Ready Iowa. There are also military discounts and work-study programs.

Apply for every type of financial aid you’re eligible for before considering student loans. Loans are helpful if you don’t another option, but you’ll have to pay them back with interest.

Fastest-Growing Careers for Iowa College Graduates

If you’re not sure which degree or career to pursue, knowing which careers are in high demand might help. Careers with low demand are more competitive since there aren’t as many positions, while careers in high demand are short-staffed and actively looking for candidates. See which careers are expected to see the fastest growth in Iowa in the table below.

Career	Job Growth (2020-2030)	Annual Mean Wage (2021)
Information Security Analysts	47.7%	$125,650
Data Scientists	46.8%	$91,470
Nurse Practitioners	57.6%	$121,370
Computer Research Scientist	33.3%	$127,800
Orthodontists	33.3%	$67,930
Physical Therapist Assistant	43.6%	$54,160
Orthotists and Prosthetists	40%	$67,930
Operations Research Analysts	38.3%	$73,580
Occupational Therapy Assistant	42.1%	$56,960
Statistician	42.4%	$63,510

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics; Projections Central

Additional Resources for Online College Students in Iowa

Preparing for College

This site gives students tips and ideas on how to prepare themselves for the college experience while they are still in high school. Resources include programs, academic exams and tests, and extracurricular activities.

Success Prep Iowa

This website provides consulting services for students preparing for college. It helps students prepare for college while still in high school or after and helps students create a customized learning plan and eliminate confusion.

College Survival Tips Exclusively for Freshman

This guide helps students prepare to start their first year of college. It gives tips for budgeting, finding your way around campus, registering for classes, and buying textbooks.

Budgeting for College

This resource teaches students to record and track their expenses, differentiate between needs and wants, and make a budget that’s easy to understand. Students also learn helpful lifestyle tips that they can implement to be better stewards of the money they have.

Tips to Study Smarter

These study tips for current and future college students help with setting goals, using planners, comparing notes, taking breaks, time management, and more.

Guide to the Best Online Colleges in Iowa