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Best Value Accounting and Related Services Colleges in Iowa

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

University of Northern Iowa stands out with the lowest net price at $14,609 while delivering solid earnings of $52,908 for accounting graduates. This creates the state's strongest value proposition, though University of Iowa graduates command the highest salaries at $59,029. Iowa's accounting programs benefit from the state's insurance industry concentration, with Principal Financial Group headquartered in Des Moines providing substantial career opportunities. The price gap between public and private schools reaches nearly $8,000, yet several private colleges like Coe and Buena Vista compete effectively on net cost. Graduation rates vary significantly from 41% to 76%, making careful program selection important for success. Iowa State University combines reasonable costs with strong outcomes, while smaller colleges like Luther and Wartburg deliver higher earnings despite premium pricing.
23
Programs
$14,609 – $30,042
Net Price Range
$52,037
Avg. Program Earnings
59.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

23 Accounting and Related Services Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,609 $52,908 $9,728 68.9% 95.0%
2 $18,165 $53,537 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
3 $21,398 $59,029 $10,964 73.1% 86.0%
4 $19,155 $52,107 $52,576 59.0%
5 $18,321 $47,494 $40,190 47.3% 77.3%
6 $22,231 $54,509 $46,212 65.7% 89.1%
7 $21,057 $51,607 $38,298 69.9% 89.8%
8 $22,604 $55,286 $51,040 66.8% 97.5%
9 $22,353 $53,045 $20,988 69.2% 79.2%
10 $23,435 $52,822 $39,070 55.9% 75.3%
11 $25,635 $56,641 $50,320 75.0% 75.3%
12 $21,616 $47,729 $33,450 55.8% 98.4%
13 $21,590 $47,397 $35,534 49.4%
14 $22,750 $48,432 $35,598 62.8% 73.9%
15 $23,250 $48,432 $40,065 41.1% 85.1%
16 $30,042 $59,485 $49,944 77.3% 67.2%
17 $23,172 $44,170 $19,000 41.5% 54.2%
18 $22,115 $28,750 29.2% 57.7%
19 $25,383 $35,960 65.3% 87.7%
20 $23,519 $35,300 63.6% 87.3%
21 $23,169 $38,190 52.8% 70.6%
22 $20,068 $39,600 54.9% 84.8%
23 $15,975 $33,220 38.3% 74.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Northern Iowa the best value for accounting studies?

UNI combines the state's lowest net price of $14,609 with strong graduate earnings of $52,908, creating strong return on investment. The school maintains a 69% graduation rate with manageable debt levels of $18,750. Students benefit from Iowa's low cost of living while accessing quality education at public school pricing.

How do private college costs compare to public universities for accounting?

Private colleges average around $21,000 in net costs compared to $18,000 for public schools, a smaller gap than expected. Schools like Coe College at $19,155 and Buena Vista at $18,321 compete directly with public options. However, graduation rates at private schools range widely from 41% to 75%, requiring careful evaluation beyond just cost.

Is University of Iowa worth the higher cost for accounting students?

Iowa graduates earn $59,029 annually, the highest among state schools, justifying the $21,398 net price. The 73% graduation rate exceeds most competitors, and debt levels remain reasonable at $21,500. The earning premium of $6,000 over UNI helps offset the additional $7,000 in costs.

Does Iowa's job market support accounting graduates well?

Iowa hosts major employers like Principal Financial Group and strong agricultural businesses requiring accounting services. Graduate earnings range from $44,170 to $59,485, reflecting good job availability across the state. The insurance and agriculture sectors provide stable career paths with competitive compensation for new graduates.

Where should students focus if graduation rates matter most?

Iowa State leads with a 76% graduation rate while maintaining reasonable costs at $18,165 net price. Luther College matches this performance at 75% but costs significantly more at $25,635. University of Dubuque shows concerning 41% completion rates despite moderate pricing, making it a risky choice for most students.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.