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Best Value History Colleges in Iowa

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

Grinnell College transforms History education economics with a net cost of just $15,608 despite its $64,862 sticker price, proving that elite liberal arts education can be surprisingly affordable. The 87.50% graduation rate at Grinnell nearly matches that of the University of Iowa at 73.10%, yet Iowa residents pay only $10,964 at the public flagship. History graduates across Iowa earn between $18,154 and $37,928, with the University of Iowa leading earnings despite moderate costs. This range reflects Iowa's economic foundation built on Principal Financial, Casey's General Stores, and agricultural enterprises that value historical research and analytical thinking. The state's insurance industry particularly benefits from History majors who excel at risk assessment and regulatory analysis. Public universities dominate the value proposition, with University of Northern Iowa offering the lowest net cost at $14,609 while maintaining solid graduate outcomes.
25
Programs
$14,609 – $30,042
Net Price Range
$29,718
Avg. Program Earnings
60.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

25 History Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,609 $33,993 $9,728 68.9% 95.0%
2 $15,608 $29,685 $64,862 87.5% 10.8%
3 $21,398 $37,928 $10,964 73.1% 86.0%
4 $18,165 $31,495 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
5 $22,231 $36,848 $46,212 65.7% 89.1%
6 $30,042 $28,816 $49,944 77.3% 67.2%
7 $25,635 $20,824 $50,320 75.0% 75.3%
8 $22,604 $18,154 $51,040 66.8% 97.5%
9 $22,115 $28,750 29.2% 57.7%
10 $21,590 $35,534 49.4%
11 $21,683 $25,220 29.0% 73.9%
12 $23,172 $19,000 41.5% 54.2%
13 $22,750 $35,598 62.8% 73.9%
14 $23,519 $35,300 63.6% 87.3%
15 $23,435 $39,070 55.9% 75.3%
16 $23,169 $38,190 52.8% 70.6%
17 $21,057 $38,298 69.9% 89.8%
18 $21,616 $33,450 55.8% 98.4%
19 $15,975 $33,220 38.3% 74.5%
20 $25,383 $35,960 65.3% 87.7%
21 $25,079 $50,634 71.7% 79.3%
22 $19,155 $52,576 59.0%
23 $20,068 $39,600 54.9% 84.8%
24 $22,353 $20,988 69.2% 79.2%
25 $18,321 $40,190 47.3% 77.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Grinnell College's net price so low compared to its sticker price?

Grinnell College reduces its $64,862 sticker price to just $15,608 through substantial financial aid packages. The college accepts only 10.76% of applicants but provides generous need-based aid to admitted students. This creates strong value for History majors who achieve an 87.50% graduation rate. The combination of selectivity and aid makes Grinnell competitive with public university costs while offering private college resources.

How do public university costs compare for Iowa residents studying History?

Iowa residents pay between $9,728 and $10,964 in tuition at the state's major public universities. University of Northern Iowa offers the lowest in-state tuition at $9,728 with a net cost of $14,609. University of Iowa charges $10,964 but produces the highest-earning History graduates at $37,928 annually. Iowa State University falls in the middle at $10,497 tuition with graduates earning $31,495.

Does graduation rate correlate with earnings for History majors in Iowa?

The relationship between graduation rates and earnings shows interesting patterns across Iowa programs. Grinnell College has the highest graduation rate at 87.50% but graduates earn $29,685, while University of Iowa graduates earn $37,928 with a 73.10% completion rate. University of Northern Iowa achieves strong value with 68.90% graduation rate and $33,993 in graduate earnings. Several private colleges show graduation rates below 50% despite higher costs.

What career opportunities exist for History graduates in Iowa's economy?

Iowa's insurance sector, anchored by Principal Financial and other major firms, actively recruits History majors for analytical and compliance roles. The state's agricultural heritage creates opportunities in museums, historical societies, and cultural preservation organizations. Government positions in Iowa's state agencies and educational institutions provide stable career paths. Manufacturing companies like John Deere value History graduates for their research skills and communication abilities in corporate roles.

Is the earnings range of $18,154 to $37,928 competitive for recent graduates?

This earnings range reflects Iowa's lower cost of living, where entry-level salaries stretch further than in coastal markets. The $37,928 top earnings from University of Iowa graduates approach median household income levels in many Iowa communities. Even the lower end at $18,154 provides reasonable starting power given Iowa's affordable housing and living costs. History majors often see significant salary growth after gaining experience in their chosen career paths.

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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.