Best Value Human Resources Management and Services Colleges in Iowa

Human Resources Management graduates in Iowa face a striking earnings gap, with Waldorf University alumni earning $58,390 while Upper Iowa graduates start at $41,193. The University of Northern Iowa offers the most affordable path at just $14,609 net cost, making it particularly attractive given Iowa's concentration of major employers like Principal Financial and John Deere that require HR professionals. Private institutions dominate the field with 12 of 14 programs, yet their net costs range dramatically from Coe College at $19,155 to Dordt University at $25,383. Graduation rates vary significantly, with the University of Iowa leading at 73% compared to Waldorf's 29%.

Programs

$14,609 – $25,383

Net Price Range

$46,269

Avg. Program Earnings

53.6%

Avg. Graduation Rate

14 Human Resources Management and Services Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Waldorf University Forest City, Iowa	$21,683	$58,390	$25,220	29.0%	73.9%
2	Buena Vista University Storm Lake, Iowa	$18,321	$43,426	$40,190	47.3%	77.3%
3	University of Iowa Iowa City, Iowa	$21,398	$48,041	$10,964	73.1%	86.0%
4	Grand View University Des Moines, Iowa	$21,616	$47,260	$33,450	55.8%	98.4%
5	William Penn University Oskaloosa, Iowa	$22,115	$46,478	$28,750	29.2%	57.7%
6	University of Dubuque Dubuque, Iowa	$23,250	$42,682	$40,065	41.1%	85.1%
7	Mount Mercy University Cedar Rapids, Iowa	$23,435	$42,682	$39,070	55.9%	75.3%
8	Upper Iowa University Fayette, Iowa	$23,172	$41,193	$19,000	41.5%	54.2%
9	Briar Cliff University Sioux City, Iowa	$21,590		$35,534	49.4%
10	Coe College Cedar Rapids, Iowa	$19,155		$52,576	59.0%
11	Cornell College Mount Vernon, Iowa	$25,079		$50,634	71.7%	79.3%
12	Dordt University Sioux Center, Iowa	$25,383		$35,960	65.3%	87.7%
13	University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, Iowa	$14,609		$9,728	68.9%	95.0%
14	Saint Ambrose University Davenport, Iowa	$22,750		$35,598	62.8%	73.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $17,000 earnings difference between Iowa HR programs?

Waldorf University graduates earn $58,390 annually while Upper Iowa graduates start at $41,193, reflecting differences in program focus and alumni networks. Private institutions generally show higher earnings, with 6 of the top 8 earning programs being private colleges.

How do public universities compare to private colleges for HR value?

The University of Iowa offers strong value with $21,398 net cost and $48,041 earnings, while Northern Iowa provides the lowest cost at $14,609. Both public options significantly undercut private colleges, which average over $22,000 in net costs.

Is student debt a major concern for Iowa HR graduates?

Median debt ranges from $21,275 at Iowa to $29,125 at Upper Iowa University. Most programs keep debt below $27,000, making them manageable given typical HR starting salaries in the $40,000-$50,000 range.

Where do Iowa HR graduates find the best job prospects?

Iowa's insurance sector, led by Principal Financial, and manufacturing companies like John Deere create steady demand for HR professionals. Des Moines and Cedar Rapids offer the most opportunities, with Grand View and Mount Mercy strategically positioned in these markets.

More Human Resources Management and Services Rankings

Cheapest Human Resources Management and Services in Iowa Human Resources Management and Services Under $20,000 in Iowa

All Human Resources Management and Services Programs Best Colleges in Iowa Best Human Resources Management and Services in Iowa

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