17 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Programs
| # | School | Net Price | Program Earnings | In-State Tuition | Graduation Rate | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa
|
$18,165 | $37,208 | $10,497 | 75.5% | 90.2% |
| 2 |
Saint Ambrose University
Davenport, Iowa
|
$22,750 | $46,087 | $35,598 | 62.8% | 73.9% |
| 3 |
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
|
$21,398 | $37,363 | $10,964 | 73.1% | 86.0% |
| 4 |
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, Iowa
|
$18,321 | $30,047 | $40,190 | 47.3% | 77.3% |
| 5 |
Morningside University
Sioux City, Iowa
|
$23,169 | $28,019 | $38,190 | 52.8% | 70.6% |
| 6 |
Cornell College
Mount Vernon, Iowa
|
$25,079 | $50,634 | 71.7% | 79.3% | |
| 7 |
Dordt University
Sioux Center, Iowa
|
$25,383 | $35,960 | 65.3% | 87.7% | |
| 8 |
Grinnell College
Grinnell, Iowa
|
$15,608 | $64,862 | 87.5% | 10.8% | |
| 9 |
Coe College
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
|
$19,155 | $52,576 | 59.0% | ||
| 10 |
Central College
Pella, Iowa
|
$22,353 | $20,988 | 69.2% | 79.2% | |
| 11 |
Luther College
Decorah, Iowa
|
$25,635 | $50,320 | 75.0% | 75.3% | |
| 12 |
Maharishi International University
Fairfield, Iowa
|
$18,225 | $16,530 | 17.6% | 94.3% | |
| 13 |
Mount Mercy University
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
|
$23,435 | $39,070 | 55.9% | 75.3% | |
| 14 |
Briar Cliff University
Sioux City, Iowa
|
$21,590 | $35,534 | 49.4% | ||
| 15 |
Simpson College
Indianola, Iowa
|
$22,231 | $46,212 | 65.7% | 89.1% | |
| 16 |
Upper Iowa University
Fayette, Iowa
|
$23,172 | $19,000 | 41.5% | 54.2% | |
| 17 |
William Penn University
Oskaloosa, Iowa
|
$22,115 | $28,750 | 29.2% | 57.7% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What explains the massive cost difference between Grinnell College and other Iowa programs?
Grinnell College's $15,608 net cost represents strong financial aid despite its $64,862 sticker price, making it more affordable than many state schools. The college's substantial endowment allows generous aid packages that bring costs below Iowa State's $18,165 and University of Iowa's $21,398. This creates an unusual situation where a highly selective private college (10.76% acceptance rate) costs less than public alternatives for many students.
How do graduation rates vary among Iowa's interdisciplinary programs?
Graduation rates span from 17.6% at Maharishi International University to 87.5% at Grinnell College, showing dramatic variation in student outcomes. Traditional liberal arts colleges like Cornell College (71.7%) and Luther College (75%) generally outperform smaller private institutions. Public universities Iowa State (75.5%) and University of Iowa (73.1%) maintain solid completion rates while serving much larger student populations.
Does the earnings gap reflect different career paths for interdisciplinary graduates?
Saint Ambrose University graduates earning $46,087 compared to Morningside University's $28,019 suggests significant variation in post-graduation outcomes. The $18,000+ earnings spread likely reflects different concentrations within interdisciplinary studies and regional job market access. Graduates near Des Moines and Cedar Rapids benefit from insurance and technology sector opportunities, while rural locations may offer fewer high-paying entry-level positions.
Is student debt a major concern for interdisciplinary studies graduates in Iowa?
Average debt levels remain manageable, ranging from Iowa State's $25,490 to University of Iowa's $21,761 among schools reporting debt data. The relatively low debt loads combined with Iowa's affordable cost of living create favorable conditions for recent graduates. However, starting salaries averaging $30,000-$40,000 mean graduates need strategic career planning to maximize their interdisciplinary education's value.
More Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Rankings
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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.