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Best Value Psychology Colleges in Iowa

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

University of Northern Iowa delivers the state's most affordable psychology education at $14,609 net cost while producing graduates earning $33,500 annually. This represents strong value compared to private alternatives like Grinnell College, which costs $15,608 despite lower graduate earnings of $26,353. Iowa's psychology graduates enter a job market strengthened by major employers like Principal Financial Group, where understanding human behavior drives customer relations and workplace dynamics. The state's 20 psychology programs show dramatic cost variation, with net prices ranging from Northern Iowa's bargain to $30,042 at the high end. Public universities dominate the value equation, with Iowa State University and University of Iowa offering strong programs under $22,000. Psychology careers in Iowa benefit from the state's stable economy anchored by insurance, healthcare, and agricultural sectors that value behavioral expertise for employee wellness, customer service, and organizational development.
27
Programs
$12,904 – $30,042
Net Price Range
$30,108
Avg. Program Earnings
60.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

27 Psychology, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,609 $33,500 $9,728 68.9% 95.0%
2 $18,165 $30,771 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
3 $15,608 $26,353 $64,862 87.5% 10.8%
4 $21,683 $35,954 $25,220 29.0% 73.9%
5 $22,231 $33,993 $46,212 65.7% 89.1%
6 $23,172 $35,416 $19,000 41.5% 54.2%
7 $22,604 $33,993 $51,040 66.8% 97.5%
8 $21,398 $31,290 $10,964 73.1% 86.0%
9 $21,616 $31,423 $33,450 55.8% 98.4%
10 $20,068 $29,141 $39,600 54.9% 84.8%
11 $23,435 $33,993 $39,070 55.9% 75.3%
12 $18,321 $26,160 $40,190 47.3% 77.3%
13 $19,155 $27,280 $52,576 59.0%
14 $21,057 $26,739 $38,298 69.9% 89.8%
15 $22,750 $26,353 $35,598 62.8% 73.9%
16 $22,353 $25,194 $20,988 69.2% 79.2%
17 $30,042 $32,925 $49,944 77.3% 67.2%
18 $25,635 $27,536 $50,320 75.0% 75.3%
19 $25,079 $24,035 $50,634 71.7% 79.3%
20 $15,975 $33,220 38.3% 74.5%
21 $12,904 $20,000 81.7% 100.0%
22 $23,250 $40,065 41.1% 85.1%
23 $23,169 $38,190 52.8% 70.6%
24 $25,383 $35,960 65.3% 87.7%
25 $23,519 $35,300 63.6% 87.3%
26 $21,590 $35,534 49.4%
27 $22,115 $28,750 29.2% 57.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Northern Iowa the top psychology value in Iowa?

Northern Iowa combines the lowest net cost at $14,609 with solid graduate earnings of $33,500, creating the best return on investment. The program maintains a 68.9% graduation rate while accepting 94.95% of applicants. Students graduate with manageable debt of $19,500, well below the state average.

How do public university psychology programs compare to private colleges in Iowa?

Public universities offer significantly better value, with the three major state schools averaging under $18,250 net cost. Private colleges average over $21,000 despite often lower graduate earnings. Iowa State University produces psychology graduates earning $30,771 at just $18,165 net cost, outperforming most private alternatives.

Does Grinnell College justify its psychology program costs?

Grinnell presents a value puzzle with $15,608 net cost but graduate earnings of only $26,353, among the lowest in the state. The 87.5% graduation rate is excellent, yet the 10.76% acceptance rate makes admission extremely competitive. Psychology students might find better financial returns at less selective Iowa schools.

What explains the wide earnings gap among Iowa psychology graduates?

Graduate earnings span from $24,035 to $35,954, reflecting career path diversity and geographic factors. Waldorf University shows the highest earnings at $35,954, while several programs produce graduates earning under $27,000. Location within Iowa and specialization choices significantly impact earning potential after graduation.

Where do Iowa psychology graduates find the best career opportunities?

Des Moines and Cedar Rapids offer the strongest job markets, with major employers like Principal Financial Group and Mercy Medical Center. The state's insurance industry creates demand for industrial psychology roles, while healthcare expansion drives clinical opportunities. Agriculture-related businesses also seek psychology expertise for workplace safety and employee relations.

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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.