Cheapest Accounting and Related Services Colleges in Iowa

University of Northern Iowa delivers the state's most affordable accounting education at just $14,609 net cost, while University of Iowa graduates command the highest salaries at $59,029 annually. This $8,789 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive options reflects Iowa's mix of accessible public universities and smaller private colleges. The state's accounting programs serve a regional economy anchored by Principal Financial Group, one of the nation's largest insurance companies headquartered in Des Moines. Iowa's 20 accounting programs span from highly selective institutions with 57% acceptance rates to open-access schools welcoming 98% of applicants. Public universities dominate the affordability rankings, with three of the top four cheapest options being state schools. Graduation rates vary dramatically across price points, ranging from 29% at William Penn University to 75% at Iowa State University, suggesting that institutional resources and student support systems differ significantly even within the same state.

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	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, Iowa	$14,609	$9,728	68.9%	95.0%
2	Graceland University-Lamoni Lamoni, Iowa	$15,975	$33,220	38.3%	74.5%
3	Iowa State University Ames, Iowa	$18,165	$10,497	75.5%	90.2%
4	Buena Vista University Storm Lake, Iowa	$18,321	$40,190	47.3%	77.3%
5	Coe College Cedar Rapids, Iowa	$19,155	$52,576	59.0%
6	Clarke University Dubuque, Iowa	$20,068	$39,600	54.9%	84.8%
7	Loras College Dubuque, Iowa	$21,057	$38,298	69.9%	89.8%
8	University of Iowa Iowa City, Iowa	$21,398	$10,964	73.1%	86.0%
9	Briar Cliff University Sioux City, Iowa	$21,590	$35,534	49.4%
10	Grand View University Des Moines, Iowa	$21,616	$33,450	55.8%	98.4%
11	William Penn University Oskaloosa, Iowa	$22,115	$28,750	29.2%	57.7%
12	Simpson College Indianola, Iowa	$22,231	$46,212	65.7%	89.1%
13	Central College Pella, Iowa	$22,353	$20,988	69.2%	79.2%
14	Wartburg College Waverly, Iowa	$22,604	$51,040	66.8%	97.5%
15	Saint Ambrose University Davenport, Iowa	$22,750	$35,598	62.8%	73.9%
16	Morningside University Sioux City, Iowa	$23,169	$38,190	52.8%	70.6%
17	Upper Iowa University Fayette, Iowa	$23,172	$19,000	41.5%	54.2%
18	University of Dubuque Dubuque, Iowa	$23,250	$40,065	41.1%	85.1%
19	Mount Mercy University Cedar Rapids, Iowa	$23,435	$39,070	55.9%	75.3%
20	Northwestern College Orange City, Iowa	$23,519	$35,300	63.6%	87.3%
21	Dordt University Sioux Center, Iowa	$25,383	$35,960	65.3%	87.7%
22	Luther College Decorah, Iowa	$25,635	$50,320	75.0%	75.3%
23	Drake University Des Moines, Iowa	$30,042	$49,944	77.3%	67.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Northern Iowa's accounting program so affordable compared to other Iowa schools?

University of Northern Iowa charges just $14,609 in net costs, nearly $4,000 less than the next cheapest option at Graceland University. As a public institution, UNI benefits from state funding that keeps tuition low at $9,728 for residents. The school maintains a 69% graduation rate while producing graduates who earn $52,908 annually, making it an strong value proposition for in-state students.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs across Iowa's accounting schools?

Higher-cost programs generally produce better graduation outcomes, though exceptions exist. William Penn University has the lowest graduation rate at 29% despite charging $22,115, while University of Northern Iowa achieves 69% graduation rates at just $14,609. Iowa State University demonstrates the strongest performance with 76% graduation rates and moderate costs of $18,165. The data suggests that institutional resources matter more than price alone.

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

University of Iowa graduates earn $59,029 annually, the highest among Iowa accounting programs and $6,000 more than the state average. However, the school costs $21,398 net, making it the eighth most expensive option. Students carry moderate debt loads of $21,500, suggesting the earning premium helps offset the higher educational investment over time.

Does Iowa's insurance industry create good opportunities for accounting graduates?

Principal Financial Group's Des Moines headquarters anchors a substantial insurance sector that regularly recruits accounting professionals. The company employs thousands in financial services roles, from auditing to risk management. Iowa accounting graduates earn between $44,170 and $59,029, with the higher end reflecting opportunities at major employers like Principal and other Fortune 500 companies with operations in the state.

Where should students look if they want both affordability and strong graduation rates?

Iowa State University offers the best combination at $18,165 net cost with a 76% graduation rate, the second-highest in the state. University of Northern Iowa provides even lower costs at $14,609 while maintaining a solid 69% graduation rate. Both public institutions significantly outperform most private colleges in cost-effectiveness, with graduates earning over $52,000 annually.

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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.