Skip to main content

Cheapest Biology Colleges in Iowa

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Grinnell College charges $64,862 in sticker price yet delivers a net cost of just $15,608 for Biology, General students, making it Iowa's second most affordable option despite its selective 10.76% acceptance rate. This dramatic difference highlights how financial aid transforms accessibility in Iowa's biology programs, where costs range from University of Northern Iowa's $14,609 to Central College's $22,353. Public universities like Iowa State and University of Iowa maintain predictably low in-state tuition around $10,500, but several private colleges compete closely through generous aid packages. Iowa's agriculture-heavy economy creates natural pathways for biology graduates, with companies like John Deere requiring environmental scientists and agricultural researchers. The state's insurance sector, anchored by Principal Financial, also employs biology majors in actuarial and risk assessment roles. Earnings potential varies significantly, from Simpson College graduates averaging $28,960 to Coe College alumni earning $36,560, reflecting both program quality and regional job placement success.
26
Programs
$14,609 – $30,042
Net Price Range
$32,017
Avg. Program Earnings
59.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

26 Biology, General Programs

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Grinnell College so affordable despite its high sticker price?

Grinnell College demonstrates how elite private colleges can compete with public universities through substantial financial aid. While the published tuition reaches $64,862, the actual net cost drops to $15,608 for biology students. This $49,254 reduction represents one of the most generous aid packages in Iowa. The college's 10.76% acceptance rate indicates selectivity that often correlates with strong endowments funding such aid programs.

How do graduation rates vary between Iowa's cheapest biology programs?

Graduation rates span dramatically from 29% at Waldorf University to 87.5% at Grinnell College among the most affordable options. Public universities show solid performance with University of Northern Iowa at 68.9% and Iowa State at 75.5%. Private colleges display wider variation, with some like Graceland University achieving only 38.3% while others like Loras College reach 69.9%. Higher graduation rates generally correlate with better long-term financial outcomes for students.

Is there a significant earnings gap between Iowa biology graduates?

Biology graduates from Iowa's affordable programs show an $9,946 earnings range, from Simpson College's $28,960 to Coe College's $36,560. Public university graduates fall in the middle range, with University of Iowa alumni earning $33,459 and Iowa State graduates making $32,108. These differences often reflect program reputation, alumni networks, and geographic job placement patterns. The relatively modest range suggests Iowa's job market provides consistent opportunities across institutions.

Does student debt burden vary significantly among affordable Iowa biology programs?

Student debt levels range from Grinnell College's remarkably low $17,500 to Coe College's $27,000 among schools reporting debt data. Public universities show moderate debt loads, with University of Northern Iowa at $20,720 and Iowa State at $22,375. Several private colleges exceed $25,000 in average debt despite offering competitive net prices. Lower debt at selective schools like Grinnell often reflects their generous need-based aid policies.

Where do Iowa biology graduates typically find employment in the state?

Iowa's economy provides multiple pathways for biology graduates beyond traditional healthcare and research roles. Agricultural companies like John Deere hire environmental scientists and product development specialists for sustainable farming solutions. Principal Financial and other insurance companies employ biology majors in risk assessment and actuarial positions requiring scientific analytical skills. The state's growing biotech sector and university research facilities also create opportunities in laboratory and field research positions.

More Biology, General Rankings

Best Value Biology, General in Iowa Biology, General Under $20,000 in Iowa

Related

All Biology, General Programs Best Colleges in Iowa Best Biology, General in Iowa

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