Cheapest Chemistry Colleges in Iowa

Grinnell College stands out among Iowa's chemistry programs with a net price of just $15,608 despite its 10.76% acceptance rate and $64,862 sticker price. This creates an unusual situation where one of the nation's most selective liberal arts colleges costs less than many in-state options after financial aid. The 20 chemistry programs across Iowa range from $14,609 to $25,079 in net costs, with public universities like University of Northern Iowa offering the lowest barrier to entry at under $15,000. Chemistry graduates from Iowa State University earn $49,058 annually, reflecting strong demand from the state's major employers including Principal Financial and agricultural technology companies. Iowa's low cost of living amplifies the value proposition, as chemistry students can pursue careers in the state's insurance sector, biotechnology firms, or manufacturing companies without the financial burden common in coastal states.

Programs

$14,609 – $30,042

Net Price Range

$42,685

Avg. Program Earnings

62.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

23 Chemistry 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	Grinnell College Grinnell, Iowa	$15,608	$64,862	87.5%	10.8%
3	Graceland University-Lamoni Lamoni, Iowa	$15,975	$33,220	38.3%	74.5%
4	Iowa State University Ames, Iowa	$18,165	$10,497	75.5%	90.2%
5	Buena Vista University Storm Lake, Iowa	$18,321	$40,190	47.3%	77.3%
6	Coe College Cedar Rapids, Iowa	$19,155	$52,576	59.0%
7	Clarke University Dubuque, Iowa	$20,068	$39,600	54.9%	84.8%
8	Loras College Dubuque, Iowa	$21,057	$38,298	69.9%	89.8%
9	University of Iowa Iowa City, Iowa	$21,398	$10,964	73.1%	86.0%
10	Briar Cliff University Sioux City, Iowa	$21,590	$35,534	49.4%
11	Simpson College Indianola, Iowa	$22,231	$46,212	65.7%	89.1%
12	Central College Pella, Iowa	$22,353	$20,988	69.2%	79.2%
13	Wartburg College Waverly, Iowa	$22,604	$51,040	66.8%	97.5%
14	Saint Ambrose University Davenport, Iowa	$22,750	$35,598	62.8%	73.9%
15	Morningside University Sioux City, Iowa	$23,169	$38,190	52.8%	70.6%
16	Upper Iowa University Fayette, Iowa	$23,172	$19,000	41.5%	54.2%
17	University of Dubuque Dubuque, Iowa	$23,250	$40,065	41.1%	85.1%
18	Mount Mercy University Cedar Rapids, Iowa	$23,435	$39,070	55.9%	75.3%
19	Northwestern College Orange City, Iowa	$23,519	$35,300	63.6%	87.3%
20	Cornell College Mount Vernon, Iowa	$25,079	$50,634	71.7%	79.3%
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 Grinnell College so affordable despite its selectivity?

Grinnell College accepts only 10.76% of applicants yet maintains a net price of $15,608, significantly lower than many less selective options. The college's substantial endowment enables generous financial aid packages that bring costs down from the $64,862 sticker price. This creates an opportunity for qualified students to attend a highly selective institution at a fraction of typical elite college costs. The school's 87.50% graduation rate demonstrates strong student support despite the rigorous academics.

How do Iowa's public universities compare for chemistry affordability?

University of Northern Iowa offers the lowest net cost at $14,609 with a 94.95% acceptance rate, making it highly accessible for chemistry students. Iowa State University costs slightly more at $18,165 but provides the highest earnings potential at $49,058 for graduates. University of Iowa falls in between at $21,398 net cost with $36,312 in graduate earnings. All three public options maintain strong graduation rates between 68.90% and 75.50%.

Does Iowa State University justify its higher cost for chemistry students?

Iowa State University graduates earn $49,058 annually, which is $12,746 more than University of Iowa chemistry graduates despite costing only $2,733 more in net price. The university's strong connections to agricultural technology and biotechnology companies in Iowa contribute to higher starting salaries. With a 75.50% graduation rate and 90.22% acceptance rate, Iowa State provides good value for chemistry students seeking research opportunities. The school's location in Ames also provides internship access with major agricultural and technology employers.

What career opportunities exist for chemistry graduates in Iowa?

Iowa's major employers like Principal Financial Group hire chemistry graduates for analytical roles, while John Deere recruits for materials science and product development positions. The state's strong agricultural sector creates demand for agricultural chemistry, food science, and biotechnology professionals. Manufacturing companies throughout Iowa need quality control chemists and process engineers. Graduate earnings range from $36,312 to $49,058, with the lower cost of living in Iowa making these salaries particularly attractive compared to coastal markets.

Is there a significant cost difference between private and public chemistry programs?

Private colleges in Iowa show remarkable variation, with Grinnell College at $15,608 competing directly with public options, while others like Wartburg College reach $22,604. The gap between the most affordable option at University of Northern Iowa ($14,609) and the most expensive at $25,079 spans just over $10,000. This relatively narrow range makes private colleges more accessible than in many states. However, graduation rates at private institutions like Grinnell (87.50%) and Loras College (69.90%) often exceed public university rates.

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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.