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Cheapest Economics Colleges in Iowa

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

University of Northern Iowa delivers the state's most affordable Economics program at just $14,609 net cost, while Grinnell College charges $15,608 but produces graduates earning $52,941 annually. This $38,332 salary difference highlights how Iowa's 17 Economics programs vary dramatically in both cost and outcomes. The state's insurance and agriculture sectors, anchored by employers like Principal Financial and John Deere, create steady demand for economic analysis and financial planning expertise. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with Iowa State at $18,165 and University of Iowa at $21,398, both maintaining strong job placement rates. Private colleges command higher prices but often provide more individualized attention, though graduation rates range from 38% at Graceland to 87% at Grinnell.
17
Programs
$14,609 – $30,042
Net Price Range
$47,001
Avg. Program Earnings
66.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Economics 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 $19,155 $52,576 59.0%
6 $21,057 $38,298 69.9% 89.8%
7 $21,398 $10,964 73.1% 86.0%
8 $22,231 $46,212 65.7% 89.1%
9 $22,353 $20,988 69.2% 79.2%
10 $22,604 $51,040 66.8% 97.5%
11 $22,750 $35,598 62.8% 73.9%
12 $23,250 $40,065 41.1% 85.1%
13 $23,519 $35,300 63.6% 87.3%
14 $25,079 $50,634 71.7% 79.3%
15 $25,383 $35,960 65.3% 87.7%
16 $25,635 $50,320 75.0% 75.3%
17 $30,042 $49,944 77.3% 67.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Northern Iowa's Economics program such a bargain?

UNI offers the lowest net cost at $14,609 while maintaining a 69% graduation rate and 95% acceptance rate. The program benefits from Iowa's low cost of living and strong state funding for public education. Graduates typically carry just $17,169 in debt, well below the national average for four-year degrees.

How do earnings compare between Iowa's cheapest and most expensive Economics programs?

Grinnell College graduates earn $52,941 annually despite the school ranking second-cheapest at $15,608 net cost. University of Northern Iowa graduates earn $42,682, creating a $10,259 salary gap. The earnings difference reflects Grinnell's highly selective admissions (11% acceptance rate) and extensive alumni networks in finance and consulting.

Is Iowa State University worth the extra cost over UNI for Economics?

Iowa State costs $3,556 more annually at $18,165 net price but offers graduates earning $46,087, which is $3,405 higher than UNI. The university's stronger research focus and connections to agribusiness create more internship opportunities. Both schools maintain solid graduation rates around 70-75%.

Where do Iowa's Economics graduates find employment after college?

Iowa's insurance sector, led by Principal Financial in Des Moines, regularly recruits Economics graduates for actuarial and risk analysis roles. Agricultural giants like John Deere seek economists for market analysis and supply chain optimization. The state's 3.7% unemployment rate and growing financial services sector create stable job prospects for new graduates.

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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.