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Cheapest Education Colleges in Iowa

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

Maharishi International University stands out with Iowa's lowest net cost at $18,225 for Education, General programs, though its 17.60% graduation rate raises questions about completion success. The state's nine programs range up to $25,383 annually, all housed within private institutions rather than public universities. Iowa's strong agricultural economy and major employers like Principal Financial create steady demand for educators who understand rural and corporate training needs, making these affordable programs particularly valuable for future teachers.
9
Programs
$18,225 – $25,383
Net Price Range
$35,060
Avg. Program Earnings
47.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

9 Education, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $18,225 $16,530 17.6% 94.3%
2 $18,321 $40,190 47.3% 77.3%
3 $20,068 $39,600 54.9% 84.8%
4 $21,057 $38,298 69.9% 89.8%
5 $21,590 $35,534 49.4%
6 $22,115 $28,750 29.2% 57.7%
7 $23,169 $38,190 52.8% 70.6%
8 $23,250 $40,065 41.1% 85.1%
9 $25,383 $35,960 65.3% 87.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Maharishi International University's education program so affordable?

The university offers the state's lowest net cost at $18,225 despite a sticker price of $16,530. However, prospective students should note the 17.60% graduation rate, which significantly trails other Iowa education programs.

How do graduation rates vary among Iowa's cheapest education programs?

Loras College leads with a 69.90% graduation rate at $21,057 net cost, while Dordt University achieves 65.30% at $25,383. These rates contrast sharply with programs like William Penn University's 29.20% completion rate.

Does choosing a more expensive program guarantee better outcomes?

Not necessarily. Clarke University graduates earn $35,060 annually at a $20,068 net cost, while Dordt University charges $25,383 but lacks earnings data. Graduation rates don't always correlate with program cost either.

More Education, General Rankings

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

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

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