25 Mathematics Programs
| # | 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 |
Maharishi International University
Fairfield, Iowa
|
$18,225 | $16,530 | 17.6% | 94.3% |
| 6 |
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, Iowa
|
$18,321 | $40,190 | 47.3% | 77.3% |
| 7 |
Coe College
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
|
$19,155 | $52,576 | 59.0% | |
| 8 |
Clarke University
Dubuque, Iowa
|
$20,068 | $39,600 | 54.9% | 84.8% |
| 9 |
Loras College
Dubuque, Iowa
|
$21,057 | $38,298 | 69.9% | 89.8% |
| 10 |
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
|
$21,398 | $10,964 | 73.1% | 86.0% |
| 11 |
Briar Cliff University
Sioux City, Iowa
|
$21,590 | $35,534 | 49.4% | |
| 12 |
William Penn University
Oskaloosa, Iowa
|
$22,115 | $28,750 | 29.2% | 57.7% |
| 13 |
Simpson College
Indianola, Iowa
|
$22,231 | $46,212 | 65.7% | 89.1% |
| 14 |
Central College
Pella, Iowa
|
$22,353 | $20,988 | 69.2% | 79.2% |
| 15 |
Wartburg College
Waverly, Iowa
|
$22,604 | $51,040 | 66.8% | 97.5% |
| 16 |
Saint Ambrose University
Davenport, Iowa
|
$22,750 | $35,598 | 62.8% | 73.9% |
| 17 |
Morningside University
Sioux City, Iowa
|
$23,169 | $38,190 | 52.8% | 70.6% |
| 18 |
Upper Iowa University
Fayette, Iowa
|
$23,172 | $19,000 | 41.5% | 54.2% |
| 19 |
University of Dubuque
Dubuque, Iowa
|
$23,250 | $40,065 | 41.1% | 85.1% |
| 20 |
Mount Mercy University
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
|
$23,435 | $39,070 | 55.9% | 75.3% |
| 21 |
Northwestern College
Orange City, Iowa
|
$23,519 | $35,300 | 63.6% | 87.3% |
| 22 |
Cornell College
Mount Vernon, Iowa
|
$25,079 | $50,634 | 71.7% | 79.3% |
| 23 |
Dordt University
Sioux Center, Iowa
|
$25,383 | $35,960 | 65.3% | 87.7% |
| 24 |
Luther College
Decorah, Iowa
|
$25,635 | $50,320 | 75.0% | 75.3% |
| 25 |
Drake University
Des Moines, Iowa
|
$30,042 | $49,944 | 77.3% | 67.2% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What explains the massive price difference between Iowa's cheapest and most expensive mathematics programs?
Public funding creates the gap between University of Northern Iowa's $14,609 net cost and private colleges charging over $20,000. State universities receive taxpayer support that keeps tuition low for residents, with Iowa State charging just $10,497 in-state versus $18,165 net price. Private colleges like Grinnell offset high sticker prices through need-based aid, bringing costs down to competitive levels. Small private colleges often struggle with higher per-student costs due to limited economies of scale.
How do graduation rates vary among Iowa's most affordable mathematics programs?
Graduation rates span from 17.6% at Maharishi International University to 87.5% at Grinnell College, revealing significant quality differences. The public universities maintain solid completion rates, with University of Iowa at 73.1% and Iowa State at 75.5%. Several private colleges fall below 50%, including Graceland at 38.3% and Buena Vista at 47.3%. These completion rates directly impact the true cost of a mathematics degree when factoring in time to graduation.
Does attending University of Iowa justify its higher cost for mathematics students?
University of Iowa graduates earn $57,318 median salary, significantly above other affordable options and $13,776 more than Grinnell graduates. The $21,398 net cost represents strong value when considering this earning potential and the 73.1% graduation rate. Iowa's research university status provides access to graduate programs and faculty conducting modern mathematical research. The higher salary outcomes reflect employer recognition of the university's academic reputation in mathematics and statistics.
What makes Iowa State University attractive for mathematics students despite moderate costs?
Iowa State combines reasonable $18,165 net pricing with strong career outcomes, producing graduates earning $44,542 annually. The university's 75.5% graduation rate exceeds most private colleges on this list while maintaining a 90.22% acceptance rate. As a land-grant research university, Iowa State offers extensive mathematics research opportunities and connections to engineering applications. The Ames location provides internship access with technology companies and agricultural firms requiring mathematical modeling expertise.
Where do mathematics graduates from Iowa's affordable programs typically find employment?
Iowa's insurance industry, led by Principal Financial Group, actively recruits mathematics graduates for actuarial and risk analysis positions. John Deere and other manufacturers hire mathematicians for operations research and quality control modeling work. The state's growing technology sector in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids creates opportunities in data science and software development. Government agencies and school districts also provide stable employment for mathematics graduates across the state's urban centers.
More Mathematics Rankings
Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.