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Cheapest Physics Colleges in Iowa

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

University of Northern Iowa delivers physics education at just $14,609 net cost, making it the most affordable option among Iowa's 15 programs. This remarkable value contrasts sharply with Grinnell College's $15,608 net price despite its $64,862 sticker cost, highlighting how need-based aid can level the playing field. Iowa's agriculture and manufacturing economy creates natural pathways for physics graduates, with companies like John Deere requiring materials scientists and engineering physicists for equipment development. The state's three public universities occupy the top value positions, with Iowa State following at $18,165 and University of Iowa at $21,398. Private colleges show dramatic price variation, from Central College's modest $20,988 tuition to Drake University's $49,944 annual cost. Physics students benefit from Iowa's low living costs and strong job market in technical fields, where Principal Financial and regional manufacturers seek analytical problem-solvers.
15
Programs
$14,609 – $30,042
Net Price Range
67.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Physics 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 $18,165 $10,497 75.5% 90.2%
4 $18,321 $40,190 47.3% 77.3%
5 $19,155 $52,576 59.0%
6 $21,398 $10,964 73.1% 86.0%
7 $22,231 $46,212 65.7% 89.1%
8 $22,353 $20,988 69.2% 79.2%
9 $22,604 $51,040 66.8% 97.5%
10 $22,750 $35,598 62.8% 73.9%
11 $23,169 $38,190 52.8% 70.6%
12 $25,079 $50,634 71.7% 79.3%
13 $25,383 $35,960 65.3% 87.7%
14 $25,635 $50,320 75.0% 75.3%
15 $30,042 $49,944 77.3% 67.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Grinnell College affordable despite its high tuition?

Grinnell charges $64,862 in tuition but provides substantial financial aid that reduces the net cost to just $15,608 for average students. This puts it second among Iowa's most affordable physics programs despite having one of the highest sticker prices. The college's 10.76% acceptance rate reflects its selectivity, but 87.50% of students graduate successfully.

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

University of Northern Iowa leads at $14,609 net cost with a 68.90% graduation rate and 94.95% acceptance rate. Iowa State follows at $18,165 with stronger outcomes including 75.50% graduation rate and 90.22% acceptance rate. University of Iowa costs $21,398 but offers the highest graduation rate among public options at 73.10%.

Does physics education cost vary significantly across Iowa?

Net costs range from $14,609 at University of Northern Iowa to $30,042 at Drake University, creating a $15,433 spread. Private colleges show the most variation, with some like Central College charging only $20,988 while others exceed $50,000 in tuition. Public universities consistently offer the three lowest net prices statewide.

Where do Iowa physics graduates find employment opportunities?

Iowa's manufacturing sector, led by John Deere, employs physics graduates in materials science and product development roles. Principal Financial and other insurance companies seek graduates for risk analysis and modeling positions. The state's agriculture technology sector also provides opportunities in precision farming and equipment design, leveraging physics principles for innovation.

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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.