Skip to main content

Cheapest Religion/Religious Studies Colleges in Iowa

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

University of Northern Iowa delivers the state's most affordable Religion/Religious Studies program at $14,609 net cost, while Grinnell College charges $15,608 despite its $64,862 sticker price through generous aid packages. This creates an unusual situation where a highly selective liberal arts college costs just $1,000 more than a public university. Iowa's insurance industry, anchored by companies like Principal Financial, values graduates who understand ethics and moral reasoning - skills central to religious studies curricula. The 19 programs span from Grinnell's 10.76% acceptance rate to Grand View's 98.41% acceptance rate, giving students options across selectivity levels. Earnings for graduates range from $17,481 to $32,569, with the University of Iowa producing the highest-earning alumni at $32,569 annually.
19
Programs
$14,609 – $30,042
Net Price Range
$25,468
Avg. Program Earnings
64.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

19 Religion/Religious Studies 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 $20,068 $39,600 54.9% 84.8%
7 $21,057 $38,298 69.9% 89.8%
8 $21,398 $10,964 73.1% 86.0%
9 $21,616 $33,450 55.8% 98.4%
10 $22,231 $46,212 65.7% 89.1%
11 $22,353 $20,988 69.2% 79.2%
12 $22,604 $51,040 66.8% 97.5%
13 $23,169 $38,190 52.8% 70.6%
14 $23,250 $40,065 41.1% 85.1%
15 $23,435 $39,070 55.9% 75.3%
16 $23,519 $35,300 63.6% 87.3%
17 $25,079 $50,634 71.7% 79.3%
18 $25,635 $50,320 75.0% 75.3%
19 $30,042 $49,944 77.3% 67.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Northern Iowa's program so affordable compared to private colleges?

UNI charges just $14,609 net cost because it's a public university with in-state tuition of $9,728. Private colleges like Coe College have sticker prices reaching $52,576, making UNI about $4,500 cheaper than the next most affordable option. The 94.95% acceptance rate also means most qualified students can access this low-cost option.

How does Grinnell College justify its costs with such strong financial aid?

Grinnell's $64,862 sticker price drops to just $15,608 net cost through substantial aid packages, making it competitive with public options. The college maintains an 87.50% graduation rate and 10.76% acceptance rate, indicating strong academic outcomes. This combination of selectivity and aid creates unusual value for qualified students.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Iowa's religious studies programs?

Not necessarily - University of Dubuque charges $23,250 but graduates only 41.10% of students, while cheaper Iowa State at $18,165 graduates 75.50%. Grinnell leads at 87.50% graduation rate despite being the second-cheapest option. Cost and outcomes don't follow predictable patterns across these 19 programs.

Where do Iowa religious studies graduates typically find employment?

Many work in Iowa's insurance sector with companies like Principal Financial, where ethical reasoning skills prove valuable. Others serve religious organizations, nonprofits, or pursue graduate school for ministry or counseling roles. The $17,481 to $32,569 earnings range reflects varied career paths, from entry-level nonprofit work to management positions.

More Religion/Religious Studies Rankings

Best Value Religion/Religious Studies in Iowa Religion/Religious Studies Under $20,000 in Iowa

Related

All Religion/Religious Studies Programs Best Colleges in Iowa Best Religion/Religious Studies in Iowa

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