Cheapest Social Work Colleges in Iowa

The University of Northern Iowa delivers the most affordable Social Work education in Iowa at $14,609 net cost, nearly $11,000 less than the next cheapest option. While private colleges dominate the field with 12 of 14 programs, public universities offer substantial savings for in-state students paying under $11,000 annually. Iowa's insurance industry, anchored by Principal Financial Group, creates steady demand for social workers who support employee assistance programs and community outreach initiatives. Mount Mercy University graduates earn the highest starting salaries at $36,560, demonstrating how program choice impacts long-term financial outcomes in this helping profession.

Programs

$14,609 – $25,635

Net Price Range

$31,183

Avg. Program Earnings

60.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

14 Social Work Programs

Program rankings
#	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	Graceland University-Lamoni Lamoni, Iowa	$15,975	$33,220	38.3%	74.5%
3	Buena Vista University Storm Lake, Iowa	$18,321	$40,190	47.3%	77.3%
4	Clarke University Dubuque, Iowa	$20,068	$39,600	54.9%	84.8%
5	Loras College Dubuque, Iowa	$21,057	$38,298	69.9%	89.8%
6	University of Iowa Iowa City, Iowa	$21,398	$10,964	73.1%	86.0%
7	Briar Cliff University Sioux City, Iowa	$21,590	$35,534	49.4%
8	Grand View University Des Moines, Iowa	$21,616	$33,450	55.8%	98.4%
9	Wartburg College Waverly, Iowa	$22,604	$51,040	66.8%	97.5%
10	Saint Ambrose University Davenport, Iowa	$22,750	$35,598	62.8%	73.9%
11	Mount Mercy University Cedar Rapids, Iowa	$23,435	$39,070	55.9%	75.3%
12	Northwestern College Orange City, Iowa	$23,519	$35,300	63.6%	87.3%
13	Dordt University Sioux Center, Iowa	$25,383	$35,960	65.3%	87.7%
14	Luther College Decorah, Iowa	$25,635	$50,320	75.0%	75.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Northern Iowa's Social Work program so affordable?

As a public institution, UNI charges just $9,728 in-state tuition with a $14,609 net cost after aid. The program maintains a 68.90% graduation rate while accepting 94.95% of applicants, making quality education accessible to nearly all qualified students.

How do private college costs compare to public options?

Private Social Work programs in Iowa range from $15,975 to $25,635 in net costs, while public universities stay under $22,000. However, private schools like Mount Mercy produce graduates earning $36,560, potentially justifying higher upfront investment through better career outcomes.

Is there a significant earnings gap between Iowa Social Work programs?

Graduate earnings span $26,121 to $36,560 across programs, creating a $10,439 annual difference. Wartburg College graduates start at the lowest salary despite a $22,604 program cost, while Mount Mercy delivers the highest returns at $36,560.

Where do Social Work graduates find employment in Iowa?

Iowa's major employers like Principal Financial and John Deere hire social workers for employee assistance programs and community relations. The state's agriculture and manufacturing base creates demand for rural social services and workplace mental health support.

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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.