Skip to main content

Urban Colleges in Iowa

24 schools in Iowa. See our methodology.

Drake University commands the highest earning potential among Iowa's urban colleges at $71,901 for graduates, nearly double the earnings at some community colleges in the same cities. This private Des Moines institution charges $30,042 annually but maintains strong connections to Principal Financial and other major Iowa employers. The state's urban college market spans from massive research universities like Iowa State with 25,033 students to specialized schools like Emmaus Bible College serving just 183. Community colleges anchor many cities with remarkably low costs - Western Iowa Tech in Sioux City charges only $8,875 while still connecting students to manufacturing and agriculture jobs. Graduation rates vary dramatically from 33.3% to 81.7%, often reflecting whether schools serve traditional students or working adults juggling careers in Iowa's insurance and agricultural sectors. Most urban institutions maintain open or near-open admission policies, with acceptance rates averaging above 85%, making higher education accessible across Iowa's mid-sized cities.
24
Schools
$19,083
Avg. Net Price
$54,106
Avg. Earnings
57.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Urban Colleges in Iowa

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 City-Small 21,691 $21,398 73.1%
2 City-Small 25,033 $18,165 75.5%
3 City-Midsize 73 $20,489 80.5%
4 City-Small 7,599 $14,609 68.9%
5 City-Midsize 2,669 $30,042 77.3%
6 City-Small 2,589 $8,875 40.2%
7 City-Midsize 7,438 $9,388 40.5%
8 City-Small 183 $12,904 81.7%
9 City-Midsize 3,244 $9,722 34.3%
10 City-Midsize 2,101 $22,750 62.8%
11 City-Small 626 $21,590 49.4%
12 City-Midsize 905 $23,417 48.6%
13 City-Small 1,087 $21,057 69.9%
14 City-Midsize 1,246 $19,155 59.0%
15 City-Midsize 1,135 $23,435 55.9%
16 City-Small 1,166 $23,169 52.8%
17 City-Small 192 $13,021 33.3%
18 City-Small 279
19 City-Small 782 $20,068 54.9%
20 City-Midsize 1,472 $21,616 55.8%
21 City-Midsize 40 $22,619 58.6%
22 City-Small 1,473 $23,250 41.1%
23 City-Midsize 41
24 City-Small

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Drake University worth its $30,042 annual cost compared to other Iowa urban colleges?

Drake graduates earn $71,901 annually, the highest among Iowa's urban colleges, and the university maintains a selective 67.2% acceptance rate. Its Des Moines location provides direct access to Principal Financial, EMC Insurance, and other major employers headquartered in Iowa's capital city.

How do graduation rates compare between large universities and small colleges in Iowa cities?

Small religious colleges like Emmaus Bible College achieve 81.7% graduation rates with just 183 students, while large research universities like Iowa State graduate 75.5% of their 25,033 students. Community colleges typically graduate 34-40% of students who often attend part-time.

Is attending community college in Iowa cities a viable path to good-paying jobs?

Western Iowa Tech graduates in Sioux City earn $40,473 annually after paying just $8,875 for their education. Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids offers similar value at $9,388, connecting students to manufacturing and healthcare jobs throughout eastern Iowa.

Does the University of Iowa justify its higher costs for in-state students?

UI graduates earn $64,762 annually, ranking second statewide for earnings potential. The $21,398 net cost reflects strong financial aid, and the 86% acceptance rate makes this research university accessible to most qualified Iowa residents seeking flagship education.

Where can students find the most affordable four-year degrees in Iowa cities?

University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls charges just $14,609 annually while maintaining a solid 68.9% graduation rate. At 7,599 students, UNI offers a mid-sized university experience with graduates earning $55,177 in Iowa's job market.

What career outcomes can students expect from Iowa's urban colleges?

Earnings range from $37,008 at technical schools to $71,901 at Drake University. Most urban college graduates earn $55,000-65,000, reflecting Iowa's strong agriculture, insurance, and manufacturing economy centered in cities like Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport.

Related

Urban Colleges Nationally All Colleges in Iowa Cheapest Programs in Iowa

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.