For the academic year 2023-2024, the average tuition of public colleges in Iowa is $10,396 for Iowa residents and $27,294 for out-of-state students. For private colleges in Iowa, the average tuition & fees are $33,575 regardless of residency. For graduate schools, the average tuition of public colleges in Iowa is $12,341 for Iowa residents and $29,006 for out-of-state students. For private schools in Iowa, the average graduate tuition is $12,642.
The average living expenses other than tuition & fees are $13,479 when a student lives on-campus facilities such as dormitory and college-operated/owned apartment. The average off-campus living cost is $14,120. It includes costs for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses.
The average amounts are based on the cost of 4-years college which offer BS degree (or higher). You can check the average cost of 2-years college (community college) and less than 2 years colleges (trade schools / technical colleges). In addition, you can check the average cost of college by school type, level, and offered degree below.
Average Cost of Attendance (COA)
In addition to the tuition & fees, the cost of college includes cost for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses. This total costs of attendance (COA) is important when preparing for the college admission and checking student loans.
The 2024 average COA of the four-year colleges in Iowa is $25,175 for residents and $42,073 for out-of-state students. At private four-year schools, average COA is $48,609. At community colleges (2-4 year school), the average COA is $20,014 for Iowa residents and $21,228 for out-of-state students.
The following table summarizes the 2024 average COA by school types and levels. In addition, you can check the changes of COA by comparing to last year.
| Iowa Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $25,175 | $42,073 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $48,609 | |
| Community Colleges | $20,014 | $21,228 |
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
In Iowa, 73 out of 75 colleges are offering undergraduate programs. By schools type, there are 19 public and 38 private colleges in Iowa. The average undergraduate tuition & fees of colleges in Iowa is $8,798 for Iowa residents and $25,696 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the undergraduate tuition & fees is $32,596
At community colleges (2-4 years schools), the average tuition & fees is $5,498 for residents and $6,712 for out-of-state students.
| Iowa Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $8,798 | $25,696 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $32,596 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $5,498 | $6,712 |
| Trade Schools (Less than 2-Year Schools) | $18,445 | |
Graduate Programs Tuition & Fees
In Iowa, 29 colleges and universities offer graduate programs. The average graduate school tuition & fees of colleges in Iowa is $10,761 for Iowa residents and $27,426 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the graduate program tuition & fees is $12,203
| Iowa Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $10,761 | $27,426 |
| Private Schools | $12,203 | |
Tuition per Credit Hour
The tuition per credit hour is used and charged to part-time students and/or full-time students who takes extra courses (credits). The average cost per credit hour of colleges in Iowa is $367 for Iowa residents and $1,071 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average cost is $1,139
For graduate programs, the average tuition per credit hour is $598 for Iowa residents and $1,524 for out-of-state students. At private graduate schools, the average cost per credit hour is $773
| Iowa Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $367 | $1,071 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $1,139 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $199 | $243 |
| Graduate | ||
| Public Schools | $598 | $1,524 |
| Private Schools | $773 | |
Average Living Costs at colleges in Iowa
At colleges in Iowa, the average living cost is $13,479 when a student lives on campus facility and $14,120 when living off campus. It includes the cost for room & board, and other living expenses.
| On-Campus | Off-Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $12,787 | $14,056 |
| Private Schools | $13,889 | $14,160 |
