2025 Cheapest Iowa Colleges

Choosing a college in Iowa doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. While many colleges in Iowa are known for their high tuition costs, there are also plenty of affordable options available. This guide highlights the most budget-friendly colleges in Iowa , focusing on tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 academic year, so you can plan for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year with confidence.

In 2025, the average tuition and fees at 25 four-year Iowa Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees is $35,770, reflecting a -1.06% increase compared to the previous year.Among the 25 institutions analyzed, tuition rose at 21 colleges, while tuition decreased at only 2 colleges.

Divine Word College ranks as the least expensive Iowa colleges. With tuition and fees at just $15,600, Divine Word College offers an affordable education without compromising on quality. It is an excellent choice for students seeking value in their college experience.

Close behind are Maharishi International University at$16,530 and Upper Iowa University at$19,475 both consistently recognized among the Iowa Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, providing quality education at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges.

At these Affordable Iowa Colleges, the average acceptance rate is 86.33%, and the average SAT score is 1,156, making them not only cost-effective but also accessible options for a wide range of students.

Comparison between Iowa Colleges With The Lowest Tuition & Fees

Table. Iowa Colleges With The Lowest Tuition & Fees Comparison
School NameUndergraduate Tuition & FeesGraduate Tuition & FeesAcceptance RateTotal PopulationSAT ScoreGraduation RateStudents to Faculty Ratio
1
-		Divine Word College Epworth, IAPrivate, 4-year $15,600
$550		--64-100.00%5 to 1
2
-		Maharishi International University Fairfield, IAPrivate, 4-year $16,530
-		$16,530
$13,000		95.70%2,592-50.00%13 to 1
3
-		Upper Iowa University Fayette, IAPrivate, 4-year $19,475
$475		$20,185
$1,227		96.46%3,941-34.00%25 to 1
4
6		Graceland University-Lamoni Lamoni, IAPrivate, 4-year $19,848
$13,798		$11,991
-		80.83%1,102-42.00%12 to 1
5
1		Central College Pella, IAPrivate, 4-year $20,988
-		-86.17%1,0841,10066.00%11 to 1
6
1		University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, IAPublic, 4-year $21,712
($9,936)
$440		$23,304
($11,602)
$470		92.74%9,2781,17068.00%18 to 1
7
1		Waldorf University Forest City, IAPrivate, 4-year $25,978
$758		$5,340
$120		76.98%2,225-21.00%22 to 1
8
15		Wartburg College Waverly, IAPrivate, 4-year $26,250
$24,790		$12,000
$500		75.84%1,4831,03064.00%13 to 1
9
2		Iowa State University Ames, IAPublic, 4-year $28,881
($10,787)
$1,198		$30,577
($12,967)
$1,274		88.66%30,3801,25075.00%18 to 1
10
2		University of Iowa Iowa City, IAPublic, 4-year $33,371
($11,283)
$444		$32,372
($13,425)
$2,510		83.62%30,7791,23075.00%16 to 1
Average$22,863
($10,669)		$19,037
($12,665)		86.33%8,2931,15659.50%15 to 1