2025 Guide To Top Online Colleges in Iowa
Are you in Iowa looking for an online college that best fits your needs? Start your search here.
The Best Adult Colleges & Careers Guide makes it easy to find information about schools offering online degrees in Iowa. Get detailed information about colleges and universities with 100% online degree programs, including the number of distance-offered degree completions, student type, programs offered and more. In the end, you'll have an understanding of what each school has to offer and which ones may be right for you. Click here to learn more about the guide.
Iowa's Online Colleges by the Numbers
Online associate, bachelor's, masters, and doctoral degree completions at institutions in Iowa have been declining over the past 5 years. In 2022, students completed 12,926 degree programs that were offered 100% online by Iowa's colleges and universities. That was a decrease of 2% from completions reported in 2018.
Schools with Distance Education Completions
Est. Total Online Completions in 2022
Est. OnlineCompletions (Last 5 Years)
Sponsored
Top Online College for Busy Adults & Transfer Students
Franklin University is a top choice for online learners, transfer students and adults who need to balance school with busy lives. Founded in 1902 in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin's main focus has been serving adult students and tailoring education to fit their needs. Nonprofit and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org/800.621.7440), Franklin offers more than 50 affordable bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs — all available 100% online.
Est. Online Degree Availability
100%
Adult Students
77%
Undergraduate Cost / Credit Hour
Best Nonprofit Online Colleges Serving Iowa
There are at least 24 nonprofit 4-year schools serving Iowa, where students completed 6,686 distance education degree programs. Of those schools, 24 were private nonprofit institutions and 3 were public schools. Browse through the listing below to learn more about these nonprofit online colleges serving Iowa, including an estimate about online degree availability and popular online degree programs. Tuition shown reflects in-state rates.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Franklin offers more than 50 online bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctoral programs in Iowa. Franklin University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are adults and all programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Franklin University. In 2022, 1,011 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 94 associate degrees, 676 master's degrees, and 39 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
100%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
1,820
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Grand View University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Grand View University. In 2022, 225 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 15 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
46%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
240
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Wartburg Theological Seminary is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Wartburg Theological Seminary. In 2022, 10 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
21%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
10
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Upper Iowa University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and most programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Upper Iowa University. In 2022, 741 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 79 associate degrees, 232 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
80%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
1,052
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Simpson College is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Simpson College. In 2022, 76 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 6 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
20%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
82
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Iowa Wesleyan University is a non-accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and most programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Iowa Wesleyan University. In 2022, 72 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 27 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
69%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
99
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Des Moines University-Osteopathic Medical Center is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Des Moines University-Osteopathic Medical Center. In 2022, 51 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
12%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
51
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Briar Cliff University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Briar Cliff University. In 2022, 60 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 53 master's degrees, and 4 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
44%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
117
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Buena Vista University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and most programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Buena Vista University. In 2022, 436 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 108 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
79%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
544
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Associate degrees are the most popular at Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary. In 2022, 16 distance education associate degrees were completed. In addition, 0 bachelor's degrees, 10 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
31%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
26
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Mount Mercy University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Mount Mercy University. In 2022, 235 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 133 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
62%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
368
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Clarke University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Clarke University. In 2022, 11 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 6 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
6%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
17
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Mercy College of Health Sciences is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and most programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Mercy College of Health Sciences. In 2022, 271 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 4 associate degrees, 0 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
81%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
275
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Saint Ambrose University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Saint Ambrose University. In 2022, 131 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 63 bachelor's degrees, and 3 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
21%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
197
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Loras College is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Loras College. In 2022, 3 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
1%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
3
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Dordt University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Dordt University. In 2022, 71 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 9 bachelor's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
18%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
80
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Drake University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Drake University. In 2022, 253 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 2 bachelor's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
17%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
255
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
University of Dubuque is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at University of Dubuque. In 2022, 24 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
4%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
24
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Maharishi International University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are adults and some programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Maharishi International University. In 2022, 185 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 180 master's degrees, and 5 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
48%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
370
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
William Penn University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at William Penn University. In 2022, 110 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 34 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
56%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
144
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Morningside University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Morningside University. In 2022, 328 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 54 bachelor's degrees, and 5 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
62%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
387
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Graceland University-Lamoni is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and most programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Graceland University-Lamoni. In 2022, 152 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 152 master's degrees, and 6 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
71%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
310
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Northwestern College is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Northwestern College. In 2022, 144 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 44 bachelor's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
47%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
188
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Allen College is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Allen College. In 2022, 21 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 3 master's degrees, and 3 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
11%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
27
Online Completions by Program Area
For-Profit Online Colleges in Iowa
Get a list of four-year for-profit online colleges and universities in Iowa here. According to 2022 data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, there were 1 for-profit 4-year schools in Iowa where students completed 874 distance education degree programs.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Waldorf University is an institutionally accredited for profit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and all programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Waldorf University. In 2022, 550 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 116 associate degrees, 208 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
95%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
874
Online Completions by Program Area
Best Online Community Colleges in Iowa
Looking for a 2-year school or online community college in Iowa? According to 2022 data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, there were 16 two-year schools where students completed 4,385 distance education degree programs. Browse through the listing below to learn more about each of the online community colleges in Iowa, including an estimate about online degree availability and popular online degree programs. Tuition shown reflects in-state rates.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Iowa Central Community College is an institutionally accredited for profit 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
59%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
481
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Eastern Iowa Community College District is an institutionally accredited for profit 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
65%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
535
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Des Moines Area Community College is an institutionally accredited for profit 2-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
10%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
207
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Kirkwood Community College is an institutionally accredited for profit 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
57%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
922
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Iowa Lakes Community College is an institutionally accredited for profit 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
54%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
153
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
North Iowa Area Community College is an institutionally accredited for profit 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
65%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
332
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Indian Hills Community College is an institutionally accredited for profit 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
47%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
250
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Northeast Iowa Community College is an institutionally accredited for profit 2-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
48%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
178
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Southwestern Community College is an institutionally accredited for profit 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
57%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
130
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Western Iowa Tech Community College is an institutionally accredited for profit 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
48%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
230
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Iowa Western Community College is an institutionally accredited for profit 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
13%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
106
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Northwest Iowa Community College is an institutionally accredited for profit 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
41%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
86
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Southeastern Community College is an institutionally accredited for profit 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
66%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
258
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Hawkeye Community College is an institutionally accredited for profit 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
48%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
287
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Marshalltown Community College is an institutionally accredited for profit 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and most programs completed were offered online.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
74%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
152
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Ellsworth Community College is an institutionally accredited for profit 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
53%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
78
Affordable Online Colleges in Iowa
Wondering what you can expect to pay for an online degree in Iowa? According to undergraduate tuition data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, the average tuition at Iowa's 4-year nonprofit schools is $31,845. The average tuition at similar 4-year for-profit schools in Iowa is $24,526, while tuition at 2-year online colleges and universities is N/A.
4-Year Nonprofit
4-Year For-Profit
2-Year
Accredited Online Colleges Serving Iowa
Earning a college degree is an investment — and earning a college degree from an institutionally accredited university is one of the best ways to ensure your education is of high quality. Institutionally accredited universities are held to rigorous standards by state and regional bodies and undergo regular reviews to verify that their processes and academic programs meet the proper standards.
Wondering if a certain college or university offering degree programs in Iowa is institutionally accredited? View a list of institutionally accredited online colleges and universities serving Iowa here. We've made it easy to find your school by breaking down the list by school type.
- Franklin University
- Allen College
- Briar Cliff University
- Buena Vista University
- Clarke University
- Dordt University
- Drake University
- University of Dubuque
- Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary
- Graceland University-Lamoni
- Grand View University
- Loras College
- Maharishi International University
- Mercy College of Health Sciences
- Morningside University
- Mount Mercy University
- Northwestern College
- Des Moines University-Osteopathic Medical Center
- Saint Ambrose University
- Simpson College
- Upper Iowa University
- Wartburg Theological Seminary
- William Penn University
- Iowa Central Community College
- Eastern Iowa Community College District
- Des Moines Area Community College
- Kirkwood Community College
- Iowa Lakes Community College
- North Iowa Area Community College
- Indian Hills Community College
- Northeast Iowa Community College
- Southwestern Community College
- Western Iowa Tech Community College
- Iowa Western Community College
- Northwest Iowa Community College
- Southeastern Community College
- Hawkeye Community College
- Marshalltown Community College
- Ellsworth Community College
- Waldorf University