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 steady over the past 5 years. In 2023, students completed 12,576 degree programs that were offered 100% online by Iowa's colleges and universities. That was no change of 0% from completions reported in 2019.
Schools with Distance Education Completions
Est. Total Online Completions in 2023
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 6,871 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 2023, 1,429 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 88 associate degrees, 616 master's degrees, and 38 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
100%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
2,171
Online Completions by Program Area
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 2023, 77 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
17%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
77
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 full-time. Most of the students are adults and some programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Maharishi International University. In 2023, 206 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 138 bachelor's degrees, and 8 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
49%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
352
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. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Saint Ambrose University. In 2023, 148 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 114 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
29%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
262
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 2023, 65 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 5 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
19%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
70
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 2023, 59 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 34 master's degrees, and 2 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
46%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
95
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 2023, 128 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 49 bachelor's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
41%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
177
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 2023, 365 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 152 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
75%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
517
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 2023, 319 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 2 associate degrees, 0 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
87%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
321
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 2023, 128 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 82 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
42%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
210
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 2023, 13 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
3%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
13
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 2023, 93 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
20%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
102
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 some programs completed were offered online. Associate degrees are the most popular at Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary. In 2023, 12 distance education associate degrees were completed. In addition, 7 bachelor's degrees, 12 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
48%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
31
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 2023, 567 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 54 associate degrees, 204 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
80%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
825
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 most programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Allen College. In 2023, 127 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 34 master's degrees, and 14 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
83%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
175
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 2023, 11 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
19%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
11
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 2023, 212 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 84 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
56%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
296
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 2023, 149 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
55%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
176
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 2023, 264 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 47 bachelor's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
20%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
311
Online Completions by Program Area
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Wartburg 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 Wartburg College. In 2023, 15 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
15
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 2023, 23 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
5%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
23
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. Master's degrees are the most popular at Clarke University. In 2023, 19 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 6 bachelor's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
10%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
25
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 2023, 296 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 53 bachelor's degrees, and 5 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
59%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
354
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 some programs completed were offered online. Master's degrees are the most popular at Graceland University-Lamoni. In 2023, 144 distance education master's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 113 bachelor's degrees, and 5 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
66%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
262
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 933 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 2023, 600 distance education bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 132 associate degrees, 201 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were completed as distance education programs.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
96%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
933
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 3,869 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
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
68%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
140
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
56%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
177
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
44%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
159
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
46%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
128
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
486
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
50%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
299
Online Completions by Program Area
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 minimal programs completed were offered online.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
11%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
95
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
43%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
90
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
40%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
176
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
53%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
853
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 some programs completed were offered online.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
50%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
354
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 minimal programs completed were offered online.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
7%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
35
Online Completions by Program Area
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 most programs completed were offered online.
Est. Online Degree Offerings
77%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
339
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
43%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
227
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
12%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
242
Online Completions by Program Area
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
41%
Est. Online Completions By Degree Type
69
Online Completions by Program Area
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 $33,250. The average tuition at similar 4-year for-profit schools in Iowa is $25,220, 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 College
- Wartburg Theological Seminary
- William Penn University
- Marshalltown Community College
- Iowa Lakes Community College
- Northeast Iowa Community College
- Southwestern Community College
- Eastern Iowa Community College District
- Hawkeye Community College
- Iowa Central Community College
- Northwest Iowa Community College
- Western Iowa Tech Community College
- Kirkwood Community College
- Iowa Western Community College
- North Iowa Area Community College
- Southeastern Community College
- Indian Hills Community College
- Des Moines Area Community College
- Ellsworth Community College
- Waldorf University