Best Online Education Programs in Iowa (2026)

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Iowa Education At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Education Salary$66,404
Salary OutlookIowa offers competitive wages for education professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyIowa Department of Education
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online education degree in Iowa offers a flexible path into education careers. Iowa offers competitive wages for education professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a nationally available program, Iowa students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Education Schools in Iowa

The following schools offer accredited online education programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Iowa.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

Ranked by BOC Score — U.S. Dept. of Education outcome data. Advertising never affects rankings.

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#1

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
68.9 BOC Score
Acceptance rate 93%
Graduation rate 68%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $55,177
Avg net price $15,901/yr
Tuition
In‑state$9,936
Out‑of‑state$21,712
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 83%
  • Programs offered: 20

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Saint Ambrose University

Davenport, IA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
62.5 BOC Score
Acceptance rate 77%
Graduation rate 62%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $59,531
Avg net price $24,691/yr
Tuition
In‑state$36,658
Out‑of‑state$36,658
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 80%
  • Programs offered: 18

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Dordt University

Sioux Center, IA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
62.0 BOC Score
Graduation rate 72%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $52,559
Avg net price $25,807/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 85%
  • Programs offered: 13

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Iowa

Education professionals in Iowa experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Iowa.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Iowa)
Secondary School Teacher$61,200
Elementary School Teacher$60,580
Middle School Teacher$60,450
Education Teacher, Postsecondary$62,090
Education Administrator, K-12$104,260
Education Administrator, Postsecondary$89,320
Tutor$36,790
Educational and Career Counselor$56,540

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Education Degree in Iowa?

Choosing a program in Iowa can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Iowa offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Licensing Alignment: Iowa teaching licensure requires specific state-approved preparation; local programs are tailored to meet these standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online education programs in Iowa accredited?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

How does Education pay in Iowa compare to other states?

Iowa offers competitive wages for education professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Iowa a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for education in Iowa?

The Iowa Department of Education oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Iowa. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


Online Education Programs by City in Iowa

Explore city-level guides with local salary data and school options:

Ames · Ankeny · Bettendorf · Burlington · Cedar Falls · Cedar Rapids · Clinton · Coralville · Council Bluffs · Davenport · Des Moines · Dubuque · Fort Dodge · Iowa City · Johnston · Marion · Marshalltown · Mason City · Muscatine · Ottumwa · Sioux City · Urbandale · Waterloo · West Des Moines


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