Best Emergency Management Schools in Iowa (2026)

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Iowa Emergency Management At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Emergency Management Salary$61,545
Salary OutlookIowa offers competitive wages for emergency management professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyIowa Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online emergency management degree in Iowa offers a flexible path into emergency management careers. Iowa offers competitive wages for emergency management 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 Emergency Management Schools in Iowa

The following schools offer accredited online emergency management 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.

#1

Des Moines Area Community College

Ankeny, IA BOC Score 50.0
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 28%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $41,018
Avg net price $11,171/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 89

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Upper Iowa University

Fayette, IA BOC Score 42.5
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 96%
Graduation rate 38%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $52,766
Avg net price $20,942/yr
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$19,475
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$19,475
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 63%
  • Programs offered: 36

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Waldorf University

Forest City, IA BOC Score 36.8
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 77%
Graduation rate 24%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $51,165
Avg net price $19,693/yr
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$25,978
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$25,978
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 48%
  • Programs offered: 24

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Iowa

Emergency Management 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)
Emergency Management Director$73,700
Firefighter$55,810
Emergency Medical Technician$40,660
First-Line Supervisor of Firefighting and Prevention Workers$76,010

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


Why Pursue an Online Emergency Management 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.
  • Regional Relevance: Curriculum often incorporates data and case studies relevant to the Iowa economy and job market.


Frequently Asked Questions

Are online emergency management 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 Emergency Management pay in Iowa compare to other states?

Iowa offers competitive wages for emergency management 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 emergency management in Iowa?

The Iowa Professional Licensing Board oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Iowa. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


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