Best Online Engineering Programs in Ottumwa, IA (2026)
Ottumwa, Iowa has a population of about 25,352. The city’s median household income is $56,994 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 20.1% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited engineering programs within 100 miles of Ottumwa, with tuition ranging from $4,872 to $32,927 per year. In Iowa, the top-earning engineering-related role is Aerospace Engineer at a median $150,010 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Engineering Schools to Ottumwa
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer engineering programs. Distances are calculated from Ottumwa city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Hills Community College | Ottumwa, IA | 2.2 mi | $4,872 - $14,774 | – |
| William Penn University | Oskaloosa, IA | 23.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA | 62.1 mi | $10,964 - $32,927 | – |
| Southeastern Community College | West Burlington, IA | 66.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Kirkwood Community College | Cedar Rapids, IA | 73.5 mi | $5,980 - $14,797 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Iowa schools on the Iowa engineering page.
Engineering Wages Near Ottumwa
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Iowa, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer | $94,500 |
| Electrical Engineer | $107,270 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $97,570 |
| Chemical Engineer | $101,080 |
| Aerospace Engineer | $150,010 |
| Biomedical Engineer | $91,760 |
| Environmental Engineer | $95,980 |
| Architectural and Engineering Manager | $137,870 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Ottumwa at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 25,352 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $56,994 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 20.1% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Engineering-related employment in Wapello County | 22 workers, 8 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Ottumwa-Area Cities With Engineering Programs
- Coralville, IA – 63.4 mi away (20,397 pop)
- Iowa City, IA – 63.7 mi away (116,891 pop)
- Burlington, IA – 69.1 mi away (29,124 pop)
- Des Moines, IA – 72.7 mi away (476,689 pop)
- Marshalltown, IA – 74.5 mi away (26,640 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited engineering programs are near Ottumwa, IA?
Our directory lists 5 engineering programs within 100 miles of Ottumwa. The closest is Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, IA (2.2 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Kirkwood Community College (73.5 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying engineering roles in Iowa?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying engineering-related roles in Iowa are: Aerospace Engineer ($150,010), Architectural and Engineering Manager ($137,870), Electrical Engineer ($107,270). Wages for Ottumwa workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Coralville instead of Ottumwa?
Coralville, IA is 63.4 miles from Ottumwa and has its own set of local engineering programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Ottumwa an affordable place to study engineering?
Ottumwa’s median household income of $56,994 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Ottumwa while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Iowa public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.