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Iowa Engineering At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Engineering Salary$109,505
National ComparisonIowa offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 3.1% below the national trend.
Primary Licensing BodyIowa Board of Professional Engineers
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online engineering degree in Iowa offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Iowa offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 3.1% below the national trend. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Iowa students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Top Online Engineering Schools in Iowa

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

How we rank schools: Rankings are based on available IPEDS and College Scorecard data including graduation rate, admission rate, program availability, completions, and published tuition. Data is informational only -- always confirm details directly with each school.

#2

Iowa State University

Ames, IA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 89%
Graduation rate 75%
Tuition
In‑state$10,497
Out‑of‑state$27,683
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 26

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 85%
Graduation rate 73%
Tuition
In‑state$10,964
Out‑of‑state$32,927
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 21

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Kirkwood Community College

Cedar Rapids, IA In-state option
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 38%
Tuition
In‑state$5,980
Out‑of‑state$7,968
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 68

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Indian Hills Community College

Ottumwa, IA In-state option
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 38%
Tuition
In‑state$4,872
Out‑of‑state$6,120
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 63

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Iowa Western Community College

Council Bluffs, IA In-state option
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 38%
Tuition
In‑state$6,780
Out‑of‑state$6,930
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 57

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

Iowa Lakes Community College

Estherville, IA In-state option
  • 2 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 31%
Tuition
In‑state$7,196
Out‑of‑state$7,644
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 43

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Iowa

Engineering 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)
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: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Engineering 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: Local programs often have strong ties to the Iowa board of professional engineers, essential for those pursuing PE licensure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online engineering programs in Iowa accredited?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For Iowa, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.

How does Engineering pay in Iowa compare to other states?

Iowa offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 3.1% below the national trend. This makes Iowa a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for engineering in Iowa?

The Iowa Board of Professional Engineers 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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