Best Online Human Services Programs in Iowa (2026)

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Iowa Human Services At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Human Services Salary$55,388
Salary OutlookIowa offers competitive wages for human services 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 human services degree in Iowa offers a flexible path into human services careers. Iowa offers competitive wages for human services 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 Human Services Schools in Iowa

The following schools offer accredited online human services 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

Simpson College

Indianola, IA BOC Score 64.4
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 86%
Graduation rate 64%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $59,274
Avg net price $21,936/yr
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$47,656
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$47,656
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 79%
  • Programs offered: 21

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

North Iowa Area Community College

Mason City, IA BOC Score 57.1
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 58%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $43,462
Avg net price $10,010/yr
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$6,653
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$9,551
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 57

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Buena Vista University

Storm Lake, IA BOC Score 54.9
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Graduation rate 62%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $49,156
Avg net price $18,846/yr
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 76%
  • Programs offered: 42

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Iowa

Human Services 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)
Social and Human Service Assistant$42,480
Social and Community Service Manager$65,940
Child, Family and School Social Worker$52,250
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor$60,880

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


Why Pursue an Online Human Services 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 human services 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 Human Services pay in Iowa compare to other states?

Iowa offers competitive wages for human services 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 human services 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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