Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in Ames, IA (2026)
Ames, Iowa has a population of about 66,112. The city’s median household income is $60,102 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 63.5% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 3 accredited liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Ames, with tuition ranging from $10,497 to $27,683 per year. In the Ames, IA metro area, the top-earning liberal arts-related role is Management Analyst at a median $83,440 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Liberal Arts Schools to Ames
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer liberal arts programs. Distances are calculated from Ames city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa State University | Ames, IA | 0.9 mi | $10,497 - $27,683 | – |
| Grand View University | Des Moines, IA | 28.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Drake University | Des Moines, IA | 29.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Iowa schools on the Iowa liberal arts page.
Liberal Arts Wages Near Ames
Ames is part of the Ames, IA metro area (BLS area code 11180). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Iowa statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $59,490 | Ames, IA | $66,993 |
| Management Analyst | $83,440 | Ames, IA | $93,964 |
| Technical Writer | $63,680 | IA statewide | $71,712 |
| News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist | $38,290 | IA statewide | $43,119 |
| Editor | $58,570 | IA statewide | $65,957 |
| Training and Development Specialist | $64,730 | Ames, IA | $72,894 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $68,990 | Ames, IA | $77,691 |
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.
Ames at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 66,112 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $60,102 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 63.5% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 88.8 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
Other Ames-Area Cities With Liberal Arts Programs
- Ankeny, IA – 20.6 mi away (58,627 pop)
- Johnston, IA – 24.0 mi away (21,114 pop)
- Urbandale, IA – 27.9 mi away (43,018 pop)
- Des Moines, IA – 31.4 mi away (476,689 pop)
- West Des Moines, IA – 33.6 mi away (64,560 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited liberal arts programs are near Ames, IA?
Our directory lists 3 liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Ames. The closest is Iowa State University in Ames, IA (0.9 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Drake University (29.4 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying liberal arts roles near Ames?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying liberal arts-related roles near Ames are: Management Analyst ($83,440), Human Resources Specialist ($68,990), Training and Development Specialist ($64,730). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Iowa statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Ankeny instead of Ames?
Ankeny, IA is 20.6 miles from Ames and has its own set of local liberal arts programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Ames an affordable place to study liberal arts?
Ames’s median household income of $60,102 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Ames 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.