Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in Burlington, IA (2026)
Burlington, Iowa has a population of about 23,800. The city’s median household income is $55,274 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 23.0% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There is 1 accredited liberal arts program within 100 miles of Burlington, with tuition ranging from $10,964 to $32,927 per year. In Iowa, the top-earning liberal arts-related role is Management Analyst at a median $82,230 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Liberal Arts Schools to Burlington
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer liberal arts programs. Distances are calculated from Burlington city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA | 60.9 mi | $10,964 - $32,927 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Iowa schools on the Iowa liberal arts page.
Liberal Arts Wages Near Burlington
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Iowa, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $59,490 |
| Management Analyst | $82,230 |
| Technical Writer | $63,680 |
| News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist | $38,290 |
| Editor | $58,570 |
| Training and Development Specialist | $62,440 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $64,920 |
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.
Burlington at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 23,800 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $55,274 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 23.0% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
Other Burlington-Area Cities With Liberal Arts Programs
- Galesburg, IL – 40.3 mi away (34,620 pop)
- Muscatine, IA – 42.4 mi away (26,481 pop)
- Rock Island, IL – 53.8 mi away (38,210 pop)
- Moline, IL – 57.1 mi away (42,250 pop)
- Davenport, IA – 58.4 mi away (288,233 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited liberal arts programs are near Burlington, IA?
Our directory lists 1 liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Burlington. The closest is University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA (60.9 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is University of Iowa (60.9 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying liberal arts roles in Iowa?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying liberal arts-related roles in Iowa are: Management Analyst ($82,230), Human Resources Specialist ($64,920), Technical Writer ($63,680). Wages for Burlington workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Galesburg instead of Burlington?
Galesburg, IL is 40.3 miles from Burlington 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 Burlington an affordable place to study liberal arts?
Burlington’s median household income of $55,274 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Burlington 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.