Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in Marshalltown, IA (2026)
Marshalltown, Iowa has a population of about 27,491. The city’s median household income is $68,854 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 19.7% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 4 accredited liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Marshalltown, with tuition ranging from $10,497 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 Marshalltown
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer liberal arts programs. Distances are calculated from Marshalltown city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa State University | Ames, IA | 37.9 mi | $10,497 - $27,683 | – |
| Grand View University | Des Moines, IA | 45.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Drake University | Des Moines, IA | 48.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA | 75.6 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 Marshalltown
| 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.
Marshalltown at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 27,491 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $68,854 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 19.7% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
Other Marshalltown-Area Cities With Liberal Arts Programs
- Ames, IA – 37.0 mi away (67,841 pop)
- Cedar Falls, IA – 40.8 mi away (41,390 pop)
- Ankeny, IA – 41.6 mi away (58,627 pop)
- Waterloo, IA – 42.5 mi away (112,635 pop)
- Johnston, IA – 48.2 mi away (21,114 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited liberal arts programs are near Marshalltown, IA?
Our directory lists 4 liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Marshalltown. The closest is Iowa State University in Ames, IA (37.9 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is University of Iowa (75.6 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 Marshalltown workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Ames instead of Marshalltown?
Ames, IA is 37.0 miles from Marshalltown 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 Marshalltown an affordable place to study liberal arts?
Marshalltown’s median household income of $68,854 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Marshalltown 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.