Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in Mason City, IA (2026)
Mason City, Iowa has a population of about 27,135. The city’s median household income is $62,369 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 21.3% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 3 accredited liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Mason City, with tuition ranging from $10,497 to $27,683 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 Mason City
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer liberal arts programs. Distances are calculated from Mason City city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota State University-Mankato | Mankato, MN | 79.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Iowa State University | Ames, IA | 80.7 mi | $10,497 - $27,683 | – |
| Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota | Winona, MN | 97.5 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 Mason City
| 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.
Mason City at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 27,135 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $62,369 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 21.3% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Liberal Arts-related employment in Cerro Gordo County | 22 workers, 8 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Mason City-Area Cities With Liberal Arts Programs
- Austin, MN – 37.9 mi away (25,105 pop)
- Cedar Falls, IA – 57.6 mi away (41,390 pop)
- Waterloo, IA – 62.5 mi away (112,635 pop)
- Owatonna, MN – 65.2 mi away (25,567 pop)
- Fort Dodge, IA – 66.3 mi away (24,359 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited liberal arts programs are near Mason City, IA?
Our directory lists 3 liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Mason City. The closest is Minnesota State University-Mankato in Mankato, MN (79.6 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota (97.5 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 Mason City workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Austin instead of Mason City?
Austin, MN is 37.9 miles from Mason City 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 Mason City an affordable place to study liberal arts?
Mason City’s median household income of $62,369 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Mason City 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.