Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in Ottumwa, IA (2026)
Ottumwa, Iowa has a population of about 25,352. The city’s median household income is $56,994 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 20.1% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 4 accredited liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Ottumwa, 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 Ottumwa
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer liberal arts programs. Distances are calculated from Ottumwa city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA | 62.1 mi | $10,964 - $32,927 | – |
| Grand View University | Des Moines, IA | 74.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Drake University | Des Moines, IA | 75.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Iowa State University | Ames, IA | 94.2 mi | $10,497 - $27,683 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Iowa schools on the Iowa liberal arts page.
Liberal Arts Wages Near Ottumwa
| 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.
Ottumwa at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 25,352 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $56,994 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 20.1% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
Other Ottumwa-Area Cities With Liberal Arts Programs
- Coralville, IA – 63.4 mi away (20,397 pop)
- Iowa City, IA – 63.7 mi away (116,891 pop)
- Burlington, IA – 69.1 mi away (29,124 pop)
- Des Moines, IA – 72.7 mi away (476,689 pop)
- Marshalltown, IA – 74.5 mi away (26,640 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited liberal arts programs are near Ottumwa, IA?
Our directory lists 4 liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Ottumwa. The closest is University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA (62.1 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Iowa State University (94.2 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 Ottumwa workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Coralville instead of Ottumwa?
Coralville, IA is 63.4 miles from Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa an affordable place to study liberal arts?
Ottumwa’s median household income of $56,994 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Ottumwa 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.