2026 Best Value Science & Tech Schools in Iowa
Looking for the best-value Science & Tech degree programs in Iowa? Our ranking highlights 75 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated 36 schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Iowa
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Eastern Iowa Community College District tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Science & Tech degree schools in Iowa. Set in Davenport, IA, Eastern Iowa Community College District is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,848, while out-of-state students pay about $6,456. Graduates carry a median of $15,995 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,060. That is a strong return on a $15,995 median debt. Read more about Eastern Iowa Community College District
You'll get strong value at Des Moines Area Community College, which ranked #2 this year. This public school is set in Ankeny, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,790, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $14,956. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,018. Set against $14,956 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Des Moines Area Community College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northwest Iowa Community College earned it the #3 place in Iowa. Set in Sheldon, IA, Northwest Iowa Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,350 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,650. Graduates carry a median of $12,271 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,776 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Northwest Iowa Community College
Indian Hills Community College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Science & Tech ranking in Iowa. Located in Ottumwa, IA, Indian Hills Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,040, while out-of-state students pay about $6,120. Graduates carry a median of $15,390 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,507 ten years after entry. Set against $15,390 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Indian Hills Community College profile
You'll get strong value at Western Iowa Tech Community College, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Sioux City, IA, Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,186, compared with $5,330 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,886 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,473. Set against $11,886 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Western Iowa Tech Community College profile
Kirkwood Community College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in Cedar Rapids, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,176, compared with $8,220 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $15,779. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,016. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Kirkwood Community College
Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar landed the #7 spot for value in Iowa this year. This public school is set in Calmar, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,780, while out-of-state students pay about $7,770. Students borrow a median of $14,348 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,306. Set against $14,348 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar
Hawkeye Community College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Hawkeye Community College is a public school based in Waterloo, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,525, compared with $6,612 for out-of-state students. Hawkeye Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $17,001 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,849. Set against $17,001 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Hawkeye Community College profile
Iowa Central Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in Fort Dodge, IA, Iowa Central Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,496, while out-of-state students pay about $7,788. Students borrow a median of $16,135 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,046 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,135 median debt. See the full Iowa Central Community College profile
Iowa Western Community College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in Council Bluffs, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $6,930, with out-of-state students paying around $7,080. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $15,153. Median earnings reach $42,793 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Iowa Western Community College
North Iowa Area Community College placed #11 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Iowa. Located in Mason City, IA, North Iowa Area Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,653, while out-of-state students pay about $9,551. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $12,043. Median earnings reach $43,462 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on North Iowa Area Community College
University Of Northern Iowa ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in Cedar Falls, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,936, while out-of-state students pay about $21,712. University Of Northern Iowa Science & Tech students take on a median of $22,635 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,177. That is a strong return on a $22,635 median debt. University Of Northern Iowa has an acceptance rate of 93%. See the full University Of Northern Iowa profile
Iowa State University landed the #13 spot for value in Iowa this year. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,495 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Iowa State University alumni report median earnings of $63,386 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,495 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. See the full Iowa State University profile
Morningside College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Morningside College is a private not-for-profit school based in Sioux City, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $39,519. Morningside College Science & Tech students take on a median of $27,281 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,494. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. More on Morningside College
University Of Iowa ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. University Of Iowa is a public school based in Iowa City, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. University Of Iowa Science & Tech students take on a median of $24,463 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,762. Set against $24,463 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Iowa
Northwestern College Iowa landed the #16 spot for value in Iowa this year. Located in Orange City, IA, Northwestern College Iowa is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,710. Students borrow a median of $25,415 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,802 ten years after entry. Set against $25,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%. See the full Northwestern College Iowa profile
Waldorf College placed #17 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Iowa. This private for-profit school is set in Forest City, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,978. Waldorf College Science & Tech students take on a median of $24,622 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,165 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,622 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read the full report on Waldorf College
Drake University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Based in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $51,960. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $22,273. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,901. Set against $22,273 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Drake University report
Graceland University Lamoni came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lamoni, IA, Graceland University Lamoni is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,848. Graceland University Lamoni Science & Tech students take on a median of $27,509 in debt. Graceland University Lamoni alumni report median earnings of $47,361 a decade after entry. Set against $27,509 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Graceland University Lamoni
Buena Vista University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Set in Storm Lake, IA, Buena Vista University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,798. The median Science & Tech program debt is $29,317. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,156 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,317 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Buena Vista University report
Briar Cliff University landed the #21 spot for value in Iowa this year. Located in Sioux City, IA, Briar Cliff University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,642. The median Science & Tech program debt is $29,918. Briar Cliff University alumni report median earnings of $54,475 a decade after entry. Set against $29,918 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Briar Cliff University
Dordt College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Based in Sioux Center, IA, Dordt College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,050. Graduates carry a median of $21,812 in student loans. Median earnings reach $52,559 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Dordt College profile
University Of Dubuque came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. University Of Dubuque is a private not-for-profit school based in Dubuque, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $42,095. The median Science & Tech program debt is $27,204. Median earnings reach $51,190 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Dubuque report
Saint Ambrose University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Saint Ambrose University is a private not-for-profit school based in Davenport, IA. Students from in state pay about $36,658 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,528 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Saint Ambrose University alumni report median earnings of $59,531 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Ambrose University admits about 77% of applicants. More on Saint Ambrose University
Loras College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Dubuque, IA, Loras College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,824. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $26,528. Loras College alumni report median earnings of $58,289 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 100%. Get the full Loras College report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Iowa
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Mount Mercy University placed #26 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Iowa. Set in Cedar Rapids, IA, Mount Mercy University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,878. Students borrow a median of $27,709 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,787 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. See the full Mount Mercy University profile
Simpson College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Simpson College is a private not-for-profit school based in Indianola, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $47,656. Students borrow a median of $26,816 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,274. Set against $26,816 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Simpson College admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full Simpson College report
William Penn University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in Oskaloosa, IA, William Penn University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $29,750. Students borrow a median of $28,341 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $48,936 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,341 median debt. William Penn University has an acceptance rate of 52%. More on William Penn University
Clarke University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Dubuque, IA, Clarke University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,910. Students borrow a median of $26,895 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,396. That is a strong return on a $26,895 median debt. Clarke University admits about 72% of applicants. See the full Clarke University profile
Grand View University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Des Moines, IA, Grand View University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,762. Grand View University Science & Tech students take on a median of $26,941 in debt. Median earnings reach $52,824 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Grand View University profile
Upper Iowa University landed the #31 spot for value in Iowa this year. Set in Fayette, IA, Upper Iowa University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $19,475. The median Science & Tech program debt is $34,059. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,766 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $34,059 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Upper Iowa University report
Luther College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Decorah, IA. Students from in state pay about $52,120 in tuition and fees. The median Science & Tech program debt is $26,967. Luther College alumni report median earnings of $59,850 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,967 median debt. Luther College admits about 72% of applicants. See the full Luther College profile
Wartburg College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Waverly, IA, Wartburg College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $26,250. Graduates carry a median of $26,793 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,201. Set against $26,793 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Wartburg College profile
Grinnell College landed the #34 spot for value in Iowa this year. Located in Grinnell, IA, Grinnell College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,196. Grinnell College Science & Tech students take on a median of $17,154 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,830. That is a strong return on a $17,154 median debt. The acceptance rate is 14%. See the full Grinnell College profile
Cornell College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Set in Mount Vernon, IA, Cornell College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,660. The median Science & Tech program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $53,460 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%. Get the full Cornell College report
Coe College landed the #36 spot for value in Iowa this year. Coe College is a private not-for-profit school based in Cedar Rapids, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $54,666. The median Science & Tech program debt is $26,900. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,125. Set against $26,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Coe College
Divine Word College placed #37 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Iowa. Read more about Divine Word College
E Q School Of Hair Design ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Read the full report on E Q School Of Hair Design
Iowa School Of Beauty Sioux City ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Get the full Iowa School Of Beauty Sioux City report
Emmaus Bible College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. See the full Emmaus Bible College profile
Body Wisdom Massage Therapy School came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. See the full Body Wisdom Massage Therapy School profile
Faith Baptist Bible College And Theological Seminary offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Read more about Faith Baptist Bible College And Theological Seminary
La James College Of Hairstyling And Cosmetology placed #43 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Iowa. See the full La James College Of Hairstyling And Cosmetology profile
Pci Academy Ames
Pci Academy Ames ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Read the full report on Pci Academy Ames
Carlson College Of Massage Therapy placed #45 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Iowa. Get the full Carlson College Of Massage Therapy report
American Hair Academy ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Read the full report on American Hair Academy
Brown Mackie College Quad Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Read more about Brown Mackie College Quad Cities
The Salon Professional Academy Cedar Falls offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. More on The Salon Professional Academy Cedar Falls
Faust Institute Of Cosmetology Spirit Lake placed #49 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Iowa. See the full Faust Institute Of Cosmetology Spirit Lake profile
Mercy College Of Health Sciences placed #50 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Iowa. More on Mercy College Of Health Sciences
More Science & Tech Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 36 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 75 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.