2026 Best Value Healthcare Schools in Iowa
Looking for the best-value Healthcare degree programs in Iowa? We have ranked 75 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Healthcare Degree Search reviewed 30 schools to produce 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 Healthcare Degree Schools in Iowa
Explore the best-value schools below:
Western Iowa Tech Community College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Healthcare degree schools in Iowa. Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public school based in Sioux City, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,186, with out-of-state students paying around $5,330. Western Iowa Tech Community College Healthcare students take on a median of $11,886 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,473 ten years after entry. Set against $11,886 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Western Iowa Tech Community College
Out of the 30 schools in Iowa in this year's value ranking, Eastern Iowa Community College District landed the #2 spot. Eastern Iowa Community College District is a public school based in Davenport, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,848, with out-of-state students paying around $6,456. Graduates carry a median of $15,995 in student loans. Median earnings reach $39,060 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Eastern Iowa Community College District
Des Moines Area Community College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Healthcare ranking in Iowa. Des Moines Area Community College is a public school based in Ankeny, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,790, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. Des Moines Area Community College Healthcare students take on a median of $14,956 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,018 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,956 median debt. More on Des Moines Area Community College
You'll get strong value at Indian Hills Community College, which ranked #4 this year. Set in Ottumwa, IA, Indian Hills Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,040 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,120. Indian Hills Community College Healthcare students take on a median of $15,390 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,507 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Indian Hills Community College
North Iowa Area Community College came in at #5 on this year's best-value Healthcare ranking in Iowa. Located in Mason City, IA, North Iowa Area Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,653 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,551 for out-of-state students. Typical Healthcare student debt is $12,043. Median earnings reach $43,462 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,043 median debt. Read more about North Iowa Area Community College
A rank of #5 makes Marshalltown Community College one of the best values in Iowa. Marshalltown Community College is a public school based in Marshalltown, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,496, with out-of-state students paying around $6,504. Marshalltown Community College Healthcare students take on a median of $11,577 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,010. Set against $11,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Marshalltown Community College
Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. This public school is set in Calmar, IA. Students from in state pay about $6,780 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,770. Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar Healthcare students take on a median of $14,348 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,306. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar
Hawkeye Community College landed the #8 spot for value in Iowa this year. Located in Waterloo, IA, Hawkeye Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,525, while out-of-state students pay about $6,612. Graduates carry a median of $17,001 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,849 ten years out. Set against $17,001 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Hawkeye Community College report
Kirkwood Community College placed #9 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Iowa. Kirkwood Community College is a public school based in Cedar Rapids, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,176, with out-of-state students paying around $8,220. Students borrow a median of $15,779 to complete their Healthcare program here. Kirkwood Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,016 a decade after entry. Set against $15,779 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Kirkwood Community College
Iowa Central Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Located in Fort Dodge, IA, Iowa Central Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,496 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,788. Graduates carry a median of $16,135 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,046 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Iowa Central Community College
Northwest Iowa Community College landed the #11 spot for value in Iowa this year. Based in Sheldon, IA, Northwest Iowa Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,350 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,650. Northwest Iowa Community College Healthcare students take on a median of $12,271 in debt. Northwest Iowa Community College alumni report median earnings of $50,776 a decade after entry. Set against $12,271 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Northwest Iowa Community College profile
Southeastern Community College West Burlington ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Southeastern Community College West Burlington is a public school based in West Burlington, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,420, compared with $6,570 for out-of-state students. The median Healthcare program debt is $16,126. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,882. Set against $16,126 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Southeastern Community College West Burlington
Iowa Western Community College landed the #13 spot for value in Iowa this year. Located in Council Bluffs, IA, Iowa Western Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,930, while out-of-state students pay about $7,080. Students borrow a median of $15,153 to complete their Healthcare program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,793 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,153 median debt. Get the full Iowa Western Community College report
Morningside College landed the #14 spot for value in Iowa this year. Based in Sioux City, IA, Morningside College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,519. Graduates carry a median of $27,281 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,494 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,281 median debt. Morningside College has an acceptance rate of 71%. More on Morningside College
Waldorf College landed the #14 spot for value in Iowa this year. Set in Forest City, IA, Waldorf College is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,978. The median Healthcare program debt is $24,622. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,165. Set against $24,622 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read the full report on Waldorf College
University Of Iowa placed #16 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Iowa. Set in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. University Of Iowa Healthcare students take on a median of $24,463 in debt. University Of Iowa alumni report median earnings of $64,762 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,463 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. More on University Of Iowa
University Of Northern Iowa ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Set in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,936, while out-of-state students pay about $21,712. The median Healthcare program debt is $22,635. University Of Northern Iowa alumni report median earnings of $55,177 a decade after entry. Set against $22,635 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read the full report on University Of Northern Iowa
Iowa State University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Ames, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Graduates carry a median of $23,495 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,386. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read more about Iowa State University
Graceland University Lamoni placed #19 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Iowa. Based 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 Healthcare students take on a median of $27,509 in debt. Median earnings reach $47,361 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,509 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%. More on Graceland University Lamoni
Iowa Lakes Community College placed #20 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Iowa. Based in Estherville, IA, Iowa Lakes Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,392, with out-of-state students paying around $7,872. Students borrow a median of $20,876 to complete their Healthcare program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,108. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Iowa Lakes Community College
Saint Ambrose University placed #21 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Iowa. Saint Ambrose University is a private not-for-profit school based in Davenport, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,658. Students borrow a median of $27,528 to complete their Healthcare program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,531. 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
Briar Cliff University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Sioux City, IA, Briar Cliff University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,642. Briar Cliff University Healthcare students take on a median of $29,918 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,475 ten years out. Set against $29,918 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Briar Cliff University
University Of Dubuque ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dubuque, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $42,095. The median Healthcare program debt is $27,204. University Of Dubuque alumni report median earnings of $51,190 a decade after entry. Set against $27,204 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Dubuque report
Mount Mercy University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in Cedar Rapids, IA, Mount Mercy University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,878. Mount Mercy University Healthcare students take on a median of $27,709 in debt. Median earnings reach $60,787 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,709 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Mount Mercy University
Clarke University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Based in Dubuque, IA, Clarke University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,910 in tuition and fees. The median Healthcare program debt is $26,895. Clarke University alumni report median earnings of $55,396 a decade after entry. Set against $26,895 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Clarke University has an acceptance rate of 72%. See the full Clarke University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Healthcare Degree Schools in Iowa
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Northwestern College Iowa landed the #26 spot for value in Iowa this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Orange City, IA. Students from in state pay about $36,710 in tuition and fees. Typical Healthcare student debt is $25,415. Northwestern College Iowa alumni report median earnings of $49,802 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read more about Northwestern College Iowa
Upper Iowa University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Fayette, IA, Upper Iowa University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,475. Students borrow a median of $34,059 to complete their Healthcare program here. Upper Iowa University alumni report median earnings of $52,766 a decade after entry. Set against $34,059 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Upper Iowa University has an acceptance rate of 96%. See the full Upper Iowa University profile
Grand View University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Based in Des Moines, IA, Grand View University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,762. Graduates carry a median of $26,941 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,824. That is a strong return on a $26,941 median debt. Grand View University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read more about Grand View University
Luther College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Decorah, IA, Luther College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,120. Luther College Healthcare students take on a median of $26,967 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,850. Set against $26,967 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Luther College
Brown Mackie College Quad Cities ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Brown Mackie College Quad Cities is a private for-profit school based in Davenport, IA. Brown Mackie College Quad Cities Healthcare students take on a median of $11,536 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $29,898. Set against $11,536 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Brown Mackie College Quad Cities
Hamilton Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Get the full Hamilton Technical College report
La James International College Davenport came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Get the full La James International College Davenport report
Ellsworth Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Read more about Ellsworth Community College
La James International College Johnston landed the #34 spot for value in Iowa this year. Read the full report on La James International College Johnston
Buena Vista University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Get the full Buena Vista University report
Pci Academy Ames
Pci Academy Ames ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. More on Pci Academy Ames
Iowa School Of Beauty Des Moines placed #37 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Iowa. Get the full Iowa School Of Beauty Des Moines report
Palmer College Of Chiropractic Davenport landed the #38 spot for value in Iowa this year. Read the full report on Palmer College Of Chiropractic Davenport
The Salon Professional Academy Cedar Falls landed the #39 spot for value in Iowa this year. Read the full report on The Salon Professional Academy Cedar Falls
Cornell College
Cornell College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Get the full Cornell College report
Body Wisdom Massage Therapy School offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Read more about Body Wisdom Massage Therapy School
Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Read more about Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center
Mercy College Of Health Sciences came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Mercy College Of Health Sciences
Wartburg Theological Seminary offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Get the full Wartburg Theological Seminary report
St Lukes College
St Lukes College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. See the full St Lukes College profile
Iowa School Of Beauty Sioux City offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. See the full Iowa School Of Beauty Sioux City profile
Wartburg College
Wartburg College landed the #47 spot for value in Iowa this year. Read more about Wartburg College
E Q School Of Hair Design ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Read more about E Q School Of Hair Design
Allen College
Allen College placed #49 among the best-value Healthcare schools in Iowa. Read more about Allen College
Emmaus Bible College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Healthcare schools. Read the full report on Emmaus Bible College
More Healthcare Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Healthcare Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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 · 30 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).
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