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Best Value Healthcare Schools in Iowa

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2023 Best Value Healthcare Schools in Iowa

Highlighting Quality Schools With More Affordable Prices

30 Schools Ranked
$19,073 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$26,017 Avg Student Debt*

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which healthcare program is right for you. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools and bootcamps that offer fast-track entry to many fields.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Healthcare Degree Search has created the Best Value Healthcare Schools in Iowa to help you in your search for the best school for you. Our analysis looked at 30 schools in Iowa to see which programs offered the best value experiences for healthcare students with the aim of identifying those quality schools that are more affordable than some of their counterparts.

Our ranking of value is based on the quality of a program as defined in our per sticker price dollar. Specifically, our score for quality is discounted by the published tuition and fees charged by the given college. This gives the cost per unit of quality for each college. The more quality your dollar buys, the better the value.

In our regional and nationwide rankings, out-of-state tution and fees are used in our calculations. For statewide rankings, we use average in-state tuition and fees.

Top Value Healthcare Schools in Iowa

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

728 Total Awards
$4,826 Average Tuition & Fees

Our 2023 rankings named Western Iowa Tech Community College the best value school in Iowa for healthcare students working on their degree. Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public institution located in Sioux City, Iowa. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 728 degrees in 2020-2021.

Western Iowa Tech Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $4,826 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $14,142 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Western Iowa Tech Community College graduates make an average of $31,155 annually.

Read full report on Western Iowa Tech Community College

293 Total Awards
$5,904 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,463 Avg Student Debt

The excellent programs at Eastern Iowa Community College District helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the best value healthcare schools in Iowa. Eastern Iowa Community Colleges is a public institution located in Davenport, Iowa. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 293 degrees in 2020-2021.

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges undergraduate students pay an average of $5,904 in tuition and fees each year. On average, students take out $18,463 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,028 during the early year of their career.

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802 Total Awards
$10,440 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Des Moines Area Community College. The school came in at #3 on this year’s Best Value Healthcare Schools in Iowa list. Ankeny, Iowa is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 802 students in 2020-2021.

DMACC undergraduate students pay an average of $10,440 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $16,577 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $64. Once they receive their degree, DMACC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,576 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Des Moines Area Community College

185 Total Awards
$6,000 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,709 Avg Student Debt

The excellent programs at Indian Hills Community College helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best value healthcare schools in Iowa. IHCC is located in Ottumwa, Iowa and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 185 degrees to qualified students.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at IHCC are $6,000 a year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $17,709 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, IHCC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,385 during the early year of their career.

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#5

Marshalltown Community College

Marshalltown, Iowa
68 Total Awards
$5,448 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent programs at Marshalltown Community College helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best value healthcare schools in Iowa. Located in Marshalltown, Iowa, the small public school handed out 68 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Marshalltown Community College are $5,448 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,972 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Marshalltown Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $33,535 during the early year of their career.

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272 Total Awards
$8,547 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend North Iowa Area Community College. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Best Value Healthcare Schools in Iowa list. This small public school is located in Mason City, Iowa, and it awarded 272 degrees in 2020-2021.

North Iowa Area Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $8,547 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,157 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, North Iowa Area Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,111 during the early year of their career.

Full North Iowa Area Community College Report

258 Total Awards
$6,840 Average Tuition & Fees

Northeast Iowa Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for healthcare students. It came in at #7 on the list. Located in Calmar, Iowa, the small public school handed out 258 degrees in 2020-2021.

NICC undergraduate students pay an average of $6,840 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,283 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, NICC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $36,089 during the early year of their career.

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#8

Hawkeye Community College

Waterloo, Iowa
215 Total Awards
$6,524 Average Tuition & Fees

Hawkeye Community College came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Healthcare Schools in Iowa ranking. Waterloo, Iowa is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 215 students in 2020-2021.

Hawkeye Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $6,524 in tuition and fees each year. On average, students take out $19,679 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Hawkeye Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,877 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Hawkeye Community College

#9

Kirkwood Community College

Cedar Rapids, Iowa
441 Total Awards
$7,072 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,882 Avg Student Debt

Kirkwood Community College came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Healthcare Schools in Iowa ranking. Kirkwood Community College is a fairly large public school located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa that handed out 441 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Kirkwood Community College are $7,072 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,882 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $59 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Kirkwood Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,090 during the early year of their career.

Read full report on Kirkwood Community College

#10

Iowa Central Community College

Fort Dodge, Iowa
318 Total Awards
$8,650 Average Tuition & Fees

Iowa Central Community College came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Healthcare Schools in Iowa ranking. Iowa Central Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Fort Dodge, Iowa. It awarded 318 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Iowa Central Community College are $8,650 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $19,575 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $62, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Iowa Central Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $39,705 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Iowa Central Community College

#11

Southeastern Community College

West Burlington, Iowa
271 Total Awards
$6,240 Average Tuition & Fees

Southeastern Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for healthcare students. It came in at #11 on the list. Southeastern Community College is a small public school situated in West Burlington, Iowa. It awarded 271 degrees in 2020-2021.

Southeastern Community College undergraduate students pay an average of $6,240 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,654 in student loans.After graduating from Southeastern Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,945 during the early years of their career.

Full Southeastern Community College Report

113 Total Awards
$6,840 Average Tuition & Fees

Northwest Iowa Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for healthcare students. It came in at #11 on the list. Located in Sheldon, Iowa, the small public school awarded 113 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Northwest Iowa Community College are $6,840 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,751 in student loans.After graduating from Northwest Iowa Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $48,199 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Northwest Iowa Community College

#13

Iowa Western Community College

Council Bluffs, Iowa
362 Total Awards
$6,480 Average Tuition & Fees

Iowa Western Community College came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Healthcare Schools in Iowa ranking. Iowa Western Community College is a public institution located in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 362 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Iowa Western Community College are $6,480 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,104 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $97, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Iowa Western Community College graduates make an average of $39,271 annually.

Full Iowa Western Community College Report

#14

Waldorf University

Forest City, Iowa
64 Total Awards
$23,666 Average Tuition & Fees

Waldorf University came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Healthcare Schools in Iowa ranking. Located in Forest City, Iowa, the small private for-profit school handed out 64 degrees in 2020-2021.

Waldorf undergraduate students pay an average of $23,666 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,000 in student loans.After graduating from Waldorf, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $52,483 during the early years of their career.

Waldorf also took the #1 spot in our Best Healthcare Schools in Iowa rankings.

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#14

Morningside College

Sioux City, Iowa
80 Total Awards
$35,270 Average Tuition & Fees

Morningside College ranked #14 on this year’s Best Value Healthcare Schools in Iowa list. Morningside is a private not-for-profit institution located in Sioux City, Iowa. The school has a small population, and it awarded 80 degrees in 2020-2021.

Morningside undergraduate students pay an average of $35,270 in tuition and fees each year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $26,099 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $208, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Morningside graduates make an average of $51,189 annually.

Full Morningside College Report

#16

University of Iowa

Iowa City, Iowa
1,208 Total Awards
$31,905 Average Tuition & Fees

University of Iowa did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for healthcare students. It came in at #16 on the list. University of Iowa is a large public school located in Iowa City, Iowa that handed out 1,208 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Iowa are $31,905 a year. On average, students take out $23,563 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $379, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Iowa, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $50,430 during the early years of their career.

In addition to its best value ranking, and one of the reasons why the school is on the list, Iowa is ranked #3 for overall quality in Iowa.

Read full report on University of Iowa

#17

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, Iowa
167 Total Awards
$19,753 Average Tuition & Fees

University of Northern Iowa came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Healthcare Schools in Iowa ranking. Cedar Falls, Iowa is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 167 students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at UNI are $19,753 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $22,939 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $172.After graduating from UNI, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,810 during the early years of their career.

Full University of Northern Iowa Report

#18

Iowa State University

Ames, Iowa
243 Total Awards
$25,446 Average Tuition & Fees

Iowa State University came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Healthcare Schools in Iowa ranking. Located in Ames, Iowa, the large public school handed out 243 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at Iowa State are $25,446 per year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $23,598 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $257 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Iowa State graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $48,142 during the early year of their career.

As a testament to the quality of education it offers, Iowa State also is in the top 20% of our Best Healthcare Schools in Iowa ranking.

Read full report on Iowa State University

292 Total Awards
$31,920 Average Tuition & Fees

Graceland University - Lamoni did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for healthcare students. It came in at #19 on the list. Lamoni, Iowa is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 292 students in 2020-2021.

Graceland Lamoni undergraduate students pay an average of $31,920 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,121 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $180 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Graceland Lamoni, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $54,336 during the early years of their career.

Graceland Lamoni also claimed a spot on our Best Healthcare Schools in Iowa list. It’s in the top 20% of all schools in this category.

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#20

Iowa Lakes Community College

Estherville, Iowa
43 Total Awards
$7,196 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,230 Avg Student Debt

Iowa Lakes Community College came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Healthcare Schools in Iowa ranking. Iowa Lakes Community College is a public institution located in Estherville, Iowa. The school has a small population, and it awarded 43 degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Iowa Lakes Community College are $7,196 a year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,230 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Iowa Lakes Community College graduates make an average of $31,031 annually.

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#21

Saint Ambrose University

Davenport, Iowa
232 Total Awards
$33,570 Average Tuition & Fees

Saint Ambrose University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for healthcare students. It came in at #21 on the list. St. Ambrose University is located in Davenport, Iowa and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 232 degrees to qualified students.

St. Ambrose University undergraduate students pay an average of $33,570 in tuition and fees each year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,244 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $401.After graduating from St. Ambrose University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $50,094 during the early years of their career.

St. Ambrose University not only placed well in our value ranking, but it is also #2 on our Best Healthcare Schools in Iowa list.

Read full report on Saint Ambrose University

#21

Briar Cliff University

Sioux City, Iowa
123 Total Awards
$33,998 Average Tuition & Fees

Briar Cliff University came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Healthcare Schools in Iowa ranking. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Sioux City, Iowa, and it awarded 123 degrees in 2020-2021.

Briar Cliff undergraduate students pay an average of $33,998 in tuition and fees each year. On average, students take out $23,123 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Briar Cliff graduates make an average of $46,310 annually.

Read full report on Briar Cliff University

#23

University of Dubuque

Dubuque, Iowa
68 Total Awards
$36,010 Average Tuition & Fees

University of Dubuque ranked #23 on this year’s Best Value Healthcare Schools in Iowa list. UD is a private not-for-profit institution located in Dubuque, Iowa. The school has a small population, and it awarded 68 degrees in 2020-2021.

Out-of-state tuition fees for undergraduate students at UD are $36,010 per year. By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $28,068 in student loans. During the early years of their career, UD graduates make an average of $39,274 annually.

Read full report on University of Dubuque

#24

Mount Mercy University

Cedar Rapids, Iowa
159 Total Awards
$36,540 Average Tuition & Fees

Mount Mercy University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for healthcare students. It came in at #24 on the list. Mount Mercy is a private not-for-profit institution located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The school has a small population, and it awarded 159 degrees in 2020-2021.

Mount Mercy undergraduate students pay an average of $36,540 in tuition and fees each year. On average, students take out $29,114 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $289, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Mount Mercy graduates make an average of $45,158 annually.

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#25

Clarke University

Dubuque, Iowa
76 Total Awards
$36,870 Average Tuition & Fees
$29,471 Avg Student Debt

Clarke University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best value places for healthcare students. It came in at #25 on the list. Dubuque, Iowa is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 76 students in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees for an out-of-state undergraduate students at Clarke are $36,870 a year. Degree recipients from the school accumulate an average of $29,471 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Clarke, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $50,895 during the early years of their career.

Read full report on Clarke University

Best Value Healthcare Schools in the Plains States Region

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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