2026 Best Value General History Schools in Iowa

1

Grinnell College
Grinnell, IA

Leading the list is Grinnell College, our #1 best value for general history in Iowa. Grinnell College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Grinnell. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,196. Students borrow a median of $17,500 to complete the general history program here. Soon after graduation, general history degree recipients from Grinnell College generally make around $39,687. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 14% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA

University Of Northern Iowa came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value general history schools. Set in the city of Cedar Falls, University Of Northern Iowa is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,936 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,712 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,776 to complete the general history program here. Early-career general history graduates make about $27,569. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%.

3

Iowa State University
Ames, IA

Iowa State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general history, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. General History graduates carry a median of $26,007 in student loans. General History graduates of Iowa State University earn a median of $41,294 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,007 median debt. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants.

4

University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Iowa earned it the #4 place for general history. Located in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. General History graduates carry a median of $25,978 in student loans. General History graduates of University Of Iowa earn a median of $33,117 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

5

Drake University
Des Moines, IA

A rank of #5 makes Drake University one of the best values for general history. Drake University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Des Moines. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,960. Typical student debt for general history graduates is $22,273. Soon after graduation, general history degree recipients from Drake University generally make around $56,228. Set against $22,273 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.