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2022 Best Value Colleges for Liberal Arts (Income $0-$30k) in Iowa

19 Ranked Colleges
5,869 Degrees Awarded
$8,600 Avg Net Price*
Best Value Liberal Studies Schools in Iowa For Those Making $0-$30k

With all of the options students have for higher education today, it can be tough to choose which direction to take. One of our goals at College Factual is to give you as much information as we can - such as our “Best Value Liberal Studies Schools in Iowa For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking - to help you make that decision.

In 2019-2020, 365,980 liberal arts students received their degree, making the major the 2nd most popular in the country.

Across Iowa, there were 5,869 liberal arts graduates with average earnings and debt of $0 and $0 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Liberal Studies Schools in Iowa For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking analyzed 19 colleges that offered a degree in liberal arts. This ranking identifies schools with high-quality liberal arts programs that also have a lower cost than schools of similar quality.

To come up with these rankings, we looked at factors such as the cost to attend the school after aid is awarded and overall quality of the liberal arts program at the school. For more information, check out our ranking methodology.

More Ways to Rank Liberal Arts Schools

The liberal studies school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we’ve developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of “Best Value Liberal Studies Schools in Iowa For Those Making $0-$30k”.

To further help you make the college decision, we’ve developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Test it out by comparing your favorite schools against others you are considering, or bookmark the tool so you can experiment with it later.

Best Value Liberal Studies Schools in Iowa For Those Making $0-$30k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Liberal Studies Schools in Iowa For Those Making $0-$30k.

Top 19 Best Value Colleges for Liberal Arts (Income $0-$30k) in Iowa

#1

Southeastern Community College

West Burlington, Iowa

Out of the 19 schools in the Best Value Liberal Studies Schools in Iowa For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, Southeastern Community College landed the #1 spot on the list. Located in West Burlington, Iowa, this small public school handed out 216 degrees to qualified ’s liberal studies students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our iowa liberal studies students whose families make $0-$30k list, Southeastern Community College has also earned the #14 rank in our “Best Liberal Arts Schools in Iowa” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Southeastern Community College is $4,925 for iowa liberal studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read more about Liberal Arts at Southeastern Community College

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Des Moines Area Community College. The school came in at #2 for the Best Value Liberal Studies Schools in Iowa For Those Making $0-$30k. DMACC is located in Ankeny, Iowa and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 1,180 ’s liberal studies degrees to qualified students.

DMACC not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #3 on our “Best Liberal Arts Schools in Iowa” list. The estimated yearly cost for DMACC is $7,776 for iowa liberal studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read more about Liberal Arts at Des Moines Area Community College

#3

Kirkwood Community College

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Out of the 19 schools in the Best Value Liberal Studies Schools in Iowa For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, Kirkwood Community College landed the #3 spot on the list. Cedar Rapids, Iowa is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s liberal studies degrees to 730 students in 2019-2020.

Kirkwood Community College also took the #5 spot in our “Best Liberal Arts Schools in Iowa” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Kirkwood Community College is $8,067 for Iowa Liberal Studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read more about Liberal Arts at Kirkwood Community College

#4

Marshalltown Community College

Marshalltown, Iowa

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Marshalltown Community College. It ranked #4 on our 2022 Best Value Liberal Studies Schools in Iowa For Those Making $0-$30k list. Marshalltown Community College is a small school located in Marshalltown, Iowa that handed out 146 ’s liberal studies degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our iowa liberal studies students whose families make $0-$30k list, Marshalltown Community College has also earned the #11 rank in our “Best Liberal Arts Schools in Iowa” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Marshalltown Community College is $5,073 for Iowa Liberal Studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on Liberal Arts at Marshalltown Community College

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Iowa State University. The school came in at #5 for the Best Value Liberal Studies Schools in Iowa For Those Making $0-$30k. Iowa State University is a large public school situated in Ames, Iowa. It awarded 80 ’s liberal studies degrees in 2019-2020.

Iowa State also took the #2 spot in our “Best Liberal Arts Schools in Iowa” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Iowa State is $10,054 for iowa liberal studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

With a freshman retention rate of 89%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its students. The school has an impressive student loan default rate. It’s only 3.3%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Liberal Arts at Iowa State

North Iowa Area Community College came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Liberal Studies Schools in Iowa For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. This small school is located in Mason City, Iowa, and it awarded 405 ’s liberal studies degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our iowa liberal studies students whose families make $0-$30k list, North Iowa Area Community College has also earned the #9 rank in our “Best Liberal Arts Schools in Iowa” ranking. It costs about $6,551 for Iowa Liberal Studies students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend North Iowa Area Community College.

Read full report on Liberal Arts at North Iowa Area Community College

Indian Hills Community College came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Liberal Studies Schools in Iowa For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Indian Hills Community College is located in Ottumwa, Iowa and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 349 ’s liberal studies degrees to qualified students.

IHCC not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #12 on our “Best Liberal Arts Schools in Iowa” list. The yearly cost to attend IHCC is $5,644 for iowa liberal studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

Full IHCC Liberal Arts Report

#16 in overall quality

Northeast Iowa Community College came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Liberal Studies Schools in Iowa For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. NICC is a public institution located in Calmar, Iowa. The school has a small population, and it awarded 128 ’s degrees in 2019-2020.

NICC also made our “Best Liberal Arts Schools in Iowa” list, coming in at #16. The estimated yearly cost for NICC is $7,987 for Iowa Liberal Studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

Full NICC Liberal Arts Report

Northwest Iowa Community College ranked #9 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Studies Schools in Iowa For Those Making $0-$30k list. Northwest Iowa Community College is located in Sheldon, Iowa and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 67 ’s liberal studies degrees to qualified students.

Northwest Iowa Community College also made our “Best Liberal Arts Schools in Iowa” list, coming in at #7. The estimated yearly cost for Northwest Iowa Community College is $9,985 for iowa liberal studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

Full Northwest Iowa Community College Liberal Arts Report

Iowa Central Community College ranked #10 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Studies Schools in Iowa For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Fort Dodge, Iowa, this small public school handed out 435 degrees to qualified ’s liberal studies students in 2019-2020.

Iowa Central Community College also took the #8 spot in our “Best Liberal Arts Schools in Iowa” ranking. It costs about $7,979 for Iowa Liberal Studies students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Iowa Central Community College.

Full Iowa Central Community College Liberal Arts Report

Eastern Iowa Community College District landed the #11 spot on the 2022 Best Value Liberal Studies Schools in Iowa For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Eastern Iowa Community Colleges is a public institution located in Davenport, Iowa. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 504 ’s degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our iowa liberal studies students whose families make $0-$30k list, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges has also earned the #13 rank in our “Best Liberal Arts Schools in Iowa” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Eastern Iowa Community College District is $8,406 for Iowa Liberal Studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

Full Eastern Iowa Community Colleges Liberal Arts Report

Western Iowa Tech Community College came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Liberal Studies Schools in Iowa For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Sioux City, Iowa is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s liberal studies degrees to 158 students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Western Iowa Tech Community College, the school also landed the #18 spot in our “Best Liberal Arts Schools in Iowa” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Western Iowa Tech Community College is $5,665 for iowa liberal studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

Full Western Iowa Tech Community College Liberal Arts Report

#13

Iowa Western Community College

Council Bluffs, Iowa

Iowa Western Community College ranked #13 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Studies Schools in Iowa For Those Making $0-$30k list. Iowa Western Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Council Bluffs, Iowa. It awarded 439 ’s liberal studies degrees in 2019-2020.

Iowa Western Community College also made our “Best Liberal Arts Schools in Iowa” list, coming in at #6. The yearly cost to attend Iowa Western Community College is $9,341 for Iowa Liberal Studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read full report on Liberal Arts at Iowa Western Community College

#14

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, Iowa

University of Northern Iowa ranked #14 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Studies Schools in Iowa For Those Making $0-$30k list. University of Northern Iowa is a public institution located in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 76 ’s degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our iowa liberal studies students whose families make $0-$30k list, UNI has also earned the #4 rank in our “Best Liberal Arts Schools in Iowa” ranking. The yearly cost to attend UNI is $10,757 for Iowa Liberal Studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an impressive student loan default rate. It’s only 3.6%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 86%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its students.

Read more about Liberal Arts at University of Northern Iowa

#15

University of Iowa

Iowa City, Iowa

University of Iowa came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Liberal Studies Schools in Iowa For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. University of Iowa is located in Iowa City, Iowa and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 190 ’s liberal studies degrees to qualified students.

Iowa also took the #1 spot in our “Best Liberal Arts Schools in Iowa” ranking. The yearly cost to attend University of Iowa is $12,975 for iowa liberal studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

The student loan default rate at the school is 3.5%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 88%.

Full Iowa Liberal Arts Report

#16

Ellsworth Community College

Iowa Falls, Iowa

Ellsworth Community College landed the #16 spot on the 2022 Best Value Liberal Studies Schools in Iowa For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Iowa Falls, Iowa is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s liberal studies degrees to 89 students in 2019-2020.

Ellsworth also took the #17 spot in our “Best Liberal Arts Schools in Iowa” ranking. It costs about $8,576 for Iowa Liberal Studies students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Ellsworth.

Read more about Liberal Arts at Ellsworth

#17

Hawkeye Community College

Waterloo, Iowa

Hawkeye Community College ranked #17 on this year’s Best Value Liberal Studies Schools in Iowa For Those Making $0-$30k list. Hawkeye Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Waterloo, Iowa. It awarded 297 ’s liberal studies degrees in 2019-2020.

Hawkeye Community College not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #15 on our “Best Liberal Arts Schools in Iowa” list. The estimated yearly cost for Hawkeye Community College is $9,084 for iowa liberal studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

Read more about Liberal Arts at Hawkeye Community College

Southwestern Community College came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Liberal Studies Schools in Iowa For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. SWCC is a public institution located in Creston, Iowa. The school has a small population, and it awarded 120 ’s degrees in 2019-2020.

SWCC not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #19 on our “Best Liberal Arts Schools in Iowa” list. It costs about $6,914 for iowa liberal studies students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend SWCC.

Read more about Liberal Arts at Southwestern Community College

#19

Grand View University

Des Moines, Iowa

With a ranking of #19, Grand View University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Liberal Studies Schools in Iowa For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Des Moines, Iowa, this small private not-for-profit school handed out 22 diplomas to qualified ’s liberal studies students in 2019-2020.

Grand View University not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #10 on our “Best Liberal Arts Schools in Iowa” list. The yearly cost to attend Grand View University is $18,481 for iowa liberal studies students whose families make $0-$30k.

Full Grand View University Liberal Arts Report

Notes and References

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%.

Read more about our data sources and methodologies

Footnotes

  • *Average salary, average net price, and average tuition and fees are for the top schools only.
  • Some schools otherwise deserving of recognition may have been removed from this ranking in the event that new data identified post-publication warranted it, or at the request of the school.

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