2026 Best Social Work Schools in Iowa

1

University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in social work. This very large public university is located in the city of Iowa City. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 190 social work students who graduated with this degree at University Of Iowa in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from University Of Iowa generally make around $44,523. Students borrow a median of $25,180 to complete this degree. Get the full social work details for University Of Iowa

2

Grand View University
Des Moines, IA

Grand View University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in social work, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Des Moines, Grand View University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 54%. Grand View University awarded about 21 social work degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the social work program make about $40,736 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $25,837. Read more about the social work program at Grand View University

3

Dordt College
Sioux Center, IA

Dordt College is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in social work, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the town of Sioux Center, Dordt College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. About 74% of students finish within six years. About 34 social work degrees were awarded at Dordt College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Dordt College generally make around $54,926. Typical student debt for the program is $21,812. Read more about the social work program at Dordt College

4

Loras College
Dubuque, IA

Students looking for a strong social work program will find one at Loras College, which ranked #4. Loras College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Dubuque. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. Loras College awarded about 16 social work degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Loras College generally make around $43,117. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree. Read more about the social work program at Loras College

5

University Of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA

University Of Northern Iowa is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in social work, ranking #5. University Of Northern Iowa is a large public school located in the city of Cedar Falls. University Of Northern Iowa graduates 68% of students within six years. University Of Northern Iowa awarded about 124 social work degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from University Of Northern Iowa generally make around $44,780. Typical student debt for the program is $22,847. More information about a degree in social work from University Of Northern Iowa

6

Briar Cliff University
Sioux City, IA

Briar Cliff University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best social work schools. Briar Cliff University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Sioux City. Roughly 48% of students complete a degree within six years here. Briar Cliff University awarded about 13 social work degrees in the most recent data year. Social Work graduates of Briar Cliff University earn a median of $42,935 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $37,564 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in social work from Briar Cliff University

7

Saint Ambrose University
Davenport, IA

Saint Ambrose University placed #7 among the best social work schools. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Davenport. Roughly 61% of students complete a degree within six years here. Saint Ambrose University awarded about 56 social work degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their social work degree from Saint Ambrose University earn around $47,344 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $27,528. See the full social work program report for Saint Ambrose University

8

Wartburg College
Waverly, IA

Wartburg College earned the #8 position for social work this year. Set in the town of Waverly, Wartburg College is a small private not-for-profit institution. About 64% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 10 social work students who graduated with this degree at Wartburg College in the most recent data year. Students who receive their social work degree from Wartburg College earn around $46,918 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,793. Read more about the social work program at Wartburg College

9

Luther College
Decorah, IA

Luther College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best social work schools. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the town of Decorah. Luther College graduates 71% of students within six years. Luther College awarded about 11 social work degrees in the most recent data year. Social Work graduates of Luther College earn a median of $30,372 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000. More information about a degree in social work from Luther College

10

Clarke University
Dubuque, IA

Clarke University landed the #10 spot for social work this year. Clarke University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Dubuque. About 56% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 23 social work students who graduated with this degree at Clarke University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the social work program make about $46,552 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,895. See the full social work program report for Clarke University