# Best Master's Programs in Iowa

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 29 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-iowa

## Methodology

Master's programs in Iowa ranked by graduate outcomes

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

When considering master's programs in Iowa, students and families are looking for schools that not only offer quality education but also deliver on post-graduation outcomes. With 29 programs to explore, the choices can feel overwhelming, but focusing on metrics like earnings and graduation rates can help clarify options. For instance, graduates from these programs earn an average of $54,495 annually.

The schools on this list excel in key areas that determine the success of their graduates. Metrics such as earnings, graduation rates, debt incurred, and overall mobility reveal how well each program prepares students for the workforce. The data below highlights schools that prioritize student success and provide a clearer path to financial stability after graduation.

For example, Grinnell College stands out with impressive earnings of $62,830 and an 88% graduation rate, but it comes with a net price of $17,648. In contrast, Iowa State University offers slightly higher earnings at $63,386, yet it has a lower graduation rate of 75% and a higher debt load of $22,869. This contrast in outcomes illustrates the trade-offs students face when choosing between these top programs.

## Key Findings

- Grinnell College graduates earn an average of $62,830 annually, with an impressive 88% graduation rate.
- Iowa State University has a graduation rate of 75%, but graduates carry an average debt of $22,869.
- Emmaus Bible College, while offering lower earnings at $42,631, has an 82% graduation rate and a lower net price of $13,186.
- University of Northern Iowa graduates earn $55,177 on average, with a graduation rate of 68% and a net price of $15,901.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Grinnell College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/grinnell-college) | Grinnell, IA | 88% | $62,830 | $17,648 | $17,500 | 0.28x |
| 2 | [University of Iowa](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-iowa) | Iowa City, IA | 74% | $64,762 | $22,531 | $22,500 | 0.35x |
| 3 | [University of Northern Iowa](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-northern-iowa) | Cedar Falls, IA | 68% | $55,177 | $15,901 | $19,691 | 0.36x |
| 4 | [Coe College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/coe-college) | Cedar Rapids, IA | 62% | $57,125 | $18,745 | $27,000 | 0.47x |
| 5 | [Drake University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/drake-university) | Des Moines, IA | 76% | $71,901 | $29,127 | $23,000 | 0.32x |
| 6 | [Luther College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/luther-college) | Decorah, IA | 73% | $59,850 | $23,097 | $27,000 | 0.45x |
| 7 | [Mount Mercy University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mount-mercy-university) | Cedar Rapids, IA | 57% | $60,787 | $20,168 | $23,699 | 0.39x |
| 8 | [Upper Iowa University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/upper-iowa-university) | Fayette, IA | 38% | $52,766 | $20,942 | $25,000 | 0.47x |
| 9 | [Cornell College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/cornell-college) | Mount Vernon, IA | 67% | $53,460 | $23,634 | $27,000 | 0.51x |
| 10 | [Saint Ambrose University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/saint-ambrose-university) | Davenport, IA | 62% | $59,531 | $24,691 | $25,000 | 0.42x |
| 11 | [Simpson College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/simpson-college) | Indianola, IA | 64% | $59,274 | $21,936 | $26,000 | 0.44x |
| 12 | [Dordt University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/dordt-university) | Sioux Center, IA | 68% | $52,559 | $25,807 | $21,500 | 0.41x |
| 13 | [Central College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/central-college) | Pella, IA | 68% | $54,317 | $23,377 | $26,984 | 0.5x |
| 14 | [Loras College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/loras-college) | Dubuque, IA | 69% | $58,289 | $20,716 | $26,000 | 0.45x |
| 15 | [Grand View University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/grand-view-university) | Des Moines, IA | 55% | $52,824 | $21,774 | $22,500 | 0.43x |
| 16 | [Iowa State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/iowa-state-university) | Ames, IA | 75% | $63,386 | $18,589 | $22,869 | 0.36x |
| 17 | [Northwestern College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northwestern-college) | Orange City, IA | 65% | $49,802 | $25,907 | $23,249 | 0.47x |
| 18 | [Buena Vista University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/buena-vista-university) | Storm Lake, IA | 54% | $49,156 | $18,846 | $25,000 | 0.51x |
| 19 | [Wartburg College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/wartburg-college) | Waverly, IA | 66% | $56,201 | $32,908 | $27,000 | 0.48x |
| 20 | [Clarke University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/clarke-university) | Dubuque, IA | 56% | $55,396 | $24,479 | $26,717 | 0.48x |
| 21 | [Briar Cliff University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/briar-cliff-university) | Sioux City, IA | 48% | $54,475 | $23,907 | $23,250 | 0.43x |
| 22 | [William Penn University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/william-penn-university) | Oskaloosa, IA | 31% | $48,936 | $22,601 | $22,415 | 0.46x |
| 23 | [Morningside University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/morningside-university) | Sioux City, IA | 52% | $55,494 | $31,320 | $26,028 | 0.47x |
| 24 | [Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/faith-baptist-bible-college-and-theological-seminary) | Ankeny, IA | 64% | $40,650 | $16,282 | $12,971 | 0.32x |
| 25 | [Graceland University-Lamoni](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/graceland-university-lamoni) | Lamoni, IA | 40% | $47,361 | $18,504 | $21,212 | 0.45x |
| 26 | [Emmaus Bible College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/emmaus-bible-college) | Dubuque, IA | 82% | $42,631 | $13,186 | $15,750 | 0.37x |
| 27 | [University of Dubuque](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-dubuque) | Dubuque, IA | 41% | $51,190 | $23,386 | $25,750 | 0.5x |
| 28 | [Mercy College of Health Sciences](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mercy-college-of-health-sciences) | Des Moines, IA | 56% | $62,234 | $26,924 | $14,745 | 0.24x |
| 29 | [Maharishi International University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/maharishi-international-university) | Fairfield, IA | 34% | $27,981 | $14,956 | $24,781 | 0.89x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Master's Programs in Iowa." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-iowa

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.