Best colleges under $20,000 a year in Iowa
The highest-rated colleges whose average yearly price after grants is under $20,000.
Best colleges under $20,000 a year in Iowa6 schools
6 schools qualify, ranked by the Compass Score.
How this list is made
- Schools in Iowa.
- Accredited four-year undergraduate colleges.
- Academic Excellence grade B+ or better (the top 35% of rated colleges).
- Net price (average yearly cost after grants) under $20,000 from federal data (College Scorecard).
- Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
- Ordered by Compass Score, highest first. Schools with the same score share a rank.
Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
- 1
Grinnell College
Grinnell, IA · Private nonprofitHonor Roll#1 in Iowa
- Net price $17,648 a year
- 88% graduate
- 2
- 3
St. Luke's College
Sioux City, IA · Private nonprofitTop 1% for graduation
- Net price $19,820 a year
- 100% graduate
- 4
- 5
Coe College
Cedar Rapids, IA · Private nonprofitVery good: Compass grade B+
- Net price $18,745 a year
- 66% graduate
- 6
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA · PublicTop 24% for graduation
- Net price $15,901 a year
- 68% graduate
Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grinnell College | $17,648 | $17,500 | $62,830 | 88% |
| Emmaus Bible College | $13,186 | $15,750 | $42,631 | 83% |
| St. Luke's College | $19,820 | $15,000 | $61,033 | 100% |
| Iowa State University | $18,589 | $22,869 | $63,386 | 75% |
| Coe College | $18,745 | $27,000 | $57,125 | 66% |
| University of Northern Iowa | $15,901 | $19,691 | $55,177 | 68% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.