Unlock Your Psychology Career Potential: Compare the Best Psychology Degree Programs in Iowa for 2024
$18,535
Avg. Net Price
76%
Avg. Admitted
23%
Avg. Enrolled
60%
Avg. Graduation Rate
14/1
Avg. Student / Faculty
Psychology Degree Programs in Iowa
Find and compare the best psychology degree programs by state.
Number of Schools
In Iowa, there are 28 4-year schools that offer psychology degrees
Number of Programs
With 28 schools offering psychology programs, the total number of programs offered in Iowa is 82
Number of Graduates
The 82 psychology programs in Iowa produced 1,829 psychology graduates in 2021
Iowa Psychology Degrees Programs
Top (10) Psychology Programs in Iowa
Grinnell College
2021 Psychology Graduates: 27
Average Cost to Attend: $75,606
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $1,486
Average Net Price: $37,423
Average Admitted: 11%
Average Enrolled: 43%
Average Graduation Rate: 87%
Student / Faculty: 9 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 82%
Iowa Ranking: #1
National Ranking: #92
Iowa State University
2021 Psychology Graduates: 194
Average Cost to Attend: $20,842
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $19,984
Average Net Price: $15,422
Average Admitted: 91%
Average Enrolled: 29%
Average Graduation Rate: 76%
Student / Faculty: 18 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 59%
Iowa Ranking: #2
National Ranking: #142
University of Iowa
2021 Psychology Graduates: 445
Average Cost to Attend: $24,772
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $14,421
Average Net Price: $17,599
Average Admitted: 86%
Average Enrolled: 23%
Average Graduation Rate: 74%
Student / Faculty: 15 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 78%
Iowa Ranking: #3
National Ranking: #185
University of Northern Iowa
2021 Psychology Graduates: 295
Average Cost to Attend: $20,136
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $5,627
Average Net Price: $15,231
Average Admitted: 86%
Average Enrolled: 38%
Average Graduation Rate: 69%
Student / Faculty: 16 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 77%
Iowa Ranking: #4
National Ranking: #180
Luther College
2021 Psychology Graduates: 45
Average Cost to Attend: $60,545
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $1,785
Average Net Price: $25,929
Average Admitted: 76%
Average Enrolled: 23%
Average Graduation Rate: 73%
Student / Faculty: 11 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 72%
Iowa Ranking: #5
National Ranking: #301
Loras College
2021 Psychology Graduates: 51
Average Cost to Attend: $45,119
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $1,295
Average Net Price: $20,068
Average Admitted: 72%
Average Enrolled: 20%
Average Graduation Rate: 68%
Student / Faculty: 11 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 78%
Iowa Ranking: #6
National Ranking: #371
Drake University
2021 Psychology Graduates: 29
Average Cost to Attend: $61,947
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $2,766
Average Net Price: $29,507
Average Admitted: 69%
Average Enrolled: 14%
Average Graduation Rate: 77%
Student / Faculty: 11 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 64%
Iowa Ranking: #7
National Ranking: #372
Buena Vista University
2021 Psychology Graduates: 36
Average Cost to Attend: $51,796
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $1,293
Average Net Price: $18,532
Average Admitted: 66%
Average Enrolled: 21%
Average Graduation Rate: 63%
Student / Faculty: 11 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 24%
Iowa Ranking: #8
National Ranking: #569
Cornell College
2021 Psychology Graduates: 26
Average Cost to Attend: $62,109
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $994
Average Net Price: $22,667
Average Admitted: 81%
Average Enrolled: 16%
Average Graduation Rate: 64%
Student / Faculty: 12 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 80%
Iowa Ranking: #9
National Ranking: #636
Coe College
2021 Psychology Graduates: 35
Average Cost to Attend: $62,662
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $1,367
Average Net Price: $19,141
Average Admitted: 73%
Average Enrolled: 8%
Average Graduation Rate: 64%
Student / Faculty: 9 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 68%
Iowa Ranking: #10
National Ranking: #672
Psychology Programs Offered in Iowa
There are 82 undergraduate psychology programs offered by 28 different 4-year colleges, comprising 3 public and 25 private schools.
Additionally, psychology programs in Iowa produced 1,445 bachelor’s graduates, 340 master’s graduates and 42 doctorate graduates.
The table below details the programs offered and the total number of graduates in Iowa.
| Psychology Graduates | BS | MA | PMC | PhD |
| Applied Psychology | 5 | – | – | – |
| Behavioral Neuroscience | 2 | – | – | – |
| Biopsychology | 2 | – | – | – |
| Clinical Psychology | – | 12 | – | – |
| Counseling and Applied Psychology | 27 | 50 | – | 13 |
| Counseling Psychology | 10 | 9 | – | 10 |
| Developmental Psychology | 3 | – | – | – |
| Educational Psychology | – | 10 | – | 1 |
| Forensic Psychology | 10 | – | – | – |
| General Psychology | 1,026 | 8 | 2 | 14 |
| Marriage and Family Therapy | – | 20 | – | 2 |
| Mental Health Counseling | – | 29 | – | – |
| Psychology Teacher Education | 1 | – | – | – |
| Research Psychology | 59 | – | – | – |
| School Psychology | – | 11 | – | 2 |
| Social Work | 300 | 191 | – | – |
| Total Graduates | 1,445 | 340 | 2 | 42 |
Credits Accepted for Iowa Schools
The types of academic credits available to Iowa students are varied and include:
- Dual enrollment
- Credit for life experiences
- Advanced placement (AP) credits
Psychology Admission, Enrollment, and Graduation in Iowa
On average, Iowa schools admitted 76% of students who applied to 4-year institutions. Of those who were offered admission, 23% enrolled.
The average freshman retention rate for Iowa schools is 69%, compared to 71% for all universities nationwide.
The overall graduation rate for 4-year colleges and universities in Iowa is 60%, compared to 56% for all universities nationwide.
The top three schools in Iowa for highest graduation rate are Grinnell College (87%), Emmaus Bible College (79%), and Drake University (77%).
The top three schools with the highest number of psychology graduates in Iowa are University of Iowa (445), University of Northern Iowa (295), and Iowa State University (194).
| Region | Iowa | U.S. |
| Applied | 4,350 | 8,766 |
| Admitted | 76% | 73% |
| Enrolled | 23% | 26% |
| 1st Year Return | 69% | 71% |
| Graduation | 60% | 56% |
Student & Faculty Information in Iowa
In the fall of 2021, Iowa schools that offered psychology programs had an average of 67% full-time instructional or research faculty members and 31% part-time instructional faculty members.
The average student-to-faculty ratio for Iowa schools offering psychology programs is 14:1.
The table below shows a comparison of the percentage of full-time instructional and research faculty members and the student-to-faculty ratio between Iowa and the United States as a whole:
| Region | Iowa | U.S. |
| Full-Time Instructional | 61% | 56% |
| Full-Time Research | 5% | 6% |
| Part-Time Instructional | 31% | 35% |
| Student Faculty Ratio | 14:1 | 15:1 |
Tuition and Student Expenses in Iowa
If you’re an undergraduate psychology student in Iowa, the average tuition you’ll pay depends on the institution you choose. Typically, tuition costs range from $7,780 to $47,100 per year, with an average of $31,160. In addition to tuition, you’ll also need to budget for books and supplies, which can cost between $800 and $1,514 annually, with an average of $1,134.
The three most affordable undergraduate psychology schools in Iowa are University of Northern Iowa ($20,136), Iowa State University ($20,842), and University of Iowa ($24,772). Meanwhile, the three most expensive institutions are the Cornell College ($62,109), Drake University ($61,947), and Wartburg College ($57,590).
As for prospective graduate psychology students, the average cost of tuition and fees for graduate programs varies widely based on the school and program chosen. Graduate tuition costs between $4,800 and $21,850 per year, with an average of $11,024. However, most graduate programs also require additional fees, such as application fees, technology fees, and library fees, which can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars. In-state graduate fees typically range from $30 to $1,633, with an average of $489.
The three most affordable graduate psychology schools in Iowa are Waldorf University ($4,835), Grand View University ($9,440), and Briar Cliff University ($10,530). Meanwhile, the three most expensive graduate programs are Wartburg College ($22,450), Saint Ambrose University ($18,640), and Cornell College ($15,050).
If you’re curious about how Iowa schools stack up against national averages, you can compare average total expenses in the table below. Note that these figures don’t take into account financial aid, grants, loans, or scholarships. If you’re interested in that information, you can find it in the sections below.
| Average Expenses for Psychology Schools | Iowa | U.S. |
| On Campus Room & Board | $10,100 | $11,729 |
| On-Campus Living Expenses | $2,990 | $3,474 |
| Total Living Expenses | $13,090 | $15,203 |
| Tuition for In-State, Undergraduate | $31,160 | $21,301 |
| Books and Supplies, Undergraduate | $1,134 | $1,254 |
| Total Undergraduate Expenses | $45,384 | $37,758 |
| In-State, Graduate Tuition | $11,024 | $14,479 |
| In-State, Graduate Fees | $489 | $1,155 |
| Total Graduate Expenses | $11,513 | $15,634 |
Cost to Attend, Financial Aid, Net Price in Iowa
Average Net Price
In Iowa, the cost to attend a college or university that offers psychology programs is a significant financial investment. The key term to know for college affordability is the net price.
The average net price for a college or university in Iowa that offers psychology programs is $18,535. This figure is calculated based on the most recent data provided by each institution to the US Department of Education.
Net price is determined by adding up the costs of tuition, room and board, living expenses, books, and supplies and then subtracting the average financial aid, such as grants, scholarships, and loans, received by federal financial aid recipients.
| Financial | Iowa | U.S. |
| Cost to Attend | $45,384 | $37,758 |
| Average Financial Aid | $16,282 | $13,984 |
| Percent Receiving Aid | 95% | 90% |
| Net Price | $18,535 | $17,524 |
Net Price by Family Income
Depending on the federal, state, or institutional grant aid available, the table below shows the average amount students pay to attend Iowa universities shown by family income bracket.
Students may pay more or less depending on their individual circumstances; however, these are the average costs as tracked by the university and reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
| Average Net Price by Income | 2020-2021 | 2021-2022 |
| $0 – $30,000 | $8,094 | $8,178 |
| $30,001 – $48,000 | $8,674 | $8,998 |
| $48,001 – $75,000 | $11,128 | $10,919 |
| $75,001 – $110,000 | $12,984 | $13,413 |
| $110,001 and more | $13,457 | $13,894 |
Additional Top Ranked Psychology Degree Programs in Iowa
Find information on each school’s ranking, number of graduates, net price, and graduation rate along with a link the school’s full 2024 report.
| Rank | School | # of Graduates | Net Price | Graduation |
| #11 | Saint Ambrose University | 139 | $24,844 | 64% |
| #12 | Wartburg College | 21 | $23,022 | 70% |
| #13 | Mount Mercy University | 65 | $25,345 | 60% |
| #14 | Grand View University | 49 | $20,434 | 50% |
| #15 | Morningside University | 24 | $23,222 | 54% |
| #16 | Clarke University | 49 | $25,414 | 54% |
| #17 | Upper Iowa University | 101 | $22,888 | 38% |
| #18 | Graceland University-Lamoni | 21 | $18,595 | 47% |
| #19 | Briar Cliff University | 38 | $21,734 | 56% |
| #20 | Waldorf University | 31 | $21,483 | 31% |
Psychology Salary Reports for Iowa
We use annual surveys of 100,000 psychologists to compile data on salary, employment projections, cost-of-living adjustments, comparisons to related professions, salary based on years of experience, and rankings by city.
- Industrial Organizational Psychologists
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
- Psychology Teachers
- Forensic Psychologists
- School Psychologists
- Health Care Social Workers
- Social Workers
- Substance Abuse Counselors
- Marriage and Family Therapists
in addition to school websites, our Career, Salary and Program Source Data Comes from
