Best Value BSW Colleges in Iowa 2026

Loras College comes in at #144 on our 2026 best value BSW list. The value proposition is more modest here, but cost isn't everything — location and program fit matter too.

At $21,631 net cost, this isn't the most affordable option. Make sure the program's other strengths justify the price. With average aid of $28,835, the school clearly prioritizes making education accessible. The borrowing rate of 58.0% is moderate — you may need loans, but you won't be alone in that.

At #167 for value, University of Iowa's BSW program isn't the most budget-friendly option. Still, it's worth checking if other factors like fieldwork placements or campus resources tip the scale.

The net price of $21,765 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $9,865 per student. The borrowing rate of 42.0% is moderate — you may need loans, but you won't be alone in that.

Buena Vista University comes in at #175 on our 2026 best value BSW list. The value proposition is more modest here, but cost isn't everything — location and program fit matter too.

After aid, students still pay around $19,704 per year — more than many comparable programs. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $34,397 per student. A significant 67.0% of students borrow to attend, which is worth considering as you plan your finances.

At #229 for value, Dordt University's BSW program isn't the most budget-friendly option. Still, it's worth checking if other factors like fieldwork placements or campus resources tip the scale.

The net price of $28,486 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $23,277 per student. About 41.0% of students borrow to fund their education, which is typical for programs in this price range.

Briar Cliff University ranks #254 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.

After aid, students still pay around $23,263 per year — more than many comparable programs. With average aid of $28,425, the school clearly prioritizes making education accessible. About 48.0% of students borrow to fund their education, which is typical for programs in this price range.

At #272 for value, Mount Mercy University's BSW program isn't the most budget-friendly option. Still, it's worth checking if other factors like fieldwork placements or campus resources tip the scale.

At $24,347 net cost, this isn't the most affordable option. Make sure the program's other strengths justify the price. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $30,735 per student. About 53.0% of students borrow to fund their education, which is typical for programs in this price range.

Northwestern College comes in at #342 on our 2026 best value BSW list. The value proposition is more modest here, but cost isn't everything — location and program fit matter too.

After aid, students still pay around $26,347 per year — more than many comparable programs. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $23,537 per student. Around 56.0% of students take out loans here, putting the borrowing rate in the middle of the pack.

At #352 for value, Saint Ambrose University's BSW program isn't the most budget-friendly option. Still, it's worth checking if other factors like fieldwork placements or campus resources tip the scale.

At $25,345 net cost, this isn't the most affordable option. Make sure the program's other strengths justify the price. With average aid of $25,877, the school clearly prioritizes making education accessible. The borrowing rate of 64.0% is high — factor potential loan payments into your post-graduation plans.

Wartburg College comes in at #355 on our 2026 best value BSW list. The value proposition is more modest here, but cost isn't everything — location and program fit matter too.

At $24,031 net cost, this isn't the most affordable option. Make sure the program's other strengths justify the price. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $40,336 per student. With 67.0% of students taking out loans, debt is a common part of the experience here.

At #363 for value, Luther College's BSW program isn't the most budget-friendly option. Still, it's worth checking if other factors like fieldwork placements or campus resources tip the scale.

After aid, students still pay around $24,511 per year — more than many comparable programs. Luther College provides an average of $40,917 in aid per student — well above what most programs offer. With 65.0% of students taking out loans, debt is a common part of the experience here.

At #387 for value, University of Northern Iowa's BSW program isn't the most budget-friendly option. Still, it's worth checking if other factors like fieldwork placements or campus resources tip the scale.

After aid, students still pay around $16,437 per year — more than many comparable programs. Students receive an average of $5,865 in aid — a meaningful contribution toward total costs. The borrowing rate of 46.0% is moderate — you may need loans, but you won't be alone in that.

At #418 for value, Grand View University's BSW program isn't the most budget-friendly option. Still, it's worth checking if other factors like fieldwork placements or campus resources tip the scale.

The net price of $22,319 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. Grand View University provides an average of $26,330 in aid per student — well above what most programs offer. A significant 72.0% of students borrow to attend, which is worth considering as you plan your finances.

Clarke University comes in at #505 on our 2026 best value BSW list. The value proposition is more modest here, but cost isn't everything — location and program fit matter too.

After aid, students still pay around $26,725 per year — more than many comparable programs. With average aid of $28,884, the school clearly prioritizes making education accessible. With 74.0% of students taking out loans, debt is a common part of the experience here.