Best Value BSW Colleges in Iowa 2026
11 ranked BSW programs in Iowa
All 11 Ranked Colleges in Iowa
At #53 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 $20,121 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 $9,512 per student. The borrowing rate of 42.0% is moderate — you may need loans, but you won't be alone in that.
At #74 for value, North Iowa Area Community 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.
The net price of $8,091 is moderate. Combined with financial aid, the total cost stays manageable. Students receive an average of $6,409 in aid — a meaningful contribution toward total costs. With just 21.0% of students borrowing, the loan burden here is lighter than at most schools.
At #106 for value, Indian Hills Community 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.
Expect to pay around $7,529 per year after aid, which is in line with the average for BSW programs. Financial aid averages $7,025 per student, which helps offset the sticker price. A loan rate of 19.0% means fewer graduates start their social work careers weighed down by debt.
At #114 for value, Kirkwood Community 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.
The net price of $8,499 is moderate. Combined with financial aid, the total cost stays manageable. Financial aid averages $6,421 per student, which helps offset the sticker price. A loan rate of 21.0% means fewer graduates start their social work careers weighed down by debt.
Western Iowa Tech Community College ranks #134 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.
The net price of $9,064 is moderate. Combined with financial aid, the total cost stays manageable. The school provides $4,734 in average aid, putting it in a reasonable range for BSW programs. A loan rate of 17.0% means fewer graduates start their social work careers weighed down by debt.
Northeast Iowa Community College ranks #140 on our value list for 2026. While more expensive relative to outcomes, the right student may find what they're looking for here.
The net price of $9,523 is moderate. Combined with financial aid, the total cost stays manageable. The school provides $5,840 in average aid, putting it in a reasonable range for BSW programs. With just 16.0% of students borrowing, the loan burden here is lighter than at most schools.
At #146 for value, Eastern Iowa Community College District'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.
Expect to pay around $8,351 per year after aid, which is in line with the average for BSW programs. The school provides $5,136 in average aid, putting it in a reasonable range for BSW programs. With just 17.0% of students borrowing, the loan burden here is lighter than at most schools.
At #167 for value, Ellsworth Community 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 financial aid, students pay an average of $10,219 per year — a reasonable cost for a BSW degree. Financial aid averages $6,680 per student, which helps offset the sticker price. Around 37.0% of students take out loans here, putting the borrowing rate in the middle of the pack.
Iowa Central Community College comes in at #180 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.
Expect to pay around $10,037 per year after aid, which is in line with the average for BSW programs. The school provides $5,871 in average aid, putting it in a reasonable range for BSW programs. About 32.0% of students borrow to fund their education, which is typical for programs in this price range.
At #184 for value, Iowa Western Community 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.
Expect to pay around $11,552 per year after aid, which is in line with the average for BSW programs. Financial aid averages $5,812 per student, which helps offset the sticker price. With just 25.0% of students borrowing, the loan burden here is lighter than at most schools.
Hawkeye Community College comes in at #188 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 financial aid, students pay an average of $9,308 per year — a reasonable cost for a BSW degree. Students receive an average of $6,197 in aid — a meaningful contribution toward total costs. Only 24.0% of students take out loans, suggesting most can manage costs without heavy borrowing.