Best Value BSW Colleges in Iowa 2026

11 ranked BSW programs in Iowa

How we rank these colleges →

All 11 Ranked Colleges in Iowa

1
University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA · Public · 30,779 students

National #53
57.1 / 100
$20,121
Net Price
$9,512
Avg. Aid
63.7%
Completion Rate

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.

2
North Iowa Area Community College

Mason City, IA · Public · 2,662 students

National #74
55.1 / 100
$8,091
Net Price
$6,409
Avg. Aid
35.3%
Completion Rate

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.

3
Indian Hills Community College

Ottumwa, IA · Public · 3,184 students

National #106
51.5 / 100
$7,529
Net Price
$7,025
Avg. Aid
35.6%
Completion Rate

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.

4
Kirkwood Community College

Cedar Rapids, IA · Public · 12,763 students

National #114
49.1 / 100
$8,499
Net Price
$6,421
Avg. Aid
28.3%
Completion Rate

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.

5
Western Iowa Tech Community College

Sioux City, IA · Public · 5,482 students

National #134
45.6 / 100
$9,064
Net Price
$4,734
Avg. Aid
47.1%
Completion Rate

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.

6
Northeast Iowa Community College

Calmar, IA · Public · 4,808 students

National #140
44.3 / 100
$9,523
Net Price
$5,840
Avg. Aid
37.9%
Completion Rate

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.

7
Eastern Iowa Community College District

Davenport, IA · Public · 7,426 students

National #146
43.6 / 100
$8,351
Net Price
$5,136
Avg. Aid
35.5%
Completion Rate

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.

8
Ellsworth Community College

Iowa Falls, IA · Public · 685 students

National #167
38.4 / 100
$10,219
Net Price
$6,680
Avg. Aid
32.7%
Completion Rate

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.

9
Iowa Central Community College

Fort Dodge, IA · Public · 4,949 students

National #180
35 / 100
$10,037
Net Price
$5,871
Avg. Aid
35.7%
Completion Rate

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.

10
Iowa Western Community College

Council Bluffs, IA · Public · 5,540 students

National #184
34.5 / 100
$11,552
Net Price
$5,812
Avg. Aid
28.3%
Completion Rate

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.

11
Hawkeye Community College

Waterloo, IA · Public · 5,120 students

National #188
33.3 / 100
$9,308
Net Price
$6,197
Avg. Aid
23.1%
Completion Rate

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.