Most Affordable BSW Colleges in Iowa 2026

13 ranked BSW programs in Iowa

How we rank these colleges → | All BSW programs in Iowa →

All 13 Ranked Colleges in Iowa

1
University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA · Public · 9,278 students

National #268
52.5 / 100
$16,437
Net Price
$8,396
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)
$5,865
Avg. Aid

The net price of $16,437 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. In-state tuition sits at $8,396 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. The school provides $5,865 in average aid, putting it in a reasonable range for BSW programs. The 55.3% completion rate at University of Northern Iowa is impressive — a clear sign that enrolled students are reaching the finish line.

2
Buena Vista University

Storm Lake, IA · Private · 1,890 students

National #328
48 / 100
$19,704
Net Price
$40,190
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)
$34,397
Avg. Aid

After aid, students still pay around $19,704 per year — more than many comparable programs. Tuition runs $40,190 per year, which is higher than many comparable programs. Financial aid can help offset the cost. Buena Vista University provides an average of $34,397 in aid per student — well above what most programs offer. With 61.8% of students completing their program, Buena Vista University delivers results that many schools can't match.

3
University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA · Public · 30,779 students

National #346
46.8 / 100
$21,765
Net Price
$9,016
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)
$9,865
Avg. Aid

After aid, students still pay around $21,765 per year — more than many comparable programs. In-state tuition sits at $9,016 per year, keeping costs manageable for most students. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $9,865 per student. The 63.7% completion rate at University of Iowa is impressive — a clear sign that enrolled students are reaching the finish line.

4
Loras College

Dubuque, IA · Private · 1,189 students

National #387
43.3 / 100
$21,631
Net Price
$36,454
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)
$28,835
Avg. Aid

At $21,631 net cost, this isn't the most affordable option. Make sure the program's other strengths justify the price. At $36,454 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. With average aid of $28,835, the school clearly prioritizes making education accessible. You'll also find a strong 59.3% completion rate, well above average, suggesting students here tend to finish what they start.

5
Grand View University

Des Moines, IA · Private · 1,856 students

National #395
42.5 / 100
$22,319
Net Price
$32,800
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)
$26,330
Avg. Aid

After aid, students still pay around $22,319 per year — more than many comparable programs. At $32,800 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $26,330 per student. The 56.8% completion rate at Grand View University is impressive — a clear sign that enrolled students are reaching the finish line.

6
Briar Cliff University

Sioux City, IA · Private · 947 students

National #408
41.7 / 100
$23,263
Net Price
$33,369
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)
$28,425
Avg. Aid

At $23,263 net cost, this isn't the most affordable option. Make sure the program's other strengths justify the price. At $33,369 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $28,425 per student. The 59.8% completion rate at Briar Cliff University is impressive — a clear sign that enrolled students are reaching the finish line.

7
Saint Ambrose University

Davenport, IA · Private · 2,498 students

National #481
35.7 / 100
$25,345
Net Price
$35,318
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)
$25,877
Avg. Aid

At $25,345 net cost, this isn't the most affordable option. Make sure the program's other strengths justify the price. In-state tuition of $35,318 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $25,877 per student. With 56.7% of students completing their program, Saint Ambrose University delivers results that many schools can't match.

8
Mount Mercy University

Cedar Rapids, IA · Private · 1,417 students

National #482
35.6 / 100
$24,347
Net Price
$38,070
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)
$30,735
Avg. Aid

The net price of $24,347 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. At $38,070 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. With average aid of $30,735, the school clearly prioritizes making education accessible. With 52.4% of students completing their program, Mount Mercy University delivers results that many schools can't match.

9
Northwestern College

Orange City, IA · Private · 1,705 students

National #507
34 / 100
$26,347
Net Price
$35,000
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)
$23,537
Avg. Aid

The net price of $26,347 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. Tuition runs $35,000 per year, which is higher than many comparable programs. Financial aid can help offset the cost. Northwestern College provides an average of $23,537 in aid per student — well above what most programs offer. You'll also find a strong 57.2% completion rate, well above average, suggesting students here tend to finish what they start.

10
Wartburg College

Waverly, IA · Private · 1,483 students

National #517
32.9 / 100
$24,031
Net Price
$48,490
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)
$40,336
Avg. Aid

The net price of $24,031 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. At $48,490 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. With average aid of $40,336, the school clearly prioritizes making education accessible. At 48.2% completion, the school is in line with the average — most students who commit will finish.

11
Clarke University

Dubuque, IA · Private · 962 students

National #546
30.7 / 100
$26,725
Net Price
$38,400
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)
$28,884
Avg. Aid

At $26,725 net cost, this isn't the most affordable option. Make sure the program's other strengths justify the price. At $38,400 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. Clarke University provides an average of $28,884 in aid per student — well above what most programs offer. You'll also find a strong 51.4% completion rate, well above average, suggesting students here tend to finish what they start.

12
Luther College

Decorah, IA · Private · 1,384 students

National #548
30.4 / 100
$24,511
Net Price
$49,650
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)
$40,917
Avg. Aid

The net price of $24,511 per year is on the higher side, even after financial aid. You'll want to explore additional scholarship opportunities. At $49,650 per year, tuition is above average — make sure to explore scholarship and aid options. Luther College provides an average of $40,917 in aid per student — well above what most programs offer. The completion rate of 44.5% is respectable, showing that a solid share of students follow through to graduation.

13
Dordt University

Sioux Center, IA · Private · 1,952 students

National #587
26.2 / 100
$28,486
Net Price
$35,360
In-State Tuition (excl. fees)
$23,277
Avg. Aid

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. In-state tuition of $35,360 per year puts this on the pricier side, so you'll want to factor in financial aid availability. The school is generous with financial aid, averaging $23,277 per student. At 46.3% completion, the school is in line with the average — most students who commit will finish.