2026 Best Value Value Schools in Iowa
[Value](/majors/agriculture-ag-operations/veterinary-animal-health-technologies/veterinary-animal-health-technology-technician-and-veterinary-assistant/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 7 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for value students.
What’s on this page:
2026 Best Value Value Schools in Iowa
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the value degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Value Schools
Western Iowa Tech Community College earned the #1 spot for value among value schools in Iowa. Set in the city of Sioux City, Western Iowa Tech Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,186 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,330. Value graduates carry a median of $11,886 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Western Iowa Tech Community College generally make around $26,355. Set against $11,886 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Kirkwood Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Cedar Rapids, Kirkwood Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,176, while out-of-state students pay about $8,220. Value graduates carry a median of $15,779 in student loans. Value graduates of Kirkwood Community College earn a median of $41,681 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,779 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Eastern Iowa Community College District, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Davenport, Eastern Iowa Community College District is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,848, with out-of-state students paying around $6,456. Typical student debt for value graduates is $11,484. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Eastern Iowa Community College District generally make around $31,017. Set against $11,484 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in value will find it at Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar, which ranked #4. Located in the rural area of Calmar, Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,780, while out-of-state students pay about $7,770. Typical student debt for value graduates is $14,348. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar generally make around $39,833. Set against $14,348 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Iowa Lakes Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #5 spot this year. Iowa Lakes Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Estherville. In-state tuition and fees average $7,392, compared with $7,872 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,876 to complete the value program here. Early-career value graduates make about $46,937. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Des Moines Area Community College placed #6 among the best values for value. Located in the suburb of Ankeny, Des Moines Area Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,790, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. Students borrow a median of $16,252 to complete the value program here. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Des Moines Area Community College generally make around $38,962. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Iowa Western Community College earned the #7 position for value in value this year. Located in the suburb of Council Bluffs, Iowa Western Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $6,930 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,080. Value graduates carry a median of $15,153 in student loans. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Iowa Western Community College generally make around $43,444. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
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Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
