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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Value Schools in Iowa

1 Colleges in the United States
$13,941 Avg Student Debt
$39,766 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Value Badge [Value](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/security-science-and-technology/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong value education at a price that pays off.

College Factual analyzed 8 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value value schools.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Value Schools in Iowa

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in value, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Value Schools

1

Leading the list is Western Iowa Tech Community College, our #1 best value for value in Iowa. Set in the city of Sioux City, Western Iowa Tech Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,186, compared with $5,330 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for value graduates is $11,886. Value graduates of Western Iowa Tech Community College earn a median of $35,742 early in their careers. Set against $11,886 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Eastern Iowa Community College District came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Eastern Iowa Community College District is a large public school located in the city of Davenport. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,848, while out-of-state students pay about $6,456. Typical student debt for value graduates is $15,995. Soon after graduation, value degree recipients from Eastern Iowa Community College District generally make around $41,510. Set against $15,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

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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 · 8 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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