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DEBUG: Checking offer "Criminology (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Criminology (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Criminology (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 1
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DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Criminal Justice - Criminology & Crime Analysis" with relevance 1
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2026 Best Value Criminology Schools in Iowa
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the criminology degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Criminology Schools
University Of Northern Iowa tops our 2026 list of the best value criminology schools in Iowa. Located in the city of Cedar Falls, University Of Northern Iowa is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Criminology graduates carry a median of $24,683 in student loans. Criminology graduates of University Of Northern Iowa earn a median of $43,914 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,683 median debt. University Of Northern Iowa admits about 93% of applicants.
University Of Iowa is a great value for students pursuing a degree in criminology, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Criminology graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Early-career criminology graduates make about $38,520. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes William Penn University one of the best values for criminology. Located in the town of Oskaloosa, William Penn University is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $29,750. Criminology graduates carry a median of $28,341 in student loans. Criminology graduates of William Penn University earn a median of $39,727 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 52%.
Upper Iowa University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value criminology schools. Set in the rural area of Fayette, Upper Iowa University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $19,475 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for criminology graduates is $43,447. Soon after graduation, criminology degree recipients from Upper Iowa University generally make around $43,170. Set against $43,447 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Upper Iowa University admits about 96% of applicants.
[Criminology](/majors/social-sciences/criminology/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
