2026 Best Value Social Work Schools in Iowa

1

University Of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA

University Of Northern Iowa earned the #1 spot for value among social work schools in Iowa. Set in the city of Cedar Falls, University Of Northern Iowa is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,936 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,712. Students borrow a median of $22,847 to complete the social work program here. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from University Of Northern Iowa generally make around $44,780. That is a strong return on a $22,847 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

2

Loras College
Dubuque, IA

Loras College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value social work schools. Set in the city of Dubuque, Loras College is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $39,824. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Loras College generally make around $43,117. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA

A rank of #3 makes University Of Iowa one of the best values for social work. Set in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Social Work graduates carry a median of $25,180 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from University Of Iowa generally make around $44,523. That is a strong return on a $25,180 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%.

4

Clarke University
Dubuque, IA

A rank of #4 makes Clarke University one of the best values for social work. Located in the city of Dubuque, Clarke University is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $40,910. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $26,895. Social Work graduates of Clarke University earn a median of $46,552 early in their careers. Set against $26,895 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Clarke University admits about 72% of applicants.

5

Briar Cliff University
Sioux City, IA

Briar Cliff University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in social work, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Sioux City, Briar Cliff University is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $35,642. Social Work graduates carry a median of $37,564 in student loans. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Briar Cliff University generally make around $42,935. Set against $37,564 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

6

Grand View University
Des Moines, IA

Grand View University came in at #6 for value in social work this year. Located in the city of Des Moines, Grand View University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,762. Students borrow a median of $25,837 to complete the social work program here. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Grand View University generally make around $40,736. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Grand View University admits about 99% of applicants.

7

Wartburg College
Waverly, IA

Wartburg College earned the #7 position for value in social work this year. Located in the town of Waverly, Wartburg College is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $26,250. Social Work graduates carry a median of $26,793 in student loans. Social Work graduates of Wartburg College earn a median of $46,918 early in their careers. Set against $26,793 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wartburg College admits about 76% of applicants.

8

Saint Ambrose University
Davenport, IA

Saint Ambrose University landed the #8 spot for social work value this year. Saint Ambrose University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Davenport. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,658. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $27,528. Early-career social work graduates make about $47,344. Set against $27,528 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Ambrose University admits about 77% of applicants.

9

Dordt College
Sioux Center, IA

Dordt College earned the #9 position for value in social work this year. Located in the town of Sioux Center, Dordt College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,050. Social Work graduates carry a median of $21,812 in student loans. Early-career social work graduates make about $54,926. Set against $21,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Dordt College admits about 68% of applicants.

10

Luther College
Decorah, IA

Luther College placed #10 among the best values for social work. Located in the town of Decorah, Luther College is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,120. Typical student debt for social work graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, social work degree recipients from Luther College generally make around $30,372. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.