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2026 Best Value Trade Schools in Iowa
Looking for the best-value Trade degree programs in Iowa? Our ranking highlights 75 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Trade College evaluated 26 schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Trade Degree Schools in Iowa
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is Western Iowa Tech Community College, our #1 best-value Trade school in Iowa. Set in Sioux City, IA, Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,186, with out-of-state students paying around $5,330. The median Trade program debt is $11,886. Median earnings reach $40,473 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,886 median debt. Get the full Western Iowa Tech Community College report
Northwest Iowa Community College came in at #2 on this year's best-value Trade ranking in Iowa. Set in Sheldon, IA, Northwest Iowa Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,350, compared with $7,650 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $12,271. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,776. Set against $12,271 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Northwest Iowa Community College report
Des Moines Area Community College came in at #3 on this year's best-value Trade ranking in Iowa. Based in Ankeny, IA, Des Moines Area Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,790, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. Students borrow a median of $14,956 to complete their Trade program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,018. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Des Moines Area Community College
Indian Hills Community College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Trade ranking in Iowa. Indian Hills Community College is a public school based in Ottumwa, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $6,120. Graduates carry a median of $15,390 in student loans. Indian Hills Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,507 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,390 median debt. Read more about Indian Hills Community College
A rank of #5 makes Eastern Iowa Community College District one of the best values in Iowa. Based in Davenport, IA, Eastern Iowa Community College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,848, while out-of-state students pay about $6,456. Eastern Iowa Community College District Trade students take on a median of $15,995 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,060 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,995 median debt. Read the full report on Eastern Iowa Community College District
Hawkeye Community College landed the #6 spot for value in Iowa this year. Based in Waterloo, IA, Hawkeye Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,525 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,612. Typical Trade student debt is $17,001. Median earnings reach $42,849 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,001 median debt. Read more about Hawkeye Community College
Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar landed the #7 spot for value in Iowa this year. Set in Calmar, IA, Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,780 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,770. The median Trade program debt is $14,348. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,306. Set against $14,348 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar report
North Iowa Area Community College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Based in Mason City, IA, North Iowa Area Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,653 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,551. North Iowa Area Community College Trade students take on a median of $12,043 in debt. North Iowa Area Community College alumni report median earnings of $43,462 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on North Iowa Area Community College
Kirkwood Community College placed #8 among the best-value Trade schools in Iowa. Located in Cedar Rapids, IA, Kirkwood Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,176, while out-of-state students pay about $8,220. Kirkwood Community College Trade students take on a median of $15,779 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,016. That is a strong return on a $15,779 median debt. See the full Kirkwood Community College profile
Marshalltown Community College placed #10 among the best-value Trade schools in Iowa. Located in Marshalltown, IA, Marshalltown Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,496, with out-of-state students paying around $6,504. Students borrow a median of $11,577 to complete their Trade program here. Marshalltown Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,010 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Marshalltown Community College profile
Southeastern Community College West Burlington landed the #11 spot for value in Iowa this year. This public school is set in West Burlington, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $6,420, while out-of-state students pay about $6,570. Southeastern Community College West Burlington Trade students take on a median of $16,126 in debt. Median earnings reach $36,882 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,126 median debt. Read more about Southeastern Community College West Burlington
Iowa State University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Typical Trade student debt is $23,495. Iowa State University alumni report median earnings of $63,386 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,495 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Iowa State University
Iowa Central Community College came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Fort Dodge, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,496, while out-of-state students pay about $7,788. The median Trade program debt is $16,135. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,046 ten years after entry. Set against $16,135 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Iowa Central Community College
University Of Northern Iowa ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This public school is set in Cedar Falls, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Typical Trade student debt is $22,635. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,177. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Northern Iowa report
Iowa Western Community College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Located in Council Bluffs, IA, Iowa Western Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,930, while out-of-state students pay about $7,080. The median Trade program debt is $15,153. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,793. Set against $15,153 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Iowa Western Community College
University Of Iowa ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. University Of Iowa is a public school based in Iowa City, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,463 in student loans. University Of Iowa alumni report median earnings of $64,762 a decade after entry. Set against $24,463 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Iowa admits about 84% of applicants. Get the full University Of Iowa report
Waldorf College offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This private for-profit school is set in Forest City, IA. Students from in state pay about $25,978 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $24,622 in student loans. Waldorf College alumni report median earnings of $51,165 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Waldorf College admits about 77% of applicants. More on Waldorf College
Iowa Lakes Community College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Located in Estherville, IA, Iowa Lakes Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,392, while out-of-state students pay about $7,872. Graduates carry a median of $20,876 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,108. Set against $20,876 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Iowa Lakes Community College
Northwestern College Iowa came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Northwestern College Iowa is a private not-for-profit school based in Orange City, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,710. Typical Trade student debt is $25,415. Median earnings reach $49,802 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,415 median debt. Northwestern College Iowa has an acceptance rate of 80%. See the full Northwestern College Iowa profile
Upper Iowa University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Based in Fayette, IA, Upper Iowa University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $19,475. The median Trade program debt is $34,059. Upper Iowa University alumni report median earnings of $52,766 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Upper Iowa University admits about 96% of applicants. More on Upper Iowa University
Graceland University Lamoni ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Set in Lamoni, IA, Graceland University Lamoni is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $19,848. Graceland University Lamoni Trade students take on a median of $27,509 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,361 ten years after entry. Set against $27,509 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. More on Graceland University Lamoni
Luther College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Based in Decorah, IA, Luther College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,120. Graduates carry a median of $26,967 in student loans. Luther College alumni report median earnings of $59,850 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Luther College profile
Mount Mercy University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cedar Rapids, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,878. Mount Mercy University Trade students take on a median of $27,709 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,787 ten years after entry. Set against $27,709 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. Get the full Mount Mercy University report
University Of Dubuque landed the #24 spot for value in Iowa this year. Located in Dubuque, IA, University Of Dubuque is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $42,095 in tuition and fees. Typical Trade student debt is $27,204. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,190. That is a strong return on a $27,204 median debt. University Of Dubuque admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full University Of Dubuque report
Clarke University placed #25 among the best-value Trade schools in Iowa. Located in Dubuque, IA, Clarke University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,910. The median Trade program debt is $26,895. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,396. Set against $26,895 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Clarke University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Trade Degree Schools in Iowa
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Brown Mackie College Quad Cities ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Located in Davenport, IA, Brown Mackie College Quad Cities is a private for-profit institution. Students borrow a median of $11,536 to complete their Trade program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $29,898. That is a strong return on a $11,536 median debt. Read more about Brown Mackie College Quad Cities
Palmer College Of Chiropractic Davenport offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. See the full Palmer College Of Chiropractic Davenport profile
Briar Cliff University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. See the full Briar Cliff University profile
Capri College Dubuque came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Capri College Dubuque
Iowa School Of Beauty Des Moines offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. More on Iowa School Of Beauty Des Moines
Saint Ambrose University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Saint Ambrose University report
Mercy College Of Health Sciences offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. See the full Mercy College Of Health Sciences profile
Carlson College Of Massage Therapy ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Get the full Carlson College Of Massage Therapy report
Ellsworth Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Read the full report on Ellsworth Community College
Central College
Central College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Read the full report on Central College
La James International College Ft Dodge placed #36 among the best-value Trade schools in Iowa. Get the full La James International College Ft Dodge report
Grand View University placed #37 among the best-value Trade schools in Iowa. Read the full report on Grand View University
Pci Academy Ames
Pci Academy Ames ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Get the full Pci Academy Ames report
Buena Vista University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Read the full report on Buena Vista University
Faust Institute Of Cosmetology Spirit Lake landed the #40 spot for value in Iowa this year. Get the full Faust Institute Of Cosmetology Spirit Lake report
Divine Word College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. See the full Divine Word College profile
Drake University
Drake University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Drake University report
La James College Of Hairstyling And Cosmetology ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Read more about La James College Of Hairstyling And Cosmetology
La James International College Davenport ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Get the full La James International College Davenport report
Loras College
Loras College came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Loras College report
William Penn University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. More on William Penn University
Coe College
Coe College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Trade schools. Read the full report on Coe College
Capri College Cedar Rapids landed the #48 spot for value in Iowa this year. More on Capri College Cedar Rapids
Hamilton Technical College placed #49 among the best-value Trade schools in Iowa. Get the full Hamilton Technical College report
Cornell College
Cornell College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. More on Cornell College
More Trade Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Trade College (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 26 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 75 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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