Find Trade Colleges

Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Trade Schools in Iowa

2023 Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Trade Schools in Iowa

26 Schools Ranked
$32,706 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$22,038 Avg Student Debt

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which trade school program is right for you. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Trade College Search has developed this Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Trade Schools in Iowa ranking. This report analyzed 26 schools in Iowa to see which ones were the most popular bachelor's degree programs for trade school students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

Iowa State University

Ames, Iowa
6,795 Total Awards
$10,133 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,682 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Iowa State University the most popular school in Iowa for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. Iowa State is a public institution located in Ames, Iowa. The school has a large population, and it awarded 6,795 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $10,133 in tuition and fees if they attend Iowa State full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $26,617. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Iowa State accumulate an average of $20,682 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 45% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Iowa State. In 2020-2021 about 57% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Iowa State University Report

#2

Waldorf University

Forest City, Iowa
592 Total Awards
$24,526 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,767 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #2 on this year’s list means Waldorf University is a great place for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. Waldorf is a private for-profit institution located in Forest City, Iowa. The school has a small population, and it awarded 592 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Waldorf is $24,526. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Waldorf accumulate an average of $22,767 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 39% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Waldorf. In fact, around 69% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Waldorf University Report

#3

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, Iowa
2,246 Total Awards
$9,411 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,029 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means University of Northern Iowa is a great place for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. UNI is located in Cedar Falls, Iowa and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,246 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

Students from Iowa who attend UNI full time pay an average of $9,411 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $20,565. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $19,029 in student loans. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since UNI does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2020-2021 year, about 54% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full University of Northern Iowa Report

#4

University of Dubuque

Dubuque, Iowa
412 Total Awards
$38,526 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,525 Avg Student Debt

The excellent bachelor’s degree programs at University of Dubuque helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in Iowa. Located in Dubuque, Iowa, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 412 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend UD, expect to pay an average of $38,526 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $24,525 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 52% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at UD. During the 2020-2021 year, about 13% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full University of Dubuque Report

#5

University of Iowa

Iowa City, Iowa
5,533 Total Awards
$10,353 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,787 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend University of Iowa. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in Iowa list. Iowa City, Iowa is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 5,533 students in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Iowa is $10,353. Out-of-state students pay an average of $32,316. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,787 in student loans. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that Iowa does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 62% took at least some of their classes online.

Full University of Iowa Report

#6

Upper Iowa University

Fayette, Iowa
1,004 Total Awards
$33,639 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,492 Avg Student Debt

Upper Iowa University landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree trade school programs. Located in Fayette, Iowa, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 1,004 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $33,639 to cover tuition and fees at UIU. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from UIU accumulate an average of $26,492 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at UIU. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 73% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Upper Iowa University Report

#7

Hamilton Technical College

Davenport, Iowa
18 Total Awards
$15,600 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #7, Hamilton Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. Hamilton Technical College is a very small private for-profit school situated in Davenport, Iowa. It awarded 18 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Hamilton Technical College is $15,600. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Around 11% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Hamilton Technical College. In 2020-2021 about 96% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Hamilton Technical College

#7

Drake University

Des Moines, Iowa
813 Total Awards
$47,742 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,419 Avg Student Debt

Drake University ranked #7 on this year’s Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in Iowa list. Drake is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Des Moines, Iowa. It awarded 813 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend Drake, expect to pay an average of $47,742 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Drake accumulate an average of $19,419 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Drake. In fact, around 46% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Drake University Report

#9

Allen College

Waterloo, Iowa
148 Total Awards
$20,008 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,496 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #9, Allen College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. Allen College is a private not-for-profit institution located in Waterloo, Iowa. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 148 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Allen College does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $20,008. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,496 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 93% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Allen College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 85% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

281 Total Awards
$31,970 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,242 Avg Student Debt

Graceland University - Lamoni did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #10 on the list. Graceland Lamoni is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Lamoni, Iowa. It awarded 281 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Graceland Lamoni does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $31,970. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,242 in student loans. Around 69% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Graceland Lamoni. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 4% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Graceland University - Lamoni

#11

Mount Mercy University

Cedar Rapids, Iowa
438 Total Awards
$37,606 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,821 Avg Student Debt

Mount Mercy University landed the #11 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree trade school programs. Mount Mercy is located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 438 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

If you want to attend Mount Mercy, expect to pay an average of $37,606 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $21,821 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

Mount Mercy does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In fact, around 25% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#12

Luther College

Decorah, Iowa
499 Total Awards
$48,160 Average Tuition & Fees

Luther College landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree trade school programs. Luther is a private not-for-profit institution located in Decorah, Iowa. The school has a small population, and it awarded 499 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $48,160 to cover tuition and fees at Luther. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Luther. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 8% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Luther College

#12

Simpson College

Indianola, Iowa
388 Total Awards
$45,108 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,835 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #12, Simpson College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. Simpson College is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Indianola, Iowa. It awarded 388 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $45,108 to cover tuition and fees at Simpson College. The school does not offer an in-state discount. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $22,835 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Simpson College. In fact, around 26% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#14

Clarke University

Dubuque, Iowa
189 Total Awards
$38,060 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,471 Avg Student Debt

Clarke University came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in Iowa ranking. Clarke is a private not-for-profit institution located in Dubuque, Iowa. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 189 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

If you want to attend Clarke, expect to pay an average of $38,060 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,471 in student loans. Around 54% of those degree recipients were women.

Online courses are available at Clarke, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 67% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Clarke University

#15

William Penn University

Oskaloosa, Iowa
223 Total Awards
$23,933 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #15, William Penn University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Oskaloosa, Iowa, and it awarded 223 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Bachelor’s Degree recipients from William Penn University accumulate an average of $23,933 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at William Penn University. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 34% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on William Penn University

#16

Central College

Pella, Iowa
259 Total Awards

Central College ranked #16 on this year’s Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in Iowa list. Central is located in Pella, Iowa and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 259 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

Of those students who received their degree, 47% were women.

Read full report on Central College

#16

Mercy College of Health Sciences

Des Moines, Iowa
274 Total Awards
$19,664 Avg Student Debt

Mercy College of Health Sciences ranked #16 on this year’s Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in Iowa list. Mercy College of Health Sciences is located in Des Moines, Iowa and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 274 bachelor’s degrees to qualified students.

On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $19,664 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 86% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Mercy College of Health Sciences does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2020-2021 year, about 81% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Mercy College of Health Sciences Report

#18

Northwestern College

Orange City, Iowa
259 Total Awards
$34,250 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,468 Avg Student Debt

Northwestern College landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree trade school programs. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Orange City, Iowa, and it awarded 259 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

NWC does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $34,250. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from NWC accumulate an average of $19,468 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at NWC. During the 2020-2021 year, about 23% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Northwestern College Report

#18

Coe College

Cedar Rapids, Iowa
434 Total Awards
$50,664 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #18, Coe College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 434 bachelor’s degree awards in 2021-2022.

Coe does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $50,664. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Read More…

#20

Briar Cliff University

Sioux City, Iowa
183 Total Awards
$34,095 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,760 Avg Student Debt

Briar Cliff University landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree trade school programs. Briar Cliff University is a very small private not-for-profit school located in Sioux City, Iowa that handed out 183 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

Briar Cliff does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $34,095. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,760 in student loans. Around 49% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Briar Cliff. In fact, around 31% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Briar Cliff University Report

#21

Wartburg College

Waverly, Iowa
398 Total Awards
$49,190 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,607 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #21, Wartburg College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working on their bachelor’s degree. Located in Waverly, Iowa, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 398 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Wartburg is $49,190. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Wartburg accumulate an average of $23,607 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

Wartburg does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 23% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Wartburg College Report

#21

Morningside College

Sioux City, Iowa
294 Total Awards
$36,610 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,887 Avg Student Debt

Morningside College came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in Iowa ranking. Located in Sioux City, Iowa, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 294 bachelor’s degree awards in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Morningside is $36,610. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,887 in student loans. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Morningside does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 5% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#21

Dordt University

Sioux Center, Iowa
344 Total Awards
$34,600 Average Tuition & Fees

Dordt University landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree trade school programs. Dordt University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Sioux Center, Iowa that handed out 344 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Dordt is $34,600. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Around 52% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Dordt does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 28% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#24

Loras College

Dubuque, Iowa
362 Total Awards
$36,570 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,793 Avg Student Debt

Loras College came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Bachelor’s Degree Trade Schools in Iowa ranking. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Dubuque, Iowa, and it awarded 362 bachelor’s degrees in 2021-2022.

The average tuition and fees at Loras is $36,570. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $22,793 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 47% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Loras. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 11% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Loras College Report

#24

Buena Vista University

Storm Lake, Iowa
527 Total Awards
$22,120 Avg Student Debt

Buena Vista University landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular bachelor’s degree trade school programs. Located in Storm Lake, Iowa, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 527 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,120 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 69% were women.

Online courses are available at BVU, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 49% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

Most Popular Trade School Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Plains States Region

View Most Popular Trade School Bachelor’s Degree Schools Nationwide >

Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • 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).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Find Trade Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited trade schools across the U.S.