Top 3 Cloud Computing Programs in Iowa 2025
Iowa State University
174 cloud computing graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
William Penn University
5 cloud computing graduates annually, 95% graduation rate
Buena Vista University
4 cloud computing graduates annually, 94% graduation rate
- 1.Iowa offers 18+ accredited cloud computing programs across public and private universities
- 2.Iowa State University leads with 99% graduation rate
- 3.Iowa software developers earn median $89,450 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City
- 5.Cost of living index: 90.1% of US average (below average)
Cloud Computing Education in Iowa: Overview
Iowa offers 18 accredited cloud computing programs, producing approximately 318 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, with major employers including Principal Financial, Wellmark, Rockwell Collins.
With a median software developer salary of $89,450 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 90.1% compared to the US average, Iowa offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers.
The top cloud computing programs in the state are led by Iowa State University, William Penn University, Buena Vista University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Iowa Cloud Computing Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iowa State University | Ames, IA | Public | $8,982 | 99% | 78.1 |
| 2 | William Penn University | Oskaloosa, IA | Private | $28,750 | 95% | 50.4 |
| 3 | Buena Vista University | Storm Lake, IA | Private | $40,190 | 94% | 46.6 |
| 4 | Luther College | Decorah, IA | Private | $49,650 | — | 42.3 |
| 5 | Saint Ambrose University | Davenport, IA | Private | $35,318 | — | 35.5 |
| 6 | Des Moines Area Community College | Ankeny, IA | Public | $5,550 | — | 31.8 |
| 7 | Central College | Pella, IA | Private | $20,988 | — | 31.6 |
| 8 | Hawkeye Community College | Waterloo, IA | Public | $6,119 | — | 31.3 |
| 9 | Indian Hills Community College | Ottumwa, IA | Public | $4,872 | — | 31.3 |
| 10 | Western Iowa Tech Community College | Sioux City, IA | Public | $4,152 | — | 31.3 |
| 11 | Kirkwood Community College | Cedar Rapids, IA | Public | $5,880 | — | 31 |
| 12 | Iowa Central Community College | Fort Dodge, IA | Public | $4,800 | — | 30.5 |
| 13 | Iowa Western Community College | Council Bluffs, IA | Public | $6,270 | — | 29.6 |
| 14 | Eastern Iowa Community College District | Davenport, IA | Public | $4,680 | — | 28.5 |
| 15 | Southeastern Community College | West Burlington, IA | Public | $6,240 | — | 28.1 |
| 16 | Southwestern Community College | Creston, IA | Public | $6,120 | — | 28.1 |
| 17 | Marshalltown Community College | Marshalltown, IA | Public | $4,680 | — | 27.6 |
| 18 | Northeast Iowa Community College | Calmar, IA | Public | $5,850 | — | 27.6 |
Top 5 Cloud Computing Programs in Iowa: Side-by-Side
| School | Iowa State | William Penn | Buena Vista | Luther College | Saint Ambrose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $8,982 | $28,750 | $40,190 | $49,650 | $35,318 |
| Graduation Rate | 99% | 95% | 94% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 174 | 5 | 4 | 21 | 4 |
| Acceptance Rate | 89% | 57% | 72% | 73% | 73% |
| Type | Public | Private | Private | Private | Private |
| Score | 78.1/100 | 50.4/100 | 46.6/100 | 42.3/100 | 35.5/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Cloud Computing in Iowa
Iowa offers 6 bachelor's-level cloud computing programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Iowa State University, William Penn University, Buena Vista University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $62,615 in the Iowa market.
A bachelor's in cloud computing typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Cloud Computing Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Cloud Computing Bachelor's Programs in Iowa
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Iowa State | $8,982 | 99% | 174 | 78.1 |
| #2 William Penn | $28,750 | 95% | 5 | 50.4 |
| #3 Buena Vista | $40,190 | 94% | 4 | 46.6 |
Top Cloud Computing Schools for Master's Degrees in Iowa
For graduate study, Iowa offers 2 master's-level cloud computing programs. Leading institutions include Iowa State University, Saint Ambrose University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Iowa reaching $116,285 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best cloud computing master's programs for more options beyond Iowa.
Top 3 Cloud Computing Master's Programs in Iowa
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Iowa State | $8,982 | 99% | 123 | 78.1 |
| #2 Saint Ambrose | $35,318 | N/A% | 4 | 35.5 |
Most Affordable Cloud Computing Colleges in Iowa
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable cloud computing programs in Iowa are at Western Iowa Tech Community College ($4,152/year), Eastern Iowa Community College District ($4,680/year), Marshalltown Community College ($4,680/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Iowa's competitive tech salaries.
At Western Iowa Tech Community College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $16,608 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $62,615, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.6 years. See our Most Affordable Cloud Computing Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Cloud Computing Programs in Iowa (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Western Iowa Tech... | $4,152 | $16,608 | 0.6 years | Public |
| #2 Eastern Iowa Community... | $4,680 | $18,720 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #3 Marshalltown Community... | $4,680 | $18,720 | 0.7 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Cloud Computing Schools in Iowa
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 cloud computing programs in Iowa, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Iowa State University
Ames, IA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,982 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cloud Computing Graduates: 174 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 89%
- • Ranking Score: 78.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 174 cloud computing graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 78.1 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (174 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (89% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Iowa State's Computer Science program offers hands-on undergraduate research opportunities with lab rotations and comprehensive career services including dedicated job placement assistance and alumni networking through the CyHire platform.
Admission Prerequisites
- •MATH 1400 or higher
William Penn University
Oskaloosa, IA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $28,750 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cloud Computing Graduates: 5 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 57%
- • Ranking Score: 50.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 5 cloud computing graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 50.4 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (5 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (57% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Sources
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, IA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $40,190 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 94% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cloud Computing Graduates: 4 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 72%
- • Ranking Score: 46.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 94% graduation rate
- 4 cloud computing graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 46.6 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (94%), program size (4 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (72% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Luther College
Decorah, IA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $49,650 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cloud Computing Graduates: 21 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 73%
- • Ranking Score: 42.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 21 cloud computing graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 42.3 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (21 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (73% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Luther College offers a computer science program with faculty who have real-world industry experience, including web design and development expertise, within a nationally recognized liberal arts environment.
Rankings & Recognition
- Forbes recognizes Luther College as one of the nation's best private schools for financial aid
Saint Ambrose University
Davenport, IA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $35,318 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cloud Computing Graduates: 4 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 73%
- • Ranking Score: 35.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 4 cloud computing graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 35.5 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (4 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (73% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Sources
Career Paths
Cloud Engineer
SOC 15-1252Cloud Engineer opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
Cloud Architect
SOC 15-1299Cloud Architect opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
Site Reliability Engineer
SOC 15-1244Site Reliability Engineer opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
Cloud Security Engineer
SOC 15-1212Cloud Security Engineer opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
Cloud Computing Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City
- You're seeking lower cost of living (90.1% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Principal Financial or Wellmark
- You prefer Iowa's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Iowa's 18)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Cloud Computing in Iowa FAQ
Based on 18 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Cloud Computing degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Iowa-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Iowa salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.