Top 3 Cybersecurity Programs in Iowa 2025
Iowa State University
14 cybersecurity graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
Saint Ambrose University
8 cybersecurity graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Des Moines Area Community College
37 cybersecurity graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Iowa offers 9+ accredited cybersecurity 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)
Cybersecurity Education in Iowa: Overview
Iowa offers 9 accredited cybersecurity programs, producing approximately 116 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 cybersecurity programs in the state are led by Iowa State University, Saint Ambrose University, Des Moines Area Community College, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Iowa Cybersecurity Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iowa State University | Ames, IA | Public | $8,982 | 99% | 52.4 |
| 2 | Saint Ambrose University | Davenport, IA | Private | $35,318 | — | 40.1 |
| 3 | Des Moines Area Community College | Ankeny, IA | Public | $5,550 | — | 39.2 |
| 4 | Kirkwood Community College | Cedar Rapids, IA | Public | $5,880 | — | 35.3 |
| 5 | Western Iowa Tech Community College | Sioux City, IA | Public | $4,152 | — | 33.5 |
| 6 | North Iowa Area Community College | Mason City, IA | Public | $5,618 | — | 31.7 |
| 7 | Eastern Iowa Community College District | Davenport, IA | Public | $4,680 | — | 29.8 |
| 8 | Iowa Western Community College | Council Bluffs, IA | Public | $6,270 | — | 29.8 |
| 9 | Northwest Iowa Community College | Sheldon, IA | Public | $6,000 | — | 29.2 |
Top 5 Cybersecurity Programs in Iowa: Side-by-Side
| School | Iowa State | Saint Ambrose | Des Moines Area Community... | Kirkwood Community College | Western Iowa Tech... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $8,982 | $35,318 | $5,550 | $5,880 | $4,152 |
| Graduation Rate | 99% | N/A% | N/A% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 14 | 8 | 37 | 20 | 14 |
| Acceptance Rate | 89% | 73% | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Type | Public | Private | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 52.4/100 | 40.1/100 | 39.2/100 | 35.3/100 | 33.5/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Cybersecurity in Iowa
Iowa offers 1 bachelor's-level cybersecurity programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Saint Ambrose University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $62,615 in the Iowa market.
A bachelor's in cybersecurity typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs in Iowa
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Saint Ambrose | $35,318 | N/A% | 8 | 40.1 |
Top Cybersecurity Schools for Master's Degrees in Iowa
For graduate study, Iowa offers 2 master's-level cybersecurity 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 cybersecurity master's programs for more options beyond Iowa.
Top 3 Cybersecurity Master's Programs in Iowa
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Iowa State | $8,982 | 99% | 14 | 52.4 |
| #2 Saint Ambrose | $35,318 | N/A% | 4 | 37.2 |
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Colleges in Iowa
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable cybersecurity programs in Iowa are at Western Iowa Tech Community College ($4,152/year), Eastern Iowa Community College District ($4,680/year), Des Moines Area Community College ($5,550/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 Cybersecurity Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Cybersecurity 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 Des Moines Area Community... | $5,550 | $22,200 | 0.8 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Cybersecurity Schools in Iowa
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 cybersecurity 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)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 14 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 89%
- • Ranking Score: 52.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 14 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 52.4 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (14 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (89% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Saint Ambrose University
Davenport, IA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $35,318 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 8 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 73%
- • Ranking Score: 40.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 8 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 40.1 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (8 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (73% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Des Moines Area Community College
Ankeny, IA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,550 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 37 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 39.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 37 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 39.2 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (37 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids, IA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,880 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 20 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 35.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 20 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 35.3 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (20 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Western Iowa Tech Community College
Sioux City, IA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,152 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 14 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 33.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 14 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 33.5 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (14 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Security Analyst opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
Penetration Tester
SOC 15-1212Penetration Tester opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
Security Engineer
SOC 15-1212Security Engineer opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
Incident Responder
SOC 15-1212Incident Responder opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
Cybersecurity 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 9)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Cybersecurity in Iowa FAQ
Based on 9 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Cybersecurity 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.