Top 3 Data Analytics Programs in Iowa 2025
University of Iowa
29 data analytics graduates annually, 93% graduation rate
Iowa State University
26 data analytics graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
Saint Ambrose University
31 data analytics graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Iowa offers 9+ accredited data analytics programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of Iowa leads with 93% 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)
Data Analytics Education in Iowa: Overview
Iowa offers 9 accredited data analytics programs, producing approximately 123 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 data analytics programs in the state are led by University of Iowa, Iowa State University, Saint Ambrose University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Iowa Data Analytics Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA | Public | $9,016 | 93% | 57.4 |
| 2 | Iowa State University | Ames, IA | Public | $8,982 | 99% | 57.2 |
| 3 | Saint Ambrose University | Davenport, IA | Private | $35,318 | — | 49.7 |
| 4 | Dordt University | Sioux Center, IA | Private | $35,360 | 87% | 47.6 |
| 5 | Cornell College | Mount Vernon, IA | Private | $49,970 | — | 41.2 |
| 6 | Luther College | Decorah, IA | Private | $49,650 | — | 38.7 |
| 7 | Coe College | Cedar Rapids, IA | Private | $52,226 | — | 38.4 |
| 8 | Graceland University-Lamoni | Lamoni, IA | Private | $32,500 | — | 36 |
| 9 | Loras College | Dubuque, IA | Private | $36,454 | — | 32.4 |
Top 5 Data Analytics Programs in Iowa: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Iowa | Iowa State | Saint Ambrose | Dordt | Cornell College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $9,016 | $8,982 | $35,318 | $35,360 | $49,970 |
| Graduation Rate | 93% | 99% | N/A% | 87% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 29 | 26 | 31 | 5 | 13 |
| Acceptance Rate | 85% | 89% | 73% | 71% | 81% |
| Type | Public | Public | Private | Private | Private |
| Score | 57.4/100 | 57.2/100 | 49.7/100 | 47.6/100 | 41.2/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Data Analytics in Iowa
Iowa offers 8 bachelor's-level data analytics programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Iowa, Iowa State University, Saint Ambrose University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $62,615 in the Iowa market.
A bachelor's in data analytics typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Data Analytics Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Data Analytics Bachelor's Programs in Iowa
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Iowa | $9,016 | 93% | 29 | 57.4 |
| #2 Iowa State | $8,982 | 99% | 26 | 57.2 |
| #3 Saint Ambrose | $35,318 | N/A% | 31 | 49.7 |
Top Data Analytics Schools for Master's Degrees in Iowa
For graduate study, Iowa offers 3 master's-level data analytics programs. Leading institutions include Iowa State University, University of Iowa, Graceland University-Lamoni. 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 data analytics master's programs for more options beyond Iowa.
Top 3 Data Analytics Master's Programs in Iowa
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Iowa State | $8,982 | 99% | 12 | 51.5 |
| #2 U of Iowa | $9,016 | 93% | 13 | 51.2 |
| #3 Graceland University-Lamoni | $32,500 | N/A% | 5 | 36.0 |
Most Affordable Data Analytics Colleges in Iowa
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable data analytics programs in Iowa are at Iowa State University ($8,982/year), University of Iowa ($9,016/year), Graceland University-Lamoni ($32,500/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Iowa's competitive tech salaries.
At Iowa State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $35,928 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $62,615, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 1.3 years. See our Most Affordable Data Analytics Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Data Analytics Programs in Iowa (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Iowa State | $8,982 | $35,928 | 1.3 years | Public |
| #2 U of Iowa | $9,016 | $36,064 | 1.3 years | Public |
| #3 Graceland University-Lamoni | $32,500 | $130,000 | 4.7 years | Private |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Data Analytics Schools in Iowa
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 data analytics 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.
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,016 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 93% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Analytics Graduates: 29 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 85%
- • Ranking Score: 57.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- 29 data analytics graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 57.4 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (93%), program size (29 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (85% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Iowa State University
Ames, IA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,982 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Analytics Graduates: 26 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 89%
- • Ranking Score: 57.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 26 data analytics graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 57.2 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (26 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)
- • Data Analytics Graduates: 31 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 73%
- • Ranking Score: 49.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 31 data analytics graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 49.7 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (31 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (73% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Dordt University
Sioux Center, IA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $35,360 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Analytics Graduates: 5 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 71%
- • Ranking Score: 47.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 5 data analytics graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 47.6 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (5 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (71% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Cornell College
Mount Vernon, IA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $49,970 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Analytics Graduates: 13 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 81%
- • Ranking Score: 41.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 13 data analytics graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 41.2 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (13 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (81% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
Systems Analyst
SOC 15-1211Systems Analyst opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
IT Manager
SOC 15-1299IT Manager opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
Technical Consultant
SOC 15-1299Technical Consultant opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
Database Administrator
SOC 15-1242Database Administrator opportunities in Iowa with strong job growth.
Data Analytics 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
Data Analytics in Iowa FAQ
Based on 9 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Data Analytics 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.