Top 3 Data Science Programs in Iowa 2025
Grinnell College
62 data science graduates annually, 98% graduation rate
Maharishi International University
334 data science graduates annually, 55% graduation rate
Iowa State University
132 data science graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
- 1.Iowa offers 20+ accredited data science programs across public and private universities
- 2.Grinnell College leads with 98% 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 Science Education in Iowa: Overview
Iowa offers 20 accredited data science programs, producing approximately 825 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 science programs in the state are led by Grinnell College, Maharishi International University, Iowa State University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Iowa Data Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grinnell College | Grinnell, IA | Private | $64,342 | 98% | 72.7 |
| 2 | Maharishi International University | Fairfield, IA | Private | $16,000 | 55% | 64.7 |
| 3 | Iowa State University | Ames, IA | Public | $8,982 | 99% | 64.4 |
| 4 | University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA | Public | $9,016 | 93% | 64.2 |
| 5 | William Penn University | Oskaloosa, IA | Private | $28,750 | 95% | 46.4 |
| 6 | Dordt University | Sioux Center, IA | Private | $35,360 | 87% | 44.1 |
| 7 | Northwestern College | Orange City, IA | Private | $35,000 | 99% | 43.9 |
| 8 | Clarke University | Dubuque, IA | Private | $38,400 | 81% | 43.3 |
| 9 | Grand View University | Des Moines, IA | Private | $32,800 | 99% | 42.7 |
| 10 | Simpson College | Indianola, IA | Private | $45,306 | 87% | 40.5 |
| 11 | Luther College | Decorah, IA | Private | $49,650 | — | 39.4 |
| 12 | Briar Cliff University | Sioux City, IA | Private | $33,369 | — | 38.1 |
| 13 | Coe College | Cedar Rapids, IA | Private | $52,226 | — | 38 |
| 14 | Saint Ambrose University | Davenport, IA | Private | $35,318 | — | 37.8 |
| 15 | University of Northern Iowa | Cedar Falls, IA | Public | $8,396 | — | 36.5 |
| 16 | Cornell College | Mount Vernon, IA | Private | $49,970 | — | 36.2 |
| 17 | Central College | Pella, IA | Private | $20,988 | — | 34.4 |
| 18 | Graceland University-Lamoni | Lamoni, IA | Private | $32,500 | — | 32.5 |
| 19 | Loras College | Dubuque, IA | Private | $36,454 | — | 32.4 |
| 20 | Mount Mercy University | Cedar Rapids, IA | Private | $38,070 | — | 32.3 |
Top 5 Data Science Programs in Iowa: Side-by-Side
| School | Grinnell College | Maharishi International | Iowa State | U of Iowa | William Penn |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $64,342 | $16,000 | $8,982 | $9,016 | $28,750 |
| Graduation Rate | 98% | 55% | 99% | 93% | 95% |
| Annual Graduates | 62 | 334 | 132 | 139 | 1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 13% | 97% | 89% | 85% | 57% |
| Type | Private | Private | Public | Public | Private |
| Score | 72.7/100 | 64.7/100 | 64.4/100 | 64.2/100 | 46.4/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Data Science in Iowa
Iowa offers 19 bachelor's-level data science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Grinnell College, University of Iowa, Iowa State University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $62,615 in the Iowa market.
A bachelor's in data science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Data Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Data Science Bachelor's Programs in Iowa
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Grinnell College | $64,342 | 98% | 62 | 72.7 |
| #2 U of Iowa | $9,016 | 93% | 139 | 64.2 |
| #3 Iowa State | $8,982 | 99% | 132 | 64.4 |
Top Data Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Iowa
For graduate study, Iowa offers 4 master's-level data science programs. Leading institutions include Maharishi International University, Iowa State University, University of Iowa. 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 science master's programs for more options beyond Iowa.
Top 3 Data Science Master's Programs in Iowa
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Maharishi International | $16,000 | 55% | 334 | 64.7 |
| #2 Iowa State | $8,982 | 99% | 41 | 51.6 |
| #3 U of Iowa | $9,016 | 93% | 13 | 45.5 |
Most Affordable Data Science Colleges in Iowa
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable data science programs in Iowa are at University of Northern Iowa ($8,396/year), Iowa State University ($8,982/year), University of Iowa ($9,016/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Iowa's competitive tech salaries.
At University of Northern Iowa, a 4-year degree costs approximately $33,584 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $62,615, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 1.2 years. See our Most Affordable Data Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Data Science Programs in Iowa (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Northern Iowa | $8,396 | $33,584 | 1.2 years | Public |
| #2 Iowa State | $8,982 | $35,928 | 1.3 years | Public |
| #3 U of Iowa | $9,016 | $36,064 | 1.3 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Data Science Schools in Iowa
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 data science 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.
Grinnell College
Grinnell, IA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $64,342 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 98% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 62 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 13%
- • Ranking Score: 72.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 98% graduation rate
- 62 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 72.7 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (98%), program size (62 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (13% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Maharishi International University
Fairfield, IA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $16,000 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 55% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 334 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 97%
- • Ranking Score: 64.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 55% graduation rate
- 334 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 64.7 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (55%), program size (334 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (97% 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 Science Graduates: 132 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 89%
- • Ranking Score: 64.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 132 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 64.4 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (132 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (89% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $9,016 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 93% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 139 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 85%
- • Ranking Score: 64.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 93% graduation rate
- 139 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 64.2 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (93%), program size (139 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (85% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
William Penn University
Oskaloosa, IA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $28,750 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 57%
- • Ranking Score: 46.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 1 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 46.4 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (1 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (57% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
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Quantitative Analyst
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Data Science 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 20)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Data Science in Iowa FAQ
Based on 20 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Data Science 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.