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Key Takeaways
Best information security degree programs: Saint Ambrose, ,
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,152 to $35,318/year
Des Moines Area Community... offers the most affordable option at $5,550/yr
Information Security degree programs available: 5 associate's, 2 master's in Iowa
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
Iowa community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
5 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Principal Financial, Wellmark, Rockwell Collins, John Deere
Tech hubs in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids
Hakia Research 2026
Information Security degree programs near 43+ cities across Iowa
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Iowa Information Security programs
We rank 8 accredited information security programs in Iowa using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Are Information Security Degree Programs in Iowa Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Information Security Degree Rankings in Iowa
Compare the top-ranked Information Security programs in Iowa by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Information Security Programs in Iowa
Program Landscape
Iowa offers 5 accredited associate's degree programs in information security, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Des Moines Area Community..., Western Iowa Tech Communi..., Kirkwood Community College, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Iowa offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $5,306/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $49,198 in Iowa.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Iowa's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Principal Financial, Wellmark, Rockwell Collins hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among information security schools in Iowa, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their information security degrees in Iowa.
Best Bachelor's Information Security Programs in Iowa
Program Landscape
Iowa ranks among the nation's top destinations for information security education, with 1 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 0 public and 1 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Saint Ambrose, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Iowa information security programs earn a median salary of $76,033, 23% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Principal Financial, Wellmark, Rockwell Collins.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $35,318 to $35,318 annually, with an average of $35,318/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 0%, with the highest reaching -Infinity%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Iowa's leading technology employers. For students seeking information security degrees in Iowa, these top-ranked information security schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Best Master's Information Security Programs in Iowa
Program Landscape
Iowa offers 2 master's degree programs in information security, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Iowa State, Saint Ambrose, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Iowa earn a median salary of $89,450, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Principal Financial, Wellmark, Rockwell Collins actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $22,150/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Iowa's information security schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Information Security Degree Costs & Tuition in Iowa
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $10,119/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $25,298/year |
| Community college tuition | $2,530/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $60,716 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $15,178 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Information Security Students in Iowa
State Aid Programs
Iowa residents pursuing information security degrees have access to multiple financial aid pathways designed to make higher education affordable. The Iowa Tuition Grant is a need-based aid program specifically for Iowa residents attending private institutions throughout the state. This grant can significantly reduce the cost of attendance at private colleges and universities offering information security programs. To apply for all federal and state aid, students must complete the FAFSA through (Federal Student Aid), which determines eligibility for Pell Grants, Federal Stafford Loans, and additional state-specific funding opportunities.
Key Programs & Amounts
Federal student loans and work-study programs are available to information security students at all accredited institutions in Iowa, whether attending public universities, private colleges, or community colleges. The Iowa Board of Regents oversees public higher education funding and administers support programs for students attending regent institutions like Iowa State University and the University of Iowa. Beyond federal and state aid, individual institutions offer merit-based scholarships and institutional financial aid packages. Students should contact their institution's financial aid office directly to inquire about information security-specific scholarships. Prospective students can explore comprehensive information about federal aid options and compare school financial aid offers using (College Scorecard), which provides transparent data on institutional aid and student outcomes across Iowa's 11 institutions offering information security programs.
Information Security Degree ROI Calculator, Iowa
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a information security degree in Iowa. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Information Security Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a information security degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$133,333
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Information Security Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Iowa metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Des Moines | $98K |
| Cedar Rapids | $94K |
| Iowa City | $89K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Information Security Graduates in Iowa
Find information security jobs in Iowa. These major employers across Iowa metro areas are actively hiring information security degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Information Security Jobs in Des Moines
IAInformation Security Jobs in Cedar Rapids
IATransfer Pathways for Information Security Degrees in Iowa
State Transfer System
Iowa's transfer system is designed to help seamless progression from community colleges to four-year universities, supporting affordable pathways into information security careers. The Iowa LACTS Agreement (Learner-Centered Technology and Support) ensures that courses completed at Iowa's 31 two-year institutions transfer with full credit to the state's 37 four-year institutions, eliminating credit loss and reducing time-to-degree. This system is particularly valuable for information security students: 7 community colleges produce 74 associate's degree completions annually, providing cost-effective entry points before transitioning to bachelor's programs at institutions like Iowa State University or the University of Iowa.
How Transfers Work
Specific transfer-friendly pathways exist from leading community colleges. Des Moines Area Community College (37 completions), Western Iowa Tech Community College (14 completions), and Kirkwood Community College (13 completions) have established articulation agreements with regent universities, allowing students to earn an associate's degree in information security and transfer directly into junior-level bachelor's programs with no credit loss. The Iowa Board of Regents oversees these agreements, ensuring consistency across institutions. Students transferring benefit from lower initial tuition, community college costs average $4,152–$5,880 annually, before completing upper-level coursework at universities charging $8,798 in-state annually. Additionally, Iowa residents may access the Iowa Tuition Grant when enrolling at private institutions post-transfer. The College Scorecard provides data on transfer completion rates and outcomes. Students can explore related pathways in cybersecurity, network administration, and cloud computing using the same transfer framework.
Why Pursue an Information Security Degree in Iowa?
Industry & Workforce
Iowa offers a strong pathway into information security with 11 institutions delivering programs across associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree levels (IPEDS). The state produced 74 associate's degree completions, 6 bachelor's completions, and 16 master's completions in the most recent reporting period, demonstrating significant capacity in workforce development. Leaders in the field include Iowa State University and the University of Iowa, both ranked among the nation's best bachelor's programs in information security, offering education rooted in rigorous academic standards and industry relevance.
Salary Outlook
Iowa's strategic location in the Midwest positions students near major employment hubs and technology centers. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and the Iowa City metro area host significant employers including Principal Financial, UnityPoint Health, and the University of Iowa, organizations prioritizing cybersecurity and data protection. Affordability is another advantage: public four-year institutions charge an average of $8,798 in-state tuition, significantly lower than the national average (College Scorecard). Community colleges like Des Moines Area Community College lead the nation in completions with 37 graduates, offering cost-effective entry points at $5,550 annually. For those seeking online flexibility, Iowa schools like Mount Mercy University provide accredited online bachelor's options, expanding accessibility to working professionals.
Information Security Program Availability in Iowa
Source: IPEDS 2024
Information Security Job Market & Salary Data in Iowa
Employment Outlook
Iowa's information security job market continues to expand as organizations across the state prioritize cybersecurity infrastructure and data protection. The state's major metropolitan areas. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities, serve as primary employment hubs for security professionals. According to (BLS State Data), Iowa's technology and financial services sectors drive consistent demand for qualified information security specialists. The Des Moines-West Des Moines metro area, in particular, hosts a growing concentration of employers seeking cybersecurity talent.
Salaries by Metro
Educational pathways in Iowa support this job market through diverse credential options. Community colleges across the state contribute significantly to the talent pipeline, with 7 institutions offering associate's degrees and producing 74 completions annually (IPEDS). Iowa State University and the University of Iowa lead bachelor's and master's degree production, positioning graduates for competitive positions in the state's strongest job markets. Students can explore career trajectories through the state's transfer system, the Iowa LACTS Agreement ensures community college credits transfer smoothly to regent universities, allowing cost-effective pathway progression. For additional context on cybersecurity roles and complementary fields, explore Cybersecurity in Iowa and Network Administration in Iowa program offerings.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Information Security Programs in Iowa
Online Programs
0 available in Iowa
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Information Security Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 45
- Median Tuition
- $11,500
- Total Programs
- 23
- Median Tuition
- $6,800
- Total Programs
- 29
- Median Tuition
- $6,400
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $7,600
- Total Programs
- 17
- Median Tuition
- $12,300
- Total Programs
- 39
- Median Tuition
- $1,300
- Total Programs
- 30
- Median Tuition
- $4,300
Information Security Degree Programs in Iowa: FAQ
What are the best information security degree programs in Iowa?
How much do information security degree programs cost in Iowa?
What salary can information security degree graduates earn in Iowa?
Are there online information security degree programs in Iowa?
What companies hire information security degree graduates in Iowa?
Is an information security degree program worth it in Iowa?
How long do information security degree programs take in Iowa?
What financial aid is available for information security degree students in Iowa?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Iowa salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.