Top 3 Information Systems Programs in Iowa 2025
Iowa State University
174 information systems graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
William Penn University
5 information systems graduates annually, 95% graduation rate
Buena Vista University
8 information systems graduates annually, 94% graduation rate
- 1.Iowa offers 13+ accredited information systems 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)
Information Systems Education in Iowa: Overview
Iowa offers 13 accredited information systems programs, producing approximately 281 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 information systems 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 Information Systems 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% | 48.8 |
| 4 | Simpson College | Indianola, IA | Private | $45,306 | 87% | 44.6 |
| 5 | Saint Ambrose University | Davenport, IA | Private | $35,318 | — | 44.2 |
| 6 | Grand View University | Des Moines, IA | Private | $32,800 | 99% | 43.2 |
| 7 | Luther College | Decorah, IA | Private | $49,650 | — | 42.3 |
| 8 | Cornell College | Mount Vernon, IA | Private | $49,970 | — | 37.8 |
| 9 | Maharishi International University | Fairfield, IA | Private | $16,000 | 55% | 33.6 |
| 10 | Mount Mercy University | Cedar Rapids, IA | Private | $38,070 | — | 32.7 |
| 11 | Central College | Pella, IA | Private | $20,988 | — | 31.6 |
| 12 | Upper Iowa University | Fayette, IA | Private | $18,000 | — | 31.5 |
| 13 | Southeastern Community College | West Burlington, IA | Public | $6,240 | — | 28.1 |
Top 5 Information Systems Programs in Iowa: Side-by-Side
| School | Iowa State | William Penn | Buena Vista | Simpson College | Saint Ambrose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $8,982 | $28,750 | $40,190 | $45,306 | $35,318 |
| Graduation Rate | 99% | 95% | 94% | 87% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 174 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 28 |
| Acceptance Rate | 89% | 57% | 72% | 89% | 73% |
| Type | Public | Private | Private | Private | Private |
| Score | 78.1/100 | 50.4/100 | 48.8/100 | 44.6/100 | 44.2/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Systems in Iowa
Iowa offers 11 bachelor's-level information systems 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 information systems typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Systems Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Information Systems 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% | 8 | 48.8 |
Top Information Systems Schools for Master's Degrees in Iowa
For graduate study, Iowa offers 2 master's-level information systems programs. Leading institutions include Iowa State University, Maharishi International 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 information systems master's programs for more options beyond Iowa.
Top 3 Information Systems Master's Programs in Iowa
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Iowa State | $8,982 | 99% | 123 | 78.1 |
| #2 Maharishi International | $16,000 | 55% | 7 | 33.6 |
Most Affordable Information Systems Colleges in Iowa
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information systems programs in Iowa are at Southeastern Community College ($6,240/year), Iowa State University ($8,982/year), Maharishi International University ($16,000/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Iowa's competitive tech salaries.
At Southeastern Community College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $24,960 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $62,615, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.9 years. See our Most Affordable Information Systems Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Information Systems Programs in Iowa (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Southeastern Community... | $6,240 | $24,960 | 0.9 years | Public |
| #2 Iowa State | $8,982 | $35,928 | 1.3 years | Public |
| #3 Maharishi International | $16,000 | $64,000 | 2.3 years | Private |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Information Systems Schools in Iowa
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 information systems 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)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 174 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 89%
- • Ranking Score: 78.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 174 information systems 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.
William Penn University
Oskaloosa, IA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $28,750 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 5 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 57%
- • Ranking Score: 50.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 5 information systems 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.
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, IA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $40,190 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 94% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 8 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 72%
- • Ranking Score: 48.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 94% graduation rate
- 8 information systems graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 48.8 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (94%), program size (8 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (72% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Simpson College
Indianola, IA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $45,306 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 87% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 10 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 89%
- • Ranking Score: 44.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 10 information systems graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 44.6 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (87%), program size (10 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)
- • Information Systems Graduates: 28 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 73%
- • Ranking Score: 44.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 28 information systems graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 44.2 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (28 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (73% 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.
Information Systems 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 13)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Information Systems in Iowa FAQ
Based on 13 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Information Systems 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.