On this page
Key Takeaways
Best information systems degree programs: Iowa State, William Penn, Buena Vista
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $6,240 to $49,970/year
Southeastern Community Co... offers the most affordable option at $6,240/yr
Information Systems degree programs available: 1 associate's, 2 master's in Iowa
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
2 online information systems degree programs in Iowa
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Iowa community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
1 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 Systems 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 Systems programs
We rank 14 accredited information systems 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 Systems Degree Programs in Iowa Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Information Systems Degree Rankings in Iowa
Compare the top-ranked Information Systems programs in Iowa by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Information Systems Programs in Iowa
Program Landscape
Iowa ranks among the nation's top destinations for information systems education, with 11 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 1 public and 10 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Iowa State, William Penn, Buena Vista, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Iowa information systems 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 $8,982 to $49,970 annually, with an average of $33,457/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 95%, with the highest reaching 99%. 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 systems degrees in Iowa, these top-ranked information systems schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Show all 6 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Upper Iowa University | Fayette, IA | Private nonprofit | $18,450 | 34% | 58.4 |
Best Master's Information Systems Programs in Iowa
Program Landscape
Iowa offers 2 master's degree programs in information systems, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Iowa State, Maharishi International, 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 $12,491/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 systems schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Maharishi International University
Information Systems Degree Costs & Tuition in Iowa
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $30,020/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $75,050/year |
| Community college tuition | $7,505/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $180,120 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $45,030 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Information Systems Students in Iowa
State Aid Programs
Iowa residents pursuing Information Systems degrees benefit from state-specific financial aid programs designed to make higher education more accessible. The Iowa Tuition Grant (https://www.iowacollegeaid.gov/) provides need-based grants exclusively for Iowa residents attending private institutions, making it a valuable resource for students enrolling at schools like Drake University, Simpson College, and other private colleges across the state. This grant program complements federal aid options and can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket cost of attendance.
Key Programs & Amounts
All Information Systems students in Iowa should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through Federal Student Aid to access federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. The federal government offers various loan programs and the Pell Grant for eligible low-income students. Additionally, many of Iowa's 18 institutions offering Information Systems programs provide institutional scholarships and merit-based aid packages. Students attending public universities benefit from lower in-state tuition rates, while the Iowa Board of Regents oversees financial aid policies at regent universities. Prospective students should explore aid options at their target institution and compare total cost of attendance across programs.
Institutional Scholarships
Community college students pursuing associate degrees should take advantage of the Iowa LACTS Agreement (https://www.iowaregents.edu/), which ensures community college credits transfer seamlessly to regent universities, potentially reducing overall degree costs. This pathway allows students to complete foundational coursework at lower tuition rates before transferring to four-year institutions for upper-level Information Systems coursework. For comprehensive financial planning, the College Scorecard provides transparency on aid, graduation rates, and earnings data for Iowa institutions.
Information Systems Degree ROI Calculator, Iowa
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a information systems 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 Systems Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a information systems 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 Systems 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 Systems Graduates in Iowa
Find information systems jobs in Iowa. These major employers across Iowa metro areas are actively hiring information systems degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Information Systems Jobs in Des Moines
IAInformation Systems Jobs in Cedar Rapids
IATransfer Pathways for Information Systems Degrees in Iowa
State Transfer System
Iowa's strong transfer system supports seamless progression from associate to bachelor's degree programs, enabling cost-effective pathways into Information Systems careers. The state's 31 two-year institutions (IPEDS) offer 2 associate degree programs in Information Systems (IPEDS), producing 4 completions annually. These programs provide foundational coursework in IT, databases, networking, and business principles. The Iowa LACTS Agreement (Iowa Board of Regents) ensures that community college credits transfer directly to regent universities. Iowa State University, University of Iowa, and University of Northern Iowa, guaranteeing program-to-program articulation and eliminating course repetition.
How Transfers Work
Community college graduates can transfer completed associate degrees into bachelor's programs at 14 institutions across Iowa (IPEDS), with priority articulation into regent universities. Students benefit from lower initial tuition costs at two-year colleges while maintaining full progression toward bachelor's degrees at institutions like Iowa State University (#1 ranked, $8,982 tuition) and Drake University (#2 ranked). The Iowa LACTS Agreement removes transfer barriers and streamlines admission for community college graduates. For detailed pathway planning, students should consult their community college advisors and explore Information Technology in Iowa and Most Affordable Programs for additional options.
Why Pursue an Information Systems Degree in Iowa?
Industry & Workforce
Iowa offers a strong and accessible pathway into Information Systems education, with 18 institutions across the state offering programs at the associate, bachelor's, and master's levels (IPEDS). The state's flagship program at Iowa State University leads the nation, producing 276 completions annually and ranking #1 for both bachelor's and master's degrees in the state. Beyond Iowa State, institutions like Drake University, William Penn University, and Simpson College provide diverse educational options for students at all experience levels, making Iowa a competitive hub for IS education.
Salary Outlook
Iowa's technology job market is strengthened by major employers including UnityPoint Health, Principal Financial, Wells Fargo, and the University of Iowa, concentrated in vibrant metros like Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City. Students benefit from affordable public tuition, with average in-state costs at $8,798 annually at four-year public institutions (IPEDS), combined with state financial aid like the Iowa Tuition Grant for private institution attendees. For prospective students exploring related fields, Iowa also offers strong programs in Information Technology, Data Analytics, and Cloud Computing, creating a comprehensive tech education ecosystem.
Information Systems Program Availability in Iowa
Source: IPEDS 2024
Information Systems Job Market & Salary Data in Iowa
Employment Outlook
Iowa's information systems job market is experiencing steady growth, driven by demand across multiple sectors and metropolitan areas. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Iowa offers competitive opportunities for information systems professionals across the state's major tech hubs. The Des Moines-West Des Moines metro area, Cedar Rapids, and the Iowa City region represent the strongest employment centers for IS professionals, with diverse industries creating strong demand for skilled graduates. Major employers including Principal Financial, Wells Fargo, and UnityPoint Health actively recruit information systems talent, contributing to a dynamic and growing job market. Students graduating from Iowa institutions benefit from established employer relationships and regional networks that help career placement.
Salaries by Metro
Iowa State University leads the state in information systems completions with 276 graduates, establishing strong alumni networks and employer partnerships throughout Iowa. The state's 18 institutions offering information systems programs, including 14 bachelor's-degree-granting schools, produce approximately 236 bachelor's-degree completions annually, creating a consistent pipeline of qualified professionals to fill regional positions. College Scorecard data provides comprehensive insights into graduate earnings and career outcomes for Iowa institutions. For prospective students, the job market outlook suggests strong positioning, especially in Central Iowa's Des Moines region and Eastern Iowa's Cedar Rapids and Iowa City areas. Exploring related fields like Information Technology in Iowa and Data Analytics in Iowa can provide additional career pathway options for information systems professionals.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Information Systems Programs in Iowa
Online Programs
2 available in Iowa
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Information Systems Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 66
- Median Tuition
- $14,400
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $9,600
- Total Programs
- 34
- Median Tuition
- $9,600
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $7,600
- Total Programs
- 10
- Median Tuition
- $8,100
- Total Programs
- 28
- Median Tuition
- $13,000
- Total Programs
- 133
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 22
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
Information Systems Degree Programs in Iowa: FAQ
What are the best information systems degree programs in Iowa?
How much do information systems degree programs cost in Iowa?
What salary can information systems degree graduates earn in Iowa?
Are there online information systems degree programs in Iowa?
What companies hire information systems degree graduates in Iowa?
Is an information systems degree program worth it in Iowa?
How long do information systems degree programs take in Iowa?
What financial aid is available for information systems 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.