Top 3 UX Design Programs in Iowa 2025
Iowa State University
29 ux design graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
Grand View University
4 ux design graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
Luther College
15 ux design graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Iowa offers 15+ accredited ux design 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)
UX Design Education in Iowa: Overview
Iowa offers 15 accredited ux design programs, producing approximately 100 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 ux design programs in the state are led by Iowa State University, Grand View University, Luther College, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Iowa UX Design Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iowa State University | Ames, IA | Public | $8,982 | 99% | 58.2 |
| 2 | Grand View University | Des Moines, IA | Private | $32,800 | 99% | 44.3 |
| 3 | Luther College | Decorah, IA | Private | $49,650 | — | 43.7 |
| 4 | University of Dubuque | Dubuque, IA | Private | $38,260 | — | 37.9 |
| 5 | Saint Ambrose University | Davenport, IA | Private | $35,318 | — | 33.7 |
| 6 | Eastern Iowa Community College District | Davenport, IA | Public | $4,680 | — | 32.1 |
| 7 | Kirkwood Community College | Cedar Rapids, IA | Public | $5,880 | — | 32.1 |
| 8 | Des Moines Area Community College | Ankeny, IA | Public | $5,550 | — | 31.7 |
| 9 | Graceland University-Lamoni | Lamoni, IA | Private | $32,500 | — | 31.7 |
| 10 | Hawkeye Community College | Waterloo, IA | Public | $6,119 | — | 28.6 |
| 11 | Northwest Iowa Community College | Sheldon, IA | Public | $6,000 | — | 28.6 |
| 12 | Iowa Central Community College | Fort Dodge, IA | Public | $4,800 | — | 27.8 |
| 13 | Iowa Western Community College | Council Bluffs, IA | Public | $6,270 | — | 27.8 |
| 14 | Iowa Lakes Community College | Estherville, IA | Public | $6,464 | — | 26.8 |
| 15 | Southwestern Community College | Creston, IA | Public | $6,120 | — | 26.8 |
Top 5 UX Design Programs in Iowa: Side-by-Side
| School | Iowa State | Grand View | Luther College | U of Dubuque | Saint Ambrose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $8,982 | $32,800 | $49,650 | $38,260 | $35,318 |
| Graduation Rate | 99% | 99% | N/A% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 29 | 4 | 15 | 9 | 1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 89% | 98% | 73% | 87% | 73% |
| Type | Public | Private | Private | Private | Private |
| Score | 58.2/100 | 44.3/100 | 43.7/100 | 37.9/100 | 33.7/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in UX Design in Iowa
Iowa offers 6 bachelor's-level ux design programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Iowa State University, Grand View University, Luther College. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $62,615 in the Iowa market.
A bachelor's in ux design typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best UX Design Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 UX Design Bachelor's Programs in Iowa
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Iowa State | $8,982 | 99% | 29 | 58.2 |
| #2 Grand View | $32,800 | 99% | 4 | 44.3 |
| #3 Luther College | $49,650 | N/A% | 15 | 43.7 |
Top UX Design Schools for Master's Degrees in Iowa
Master's-level ux design programs are limited in Iowa. Consider online graduate programs or neighboring states for advanced study options.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best ux design master's programs for more options beyond Iowa.
Most Affordable UX Design Colleges in Iowa
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable ux design programs in Iowa are at Eastern Iowa Community College District ($4,680/year), Iowa Central Community College ($4,800/year), Des Moines Area Community College ($5,550/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Iowa's competitive tech salaries.
At Eastern Iowa Community College District, a 4-year degree costs approximately $18,720 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $62,615, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years. See our Most Affordable UX Design Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable UX Design Programs in Iowa (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Eastern Iowa Community... | $4,680 | $18,720 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #2 Iowa Central Community... | $4,800 | $19,200 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #3 Des Moines Area Community... | $5,550 | $22,200 | 0.8 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 UX Design Schools in Iowa
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 ux design 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)
- • UX Design Graduates: 29 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 89%
- • Ranking Score: 58.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 29 ux design graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 58.2 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (29 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (89% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Grand View University
Des Moines, IA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $32,800 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • UX Design Graduates: 4 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 98%
- • Ranking Score: 44.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 4 ux design graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 44.3 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (4 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (98% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Luther College
Decorah, IA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $49,650 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • UX Design Graduates: 15 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 73%
- • Ranking Score: 43.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 15 ux design graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 43.7 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (15 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (73% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Dubuque
Dubuque, IA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $38,260 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • UX Design Graduates: 9 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 87%
- • Ranking Score: 37.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 9 ux design graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 37.9 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (9 graduates), state salary outcomes ($89,450), and selectivity (87% 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)
- • UX Design Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 73%
- • Ranking Score: 33.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 1 ux design graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 33.7 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (1 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.
UX Design 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 15)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
UX Design in Iowa FAQ
Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
UX Design 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.