Colleges & Universities

Iowa is filled with colleges and universities, both public and private. 

In general:

  • Universities offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
  • Colleges offer undergraduate degrees only.
  • Technical and community colleges offer associate degrees and certificate programs.

Undergraduate degree programs:

  • Associate's Degree – This is a two-year training program that can be used as credit toward a Bachelor’s degree or as training for skilled jobs
  • Bachelor’s Degree – This is a four-year program offered at colleges and universities. In the U.S., this program is generally less specialized than in other countries

Graduate Programs:

  • Master’s degree- a two-year program for a specialized or professional degree
  • Doctorate- the highest degree offered by a university

Public Universities:

The public universities in Iowa include the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa. Other states have public universities.

University of Iowa- http://www.uiowa.edu/

Iowa State University- http://www.iastate.edu/

University of Northern Iowa- http://www.uni.edu/  

Community Colleges

Iowa also has fifteen community colleges, which are smaller and less expensive than the major universities. If you are looking to gain your GED, or just take a couple classes for your own benefit, the best option would be a community college. Each community college offers a comprehensive educational program. All Iowans of post-secondary school age are eligible to attend any of the community colleges.

For a list of all 15 community colleges in Iowa:

https://www.educateiowa.gov/community-colleges

Private Colleges

Iowa also has a number of private colleges and universities. These may be smaller, but more expensive than public universities or community colleges. 

For a list of private colleges and universities:

http://www.iowaprivatecolleges.org/pages/colleges.aspx

Online Degree Programs

A number of Iowa colleges and Universities that are beginning to offer online degree programs. 

For a list of programs:

http://www.onlinecolleges.net/iowa/

Colleges & Universities

Iowa is filled with colleges and universities, both public and private. 

In general:

  • Universities offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
  • Colleges offer undergraduate degrees only.
  • Technical and community colleges offer associate degrees and certificate programs.

Undergraduate degree programs:

  • Associate's Degree – This is a two-year training program that can be used as credit toward a Bachelor’s degree or as training for skilled jobs
  • Bachelor’s Degree – This is a four-year program offered at colleges and universities. In the U.S., this program is generally less specialized than in other countries

Graduate Programs:

  • Master’s degree- a two-year program for a specialized or professional degree
  • Doctorate- the highest degree offered by a university

Public Universities:

The public universities in Iowa include the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa. Other states have public universities.

University of Iowa- http://www.uiowa.edu/

Iowa State University- http://www.iastate.edu/

University of Northern Iowa- http://www.uni.edu/  

Community Colleges

Iowa also has fifteen community colleges, which are smaller and less expensive than the major universities. If you are looking to gain your GED, or just take a couple classes for your own benefit, the best option would be a community college. Each community college offers a comprehensive educational program. All Iowans of post-secondary school age are eligible to attend any of the community colleges.

For a list of all 15 community colleges in Iowa:

https://www.educateiowa.gov/community-colleges

Private Colleges

Iowa also has a number of private colleges and universities. These may be smaller, but more expensive than public universities or community colleges. 

For a list of private colleges and universities:

http://www.iowaprivatecolleges.org/pages/colleges.aspx

Online Degree Programs

A number of Iowa colleges and Universities that are beginning to offer online degree programs. 

For a list of programs:

http://www.onlinecolleges.net/iowa/