The Best Accounting Programs in Iowa for 2026
The best accounting programs in Iowa are the accredited schools that graduate their students and charge honestly for it, not the ones with the biggest name. Hakia analyzed 15 business programs in Iowa on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes to rank where a bachelor of accounting actually pays off. In-state tuition among the 15 ranked programs in Iowa runs from $9,252 to $54,316 a year, a $45,064 spread for the same credential.
University of Iowa tops the list with an 87.2 Hakia Score on a 75% graduation rate, at $9,286 a year in-state. Across all 15 ranked schools, the average graduation rate is 64%, ranging from 33% to 75%. The national median pay in the field is $87,660 a year per the BLS, the same benchmark every ranked school here feeds into regardless of tuition paid.
Below is the full ranked table, followed by a school-by-school look at every ranked program and what actually separates them: cost, completion, selectivity, and where the degree leads. Every figure is drawn from federal IPEDS and BLS data, and no school pays for placement.
Key Takeaways on the Best Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Iowa
- University of Iowa ranks first among Iowa's business programs with an 87.2 Hakia Score and a 75% graduation rate.
- In-state tuition across the 15 ranked Iowa programs spans $9,252 to $54,316 a year, a $45,064 gap for the same bachelor of accounting.
- The 15 ranked Iowa programs graduate 64% of students on average, from 33% to 75%.
- 2 of the 15 ranked schools are public, where the in-state rate drives the lowest cost for Iowa residents.
- National median pay in the field is $87,660 (BLS), the benchmark every ranked Iowa program feeds into regardless of tuition.
Hakia analyzed 15 accredited programs in Iowa reported to IPEDS, scoring each on graduation rate, selectivity, in-state cost, and outcomes. No school is rewarded for sticker price alone, and none pays for inclusion.
The 15 Best Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Iowa, Ranked for 2026
| # | Program | Type | In-state tuition | Grad rate | Admit rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of IowaIowa City, IA | Public | $9,286 | 75% | 84% | 87.2 |
| 2 | Drake UniversityDes Moines, IA | Nonprofit | $51,444 | 74% | 64% | 86.3 |
| 3 | Dordt UniversitySioux Center, IA | Nonprofit | $36,400 | 70% | 68% | 81.7 |
| 4 | Iowa State UniversityAmes, IA | Public | $9,252 | 75% | 89% | 81.0 |
| 5 | Coe CollegeCedar Rapids, IA | Nonprofit | $54,316 | 66% | 64% | 80.9 |
| 6 | Luther CollegeDecorah, IA | Nonprofit | $51,140 | 71% | 72% | 80.3 |
| 7 | Wartburg CollegeWaverly, IA | Nonprofit | $25,000 | 64% | 76% | 77.1 |
| 8 | Saint Ambrose UniversityDavenport, IA | Nonprofit | $36,378 | 61% | 77% | 76.1 |
| 9 | Central CollegePella, IA | Nonprofit | $20,988 | 66% | 86% | 75.5 |
| 10 | Simpson CollegeIndianola, IA | Nonprofit | $46,750 | 63% | 86% | 72.8 |
| 11 | Buena Vista UniversityStorm Lake, IA | Nonprofit | $41,798 | 62% | 78% | 71.6 |
| 12 | Northwestern CollegeOrange City, IA | Nonprofit | $36,400 | 66% | 80% | 71.0 |
| 13 | Loras CollegeDubuque, IA | Nonprofit | $37,912 | 68% | 100% | 69.6 |
| 14 | Morningside UniversitySioux City, IA | Nonprofit | $38,017 | 50% | 71% | 68.1 |
| 15 | William Penn UniversityOskaloosa, IA | Nonprofit | $29,750 | 33% | 52% | 67.2 |
The Top Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Iowa at a Glance
Each program scores 0 to 100 on the Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. Longer bars rank higher.
Inside the Top Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Iowa
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA · Public
- Grad rate
- 75%
- Admit rate
- 84%
- In-state
- $9,286
- Out-of-state
- $31,374
At $9,286 a year in-state, University of Iowa is among the more affordable bachelor's in accounting programs ranked here, holding an 87.2 Hakia Score on a 75% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 87.2, #1 of 15
- 75% graduation rate
- $9,286 in-state vs $31,374 out-of-state
- Top graduation rate on this list
University of Iowa is a public institution in Iowa City, IA. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #1 of the 15 analyzed here with an 87.2 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That is the highest score in the ranking, well above the 76.4 group average. The program graduates 75% of its students, above the 64% average across the ranked schools. University of Iowa admits 84% of applicants, less selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 52% rate at William Penn University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 33% to 75%.
On cost, University of Iowa charges $9,286 a year in-state, roughly 3x the $31,374 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $37,144 in tuition for residents, against $125,496 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $9,252 at Iowa State University to $54,316 at Coe College. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
Drake University
Des Moines, IA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 74%
- Admit rate
- 64%
- In-state
- $51,444
- Out-of-state
- $51,444
Drake University graduates 74% of its students, above the 64% average across this ranking, on an 86.3 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 86.3, #2 of 15
- 74% graduation rate
- $51,444 tuition
- Admits just 64% of applicants
Drake University is a private, nonprofit institution in Des Moines, IA. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #2 of the 15 analyzed here with an 86.3 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 76.4 group average, in the top third of the 15 ranked programs, 0.9 points behind top-ranked University of Iowa. The program graduates 74% of its students, above the 64% average across the ranked schools. Drake University admits 64% of applicants, more selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 52% rate at William Penn University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 33% to 75%.
On cost, Drake University charges $51,444 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $205,776 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $9,252 at Iowa State University to $54,316 at Coe College. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Dordt University
Sioux Center, IA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 70%
- Admit rate
- 68%
- In-state
- $36,400
- Out-of-state
- $36,400
Dordt University graduates 70% of its students, above the 64% average across this ranking, on an 81.7 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 81.7, #3 of 15
- 70% graduation rate
- $36,400 tuition
- Admits just 68% of applicants
Dordt University is a private, nonprofit institution in Sioux Center, IA. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #3 of the 15 analyzed here with an 81.7 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 76.4 group average, in the top third of the 15 ranked programs, 5.5 points behind top-ranked University of Iowa. The program graduates 70% of its students, above the 64% average across the ranked schools. Dordt University admits 68% of applicants, more selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 52% rate at William Penn University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 33% to 75%.
On cost, Dordt University charges $36,400 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $145,600 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $9,252 at Iowa State University to $54,316 at Coe College. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Iowa State University
Ames, IA · Public
- Grad rate
- 75%
- Admit rate
- 89%
- In-state
- $9,252
- Out-of-state
- $27,346
At $9,252 a year in-state, Iowa State University is among the more affordable bachelor's in accounting programs ranked here, holding an 81.0 Hakia Score on a 75% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 81.0, #4 of 15
- 75% graduation rate
- $9,252 in-state vs $27,346 out-of-state
- Lowest in-state tuition here
Iowa State University is a public institution in Ames, IA. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #4 of the 15 analyzed here with an 81.0 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 76.4 group average, in the top third of the 15 ranked programs, 6.2 points behind top-ranked University of Iowa. The program graduates 75% of its students, above the 64% average across the ranked schools. Iowa State University admits 89% of applicants, less selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 52% rate at William Penn University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 33% to 75%.
On cost, Iowa State University charges $9,252 a year in-state, roughly 3.0x the $27,346 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $37,008 in tuition for residents, against $109,384 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $9,252 at Iowa State University to $54,316 at Coe College. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
Coe College
Cedar Rapids, IA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 66%
- Admit rate
- 64%
- In-state
- $54,316
- Out-of-state
- $54,316
Coe College graduates 66% of its students, above the 64% average across this ranking, on an 80.9 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 80.9, #5 of 15
- 66% graduation rate
- $54,316 tuition
- Admits just 64% of applicants
Based in Cedar Rapids, IA, Coe College is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #5 of the 15 ranked here, earning an 80.9 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits above the 76.4 group average, in the top third of the 15 ranked programs, 6.3 points behind top-ranked University of Iowa. The program graduates 66% of its students, above the 64% average across the ranked schools. Coe College admits 64% of applicants, more selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 52% rate at William Penn University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 33% to 75%.
On cost, Coe College charges $54,316 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $217,264 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $9,252 at Iowa State University to $54,316 at Coe College. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Luther College
Decorah, IA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 71%
- Admit rate
- 72%
- In-state
- $51,140
- Out-of-state
- $51,140
Luther College graduates 71% of its students, above the 64% average across this ranking, on an 80.3 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 80.3, #6 of 15
- 71% graduation rate
- $51,140 tuition
- Admits just 72% of applicants
Luther College is a private, nonprofit institution in Decorah, IA. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #6 of the 15 analyzed here with an 80.3 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 76.4 group average, in the middle third of the 15 ranked programs, 6.9 points behind top-ranked University of Iowa. The program graduates 71% of its students, above the 64% average across the ranked schools. Luther College admits 72% of applicants, more selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 52% rate at William Penn University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 33% to 75%.
On cost, Luther College charges $51,140 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $204,560 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $9,252 at Iowa State University to $54,316 at Coe College. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Wartburg College
Waverly, IA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 64%
- Admit rate
- 76%
- In-state
- $25,000
- Out-of-state
- $25,000
At $25,000 a year in-state, Wartburg College is among the more affordable bachelor's in accounting programs ranked here, holding a 77.1 Hakia Score on a 64% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 77.1, #7 of 15
- 64% graduation rate
- $25,000 tuition
- Admits just 76% of applicants
Wartburg College is a private, nonprofit institution in Waverly, IA. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #7 of the 15 analyzed here with a 77.1 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 76.4 group average, in the middle third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 64% of its students, above the 64% average across the ranked schools. Wartburg College admits 76% of applicants, more selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 52% rate at William Penn University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 33% to 75%.
On cost, Wartburg College charges $25,000 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $100,000 in tuition. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $9,252 at Iowa State University to $54,316 at Coe College. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
Saint Ambrose University
Davenport, IA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 61%
- Admit rate
- 77%
- In-state
- $36,378
- Out-of-state
- $36,378
At $36,378 a year in-state, Saint Ambrose University is among the more affordable bachelor's in accounting programs ranked here, holding a 76.1 Hakia Score on a 61% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 76.1, #8 of 15
- 61% graduation rate
- $36,378 tuition
- Admits just 77% of applicants
Based in Davenport, IA, Saint Ambrose University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #8 of the 15 ranked here, earning a 76.1 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 76.4 group average, in the middle third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 61% of its students, below the 64% average across the ranked schools. Saint Ambrose University admits 77% of applicants, less selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 52% rate at William Penn University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 33% to 75%.
On cost, Saint Ambrose University charges $36,378 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $145,512 in tuition. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $9,252 at Iowa State University to $54,316 at Coe College. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its low in-state cost.
Central College
Pella, IA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 66%
- Admit rate
- 86%
- In-state
- $20,988
- Out-of-state
- $20,988
At $20,988 a year in-state, Central College is among the more affordable bachelor's in accounting programs ranked here, holding a 75.5 Hakia Score on a 66% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 75.5, #9 of 15
- 66% graduation rate
- $20,988 tuition
- Smallest campus in this ranking
Based in Pella, IA, Central College is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #9 of the 15 ranked here, earning a 75.5 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 76.4 group average, in the middle third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 66% of its students, above the 64% average across the ranked schools. Central College admits 86% of applicants, less selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 52% rate at William Penn University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 33% to 75%.
On cost, Central College charges $20,988 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $83,952 in tuition. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $9,252 at Iowa State University to $54,316 at Coe College. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with above-average completion.
Simpson College
Indianola, IA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 63%
- Admit rate
- 86%
- In-state
- $46,750
- Out-of-state
- $46,750
Simpson College ranks #10 of the 15 bachelor's in accounting programs in this analysis, with a 72.8 Hakia Score and a 63% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 72.8, #10 of 15
- 63% graduation rate
- $46,750 tuition
- Admits just 86% of applicants
Based in Indianola, IA, Simpson College is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #10 of the 15 ranked here, earning a 72.8 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 76.4 group average, in the middle third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 63% of its students, below the 64% average across the ranked schools. Simpson College admits 86% of applicants, less selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 52% rate at William Penn University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 33% to 75%.
On cost, Simpson College charges $46,750 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $187,000 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $9,252 at Iowa State University to $54,316 at Coe College. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. It earns its place in the top 15 on the balance of cost, completion, and outcomes.
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, IA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 62%
- Admit rate
- 78%
- In-state
- $41,798
- Out-of-state
- $41,798
Buena Vista University ranks #11 of the 15 bachelor's in accounting programs in this analysis, with a 71.6 Hakia Score and a 62% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 71.6, #11 of 15
- 62% graduation rate
- $41,798 tuition
- Admits just 78% of applicants
Based in Storm Lake, IA, Buena Vista University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #11 of the 15 ranked here, earning a 71.6 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 76.4 group average, in the lower third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 62% of its students, below the 64% average across the ranked schools. Buena Vista University admits 78% of applicants, less selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 52% rate at William Penn University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 33% to 75%.
On cost, Buena Vista University charges $41,798 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $167,192 in tuition. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $9,252 at Iowa State University to $54,316 at Coe College. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. It earns its place in the top 15 on the balance of cost, completion, and outcomes.
Northwestern College
Orange City, IA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 66%
- Admit rate
- 80%
- In-state
- $36,400
- Out-of-state
- $36,400
Northwestern College graduates 66% of its students, above the 64% average across this ranking, on a 71.0 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 71.0, #12 of 15
- 66% graduation rate
- $36,400 tuition
- Admits just 80% of applicants
Based in Orange City, IA, Northwestern College is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #12 of the 15 ranked here, earning a 71.0 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 76.4 group average, in the lower third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 66% of its students, above the 64% average across the ranked schools. Northwestern College admits 80% of applicants, less selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 52% rate at William Penn University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 33% to 75%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 1,705 students.
On cost, Northwestern College charges $36,400 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $145,600 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $9,252 at Iowa State University to $54,316 at Coe College. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
Loras College
Dubuque, IA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 68%
- Admit rate
- 100%
- In-state
- $37,912
- Out-of-state
- $37,912
Loras College graduates 68% of its students, above the 64% average across this ranking, on a 69.6 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 69.6, #13 of 15
- 68% graduation rate
- $37,912 tuition
- Admits just 100% of applicants
Based in Dubuque, IA, Loras College is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #13 of the 15 ranked here, earning a 69.6 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 76.4 group average, in the lower third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 68% of its students, above the 64% average across the ranked schools. Loras College admits 100% of applicants, less selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 52% rate at William Penn University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 33% to 75%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 1,189 students.
On cost, Loras College charges $37,912 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $151,648 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $9,252 at Iowa State University to $54,316 at Coe College. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
Morningside University
Sioux City, IA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 50%
- Admit rate
- 71%
- In-state
- $38,017
- Out-of-state
- $38,017
Morningside University ranks #14 of the 15 bachelor's in accounting programs in this analysis, with a 68.1 Hakia Score and a 50% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 68.1, #14 of 15
- 50% graduation rate
- $38,017 tuition
- Admits just 71% of applicants
Morningside University is a private, nonprofit institution in Sioux City, IA. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program ranks #14 of the 15 analyzed here with a 68.1 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 76.4 group average, in the lower third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 50% of its students, below the 64% average across the ranked schools. Morningside University admits 71% of applicants, more selective than the 76% average for the group. That is more open than the 52% rate at William Penn University, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 33% to 75%.
On cost, Morningside University charges $38,017 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $152,068 in tuition. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $9,252 at Iowa State University to $54,316 at Coe College. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its genuine selectivity.
William Penn University
Oskaloosa, IA · Nonprofit
- Grad rate
- 33%
- Admit rate
- 52%
- In-state
- $29,750
- Out-of-state
- $29,750
At $29,750 a year in-state, William Penn University is among the more affordable bachelor's in accounting programs ranked here, holding a 67.2 Hakia Score on a 33% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 67.2, #15 of 15
- 33% graduation rate
- $29,750 tuition
- Most selective program here
Based in Oskaloosa, IA, William Penn University is a private, nonprofit institution. Its Bachelor's in Accounting program lands at #15 of the 15 ranked here, earning a 67.2 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 76.4 group average, in the lower third of the 15 ranked programs. The program graduates 33% of its students, below the 64% average across the ranked schools. William Penn University admits 52% of applicants, more selective than the 76% average for the group. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 33% to 75%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 1,425 students.
On cost, William Penn University charges $29,750 a year in-state. Over four years that totals about $119,000 in tuition. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $9,252 at Iowa State University to $54,316 at Coe College. As a private institution, its tuition does not change with residency, unlike the public universities on this list. Graduates step into a field with an $87,660 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is low in-state cost paired with genuine selectivity.
What a Bachelor of Accounting Costs in Iowa
In-state tuition among the 15 ranked accounting programs in Iowa runs from $9,252 to $54,316 a year. Iowa State University anchors the low end at $9,252, while Coe College sits at the top at $54,316. At public schools that in-state figure is the resident rate; out-of-state students routinely pay two to three times as much, which can reorder this list entirely for anyone moving in from elsewhere.
Run the four-year math and the gap widens: about $37,008 in tuition at the low end against roughly $217,264 at the high end for the same bachelor of accounting. Against the national median of $87,660 a year, the cheaper degree pays its tuition back far faster.
A higher price does not automatically buy a stronger degree. Weigh each school's graduation rate and net price, not just its sticker tuition, and use its net price calculator for your own situation before comparing.
Accreditation and Value: What to Check First
Every school ranked here is accredited and reports to the federal IPEDS system, so the Hakia Score never rewards an unaccredited program for being cheap or convenient. Accreditation is what makes an accounting degree count with employers, licensing boards, and other schools, so confirm it on the program's own page before enrolling, not after.
Low tuition only pays off when the degree finishes and counts. That is why this ranking weighs completion alongside cost: a cheap program that graduates a fraction of its students is not a bargain. Where a field carries programmatic accreditation on top of institutional accreditation, look for it too.
Accounting Careers and Pay After an Iowa Program
Every degree on this list points toward the same national labor market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts national median pay in the field at $87,660 a year, a figure that applies across the profession rather than to any single school here, and it holds whether a graduate paid $9,252 or $54,316 a year in tuition. That is the core tradeoff this ranking is built to expose: a higher price does not buy a higher starting salary in the federal wage data.
Full occupational detail, including job-growth projections and state-level wage breakdowns, is published by the BLS. Graduates of any ranked Iowa program compete in that same national pay structure.
Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Iowa: Your Questions, Answered
What is the best accounting bachelor's degree in Iowa?
By Hakia Score, University of Iowa ranks first among the 15 accounting programs in Iowa we analyzed, with an 87.2 score and a 75% graduation rate. The score weighs graduation rate, selectivity, in-state cost, and outcomes, so the top school balances all four rather than winning on any one.
How much does an accounting bachelor's degree cost in Iowa?
In-state tuition among the ranked Iowa programs runs from $9,252 to $54,316 a year. These are resident rates at public schools; out-of-state students pay more, so confirm your residency status and check the out-of-state column before comparing.
Is an online accounting bachelor's degree respected by employers?
Yes, when the school is accredited. An accredited online degree lists the same on a transcript as the on-campus version, and accreditation, not delivery format, is what protects the credential. Every program ranked here is accredited and reporting to the federal IPEDS system.
What salary can graduates expect?
The BLS reports a national median of $87,660 a year for the field. That is a national benchmark, not an Iowa-specific figure or a promised outcome for any single school, but it is the number every tuition dollar on this page should be measured against.
How the Accounting Bachelor's Programs in Iowa Are Scored
Every program earns a Hakia Score from 0 to 100, built only from federal data (IPEDS, the U.S. Department of Education, and BLS) and scored against its true peers: programs in the same field at the same degree level. No reputation surveys, no pay-to-play. Here is how the score is weighted:
- Outcomes44%
Graduation rate (26%) and real per-school graduate earnings (18%). Does the program get students to the finish line, and where do they land?
- Selectivity & academics38%
Admissions selectivity (24%) and the academic profile of admitted students (14%).
- Scale & value18%
Enrollment (7%), cost-to-earnings value (6%), and the number of graduates a program produces (5%).
Weights renormalize over the data each program actually reports, so a school missing a metric (many open-access colleges do not publish entrance scores or earnings) is never penalized for it. Scores are percentiles within the peer group, curved to a 0-to-100 scale. What the score does not measure: individual instructor quality, specific course content, or campus culture. Verify those directly with the program.