2025 Guide to Affordable Colleges Near Waterloo, Iowa
Are you near Waterloo, Iowa looking for an affordable college or university? Start your search here.
The Best Adult Colleges & Careers Guide makes it easy for you to find out about schools that offer affordable degrees near Waterloo, Iowa. Get detailed information about affordable colleges and universities including the average cost of tuition and fees for four-year public, private, nonprofit and for-profit schools. You'll also get a comparison on how schools within each category rank based on tuition cost. Ultimately, you'll see which schools are the best fit for your budget. Click here to learn more about the guide.
Tuition costs on this page reflect undergraduate rates as self-reported by each institution and may differ based on program of study.
How Much is College Tuition in Waterloo, Iowa?
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the average cost of in-state undergraduate degree tuition and fees at colleges and universities near Waterloo, Iowa has been increasing over the past five years. In 2023, the average annual cost of tuition and fees for the 7 schools near Waterloo was $16,340. That represents a 2% increase since 2019.
Number of Schools
Average In-State Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (Last 5 Years)
Sponsored
Best-Value College for Budget-Conscious Adults
Founded in Columbus, Ohio in 1902, Franklin University has earned a reputation for affordability among busy adults who want a high-quality degree that doesn't break the bank. With competitive per credit hour tuition rates, online degree programs and the University's Tuition Guarantee, Franklin students can get ahead without falling behind in everything else.
Undergraduate Tuition
PER CREDIT HOUR
Master's Tuition
PER CREDIT HOUR
Doctoral Tuition
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Costs of 4-Year Private Nonprofit Colleges & Universities Near Waterloo, Iowa
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Affordability Comparison
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Franklin University is $9,577, which is lower than 94% of all 4-year private nonprofit schools in the United States.
Franklin University is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving adult students in Waterloo, Iowa, where all programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Franklin University is 71% less than the 4-year private nonprofit national average.
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Franklin University is $9,577, which is lower than 81% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
Franklin University is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving adult students in Waterloo, Iowa, where all programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Franklin University is 62% less than the 4-year in-state national average.
Undergraduate (UG) & Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2023 undergraduate tuition and fees at Franklin University was $9,577. That was unchanged from $9,577 in 2022.
In 2023 graduate tuition and fees at Franklin University was $12,060. That was a decrease of 33% from $16,080 in 2022.
Financial Aid Awarded to All Undergraduate Students
According to 2023 data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), at Franklin University, 53% of students were awarded a grant or scholarship. The average award was $5,160. Among undergraduate students, 34% of students were eligible to receive pell grants and $3,783 was the average grant award. Federal student loans were an option for 44% of students, who, on average, borrowed $5,855.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at Franklin University, where the majority of students earn degrees online and attend part time. In 2023, 1,429 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 88 associate degrees, 616 master's degrees, and 38 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
5,117
Completions By Degree
2,171
Est. Online Degree Availability
100%
Completions by Program Area
$$
Affordability Comparison
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Upper Iowa University is $19,000, which is lower than 74% of all 4-year private nonprofit schools in the United States.
Upper Iowa University is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving blended students in Waterloo, Iowa, where most programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Upper Iowa University is 42% less than the 4-year private nonprofit national average.
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Upper Iowa University is $19,000, which is lower than 50% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
Upper Iowa University is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving blended students in Waterloo, Iowa, where most programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Upper Iowa University is 24% less than the 4-year in-state national average.
Undergraduate (UG) & Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2023 undergraduate tuition and fees at Upper Iowa University was $19,000. That was a decrease of 77% from $33,639 in 2022.
In 2023 graduate tuition and fees at Upper Iowa University was $18,958. That was unchanged from $18,870 in 2022.
Financial Aid Awarded to All Undergraduate Students
According to 2023 data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), at Upper Iowa University, 73% of students were awarded a grant or scholarship. The average award was $12,470. Among undergraduate students, 34% of students were eligible to receive pell grants and $4,417 was the average grant award. Federal student loans were an option for 54% of students, who, on average, borrowed $9,008.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at Upper Iowa University, where the majority of students earn degrees online and attend full time. In 2023, 746 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 54 associate degrees, 227 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
2,203
Completions By Degree
1,027
Est. Online Degree Availability
80%
Completions by Program Area
$$
Affordability Comparison
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Allen College is $24,456, which is lower than 66% of all 4-year private nonprofit schools in the United States.
Allen College is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving traditional students in Waterloo, Iowa, where most programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Allen College is 25% less than the 4-year private nonprofit national average.
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Allen College is $24,456, which is lower than 42% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
Allen College is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving traditional students in Waterloo, Iowa, where most programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Allen College is 2% less than the 4-year in-state national average.
Undergraduate (UG) & Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2023 undergraduate tuition and fees at Allen College was $24,456. That was an increase of 18% over $20,008 in 2022.
In 2023 graduate tuition and fees at Allen College was $19,028. That was a decrease of 1% from $19,200 in 2022.
Financial Aid Awarded to All Undergraduate Students
According to 2023 data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), at Allen College, 77% of students were awarded a grant or scholarship. The average award was $4,566. Among undergraduate students, 22% of students were eligible to receive pell grants and $2,252 was the average grant award. Federal student loans were an option for 61% of students, who, on average, borrowed $3,958.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at Allen College, where the majority of students earn degrees online and attend full time. In 2023, 133 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 10 associate degrees, 53 master's degrees, and 14 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
278
Completions By Degree
210
Est. Online Degree Availability
83%
Completions by Program Area
$$$$$
Affordability Comparison
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Wartburg College is $51,040, which is lower than 16% of all 4-year private nonprofit schools in the United States.
Wartburg College is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving traditional students in Waterloo, Iowa, where minimal programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Wartburg College is 56% more than the 4-year private nonprofit national average.
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Wartburg College is $51,040, which is lower than 10% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
Wartburg College is a 4-year private nonprofit school serving traditional students in Waterloo, Iowa, where minimal programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Wartburg College is 104% more than the 4-year in-state national average.
Undergraduate (UG) & Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2023 undergraduate tuition and fees at Wartburg College was $51,040. That was an increase of 4% over $49,190 in 2022.
In 2023 graduate tuition and fees at Wartburg College was $11,500. That was a decrease of 20% from $13,800 in 2022.
Financial Aid Awarded to All Undergraduate Students
According to 2023 data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), at Wartburg College, 95% of students were awarded a grant or scholarship. The average award was $36,141. Among undergraduate students, 23% of students were eligible to receive pell grants and $4,616 was the average grant award. Federal student loans were an option for 67% of students, who, on average, borrowed $6,474.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at Wartburg College, where the majority of students earn degrees on campus and attend full time. In 2023, 402 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 15 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
1,402
Completions By Degree
417
Est. Online Degree Availability
4%
Completions by Program Area
Costs of 4-Year Public Colleges & Universities Near Waterloo, Iowa
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Affordability Comparison
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the in-state cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at University of Northern Iowa is $9,728, which is lower than 51% of all 4-year public schools in the United States.
University of Northern Iowa is a 4-year public school serving traditional students in Waterloo, Iowa, where minimal programs completed were offered online. In-state tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at University of Northern Iowa is 7% less than the 4-year public in-state national average.
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the in-state cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at University of Northern Iowa is $9,728, which is lower than 80% of all 4-year schools in the United States.
University of Northern Iowa is a 4-year public school serving traditional students in Waterloo, Iowa, where minimal programs completed were offered online. In-state tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at University of Northern Iowa is 61% less than the 4-year in-state national average.
Undergraduate (UG) & Graduate (GR) Tuition & Fees
In 2023 in-state undergraduate tuition and fees at University of Northern Iowa was $9,728. That was an increase of 3% over $9,411 in 2022.
In 2023 out-of-state undegraduate tuition and fees at University of Northern Iowa was $21,272. That was an increase of 3% over $20,565 in 2022.
In 2023 in-state graduate tuition and fees at University of Northern Iowa was $11,362. That was an increase of 3% over $10,991 in 2022.
In 2023 out-of-state graduate tuition and fees at University of Northern Iowa was $22,834. That was an increase of 3% over $22,074 in 2022.
Financial Aid Awarded to All Undergraduate Students
According to 2023 data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), at University of Northern Iowa, 74% of students were awarded a grant or scholarship. The average award was $7,433. Among undergraduate students, 26% of students were eligible to receive pell grants and $4,449 was the average grant award. Federal student loans were an option for 47% of students, who, on average, borrowed $5,963.
Enrollment & Programs
Bachelor's degree programs are the most popular at University of Northern Iowa, where the majority of students earn degrees on campus and attend full time. In 2023, 2,302 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 330 master's degrees, and 17 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
7,571
Completions By Degree
2,649
Est. Online Degree Availability
28%
Completions by Program Area
Costs of 2-Year Public Schools Offering Near Waterloo, Iowa Including Community Colleges
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Affordability Comparison
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Hawkeye Community College is $6,308, which is lower than 22% of all 2-year public schools in the United States.
Hawkeye Community College is a 2-year public school serving traditional students in Waterloo, Iowa, where some programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Hawkeye Community College is 31% more than the 2-year public national average.
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Hawkeye Community College is $6,308, which is lower than 45% of all 2-year schools in the United States.
Hawkeye Community College is a 2-year public school serving traditional students in Waterloo, Iowa, where some programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Hawkeye Community College is 26% less than the 2-year national average.
Undergraduate (UG) Tuition & Fees
In 2023 undergraduate tuition and fees at Hawkeye Community College was $6,308. That was an increase of 3% over $6,090 in 2022.
Financial Aid Awarded to All Undergraduate Students
According to 2023 data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), at Hawkeye Community College, 38% of students were awarded a grant or scholarship. The average award was $4,734. Among undergraduate students, 22% of students were eligible to receive pell grants and $3,945 was the average grant award. Federal student loans were an option for 23% of students, who, on average, borrowed $5,412.
Enrollment & Programs
Associate degree programs are the most popular at Hawkeye Community College, where the majority of students earn degrees on campus and attend full time. In 2023, 602 associate degrees were completed.
Undergraduate Enrollment
2,581
Completions By Degree
602
Est. Online Degree Availability
50%
Completions by Program Area
$$$$
Affordability Comparison
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Marshalltown Community College is $5,304, which is lower than 35% of all 2-year public schools in the United States.
Marshalltown Community College is a 2-year public school serving traditional students in Waterloo, Iowa, where most programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Marshalltown Community College is 11% more than the 2-year public national average.
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Marshalltown Community College is $5,304, which is lower than 55% of all 2-year schools in the United States.
Marshalltown Community College is a 2-year public school serving traditional students in Waterloo, Iowa, where most programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Marshalltown Community College is 38% less than the 2-year national average.
Undergraduate (UG) Tuition & Fees
In 2023 undergraduate tuition and fees at Marshalltown Community College was $5,304. That was an increase of 2% over $5,184 in 2022.
Financial Aid Awarded to All Undergraduate Students
According to 2023 data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), at Marshalltown Community College, 36% of students were awarded a grant or scholarship. The average award was $7,636. Among undergraduate students, 20% of students were eligible to receive pell grants and $4,359 was the average grant award. Federal student loans were an option for 13% of students, who, on average, borrowed $4,903.
Enrollment & Programs
Associate degree programs are the most popular at Marshalltown Community College, where the majority of students earn degrees online and attend full time. In 2023, 206 associate degrees were completed.
Undergraduate Enrollment
774
Completions By Degree
206
Est. Online Degree Availability
68%
Completions by Program Area
$$$$
Affordability Comparison
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Ellsworth Community College is $5,304, which is lower than 35% of all 2-year public schools in the United States.
Ellsworth Community College is a 2-year public school serving traditional students in Waterloo, Iowa, where some programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Ellsworth Community College is 11% more than the 2-year public national average.
According to 2023 data from Lightcast™, the cost of undergraduate tuition & fees at Ellsworth Community College is $5,304, which is lower than 55% of all 2-year schools in the United States.
Ellsworth Community College is a 2-year public school serving traditional students in Waterloo, Iowa, where some programs completed were offered online. Tuition and fees for undergraduate programs at Ellsworth Community College is 38% less than the 2-year national average.
Undergraduate (UG) Tuition & Fees
In 2023 undergraduate tuition and fees at Ellsworth Community College was $5,304. That was an increase of 2% over $5,184 in 2022.
Financial Aid Awarded to All Undergraduate Students
According to 2023 data from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), at Ellsworth Community College, 68% of students were awarded a grant or scholarship. The average award was $8,814. Among undergraduate students, 37% of students were eligible to receive pell grants and $4,821 was the average grant award. Federal student loans were an option for 40% of students, who, on average, borrowed $5,068.
Enrollment & Programs
Associate degree programs are the most popular at Ellsworth Community College, where the majority of students earn degrees on campus and attend full time. In 2023, 167 associate degrees were completed.
Undergraduate Enrollment
560
Completions By Degree
167
Est. Online Degree Availability
41%
Completions by Program Area
Tuition Costs by School Type Near Waterloo, Iowa
There are at least 7 schools serving Waterloo, Iowa. Of those schools, 3 are 4-year private nonprofit schools, 0 are 4-year public schools, and 2 are 2-year public schools, based on information collected by the U.S. College Scorecard. Browse through the categories below to learn more about the cost of tuition and fees at each type of institution.
Number of Schools
2021-22 Tuition & Fees
2022-23 Tuition & Fees
Percent Change
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (Last 5 Years)
There are at least 3 4-year private nonprofit institutions serving Waterloo, Iowa. The average tuition among those schools in 2022-23 was $26,018, which represents an 8% decrease from the previous year.
Number of Schools
2021-22 Tuition & Fees
2022-23 Tuition & Fees
Percent Change
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (Last 5 Years)
There are at least 2 2-year public institutions serving Waterloo, Iowa. The average tuition among those schools in 2022-23 was $5,639, which represents a 3% increase from the previous year.