Best Degree Completion Programs in Iowa 2027

Why it ranks #1: 67% of its transfer students earn a degree within eight years (higher than 7 other colleges on this list) and its rate is $387 per credit for Iowa residents (lower than 6 other colleges on this list).

The University of Iowa asks online political science applicants for at least 30 earned college semester hours, so this BA suits you once you have a solid block of credit. As one of Iowa's three Regent universities, it sits inside Transfer in Iowa, the state's one-stop resource for planning how credits move between schools.

Why it ranks #2: 61% of its transfer students earn a degree within eight years (higher than 5 other colleges on this list) and its online rate is $377 per credit for Iowa residents (lower than 7 other colleges on this list).

The University of Northern Iowa is a Regent university, and its online Bachelor of Liberal Studies lets you shape a customizable degree from wherever you live. Online undergraduate tuition is $377 per unit of credit. If you earned an associate degree or 24 credits at an Iowa community college, the UNI at Iowa Community Colleges initiative may cover the difference between community college and UNI tuition.

Why it ranks #3: 73% of its undergraduates study fully online (higher than 8 other colleges on this list) and 56% of its transfer students earn a degree within eight years (higher than 3 other colleges on this list).

Upper Iowa University in Fayette evaluates prior college coursework for students entering its online programs, and its Human Services bachelor's gives you a people-focused route to a degree. Because it is a private Iowa college, check the Iowa Tuition Grant, which goes to Iowa residents enrolled at eligible private colleges in an associate or bachelor's program.

Why it ranks #4: 67% of its transfer students earn a degree within eight years (higher than 7 other colleges on this list) and it accepts up to 93 transfer credits (the highest on this list).

Mount Mercy in Cedar Rapids starts online classes every five weeks, which helps if work schedules shift. Iowa community college graduates with an associate degree and a 2.0 GPA are automatically accepted, and business-minded AA, AS or AAS holders can bring up to 75 credits. Up to 30 more can come from prior experience. The 2026-27 online rate is $634 per credit hour.

Why it ranks #5: Its online rate is $345 per credit for Iowa residents (lower than 8 other colleges on this list) and 68% of its undergraduates study fully online (higher than 7 other colleges on this list).

Waldorf University in Forest City delivers a BA in Emergency Management online. Its online admissions team reviews earlier college credits from other institutions and supports the transfer enrollment process, so you can find out how much of your past coursework counts before you enroll. A Homeland Security BA is also offered if you want a second route to compare.

Why it ranks #6: 57% of its transfer students earn a degree within eight years (higher than 4 other colleges on this list) and 44% of its undergraduates study fully online (higher than 6 other colleges on this list).

Buena Vista University runs its online Leadership Studies degree in 7.5-week terms with six start dates a year. It takes up to 90 transfer credits, including up to 60 from a community college, and the team evaluates your transcripts for free. Online tuition is $510 per credit hour. Iowa residents age 25 or older can ask about the Future Ready Iowa Grant.

Why it ranks #7: 66% of its transfer students earn a degree within eight years (higher than 6 other colleges on this list) and its online rate is $465 per credit for Iowa residents (lower than 4 other colleges on this list).

Simpson College in Indianola offers a bachelor's degree in Management Information Systems built for adults, where previous college coursework and eligible assessed learning can be reviewed toward the degree. Iowa residents age 25 or older can check whether the Future Ready Iowa Grant applies, since it supports part-time enrollment in an eligible bachelor's program at an accredited private college.

Why it ranks #8: 69% of its transfer students earn a degree within eight years (the highest on this list) and its online rate is $510 per credit for Iowa residents (lower than 2 other colleges on this list).

Grand View in Des Moines lets you finish a business administration degree completely online, with six start sessions between August and June. The school takes up to 75 semester hours from community colleges and sets no limit on four-year credits, and up to 32 hours can come from exams or a portfolio. Online courses cost $510 per credit hour.

Why it ranks #9: Its rate is $420 per credit for Iowa residents (lower than 5 other colleges on this list) and 51% of its transfer students earn a degree within eight years (higher than 2 other colleges on this list).

William Penn University in Oskaloosa offers online Business Management in eight-week courses. Accredited college courses may be accepted when your overall GPA in them is 2.0 or above, and associate degree holders are credited with most of the Penn Leadership Core. With an associate degree the school estimates about two years to finish. As an Iowa private college, it may also fit the Iowa Tuition Grant.

Why it ranks #10: Its rate is $188 per credit for out-of-state students (the lowest on this list) and 100% of its undergraduates study fully online (the highest on this list).

A flat $2,250 covers as many courses as you can take in a 12-week subscription period at UW-Milwaukee's Flexible Option, or $1,125 for one course at a time. You start any month, with no live log-on times, deadlines, group work or class discussions. A Success Coach plans your courses around your transfer credits, and you need a 2.00 GPA from prior colleges.