Popular Sections for Iowa MBA Students
Interactive Table | Best MBAs Detail | Tuition | Salary | ROI | Average GMAT | No GMAT / GRE | How We Rank
Executive Summary MBA Programs in Iowa for 2025
$25,796
Average MBA Tuition in Iowa
$83,468
Average Starting MBA Salary in Iowa
565
Average GMAT Scores in Iowa
2,649
Average Student Enrollment in Iowa
Key Highlights:
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- Comprehensive comparisons and data about tuition fees, average starting salaries, GMAT scores, and enrollment statistics for MBA programs in Iowa.
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- Detailed profiles of both online and on-campus MBA programs in Iowa, their strengths, unique specializations, faculty expertise, and alumni networks are included to help align your study choice with your career ambitions.
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- Insights into Iowa's diverse economic sectors, demonstrating how an MBA degree serves as a potent tool in these industries.
Top 5 Industries and Companies Hiring MBA Graduates in Iowa
Iowa has a diversified economy that's been steadily growing, which presents a favorable environment for MBA graduates. Key sectors include manufacturing, agriculture, finance, and insurance services, and healthcare. Each of these industries requires skilled professionals with a robust understanding of business principles - something an MBA program delivers effectively.
Manufacturing is a significant sector in Iowa, with a heavy emphasis on food processing and heavy machinery. An MBA with a focus on operations management or supply chain management can yield lucrative career opportunities in this sector.
Agriculture remains an essential part of Iowa's economy. MBAs with a specialization in agribusiness or sustainability can find rewarding roles within this sector, contributing to the state's continued leadership in this industry.
The finance and insurance services sector in Iowa is robust and expanding. An MBA concentration in finance or risk management would be an asset to students aspiring to thrive in this sector.
Lastly, the healthcare sector in Iowa is growing. As such, an MBA with a focus on healthcare administration could provide excellent career prospects.
| Major Industries in Iowa | Relevance to MBA Students |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | MBAs with a focus on operations management or supply chain management could find opportunities in this sector. |
| Agriculture | A robust sector for those with an MBA concentration in agribusiness or sustainability. |
| Finance and Insurance Services | A thriving industry for those with an MBA in finance or risk management. |
| Healthcare | A growing sector with opportunities for those with an MBA in healthcare administration. |
| Top Hiring Companies in Iowa | Why Work There |
|---|---|
| Principal Financial Group | A global financial investment management leader providing opportunities in finance, risk management, and strategic planning. |
| Rockwell Collins | An avionics and information technology systems provider offering roles in operations, strategy, and supply chain management. |
| Casey's General Stores | A Fortune 500 company in the food and retail sector offering roles in marketing, human resources, and retail management. |
| UnityPoint Health | One of the nation's most integrated health systems offering opportunities in healthcare administration. |
| John Deere | A leading manufacturer of agriculture machinery offering roles in operations, supply chain management, and strategic planning. |
Sortable Table of the Top AACSB Accredited MBA Programs in Iowa
Easily sort the interactive table below to find the best MBA programs by Rank, School Name, ROI, Tuition, Average Starting Salary, and Campus or Online to find and to compare MBA programs in Iowa. Click on any school for a comprehensive school profile.
| Rank | University | Avg. Graduate ROI | Avg. In State Tuition | Avg. Starting Salary | State | Campus and Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The University of Iowa | 381.00% | $23,453 | $112,820 | IA | No |
| 2 | Iowa State University | 152.00% | $29,966 | $75,552 | IA | Yes |
| 3 | Drake University | 208.00% | $25,848 | $79,500 | IA | Yes |
| 4 | University of Northern Iowa | 176.00% | $23,917 | $66,000 | IA | No |
10 Best Ranked MBA Programs in Iowa
The University of Iowa
Tippie College of Business
Location:
- Iowa City
,
- IA
Control: Public
Academic Year: Semester
Accredited: AACSB
Accreditation: Business and Accounting
Facebook, Linkedin and TwitterDegree Level(s):
- Doctoral
- ·
- Master
- ·
- MBA
- ·
- Undergraduate
Offered As:
- Campus
- ·
- Evenings
- ·
- Full-Time
- ·
- Off Campus
- ·
- Part-Time
- ·
- Partnership
- ·
- Weekends
- Accounting
- Communications
- Corporate Finance
- Data Analytics
- Economics
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- General Business
- Global Management
- Information Systems
- Insurance
- International Business
- Leadership
- Management
- Marketing
Iowa State University
College of Business
Location:
- Ames
,
- IA
Control: Public
Academic Year: Semester
Accredited: AACSB
Accreditation: Business and Accounting
Facebook, Linkedin and TwitterDegree Level(s):
- Doctoral
- ·
- E-MBA
- ·
- Master
- ·
- MBA
- ·
- Undergraduate
Offered As:
- Campus
- ·
- Distance Education
- ·
- Evenings
- ·
- Full-Time
- ·
- Off Campus
- ·
- Online
- ·
- Part-Time
- ·
- Partnership
- ·
- Weekends
- Accounting
- Actuarial Science
- Corporate Finance
- Data Analytics
- Economics
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- General Business
- Healthcare Administration
- Human Resources
- Information Systems
- Management
- Marketing
- Other
- Real Estate
- Supply Chain
Drake University
College of Business and Public Administration
Location:
- Des Moines
,
- IA
Control: Private
Academic Year: Semester
Accredited: AACSB
Accreditation: Business
Facebook, Linkedin and TwitterDegree Level(s):
- Master
- ·
- MBA
- ·
- Undergraduate
Offered As:
- Campus
- ·
- Evenings
- ·
- Full-Time
- ·
- Off Campus
- ·
- Online
- ·
- Part-Time
- ·
- Weekends
- Accounting
- Actuarial Science
- Corporate Finance
- Data Analytics
- Economics
- Finance
- General Business
- Global Management
- Information Systems
- International Business
- Law
- Management
- Marketing
- Nonprofit
University of Northern Iowa
College of Business
Location:
- Cedar Falls
,
- IA
Control: Public
Academic Year: Semester
Accredited: AACSB
Accreditation: Business
Facebook, Linkedin and TwitterDegree Level(s):
- Master
- ·
- MBA
- ·
- Undergraduate
Offered As:
- Campus
- ·
- Evenings
- ·
- Full-Time
- ·
- Off Campus
- ·
- Part-Time
- ·
- Weekends
- Accounting
- Corporate Finance
- Data Analytics
- Economics
- Education
- Finance
- General Business
- Human Resources
- Information Systems
- Leadership
- Management
- Marketing
- Real Estate
- Supply Chain
Degree Level(s):
- Doctoral
- ·
- Master
- ·
- MBA
- ·
- Undergraduate
Offered As:
- Campus
- ·
- Online
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Information Systems
- International Business
- Marketing
Degree Level(s):
Offered As:
- Management
Degree Level(s):
Offered As:
- Accounting
- Health Care Management
- Management
Degree Level(s):
Offered As:
- Management
Compare MBA Program Averages in 2025
Iowa, the U.S. and Online
| Averages | Iowa MBA Programs | Online MBA Programs | MBA Programs Nationwide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average MBA Tuition | $25,796 | $45,860 | $49,072 |
| Average Graduate Salary | $83,468 | $79,347 | $82,827 |
| Average ROI | 229% | 196% | 185% |
| Average GMAT Scores | 565 | 561 | 567 |
What is the Average Tuition for MBA Programs in Iowa?
If you plan on attending an MBA program, it’s best to start thinking about fiscal responsibility. A prospective B-Student needs to weigh their tuition options. An AACSB-accredited MBA program can pave the way for a great starting salary or career advancement. An online MBA program can provide the flexibility of completing a program while being employed in your respective career.
While the average in-person MBA program in Iowa will cost about $25,796, the least expensive MBA program is $23,453 from The University of Iowa, and the most expensive is $29,966 from Iowa State University.
An Online MBA program from an institution in Iowa will cost you between $25,848 from Drake University and $29,966 from Iowa State University. The average cost of online MBA programs within Iowa is $27,907.
Average Tuition for In-Person MBA Programs
Average: $25,796 from Iowa’s 5 in-person MBA Programs
Lowest in-person: $23,453 from The University of Iowa
Highest in-person: $29,966 from Iowa State University
Most Affordable MBAs in Iowa
- The University of Iowa - $23,453.00
- University of Northern Iowa - $23,917.00
- Drake University - $25,848.00
- Iowa State University - $29,966.00
Most Expensive MBAs in Iowa
- Iowa State University - $29,966.00
- Drake University - $25,848.00
- University of Northern Iowa - $23,917.00
- The University of Iowa - $23,453.00
What is the Average Graduate MBA Salary in Iowa?
While the average starting salary for graduates of an in-person MBA program in Iowa is about $83,468, the lowest average MBA starting salary is $66,000 from University of Northern Iowa, and the highest average MBA starting salary is $112,820 from The University of Iowa.
The average starting salary for graduates of an Online MBA program from an institution in Iowa is between $75,552 from Iowa State University and $79,500 from Drake University. The average starting MBA salary for graduates of online MBA programs within Iowa is $77,526.
Average Graduate Salaries for In-Person MBA Programs
- Average: $83,468 from Iowa’s 5 In-Person MBA Programs
- Lowest In-Person: $66,000 from University of Northern Iowa
- Highest In-Person:$112,820 from The University of Iowa
Schools with the Highest Graduate MBA Salaries in Iowa
- The University of Iowa - $112,820.00
- Drake University - $79,500.00
- Iowa State University - $75,552.00
- University of Northern Iowa - $66,000.00
Schools with the Lowest Graduate MBA Salaries in Iowa
- University of Northern Iowa - $66,000.00
- Iowa State University - $75,552.00
- Drake University - $79,500.00
- The University of Iowa - $112,820.00
What is the Average ROI for MBA Programs in Iowa?
Choosing an MBA program requires more than a glance at the school’s reputation or curriculum. The return on investment (ROI) should take center stage in your evaluation. This measurement reveals the potential value derived from your tuition investment, putting key factors such as starting salary and career progression under the microscope.
By scrutinizing the ROI, you’re not just making a decision—you’re making an informed one. This approach will ensure the selection of an MBA program that provides the most bang for your buck. Checking the ROI might not be an afterthought; it could be the game-changer in your MBA journey.
While the average in-person MBA program ROI from Iowa is 229%, the lowest ROI is 152% from Iowa State University, and the best ROI is 381% from The University of Iowa.
The ROI from Online MBA programs in Iowa range between 152% from Iowa State University and 208% from Drake University. The average ROI of online MBA programs within Iowa is 180%.
In-Person ROI for MBA Programs
- Average: 229% from Iowa’s 5 in-person MBA Programs
- Lowest in-person: 152% from Iowa State University
- Highest in-person: 381% from The University of Iowa
Highest ROI for MBA Programs in Iowa
- The University of Iowa - 381.00%
- Drake University - 208.00%
- University of Northern Iowa - 176.00%
- Iowa State University - 152.00%
Lowest ROI for MBA Programs in Iowa
- Iowa State University - 152.00%
- University of Northern Iowa - 176.00%
- Drake University - 208.00%
- The University of Iowa - 381.00%
What is the Average GMAT Score Needed for an MBA Program in Iowa?
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized examination used by MBA schools to assess their applicant pool. The test is strategically designed to measure an applicant’s analytical, verbal, writing and mathematical skills. The GMAT is used as a predictor of success in MBA programs and tests one’s ability to successfully handle the advanced quantitative and qualitative study of business and management.
While the average GMAT score needed for in-person MBA program in Iowa is 565, the lowest average GMAT score is for an MBA program is 490 from University of Northern Iowa, and the highest GMAT score needed is 650 from The University of Iowa.
The average GMAT score needed for an online MBA program from an institution in Iowa is between 510 from Drake University to 609 from Iowa State University. The average GMAT scored for online MBA programs within Iowa is 560.
Average GMAT Score for In-Person MBA Programs
- Average: 565 from Iowa’s 5 in-person MBA Programs
- Lowest in-person: 490 from University of Northern Iowa
- Highest in-person: 650 from The University of Iowa
Lowest GMAT Scores in Iowa
- University of Northern Iowa - 490
- Drake University - 510
- Iowa State University - 609
- The University of Iowa - 650
Highest GMAT Scores in Iowa
- The University of Iowa - 650
- Iowa State University - 609
- Drake University - 510
- University of Northern Iowa - 490
No GMAT or GRE – Best MBA Programs in Iowa
MBA Schools with the Most Alumni Iowa?
The importance of networking, whether it’s by way of campus job fairs, student organization members, or faculty mentorship, should not be understated. The average MBA enrollment size has a direct impact on your studies, your job prospects, and your ability to define your career goals.
Every B-School has a strategy behind their enrollment sizes. If a prospective B-Student is looking for networking opportunities, wants to attend job fairs, and plans on joining student organizations, B-School enrollment size plays an important role in the decision making process. For the B-Student interested in the smaller cohort-style classroom experience and thrive with face-to-face collaboration with their professors, a manageable enrollment size is the preferred option.
For Iowa state’s MBA programs, the range for full-time enrollment is between 33 and 231. For part-time enrollment, the range is between : 32.00 and : 1,511.00.
Average Enrollment for In-Person MBA Programs
- Lowest: 33 from St. Ambrose University
- Highest: 231 from Iowa State University
- Average: 123 from Iowa’s 5 MBA Programs.
- Average: 296 from 511 the nation’s campus MBA Programs.
Schools with the Lowest Student Enrollment in Iowa
- Iowa State University - 231
- The University of Iowa - 224
- Drake University - 69
- University of Northern Iowa - 59
- St. Ambrose University - 33
MBA Programs with the Highest Student Enrollment in Iowa
- St. Ambrose University - 33
- University of Northern Iowa - 59
- Drake University - 69
- The University of Iowa - 224
- Iowa State University - 231
What MBA Concentrations Available in Iowa?
Highly competitive B-Schools recruit part-time and full-time professors that are both academic and industry influencers. They are the subject matter experts in their respective concentrations. To meet the diverse needs of Iowa businesses, MBA programs here have risen to the challenge by offering you an array of more than 24 MBA concentrations including:
- Information Systems: 5
- Marketing: 5
- Finance: 5
- Accounting: 4
- Corporate Finance: 4
- Data Analytics: 4
- Economics: 4
- Management: 4
- General Business: 4
- International Business: 3
What Schools Offer the Widest Variety of MBA Concentrations in Iowa?
- Iowa State University: 16
- The University of Iowa: 15
- Drake University: 14
- University of Northern Iowa: 14
- St. Ambrose University: 6
Cities Offering MBA Programs in Iowa
Looking for a particular city in Iowa with an accredited MBA program? Research and compare MBA programs from other cities in Iowa. Find online programs, programs by concentration, by average GMAT score and more.
The Importance of MBA Accreditation
The importance of accreditation can’t be underestimated. For many, knowing your school is accredited by the AACSB and regionally accredited by the US Department of Education is enough assurance that you will receive a quality education, where credits are more likely to transfer, and you will be qualified for loans, grants, and scholarships.
AACSB accreditation is considered to be the gold standard in business school credentialing. Established to promote high-quality business education in the U.S., AACSB members developed a stringent accreditation process. Members are held accountable for following an established business education framework set forth by the AACSB. With that comes MBA degrees conferrals that are widely recognized by Fortune 500 companies. This results in lucrative job opportunities.
MBA Program Options Available in Iowa
Options for earning your MBA in Iowa have never been more flexible. Iowa MBA programs have become adept at offering effective alternatives for you to earn your MBA, no matter your life situation or schedule.
Iowa has 5 Accredited MBA programs. 0 private and 3 public schools offering MBA programs.
Iowa has 3 public schools and 0 private schools offering MBA degree programs.
5 Accredited MBA programs. and 3 public schools offering MBA programs.
Iowa schools offer 9 different paths to earn your MBA in Iowa including Campus, Evenings, Full-Time, Off Campus, Part-Time, Weekends, Online, Partnership and Distance Education.
To meet the diverse needs of Iowa businesses, MBA programs here have risen to the challenge by offering you an array of more than 24 MBA concentrations to specialize in.
Awards for MBA Programs in Iowa
The ranking of MBA programs is certainly not an exact science and plenty of subjective reasoning and biases come into play. We offer insights into ranking as another way to evaluate a potential MBA program.
Of the 5 accredited MBA programs offered in Iowa, 4 of them have been recognized by at least one distinguished publication (PQ, US News, Forbes, BW, FT, Economist and MBAGuide) garnering an award as one of the best MBA programs in the country.
Iowa schools have earned a total of 12 Best MBA awards from publications. Here are the top MBA schools and the number of awards the each program has garnered:
Publications and the number of awards granted for Iowa schools:
- US News: 2
- Forbes: 1
- BW: 1
- FT: 1
- Economist: 1
- MBAGuide: 4
How We Rank the Best MBA Programs in Iowa
MBAGuide.org employs a comprehensive ranking methodology that combines quantitative data (80% of the score) with qualitative assessments (20%) to evaluate MBA programs. The quantitative component considers factors such as student-faculty ratio, tuition, enrollment, and post-graduation salaries, while the qualitative aspect incorporates editorial ratings and school reputation, providing a well-rounded view of each program’s quality and value.
Best MBA Programs by State: Online and In-Person
Alabama – Online | In-Person
Alaska – Online | In-Person
Arizona – Online | In-Person
Arkansas – Online | In-Person
California – Online | In-Person
Colorado – Online | In-Person
Connecticut – Online | In-Person
Delaware – Online | In-Person
Florida – Online | In-Person
Georgia – Online | In-Person
Hawaii – Online | In-Person
Idaho – Online | In-Person
Illinois – Online | In-Person
Indiana – Online | In-Person
Iowa – Online | In-Person
Kansas – Online | In-Person
Kentucky – Online | In-Person
Louisiana – Online | In-Person
Maine – Online | In-Person
Maryland – Online | In-Person
Massachusetts – Online | In-Person
Michigan – Online | In-Person
Minnesota – Online | In-Person
Mississippi – Online | In-Person
Missouri – Online | In-Person
Montana – Online | In-Person
Nebraska – Online | In-Person
Nevada – Online | In-Person
New Hampshire – Online | In-Person
New Jersey – Online | In-Person
New Mexico – Online | In-Person
New York – Online | In-Person
North Carolina – Online | In-Person
North Dakota – Online | In-Person
Ohio – Online | In-Person
Oklahoma – Online | In-Person
Oregon – Online | In-Person
Pennsylvania – Online | In-Person
Rhode Island – Online | In-Person
South Carolina – Online | In-Person
South Dakota – Online | In-Person
Tennessee – Online | In-Person
Texas – Online | In-Person
Utah – Online | In-Person
Vermont – Online | In-Person
Virginia – Online | In-Person
Washington – Online | In-Person
West Virginia – Online | In-Person
Wisconsin – Online | In-Person
Wyoming – Online | In-Person
District of Columbia – Online | In-Person
Data sources: IPEDS, National Center of Educational Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences (ERIC), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), 520 MBA Schools, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). If you notice errors in the MBA program database, please contact us.
Find: MBA Programs in Iowa | Online MBA Programs in Iowa Rankings: MBA Program Rankings | Online MBA Program Rankings Guides: Guide to Earning an Online MBA | Guide to Earning an MBA Concentrations: Online MBA Concentrations | Campus MBA Concentrations