Find and Compare the Best MBA Programs in Iowa
$79,493
Average Starting Salary
$28,355
Average In-State Tuition
139
Average Student Enrollment
123%
Average ROI for Graduates
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 8 Accredited MBA programs. 1 private and 3 public schools offering MBA programs.
California schools offer 9 different paths to earn your MBA in Iowa including Online, Campus, Full-Time, 1-Year, Distance Education, Evenings and Weekends, Off Campus, Part-Time and Partnership.
To meet the diverse needs of Iowa businesses, MBA programs here have risen to the challenge by offering you an array of more than 33 MBA concentrations to specialize in.
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Search for Online MBA Programs Offered to Iowa Residents
Need the flexibility of attending an Online MBA program? Search below for accredited online programs accepting Iowa residents. Learn about multiple start dates each year, financial aid, concentration offerings, and more.
Recommended Online MBA Programs for Iowa Residents
Iowa vs Online vs U.S.
| Compare MBA Programs Averages | Iowa MBA Programs | Online MBA Programs | MBA Programs in the US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average MBA Tuition | $28,355 | $33,638 | $39,291 |
| Average GMAT Scores | 558 | 530 | 543 |
| Average Full-Time MBA Faculty | 87 | 65 | 63 |
| Average MBA Student Faculty Ratio | 1:1 | 2:1 | 3:1 |
| Average # of MBA Faculty with Doctorate | 79.20% | 83.44% | 83.98% |
| Average Full-Time MBA Enrollment | 139 | 199 | 239 |
| Average Part-Time MBA Enrollment | 476 | 387 | 318 |
| Average % of MBA Students from U.S. | N/A | 76% | 75% |
Top Ranked MBA Programs in Iowa
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 8 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:
Graduate MBA Salaries in Iowa
While the average starting salary for graduates of an in-person MBA program in Iowa is about $79,493, the lowest average MBA starting salary is $65,000 from Iowa State University, and the highest average MBA starting salary is $88,722 from The University of Iowa.
The average starting salary for graduates of an Online MBA program from an institution in Iowa is between $65,000 from Iowa State University and $88,722 from The University of Iowa. The average starting MBA salary for graduates of online MBA programs within Iowa is $79,893.
In-Person
- Average: $79,493 from Iowa's 4 In-Person MBA Programs
- Lowest In-Person: $65,000 from Iowa State University
- Highest In-Person:$88,722 from The University of Iowa
Online
- Average: $79,893 from Iowa's 3 Online MBA Programs
- Lowest Online: $65,000 from Iowa State University
- Highest Online: $88,722 from The University of Iowa
10 Highest Salaries for MBA Graduates in Iowa
- The University of Iowa - $88,722.00
- Drake University - $85,957.00
- University of Northern Iowa - $78,292.00
- Iowa State University - $65,000.00
10 Lowest Salaries for MBA Graduates in Iowa
- Iowa State University - $65,000.00
- University of Northern Iowa - $78,292.00
- Drake University - $85,957.00
- The University of Iowa - $88,722.00
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 $28,355, the least expensive MBA program is $27,105 from St. Ambrose University, and the most expensive is $30,435 from University of Northern Iowa.
An Online MBA program from an institution in Iowa will cost you between $27,524 from Iowa State University and $27,524 from Iowa State University. The average cost of online MBA programs within Iowa is $27,524.
In-Person
- Average: $28,980 from Iowa's 4 in-person MBA Programs
- Lowest in-person: $27,105 from St. Ambrose University
- Highest in-person: $30,435 from University of Northern Iowa
Online
- Average: $27,524 from Iowa's 3 online MBA Programs
- Lowest online: $27,524 from Iowa State University
- Highest online: $27,524 from Iowa State University
10 Most Expensive MBAs in Iowa
- University of Northern Iowa - $30,435.00
- Iowa State University - $27,524.00
- St. Ambrose University - $27,105.00
10 Least Expensive MBAs in Iowa
- St. Ambrose University - $27,105.00
- Iowa State University - $27,524.00
- University of Northern Iowa - $30,435.00
GMAT Scores Needed for MBA Programs 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 558, the lowest average GMAT score is for an MBA program is 500 from Drake University, and the highest GMAT score needed is 610 from Iowa State University.
The average GMAT score needed for an online MBA program from an institution in Iowa is between 500 from Drake University to 610 from Iowa State University. The average GMAT scored for online MBA programs within Iowa is 565.
In-Person
- Average: 558 from Iowa's 4 in-person MBA Programs
- Lowest in-person: 500 from Drake University
- Highest in-person: 610 from Iowa State University
Online
- Average: 565 from Iowa's 3 online MBA Programs
- Lowest online: 500 from Drake University
- Highest online: 610 from Iowa State University
10 Highest GMAT Scores in Iowa
- Iowa State University - 610
- The University of Iowa - 586
- University of Northern Iowa - 535
- Drake University - 500
10 Lowest GMAT Scores in Iowa
- Drake University - 500
- University of Northern Iowa - 535
- The University of Iowa - 586
- Iowa State University - 610
Student Enrollment for Iowa MBA Programs
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 28 and 233. For part-time enrollment, the range is between 113 and 1,475.
In Person
- Lowest: 28 from University of Northern Iowa
- Highest: 233 from Iowa State University
- Average: 139 from Iowa's 8 MBA Programs.
- Average: 243 from 876 the nation's campus MBA Programs.
Online
- Lowest: 99 from Drake University
- Highest: 233 from Iowa State University
- Average: 176 from Iowa's 3 MBA Programs.
- Average: 199 from 324 nation's online MBA Programs.
10 Schools with the Highest Student Enrollment in Iowa
- Iowa State University - 233
- The University of Iowa - 197
- Drake University - 99
- University of Northern Iowa - 28
10 Schools with the Lowest Student Enrollment in Iowa
- University of Northern Iowa - 28
- Drake University - 99
- The University of Iowa - 197
- Iowa State University - 233
Percent of Global MBA Student Population
The MBA programs in the United States are coveted around the world and attract a healthy percentage of global students each year. A culturally diverse student population is especially important in an ever-changing global economy. With increasing globalization, a well diversified student body from outside the United States can provide much needed global world-view as well as valuable networking opportunities.
In Iowa the percentage of students from the United States varies from a low of N/A to a high of N/A.
For online programs in Iowa the percentage of students from the United States varies from a low of N/A to a high of N/A.
In Person
- Lowest: N/A from N/A
- Highest: N/A from N/A
- Average: N/A from Iowa's 4 in-person MBA Programs.
- Average: 75% from 590 nation's in-person MBA Programs.
Online
- Lowest: N/A from N/A
- Highest: N/A from N/A
- Average: N/A from Iowa's 3 online MBA Programs.
- Average: 76% from 324 nation's online MBA Programs.
MBA Concentrations Available from MBA Programs 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 33 MBA concentrations including:
- Management: 7
- Accounting: 5
- Finance: 5
- Marketing: 5
- Information Systems: 4
- General Business: 4
- International Business: 4
- Entrepreneurship: 3
- Economics: 3
- Statistics: 3
Here are the top schools offering the widest variety of concentrations to choose from:
- Drake University: 26
- The University of Iowa: 15
- University of Northern Iowa: 13
- Iowa State University: 8
- St. Ambrose University: 6
- University of Dubuque: 3
- Clarke University: 1
- Maharishi University: 1
Student / Faculty Ratio for MBA Programs in Iowa
Quality MBA programs invest in the number of professors relative to the students attending the program. Commonly known as the Student Faculty ratio. Generally, the lower the ratio, the better it is for students. MBA students will get the personalized one-on-one attention from faculty mentors that have extensive experience in the industry. The Student/Faculty metric is a matter of personal preference and for those students who excel in lecture hall environments, you may not need the low student/faculty ratio.
In Iowa the student faculty ratio for MBA programs ranges from the lowest (best) of 1:3 the highest (less desirable) of 2:1. For online MBA programs thee student faculty ratio for MBA programs ranges from the lowest (best) of 1:1 the highest (less desirable) of 2:1.
In Person
- Lowest: 1:3 from University of Northern Iowa
- Highest: 2:1 from Drake University
- Average: 1:1 from Iowa's 4 MBA Programs.
- Average: 3:1 from 590 the nation's campus MBA Programs.
Online
- Lowest: 1:1 from The University of Iowa
- Highest: 2:1 from Drake University
- Average: 2:1 from Iowa's 3 MBA Programs.
- Average: 2:1 from 324 nation's online MBA Programs.
10 Programs with the Highest Student Faculty Ratio
- Drake University - 2:1
- The University of Iowa - 1:1
- Iowa State University - 1:1
- University of Northern Iowa - 1:3
10 Programs with the Lowest Student Faculty Ratio
- University of Northern Iowa - 1:3
- The University of Iowa - 1:1
- Iowa State University - 1:1
- Drake University - 2:1
Full-Time Faculty
Highly competitive MBA schools recruit part-time and full-time professors that are both academics and industry influencers. They are the subject matter experts in their respective field. Most business professors have experienced success in the corporate world and have written extensively in their chosen field. The number of highly-qualified full-time faculty is directly related to the reputation of most elite MBA programs.
The number of full-time faculty for MBA programs in Iowa ranges from a low of 45 professors to a high or 134.
- Lowest: 45 from Drake University
- Highest: 134 from The University of Iowa
- Average: 87 from Iowa's 8 MBA Programs
- Average: 65 from 324 Online MBA Programs
Percent of Faculty with a PhD
Another high-level perspective to consider when determining the quality of an MBA faculty is to note the number of faculty who have earned a PhD in their respective area of excellence. Note to writer - create a fuller amount of content for this section.
In Iowa MBA programs range from 77.50% of the faculty having a PhD to a 84.20% of the MBA faculty having a PhD.
- Lowest: 78% from The University of Iowa
- Highest: 84% from University of Northern Iowa
- Average: 79% from Iowa's 8 MBA Programs
- Average: 83% from 324 Online MBA Programs
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.
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.
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RANKED 1
The University of Iowa
Tippie College of Business
- 4620 E. 53rd Street, Davenport, IA - 52807
Institution
Institution Control: Public- AACSB Accreditation: Business and Accounting
- Academic Year: Semester
MBA Program
MBA Degrees Conferred: 393- MBA Concentrations Offered: Accounting, Data Analytics, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, General Business, Information Systems, Insurance, International Business, Leadership, Management, Marketing, Operations Management, Statistics and Strategic Management
- Offered As: Campus, Evenings and Weekends, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time and Partnership
MBA Student Population
Full-time Enrollment: 197- Part-time Enrollment: 1475
- Students from the US:
- Average GMAT Score: 586
MBA Faculty
Full-Time Faculty: 134- Full- and Part-time Faculty: 15,451
- Student / Faculty Ratio: INF:0
- Participating Faculty: 126
- Supporting Faculty: 89
- Faculty with Doctoral Degree: 78%
MBA Tuition & Fees
In-State Tuition: 0- Out-of-State Tuition: $40,134
- Out-of-Country Tuition: 0
MBA Program Ranking(s)
Ranked by: PQ, US News, Forbes, BW, FT, Economist and MBAGuideSocial Links
Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter
RANKED 2
Iowa State University
College of Business
- 1360 Gerdin Business Building, 2167 Union Drive, Ames, IA - 50011-2027
Institution
Institution Control: Public- AACSB Accreditation: Business and Accounting
- Academic Year: Semester
MBA Program
MBA Degrees Conferred: 393- MBA Concentrations Offered: Accounting, Actuarial Science, Economics, Finance, General Business, Management, Marketing and Public Administration
- Offered As: Campus, Distance Education, Evenings and Weekends, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online, Part-Time and Partnership
MBA Student Population
Full-time Enrollment: 233- Part-time Enrollment: 151
- Students from the US:
- Average GMAT Score: 610
MBA Faculty
Full-Time Faculty: 117- Full- and Part-time Faculty: 12,567
- Student / Faculty Ratio: INF:0
- Participating Faculty: 126
- Supporting Faculty: 89
- Faculty with Doctoral Degree: 78%
MBA Tuition & Fees
In-State Tuition: $13,762- Out-of-State Tuition: $29,160
- Out-of-Country Tuition: $27,590
MBA Program Ranking(s)
Ranked by: PQ, US News and MBAGuideSocial Links
Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter
RANKED 3
Drake University
College of Business and Public Administration
- 2847 University Ave., Aliber Hall Des Moines, IA - 50311
Institution
Institution Control: Private for-profit- AACSB Accreditation: Business
- Academic Year: Semester
MBA Program
MBA Degrees Conferred: 149- MBA Concentrations Offered: Accounting, Business Analytics, Consulting, Economics, Enterpreneurship, Entrepreneurship, Ethics, Finance, General Business, Health Care Management, Healthcare Administration, Information Systems, International Business, Leadership, Management, Marketing, Operations Management, Organizational Behavior, Quantitative Methods, Real Estate, Science and Technology, Sports Management, Statistics, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management and Taxation
- Offered As: Campus, Evenings and Weekends, Full-Time, Off Campus, Online and Part-Time
MBA Student Population
Full-time Enrollment: 99- Part-time Enrollment: 164
- Students from the US:
- Average GMAT Score: 500
MBA Faculty
Full-Time Faculty: 45- Full- and Part-time Faculty: 4,992
- Student / Faculty Ratio: INF:0
- Participating Faculty: 50
- Supporting Faculty: 25
- Faculty with Doctoral Degree: 78%
MBA Tuition & Fees
In-State Tuition: 0- Out-of-State Tuition: 0
- Out-of-Country Tuition: 0
MBA Program Ranking(s)
Ranked by: MBAGuideSocial Links
Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter
RANKED 4
University of Northern Iowa
College of Business
- 812 University Street, Cedar Falls, IA - 50219
Institution
Institution Control: Public- AACSB Accreditation: Business
- Academic Year: Semester
MBA Program
MBA Degrees Conferred: 61- MBA Concentrations Offered: Accounting, Data Analytics, Finance, General Business, Healthcare Administration, Human Resources, Information Systems, International Business, Management, Manufacturing, Marketing, Statistics and Supply Chain
- Offered As: Campus, Evenings and Weekends, Full-Time, Off Campus and Part-Time
MBA Student Population
Full-time Enrollment: 28- Part-time Enrollment: 113
- Students from the US:
- Average GMAT Score: 535
MBA Faculty
Full-Time Faculty: 52- Full- and Part-time Faculty: 5,858
- Student / Faculty Ratio: INF:0
- Participating Faculty: 60
- Supporting Faculty: 20
- Faculty with Doctoral Degree: 84%
MBA Tuition & Fees
In-State Tuition: $15,218- Out-of-State Tuition: $28,310
- Out-of-Country Tuition: $28,310
MBA Program Ranking(s)
Ranked by: MBAGuideSocial Links
Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter
RANKED 5
St. Ambrose University
College of Business
- College of Business Office, 518 West Locust Street, Davenport, IA - 52803
Institution
Institution Control:- AACSB Accreditation: Not Accredited
- Academic Year:
MBA Program
MBA Degrees Conferred:- MBA Concentrations Offered: Entrepreneurship, Finance, Human Resources, Information Systems, International Business and Marketing
- Offered As:
MBA Student Population
Full-time Enrollment:- Part-time Enrollment:
- Students from the US:
- Average GMAT Score:
MBA Faculty
Full-Time Faculty:- Full- and Part-time Faculty:
- Student / Faculty Ratio:
- Participating Faculty:
- Supporting Faculty:
- Faculty with Doctoral Degree:
MBA Tuition & Fees
In-State Tuition: $13,553- Out-of-State Tuition: $13,553
- Out-of-Country Tuition: 0
MBA Program Ranking(s)
Ranked by:Social Links
RANKED 6
Maharishi University
School of Business
- 1000 N 4th St, Fairfield, IA - 52557-0001
Institution
Institution Control:- AACSB Accreditation:
- Academic Year:
MBA Program
MBA Degrees Conferred:- MBA Concentrations Offered: Management
- Offered As:
MBA Student Population
Full-time Enrollment:- Part-time Enrollment:
- Students from the US:
- Average GMAT Score:
MBA Faculty
Full-Time Faculty:- Full- and Part-time Faculty:
- Student / Faculty Ratio:
- Participating Faculty:
- Supporting Faculty:
- Faculty with Doctoral Degree:
MBA Tuition & Fees
In-State Tuition: 0- Out-of-State Tuition: 0
- Out-of-Country Tuition: 0
MBA Program Ranking(s)
Ranked by:Social Links
RANKED 7
University of Dubuque
School of Business
- Graduate Program Office, 2000 University Avenue, Dubuque, IA - 52001
Institution
Institution Control:- AACSB Accreditation:
- Academic Year:
MBA Program
MBA Degrees Conferred:- MBA Concentrations Offered: Accounting, Health Care Management and Management
- Offered As:
MBA Student Population
Full-time Enrollment:- Part-time Enrollment:
- Students from the US:
- Average GMAT Score:
MBA Faculty
Full-Time Faculty:- Full- and Part-time Faculty:
- Student / Faculty Ratio:
- Participating Faculty:
- Supporting Faculty:
- Faculty with Doctoral Degree:
MBA Tuition & Fees
In-State Tuition: 0- Out-of-State Tuition: 0
- Out-of-Country Tuition: 0
MBA Program Ranking(s)
Ranked by:Social Links
RANKED 8
Clarke University
School of Management
- 1550 Clarke Drive, Dubuque, IA - 52001
Institution
Institution Control:- AACSB Accreditation:
- Academic Year:
MBA Program
MBA Degrees Conferred:- MBA Concentrations Offered: Management
- Offered As:
MBA Student Population
Full-time Enrollment:- Part-time Enrollment:
- Students from the US:
- Average GMAT Score:
MBA Faculty
Full-Time Faculty:- Full- and Part-time Faculty:
- Student / Faculty Ratio:
- Participating Faculty:
- Supporting Faculty:
- Faculty with Doctoral Degree:
MBA Tuition & Fees
In-State Tuition: 0- Out-of-State Tuition: 0
- Out-of-Country Tuition: 0
MBA Program Ranking(s)
Ranked by:Social Links
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.
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