2023 Best MBA Programs in Iowa

Compare MBA Degrees in Iowa for 2023

Key Highlights:

• • Comprehensive comparisons and data about tuition fees, average starting salaries, GMAT scores, and enrollment statistics for MBA programs in Iowa.

• • 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.

• • Insights into Iowa's diverse economic sectors, demonstrating how an MBA degree serves as a potent tool in these industries.

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.

Compare MBA Program Averages Across

Iowa, the U.S. and Online

Table of Best Ranked MBA Programs in Iowa

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 $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.

Average Graduate Salaries for In-Person MBA Programs

• 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

Average Graduate Salaries for Online MBA Programs

• 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

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 $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.

Average Tuition for In-Person MBA Programs

• 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

Average Tuition for Online MBA Programs

• 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

What is the 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 123%, the lowest ROI is 118% from Iowa State University, and the best ROI is 129% from University of Northern Iowa.

The ROI from Online MBA programs in Iowa range between 118% from Iowa State University and 118% from Iowa State University. The average ROI of online MBA programs within Iowa is 118%.

In-Person ROI for MBA Programs

• Average: 123% from Iowa's 4 in-person MBA Programs
• Lowest in-person: 118% from Iowa State University
• Highest in-person: 129% from University of Northern Iowa

Online ROI for MBA Programs

• Average: 118% from Iowa's 3 online MBA Programs
• Lowest online: 118% from Iowa State University
• Highest online: 118% from Iowa State University

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 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.

Average GMAT Score for In-Person MBA Programs

• 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

Average GMAT Score for Online MBA Programs

• Average: 565 from Iowa's 3 online MBA Programs
• Lowest online: 500 from Drake University
• Highest online: 610 from Iowa State University

Which MBA Schools Have the Highest Student Enrollment in 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 28 and 233. For part-time enrollment, the range is between 113 and 1,475.

Average Enrollment for Score for In-Person MBA Programs

• Lowest: 28 from University of Northern Iowa
• Highest: 233 from Iowa State University
• Average: 139 from Iowa's 8 MBA Programs.
• Average: 243 from 879 the nation's campus MBA Programs.

Average Enrollment for Score for Online MBA Programs

• Lowest: 99 from Drake University
• Highest: 233 from Iowa State University
• Average: 176 from Iowa's 3 MBA Programs.
• Average: 201 from 327 nation's online MBA Programs.

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 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

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.

• Cedar Falls
• Des Moines
• Iowa City

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 8 Accredited MBA programs. 1 private and 3 public schools offering MBA programs.

Iowa has 3 public schools and 1 private schools offering MBA degree programs.

8 Accredited MBA programs.  and 3 public schools offering MBA programs.

Iowa 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.

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:

• The University of Iowa: 7
• Iowa State University: 3
• Drake University: 1
• University of Northern Iowa: 1

Publications and the number of awards granted for Iowa schools:

• US News: 2
• Forbes: 1
• BW: 1
• FT: 1
• Economist: 1
• MBAGuide: 4