2025 Best Online Community Colleges in Iowa
Online degrees in Iowa offer flexibility and accessibility for those seeking higher education. Iowa's online education landscape is supported by top-tier universities such as Iowa State University, University of Iowa, and University of Northern Iowa, which ensure quality education.
Key Takeaways:
- Several colleges in our Honorable Mention category have more than 900 students engaged in online studies.
- Northwest Iowa Community College features median graduate earnings of $51,754.
- Our Best by Affordability colleges all have tuition fees below $7,600.
Our methodology for categorizing colleges by state uses criteria designed to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. We categorize schools based on Salary Score, Affordability, Highest Ratings by Students, and Honorable Mentions, with each reflecting different aspects important to prospective students.
At a Glance:
Featured Popular UUÖ±²¥s

Iowa Central Community College
- Online Enrollment: 537
Iowa Central Community College offers a diverse range of 100% online degree programs designed to fit your schedule and educational goals. Our online courses utilize Canvas for an intuitive learning experience and are structured in convenient eight-week terms to ensure steady progress. We cater to over 1,200 students on our campus and provide a variety of programs, including career-focused options like Accounting and Digital Arts and transfer programs like Associate in Arts and Business. With over 100 programs of study and comprehensive student support services, we are committed to helping you achieve your educational ambitions.

Waldorf University
- Online Enrollment: 1,531
Waldorf University offers over 120 flexible online degree and certificate programs that are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. With a commitment to affordability, Waldorf provides some of the most competitive tuition rates nationwide and numerous financial aid options. Our programs cater to a diverse audience, from adult learners to military personnel, offering degrees in fields such as Business, Cybersecurity, and Nursing. Our student-focused approach ensures personal and professional success through dedicated advisory support and 24/7 tutoring. Waldorf's rich history and values underscore our dedication to community service and academic excellence.
Best by Salary Score
Alumni earnings are the cornerstone of our assessments, which is why we choose to evaluate colleges by Salary Score. By comparing early career salaries, we identify institutions that produce graduates with the highest earning potential, offering a meaningful gauge of the long-term financial value of a degree from these colleges. The highest earning online community college in Iowa has median graduate earnings of $51,754.
Northwest Iowa Community College
Why We Like Them:
NWICC earned its place due to strong salary outcomes for its graduates, with median earnings of $51,754. This places it in the 64th percentile, demonstrating the substantial earning potential of its alumni. The school offers a diverse range of online programs with over 750 courses available each semester through the Iowa Community College Online Consortium. Students can choose from various associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in fields such as business management, information technology, health information, and more.
Best by Affordability
Our affordability category ensures that the colleges listed provide cost-effective education. Eligible schools must offer consistent tuition rates across programs that are below $30,000 to make them accessible choices for prospective students. Our most affordable schools in Iowa have an annual tuition cost below $7,600.
Des Moines Area Community College
Why We Like Them:
DMACC is the most affordable option in Iowa, with a tuition of just $6,176, placing it among the least expensive choices for higher education across the country. This affordability is a significant advantage, particularly if you are budget-conscious. Additionally, you would be joining a thriving community of 5,265 online students, illustrating DMACC's well-developed digital learning infrastructure. The military enrollment is also worth highlighting, with 486 GI Bill participants, indicating solid support for military-affiliated learners. Online programs include bookkeeping, business administration, and criminal justice, with two specialized certificates in application development.
Southeastern Community College - IA
Why We Like Them:
SCC Iowa is known for its exceptional affordability, with tuition set at just $6,240, placing it in the top 6% for affordability among its peers. This ensures that you can pursue your education without a significant financial burden. If you're among the 99% of students receiving financial aid, this further alleviates costs, making it an even more attractive option. The college also offers a favorable student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, providing you with more individualized attention and support from instructors. SCC's online programs include transfer degrees and specialized degrees such as accounting and business administration.
Northeast Iowa Community College-Calmar
Why We Like Them:
NICC stands out for its exceptional affordability, with a tuition rate of $7,020 placing it among the top 12% of lowest-cost options for higher education in the country. Online course offerings include diplomas, associate degrees, and certificate programs in various fields such as accounting, agriculture business, and criminal justice. Courses are delivered through the Brightspace by D2L platform which is meant to replicate the quality of on-campus education. With additional resources like tutoring, one-on-one advising, and counseling available to online students, the college creates a supportive learning environment.
Western Iowa Tech Community College
Why We Like Them:
WITCC offers a competitive tuition rate of $7,072, making it a cost-effective option for your online education. This affordability is made apparent by 98% of students benefiting from financial assistance—demonstrating the institution's commitment to making education accessible. Additionally, with an online enrollment of 1,673 students, WITCC is among the top 26% of schools with the highest online enrollment in the country. WITCC provides a broad range of online programs, including diplomas in accounting, certificates in child development, and associate degrees in fields like business and criminal justice.
Southwestern Community College - IA
Why We Like Them:
SWCC has earned its place in our affordability category with a tuition cost of $7,514. Another aspect we value is the high rate (99%) of students receiving financial aid, placing it among the top colleges in this category. Southwestern offers more than 400 online courses each semester, providing flexibility and varied learning options. Additionally, its associate degree programs are available online, facilitating seamless transitions to four-year institutions or immediate career entry. A notable feature is the availability of free online tutoring, ensuring strong academic support for online learners.
Honorable Mention
Recognizing that certain institutions don't fit neatly into a single category, the Honorable Mention list highlights colleges that deserve your attention for various reasons. These schools may embody unique strengths that aren't readily categorized but still commendable. All institutions within our Honorable Mention category have a diverse range of unique attributes such as retention rates spanning from 52% to 72% and online enrollments ranging from 135 to 2,795 students.
Kirkwood Community College
Why We Like Them:
Among online community colleges in Iowa, KCC excels in online enrollment, boasting 2,795 students engaged in virtual learning. This places it among the top 17% of institutions nationwide, ensuring you are part of a thriving and interactive online environment. With a tuition rate of $7,604, students know they're paying a rate that's less than half of what other colleges around the country charge. Kirkwood offers a comprehensive set of online associate degrees and certificates including specialized courses in disciplines such as business, psychology, and liberal arts, ensuring a broad range of academic opportunities.
Iowa Western Community College
Why We Like Them:
IWCC is in the top 29% of online enrollment nationwide. With 1,463 online students, it demonstrates a rich virtual learning environment for non-traditional learners. Additionally, this school offers commendable financial accessibility, where 92% of individuals receive financial aid, making it possible for many to afford the $6,690 tuition rate. IWCC's commitment to providing online educational opportunities is evident through various majors such as business administration, general studies, and marketing management.
Hawkeye Community College
Why We Like Them:
HCC's placement is driven by its substantial online enrollment. With 931 students taking advantage of remote learning options, HCC is a strong contender among institutions with online student populations. HCC demonstrates a commitment to accessibility by having 91% of its students receive some form of financial aid, ensuring education is within reach for most. HCC offers a variety of general education transfer courses online, enabling you to complete many of your core requirements remotely.
Iowa Central Community College
Why We Like Them:
ICCC is recognized for its online enrollment of 552 students. When combining this with a recommendation rate of 76% and a $7,398 tuition rate, ICCC shows its commitment to delivering a solid educational experience at a good price. Their online courses are delivered through Canvas, emphasizing flexibility and quality across various fields such as accounting, business, computer networking technology, criminal justice, digital arts, healthcare administration, and human services. Additionally, the school provides eBooks for your courses, removing the need for physical textbooks.
What Students Say:
"I enjoyed the class structure; it was a powerful experience for me. The courses were challenging, and I enjoyed what I learned. This experience prepared me to enter the working world with a stronger sense of self."
Kris, Graduated
Marshalltown Community College
Why We Like Them:
MCC is notable for its online enrollment, with 510 distance learners, placing it firmly on our list of best online community colleges in Iowa. It also has a 71% retention rate, indicating that students are eager to return to their program. The school offers an array of online degree programs, including transferable degrees in business administration, liberal arts, and criminal justice, providing a solid foundation for your educational and career aspirations. These online transfer degrees are a great opportunity to set yourself up to become a bachelor's degree graduate.
North Iowa Area Community College
Why We Like Them:
NIACC has 483 students studying online. If we were to compare NIACC's online enrollment with that of other universities or colleges, it would be among the top 55% with the highest number of students studying online. This strong enrollment is supported by the fact that 100% of its students receive financial aid, placing NIACC among the top 18% nationally for student financial aid accessibility. The institution offers a range of online degrees, including accounting, business administration, early childhood education, and software applications specialist, providing diverse options for your academic and career interests.
Indian Hills Community College
Why We Like Them:
IHCC secures its position in our Honorable Mention category for its online enrollment of 458 students. It indicates a commitment to providing accessible online education for various learners. Students receive an average financial aid package of $7,929, which underscores its dedication to ease the financial burden. As an associate degree student, you'll find yourself in a virtual classroom environment that fosters both accessibility and support, putting you in a productive online learning experience. And with over 70 online programs to choose from, you can be sure there's a major that matches your career goals.
Ellsworth Community College
Why We Like Them:
ECC teaches 135 students in an online setting. While it might not be the highest, it shows a solid online education system capable of supporting a diverse array of remote learners. Combined with financial accessibility, where 95% of its students receive financial aid, ECC ensures that your educational pursuits are both feasible and affordable. The tuition fee is $6,192, supporting its affordability for budget-minded students. ECC offers a variety of online degrees in fields like business, healthcare, and liberal arts, providing many different educational pathways to suit your interests.
Featured Popular UUÖ±²¥s

Iowa Central Community College
- Online Enrollment: 537
Iowa Central Community College offers a diverse range of 100% online degree programs designed to fit your schedule and educational goals. Our online courses utilize Canvas for an intuitive learning experience and are structured in convenient eight-week terms to ensure steady progress. We cater to over 1,200 students on our campus and provide a variety of programs, including career-focused options like Accounting and Digital Arts and transfer programs like Associate in Arts and Business. With over 100 programs of study and comprehensive student support services, we are committed to helping you achieve your educational ambitions.

Waldorf University
- Online Enrollment: 1,531
Waldorf University offers over 120 flexible online degree and certificate programs that are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. With a commitment to affordability, Waldorf provides some of the most competitive tuition rates nationwide and numerous financial aid options. Our programs cater to a diverse audience, from adult learners to military personnel, offering degrees in fields such as Business, Cybersecurity, and Nursing. Our student-focused approach ensures personal and professional success through dedicated advisory support and 24/7 tutoring. Waldorf's rich history and values underscore our dedication to community service and academic excellence.
Student Reviews of Online Associate Programs
I love to learn and my professor made that happen. The teacher is definitely the key ingredient.
Review Date: 10/6/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
After high school graduation, I graduated with my Associates of Arts (2 year) degree in 1976. It took me 13 years of a combination of part time and two full time semesters at six different community colleges. I intended to continue my schooling until my Bachelor’s or further; however, life circumstances intervened. I was fortunate to secure a position in a large corporation and retire after 26 years. During my years working for the corporation, I advanced from a stenographer to an Office Administrator.... Read More
Review Date: 9/17/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
At first I was sceptical about doing online classes to obtain a degree. I am a visual learner, and it takes discipline to complete the assignments on time. I am happy to say that my experience thus far has exceeded my expectations. The resources available to the students of BU are endless. The BU community and instructors are there for you at all times. They set you up for success. They are there for you and want you to pass. Everything you need to succeed is at your fingertips. With a little bit... Read More
Review Date: 4/26/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
This is one of the best programs for continuing online education. I have been out of school for many years, and this program is perfect for continuing my education. The staff is excellent, and the program study is 5-star. I work full time and the program is durable to further your education!
Review Date: 3/14/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
As a full-time employee who wanted to go back to school and follow my passions, I sadly fell into a trap when I searched for online classes for interior architecture programs. It kept getting promoted to me in ads and followed me everywhere. So, I applied to find out more and got calls ASAP. It felt like a sales pitch—red flag, red flag. But I was desperate to find a school that aligned with my work schedule.
The teachers I had were fine at giving feedback and being available to teach in live sessions.... Read More
They approve anyone—I mean ANYONE—because they want money, not because they believe in your talent or care about your learning. The online classes are actually pretty up-to-date, but you can learn this on YOUTUBE. Since they do not require a portfolio, you'll have classmates who are lazy, do not answer emails, or have no sense of design. This is common with any college, but it’s interesting to see "artistic" classmates with PowerPoint studio clip level talent from elementary school.
I dropped out once I completed my first spring semester. I had to hassle and call the school to get them to drop me out for summer classes. Why do I have to call a phone service to get approved to drop classes? Shouldn't I be in control of which classes I will drop? The advisors have to go to their higher-ups to request to drop classes. JUST WEIRD.
My advisor, Amy, did not really care if I dropped out or not; she was just ready to assign me more classes to take. Once I told her I was going to drop, she said, "Oh, okay, good luck," and that was pretty much it.
Luckily, I went to community college and got some credits out of the way. I am transferring to a non-profit university, and it is going to be hard work. Balancing work and going to school in person is no easy feat, but it will be worth it if you want to challenge yourself and make connections and network. Seventy-five percent of learning art cannot be done online through video tutorials. You have to be motivated to push yourself and learn in person.
Go to Reddit and read all the bad reviews from AAU; that was one of the reasons I left.
Review Date: 6/5/2024
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I love attending UMA! I love the structure and ease of attending online. The instructors are always there if you need assistance and there are tools at your fingertips when you need them. I love the learning environment and the indepth lessons. I am learning more than I could have ever imagined and I know when I graduate I'll be ready to excel in my career and future endeavors.
Review Date: 12/5/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I don’t want to be rude but, the professors here in my opinion are not too helpful. Same with the advisors. I am in the process of going to another school. I am sad since this University was very close to where I live. I have had nothing but bad luck with this school. The college I am transferring to had to help me get my transcript because my advisor wasn’t helping much. I have only had two professors that honestly cared about my education and made me feel worth their time. I am trying to make the... Read More
Review Date: 9/30/2021
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I would recommend them highly I learned a lot and had great Professors. and when I had family problems had to take a leave they have advisor that are truly people who cares and help you and help your. I am a student now be done soon been going through hell but by the grace of God and there help I will succeed. I thank them and recommend to all students.
Review Date: 4/3/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
When I first decided to go to this school I was informed by the counselors that they were accredited by DESE and that I could do all my classes online except for the first class which I was required to attend class both online and in seat. After a degree audit from by prior school which I graduated from, I was notified that I needed to take a 3rd science class even though their degree program shows only needing 2 which I completed at my prior school and was given credit for by MACC. I over looked... Read More
Review Date: 1/7/2020
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I have to say I was impressed with the level of engagement for the program. I transferred from a state program in the same field and feel I learned more at Purdue. It is a online program. It does seem to be a bit mor costlier, but when compared to other schools around the nation it seems to be in the ball park as far the cost per course. I have read some of the negative comments and never experienced any that was previous listed. I actually found the staff be more helpful and friendlier that the... Read More
Review Date: 3/19/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
If you have already graduated or taken classes at another college do not come here. They will mess up your transfer credits like it is their job. Then once you talk to them they will blame it either you or the computer. This school is fine out of high school but do not transfer.
Review Date: 3/6/2019
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
They managed to delay my progress every step of the way. They do not communicate changes to accounts with students. My paperwork was lost after I had sent it in a month prior and it was not until I contacted them that they looked for it and located it. Took me a year to get through 2 semesters because of all the delays. Very unhappy with how they handle student issues and keep track of their students materials.
Review Date: 8/27/2015
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I was a student at NAU for about three years. I went to college part time and work full time. I did feel that the college was expensive but all schools are. I felt that admissions was great, E. was very helpful. Financial assistant A. was a blast to work with and she always try to keep me in line almost the whole three years. She always emailed, or called me to get it done on time. A. left about a year before I graduate it kind of went down hill. I had to come out of pocket because my paper work... Read More
Review Date: 3/1/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I would like to start off by saying this has been an amazing experience for me. I wish I would have known about this school before I enrolled in University of Phoenix. I would have saved myself from wasting money & my valuable time. Needless to say, I would highly recommend this school to anyone that is looking for a good school & where you won't get looked down on when you apply for jobs and other schools. This school is not passing out A's to anyone, you have to put in hard work to get a good grade.... Read More
Review Date: 12/6/2013
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
The impact in earning my college degree had affected my life tremendously. It has made my home life hectic but it has made my career easier as a Quality Technician and Audits. The experience that I have had at Post so far has been good and bad. The bad side is I had an instructor that wasn’t that great in Module 1 and I failed participating to my full benefit because of the misguided direction in the course. The other bad experience is being accused of plagiarism when I wrote a story about my own... Read More
Review Date: 11/12/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Bryant and Stratton college was initially my college of choice because of its close proximity but throughout my time at the school, I found that the school does its best to prepare you for your future career and even has a mandatory internship so you get the real world experience you need for your field of study and may even be outright hired from it.
Review Date: 10/4/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The instructors for medical assisting was nice and helpful. The school is unstructured and unprofessional. The students do not follow the dress code, and the staff do not always remind the students about the dress code. The students do not always wear their student ID. The student ID is part of the dress code, and for security to verify that the students are in fact students. I would not recommend the school to anyone. From my own observation, there is discrimination by the staff toward students.... Read More
Review Date: 9/28/2017
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I attended DSC as part of the duel enrollment program my high school offered. I was enrolled full time for 2 semesters, and part time for 3. I was able to graduate high school with an AA degree (60 credits). All my classes counted towards my bachelor's degree when I transferred to a Florida university post graduation. I think DSC it the best educational establishment in the Daytona area, however there aren't many options here anyway. Professors generally cared about student outcomes however the quality... Read More
Review Date: 8/25/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
When I completed my college degree I was stuck. I wasn't sure what my next step was going to be. I was always interested in aviation so I decided to enroll at Spartan. Spartan gave me a well rounded education. I was able to get a good job and move up quickly.
Review Date: 5/22/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Unfortunately, this school no longer offers the Human Service Substance Abuse (HSSA) program. Still a great place to go for general requirements.
Review Date: 5/23/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes