Real costs by state · Iowa · public colleges, in-state prices
Across 3 Iowa public colleges, families earning $75,000–$110,000 paid between $17,740 and $23,811 per year — the lowest at University of Northern Iowa. (Federal College Scorecard data, July 2026 refresh; in-state prices.)
| School | Sticker / yr | $75–110k families paid |
|---|---|---|
| University of Northern Iowa | $22,278 | $17,740 |
| Iowa State University | $24,018 | $19,605 |
| University of Iowa | $28,596 | $23,811 |
"Paid" is the average net price reported to the U.S. Department of Education for aided in-state families at $75,000–$110,000 household income — planning data, not an offer. Out-of-state families typically pay more. Other income bands are on each school's page.
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Iowa State University vs University of Iowa
These are averages. Your family isn't average.
Run any of these schools against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — odds with the math shown, the paperwork each requires, and the season's deadlines. First three schools free.