Best Journalism Schools in Iowa

Iowa has 4 colleges offering Journalism programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 258 recent graduates. Graduates in Iowa earn $36,652 on average within two years — 13% above the national average of $32,304, making the state one of the stronger markets for this field.

4
Schools in IA
$36,652
IA Avg. Earnings
$32,304
National Avg.
231
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Journalism in Iowa

Public Schools (2)
$35,879
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (2)
$37,425
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $1,546 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Journalism Schools in Iowa, Ranked by Earnings

#1
Drake University logo

Drake University

Des Moines, IA · Private

$36,560
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,814
Graduates: 17
Acceptance: 64.1%
#2
University of Iowa logo

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA · Public

$35,772
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,092
Graduates: 157
Acceptance: 84.7%
#3
Iowa State University logo

Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public

$35,986
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,913
Graduates: 84
Acceptance: 89.1%
#4
Saint Ambrose University logo

Saint Ambrose University

Davenport, IA · Private

$38,289
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: 73.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Journalism in Iowa?
Drake University ranks #1 for Journalism in Iowa with median graduate earnings of $36,560 within two years of graduation. There are 4 schools offering Journalism programs in the state.
How much do Journalism graduates earn in Iowa?
Journalism graduates in Iowa earn an average of $36,652 within two years of graduation. This is 13% above the national average of $32,304 for this major.
What is the hardest Journalism school to get into in Iowa?
Drake University is the most selective Journalism program in Iowa with an acceptance rate of 64.1%. The average acceptance rate across Journalism programs in the state is 77.8%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Journalism in Iowa?
In Iowa, private Journalism programs produce average earnings of $37,425 vs $35,879 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 2 public and 2 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Iowa

All colleges in Iowa →

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Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release.