Accounting Degree Overview for Iowa

Accounting professionals remain in high demand among businesses of all sizes. Iowa’s economic profile makes it a particularly attractive destination for prospective accountants. According to the Iowa Economic Development Authority, the finance sector ranks as the state’s second-leading industry.

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), reports that 64 accredited higher education institutions call Iowa home — one of the highest per-capita densities in the United States.

This guide provides comprehensive information about accounting degrees in Iowa, including degree levels and concentrations, financial aid options, and potential careers for graduates. Iowa Education Statistics Accounting Careers in Iowa View Iowa Colleges

Iowa’s education system consistently ranks among the best in the United States. Its postsecondary schools posted impressive numbers in 2019, ranking 12th in the nation for its two-year college graduation rate and third for its four-year graduation rate, according to U.S. News & World Report. These rankings speak to the quality of the state’s college network, which includes three public systems and 34 private nonprofit institutions, according to the NCES.

A comprehensive 2018 study by USA Today ranked Iowa as No. 15 among U.S. states for the value of a dollar. Money goes a relatively long way in the state, giving cash-strapped students an advantage and helping them graduate with less debt.

A growing number of Iowa-based schools offer partially and fully online accounting programs. Some Iowa colleges even offer in-state tuition rates to all online learners, regardless of their physical locations.

Current education statistics for Iowa demonstrate that the state features a relatively high percentage of students in online and distance education programs, indicating that Iowans have embraced emerging learning technologies. The state also boasts a high concentration of four-year colleges relative to its population, and it allocates tax revenue to higher education at rates on pace with the national average.

Sources: NCES, SHEEO, U.S. Census Bureau – American Community Survey

Accreditation counts among the most important considerations for prospective students. Schools may receive regional or national accreditation, with regional accreditation generally considered the more prestigious of the two. National accreditation usually applies to for-profit, vocational and technical schools, while regional accreditation applies to nonprofit, degree-granting institutions. The Higher Learning Commission regionally accredits Iowa schools.

Prospective students must consider many factors when selecting on-campus or online accounting degrees in Iowa. The information below can help applicants determine whether Iowa’s offerings match their educational goals, career objectives, and learning budget.

Learners can pursue four levels of accounting degrees in Iowa: associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate. This list outlines the main features of each degree level:

Accounting students in Iowa can pursue a variety of professional concentrations and practice areas. Many accounting careers in Iowa concentrate in the state’s robust finance and financial services industries. As such, specializations like financial accounting and management accounting may be particularly appealing for learners who plan to establish accounting careers in Iowa after graduation.

Accounting Concentrations

In Iowa, on-campus and online accounting degree programs remain readily available. Learners can also pursue hybrid programs blending the two formats.

Campus-based programs appeal to students who thrive in face-to-face learning situations and who fit the profile of a “traditional student.” On-campus students benefit from networking opportunities and access to campus resources and activities.

Online programs give students the flexibility to balance their studies with personal and professional obligations. Distance learners can also attend programs around the country without relocating. However, online programs require high levels of self-discipline and independence.

Hybrid programs offer a balance between traditional and online learning formats. Some hybrid programs feature only one or two on-campus requirements, while others require weekly or monthly campus visits. Generally, hybrid programs work well for people who value the in-class experience but still want the flexibility of online learning.

Source: NCES

In general, the costs of higher education in Iowa compare favorably to nationwide averages. Iowa’s cost of living also remains relatively low. Even so, many students pursuing accounting degrees in Iowa need help paying for their schooling. Scholarships, fellowships, and grants provide funding that does not require repayment, so experts generally recommend investigating these financial aid opportunities first.

Federal and private student loans represent two other common options, but they require repayment with interest. Explore the links below to learn more about various sources of student funding.

Source: NCES

Like most U.S. jurisdictions, public colleges in Iowa usually offer lower tuition rates to in-state students than out-of-state students. States implement these policies to reward those who have contributed to the local education system through their taxes.

Some states maintain reciprocity agreements that extend in-state tuition rates to residents of neighboring states. Unfortunately, no such arrangement exists in Iowa. Unless a particular institution extends lower rates to out-of-state residents as a matter of internal policy, gaining permanent residency in Iowa prior to enrollment is the only way to qualify for in-state tuition.

In Iowa, most schools adhere to similar criteria for the purposes of determining residency. Degree-seekers must usually live in Iowa for at least 12 consecutive months prior to enrollment, during which they must have been primarily engaged in pursuits other than studying.

Tuition tells only part of the story when it comes to the costs of higher education, especially for those enrolled in traditional, campus-based programs. Housing, food, and transportation also count as major school-related expenses.

Fortunately, Iowa’s cost of living ranks among the lowest in the continental United States. The World Population Review gave Iowa a score of 90 on its 2020 cost of living index, which uses 100 as the national average.

For many students, cost, delivery format, and concentration offerings function as the most critical criteria in their school selection process. However, many other factors can influence students’ learning experience and the value of their degree on the job market, including:

Attending a prestigious school can expand students’ employment opportunities after graduation.

Smaller class sizes typically offer students more one-on-one attention and support from faculty.

Schools with more selective admissions processes generally meet higher academic standards, which can increase degree utility.

School resources, like career centers, can play a major role in helping graduates land their first job.

Faculty with extensive experience often deliver more engaging and effective learning experiences than faculty without it.

Prospective learners may also consider factors such as student retention rates, degree-completion rates, and post-graduation employment rates, which can tell a lot about the quality of a school and program.

Iowa’s economy appears poised for strong near-term expansion, with a recent U.S. News & World Report analysis ranking it No. 17 in the U.S. for economic growth potential.

Meanwhile, Projections Central projects jobs for accountants and auditors in Iowa to increase 9.8% from 2018-2028, significantly outpacing national projected growth rates, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Many recent accounting graduates and established accounting professionals work for the nation’s “Big 4” accounting firms: Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, and KPMG. All four of these firms maintain offices in Iowa, giving qualified individuals a strong, steady job base.

The following section elaborates on popular accounting career paths in Iowa, which learners may consider as part of their long-term planning.

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The employment data above demonstrates several notable trends for students planning to launch their accounting careers in Iowa. Several accounting specializations offer above-average salaries in Iowa; budget analysts, tax examiners and collectors, and cost estimators all fall into this category.

Furthermore, multiple accounting-related professionals enjoy robust job opportunities in Iowa, including bookkeeping clerks, accountants, and financial managers. Financial managers enjoy the highest average salaries of any accounting-related profession in Iowa, according to the BLS.

Many accounting students hope to become CPAs, and each state maintains its own licensure requirements for these professionals. Prospective CPAs in Iowa must meet the following general requirements:

Candidates who meet these standards may formally apply for Iowa CPA licensure. Learners who plan to study accounting in Iowa but practice as CPAs in other states should check the requirements for their intended destinations, which may differ from Iowa’s licensing standards.