15 Military Friendly Colleges in Iowa

1 Iowa State University
1750 Beardshear Hall | Ames, IA 50011

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $3.25M

Iowa State University’s Veteran Center has a mission to strengthen the lives of military connected students.

That includes participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Iowa State offers an unlimited number of graduate and undergraduate students a max contribution of $2,500 per year, each.

The school also offers credit for military training. The retention rate for full-time students who get military benefits is 90%. And, the rate for part time students in 67%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $7,998
Grad: $6,017

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 387
Grad: 26

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 87%
Part Time: 75%

2University of Iowa
101 Jessup Hall | Iowa City, IA 52242

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $3.2M

The University of Iowa is our #1 military friendly college in Iowa. It offers many possible benefits for members of the Veteran and Military Community. That includes dependents and spouses. Plus, the University’s Veteran Education Transition Services (VETS) is available to help navigate the transition to student life.

UIowa participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. It offers an unlimited number of graduate and undergraduate students a max contribution of $2,500 per year, each. But, some schools limit the number of graduate students to 20 students per school. These include the Medical, Dental, Law, and Pharmacy schools.

The University offers credit for military training. Retention rates for students who get military benefits are 70% for full-time and 100% for part time attendees.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $7,936
Grad: $13,871

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 264
Grad: 80

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 86%
Part Time: 71%

3 University of Dubuque
2000 University Ave | Dubuque, IA 52001

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $1.54M

The University of Dubuque’s commitment to service members and Vets dates to World War II, with the Navy’s V5/V12 programs. And, it continues up to the present day. The school has a large Veteran Center on campus. This features study rooms, computers, WIFI, a media hub, and gaming systems. Plus, enjoy the use of a lounge and kitchen.

As a part of the Yellow Ribbon Program, Dubuque offers an unlimited number of students up to $30,000 in grants each, per year.

The University offers credit for military training. The retention rate for full-time students who get military benefits is 100%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $16,241
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 95
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 65%
Part Time: 40%

4 Drake University
2507 University Ave | Des Moines, IA 50311

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $0.91M

Drake University is a Home Base Iowa CHAMPs campus. This program helps promote Iowa as the premier destination for veterans and their families pursuing higher education. 

Drake participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. It offers 35 students an unlimited max contribution per year.

Plus, Drake offers credit for military training. The retention rate for students receiving military benefits is 67% for full-time students.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $16,627
Grad: $10,500

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 44
Grad: 17

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 84%
Part Time: 100%

5 Des Moines Area Community College
2006 Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, Iowa 50023-3993

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $0.86M

Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) is a military-friendly school. The school provides services for veteran military personnel, National Guard and Reserves members, active duty personnel, spouses and dependents, and survivors of disabled or deceased veterans. Apart from help understanding VA education benefits, there are on-line courses, short term programs, and alternative ways to earn credit.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $2,979
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 290
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 59%
Part Time: 43%

6 University of Northern Iowa
1227 W 27th Street | Cedar Falls, IA 50614

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $0.81M

University of Northern Iowa (UNI) supports military members, veterans, and their families. UNI offers a Veterans Center, Military and Veteran Student Services, and a Counseling Center on campus. And, it participates in the Boots to Books program and Green Zone Training.

Northern Iowa participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. It offers 10,000 undergraduate students a $5,000 max contribution per year, each. 10,000 graduate and doctoral students could get a $5,000 max contribution per year, each.

The school offers credit for military training. Its retention rate for full-time students who get military benefits is 89%. And, the retention rate for part time students is 50%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,821
Grad: $5,228

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 109
Grad: 14

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 83%
Part Time: 33%

7 Indian Hills Community College
525 Grandview Ave, Ottumwa, Iowa 52501

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $0.72M

Indian Hills Community College offers a robust set of Veterans Education Resources. Through the Veterans Affairs Office, you could access information about using your VA education benefits, and a detailed checklist to keep new veteran students organized.

The college also offers health resources. You could use this support to better understand PTSD, and there is also a Veterans Crisis Line.

In 2016, Indian Hills Community College also became a Home Base Iowa Certified Higher Academic Military Partner (CHAMP) campus. Champs recognition means the college educates and assists veterans on campus with the resources necessary for them to complete their educational goals. 

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $8,578
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 84
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 59%
Part Time: 33%

8 Kirkwood Community College
6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52406-2068

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $0.5M

Kirkwood Community College is proud to support and serve veterans, military members, and their families. The school has the support services to help you understand your benefits, answer questions about financial aid and pursue a college degree.

Each year, Kirkwood awards over $3 million in scholarships, and devotes a large number of scholarships especially for US Military veterans. For e.g., the Purple Heart scholarship was created by an anonymous donor who gave Kirkwood Community College a five-year gift totaling $350,000 to help wounded veterans and their families. Scholarship recipients will have their tuition and books covered for their entire two-year program at Kirkwood.

Another is the Kirkwood’s Veterans Scholarship. If you are in the top 10 percent (vis a vis GPA) of the veterans who attend Kirkwood and in financial need, you may qualify. Check out their full list and if you meet the criteria.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $3,146
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 159
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 65%
Part Time: 41%

9 Grand View University
1200 Grandview Ave | Des Moines, IA 50316

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $0.49M

Grand View University’s goal is to help provide a seamless transition from military to academic life. The school is a member of Home Base Iowa. This program serves to promote Iowa as a higher ed destination for veterans and their families.

Grand View participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. It offers an unlimited number of undergraduate and graduate students an unlimited max contribution per year, each.

You could also qualify for credit for military experience. The retention rate for students receiving military education benefits is 67% for full-time students.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $11,462
Grad: $1,891

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 43
Grad: 1

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 68%
Part Time: 100%

10Mercy College of Health Sciences
926 Sixth Ave | Des Moines, IA 50309

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $0.42M

Mercy College of Health Sciences is another military friendly college in Iowa. They are dedicated to helping military service members and veterans achieve their educational goals. That includes maximizing their veteran benefits. 

Mercy participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. It offers 50 undergraduate students a max contribution of $2,250 per year, each.

The school offers credit for military training.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $14,193
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 30
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 53%
Part Time: 40%

11Eastern Iowa Community College District
101 W Third Street, Davenport, Iowa 52801-1221

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $0.34M

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges is a DOD MOU signatory establishment  and also signed the compliance to the President’s Principles of Excellence. In addition, EICC was named one of the Home Based Iowa Certified Higher Academic Military Partners (CHAMPs)  in 2015. 

One of the ways they support you is by giving military and veteran priority enrollment during the designated priority enrollment period for current students. New military and veteran students will be allowed to register as well. Another way is to help you with education benefits program through the Department of Veterans Affairs. You could also expect credit for military training, military deployment withdrawal policy and in-state tuition policy for military, veterans and their dependents.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $2,956
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 118
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 64%
Part Time: 48%

12Iowa Western Community College
2700 College Rd, Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503-1057

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $0.3M

Military students at Iowa Western Community College could contact the Veteran Services Coordinator about using VA benefits. The college also extends a Military Residency Exemption policy. It states that a veteran of military service or the National Guard, or his or her spouse or dependent child will be classified as an Iowa resident and charged resident tuition and fee amounts, regardless of where they live.

It is also the policy of Iowa Western Community College to assist students called to active military duty. They provide tuition credit for courses in which a student is currently enrolled and cannot complete.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $3,459
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 89
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 50%
Part Time: 33%

13Hawkeye Community College
1501 E Orange Rd, Waterloo, Iowa 50701

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $0.26M

Military and Veterans Services at Hawkeye Community College aims to support Veterans, military personnel, and their families. Especially with making the transition from military life to college. The Veterans Services coordinator provides help with all VA Benefit applications, State Tuition Assistance, Federal Tuition Assistance, My CAA programs, scholarships, and financial aid. 

If on campus, you could find a Veterans Resource Center. It is a place to connect with others. There is also a Student Veterans of America Hawkeye Chapter. This group actively supports service projects, social activities, and community events throughout the year. 

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $3,525
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 74
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 61%
Part Time: 44%

14Iowa Central Community College
One Triton Circle, Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $0.2M

Iowa Central is dedicated to assisting Veterans, military personnel and their families with the benefits they have earned. Once you receive your military transcripts, the college assesses them for college credit. Other services include a Veterans Crisis Line and Vets Prevail. This is an interactive online program that provides Veterans with a confidential approach to treating deployment-related effects of combat.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $3,651
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 56
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 52%
Part Time: 32%

15William Penn University
201 Trueblood Ave, Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577

Total Post 9/11 GI Bill Sum Awarded in 2018/19: $0.18M

William Penn University’s focus is on leadership, technology, and the Quaker principles of simplicity, peace-making, integrity, community, and equality. The college offers both online and on campus programs.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $7,863
Grad: $7,220

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 23
Grad: 1

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 56%
Part Time: 100%