military friendly colleges in Iowa

15 Military Friendly Colleges in Iowa

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military friendly colleges in Iowa

Funding for Military Friendly Colleges in Iowa

There are many military friendly colleges in Iowa. According to the VA, in 2022, 105 Iowa schools got Post 9/11 GI bill funds for over 15,000 students totaling over $83 million dollars.

There are six active programs offering benefits for veterans’ education. If eligible, all of these may be used to help fund a college education.

  • Post 9/11 GI Bill
  • All Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program (MGIB-AD)
  • Educational Assistance for Members of the Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
  • Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
  • Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)
  • Post Vietnam Era Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)

 

The most used benefit program is the Post 9/11 GI Bill. At Iowa colleges, 69% of the beneficiaries used the Post 9/11 GI Bill to help fund their education.

Military Program# of 2024 veterans eaRNING aid at Iowa colleges
Post 9 / 113,275
MGIB – AD85
MIGB – SR1,087
REAP0
DEA1,108
VEAP0
TOTAL5,555

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA

 

 

 

15 Military Friendly Colleges in Iowa for 2025

These 15 military friendly colleges in Iowa are listed based on the total amount of Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits awarded in the 2023 / 2024 school year. All of the data cited from the National Center for Education Statistics. All these schools take part in the Yellow Ribbon Program, a part of the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Under the Yellow Ribbon Program, the colleges and the VA pay the tuition and mandatory fees not paid for by the GI Bill.

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

Iowa State University’s Veteran Center is dedicated to enriching the lives of military-connected students. As part of its commitment, the university participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, providing an unlimited number of graduate and undergraduate students a maximum contribution of $2,500 per year each.

Moreover, Iowa State acknowledges and grants credit for military training. The retention rate for full-time students receiving military benefits stands at 90%, while part-time students’ rate is 67%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $8,715
Grad: $10,896

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 335
Grad: 42

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 90%
Part Time: 67%

 

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

The University of Iowa is highly regarded as the top military-friendly college in Iowa, providing an array of benefits for members of the Veteran and Military Community, including dependents and spouses. The university’s Veteran Education Transition Services (VETS) aim to assist in the transition to student life.

UIowa actively participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, offering an unlimited number of graduate and undergraduate students a maximum contribution of $2,500 per year each. However, specific schools like Medical, Dental, Law, and Pharmacy may limit the number of graduate students to 20 per school.

Additionally, the University of Iowa recognizes and grants credit for military training. The retention rates for students benefiting from military support are 70% for full-time attendees and 100% for part-time participants.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $8,373
Grad: $14,724

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 267
Grad: 90

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 70%
Part Time: 100%

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

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: $25,501
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad:44
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 100%
Part Time: N/A

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

Drake University is recognized as a Home Base Iowa CHAMPs campus, supporting veterans and their families pursuing higher education in Iowa. This program aims to promote Iowa as the top destination for veterans seeking academic advancement.

Participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program, Drake University extends this opportunity to 35 students, offering an unlimited maximum contribution per year.

Moreover, Drake acknowledges and grants credit for military training, contributing to the educational journey of veterans. For full-time students receiving military benefits, the retention rate stands at 67%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $18,331
Grad: $9,628

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 32
Grad: 21

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 67%
Part Time: N/A

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

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: $3,009
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 174
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 66%
Part Time: 60%

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

The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) is dedicated to supporting military members, veterans, and their families through various on-campus resources like the Veterans Center, Military and Veteran Student Services, and the Counseling Center. UNI actively participates in programs such as Boots to Books and Green Zone Training.

As part of the Yellow Ribbon Program, UNI extends a $5,000 maximum contribution per year to 10,000 undergraduate students and an equal contribution to 10,000 graduate and doctoral students.

UNI acknowledges military training with credit. The school maintains an 89% retention rate for full-time students receiving military benefits and a 50% rate for part-time students.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $7,689
Grad: $9,086

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 74
Grad: 7

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 89%
Part Time: 50%

 

 

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

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: $4,809
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 32
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 75%
Part Time: 83%

 

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

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: $3,530
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 103
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 65%
Part Time: 80%

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

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: $11,702
Grad: $8,508

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 29
Grad: 6

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 67%
Part Time: N/A

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

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: $15,156
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 18
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: N/A
Part Time: N/A

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

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: $3,147
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 73
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 57%
Part Time: 71%

 

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

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: $5,242
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 44
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 42%
Part Time: 33%

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

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: $4,078
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 37
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 91%
Part Time: 63%

 

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

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: $3,805
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 26
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 40%
Part Time: 67%

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

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: $12,846
Grad:N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 13
Grad: 0

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 100%
Part Time: N/A

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*https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d20/tables/dt20_311.15.asp

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