The Hawkeye State, Iowa, is one of the flattest in the country but it boasts big adventures for people who are looking to pursue a career in Human Resources Management.
Throughout your time in Iowa, you will find many different universities that have great Bachelors degree programs, including Human Resources Management.
From public universities to private schools along the cities of St. Sioux and Storm Lake, there are an abundance of great education systems to suit your needs.
Whether you are looking for online learning environments, in person campus experiences, or just want all of the exposure at once, you should check out this list of 10 of the best universities in the state of Iowa.
1Briar Cliff University
Briar Cliff University is a Catholic school located in Sioux City, Iowa.
At Briar Cliff, each person’s dignity is appreciated and respected to ensure great success with a private education.
Most classes at Briar Cliff University provide an 8 student to one professor ratio and career focused, flexible learning.
There are many veteran faculty members throughout the campus of Briar Cliff who can assist students in the fields in which they choose to enroll in.
The Human Resources Management Bachelors degree program is one of the many ways students can fulfill their goals at this school.
Students will need to take general education classes to begin their college career, but soon they will get into more business related courses such as:
- Business Economics
- Employment Law
- Statistical Analysis
- Marketing
Once you have graduated from this school, you should be able to show competency in areas like:
- Research
- Problem solving
- Computer skills
- Mathematics
- Oral communication and writing
A degree from Briar Cliff University will provide graduates with a wide range of knowledge needed for life-long roles in careers that include:
- International Business Manager
- Human Resources Specialist
- Health Care Administrator
- Benefits Manager
Enrollment
Applying online is the best way to submit your application at Briar Cliff University.
Students can find the application in the admissions tab on the website.
There is a $75 non-refundable application fee for each application.
In order to be considered for enrollment for a Bachelors degree program, prospective students must provide:
- SAT or ACT scores
- Official transcript copies
Transfer students will need to provide transcripts from previous universities for course credits.
International students are welcome to apply to Briar Cliff University as well, and will need to provide English proficiency exam results.
Once you have submitted your application, an academic advisor will contact you about orientation and a campus tour.
Fees
On-campus learners will pay $16,405 per year at Briar Cliff University.
A Bachelors degree requires a four year commitment, so graduates will pay $65,620 in total.
Online students will pay $10,530 per year and after four years that equals $42,120.
Meal plans are an additional $5,356 per year and housing is $4,720 per year.
Students are able to partake in work/study programs which will help pay for schooling.
Also, scholarships, grants, and financial aid are available at this university.
Contact Information
- Address: 3303 Rebecca St. Sioux City, IA 51104
- Phone: 712-279-5200
- Website: www.briarcliff.edu
2Dordt University
As a top Christian school, Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa is equipped to align students with education and experience through innovative teachings.
Although this is a Christian based school, students of all faiths are welcome and accepted in the variety of Bachelors degree programs.
One of the business-related programs available at Dordt University is the Human Resources Management track.
Along this track, students are given the resources to learn management skills and organizational behavior ideals in order to create balance between businesses and their employees.
With class sizes of 13 students to one professor, students are given individual attention the is needed to succeed in this field.
There are many types of courses that are required for graduation within this program, such as:
- Payroll Accounting and Employee Benefits
- Organizational Communication
- Public Relations
- Social Psychology of People
Each class is designed to prepare you for a successful career in business and with a 100% success rate in job placement upon graduation, you should have no issue finding the right role for you.
Some of the great careers that Dordt alumni have found themselves in include:
- Administrative Manager
- Applications Specialist
- Benefits Coordinator
- Human Resources Associate
Enrollment
The best way to start your education at Dordt University is to apply online.
There is a no application fee to apply to Dordt University at this time.
Along with your application, there are some important pieces of information that are required to submit, including:
- Statement of faith
- Official high school transcript
- ACT or SAT scores
- Scholarship and financial aid forms
An academic advisor will contact you upon completion of your application to let you know if you have been accepted at the university.
Once accepted, you can choose to take a campus tour and complete student orientation before enrolling in classes.
Fees
The average full time student at Dordt University pays $35,960 per year to attend.
With the cost of room and board, $11,430, that total goes up to $47,360 per year.
Since it takes four years to complete a Bachelors degree at this school, students will end up paying $143,840 without room and board and $189,440 with room and board included.
Financial aid and scholarships are available for students who attend Dordt University.
Contact Information
- Address: 700 7th St. NE Sioux Center, IA 51250
- Phone: 712-722-6000
- Website: www.dordt.edu
3Buena Vista University
Buena Vista University is ranked among the best values for schools in the Midwest, and 100% of students who apply for financial aid receive it.
This small college located in Storm Lake, Iowa is perfect for people who want to maintain that small town feel while getting an education.
Another great thing about Buena Vista University is that it allows transfers from locate and out of state community colleges so you only have to attend for about two years instead of four.
Through the Human Resources Management program, students are given the opportunity to learn about the inside world of business and how to contribute to both organizations and the employees that work for them.
Throughout your journey at Buena Vista University, you will likely need to take some required classes to help you on your way toward a degree.
Some of these classes will include:
- Principles of Management
- Decision Science
- Business Practicum
- Organizational Theory
Both online and on-campus options are available so students can learn in a variety of ways.
Students in these programs will analyze real-time data in state of the art classrooms.
Buena Vista University business students also get the chance to work with real business operations through the Lamberti Center for Rural Entrepreneurship.
Once you have graduated from Buena Vista University with a Bachelors degree in Human Resources Management, you can move on to bigger and greater careers like:
- Senior Employee Benefits Manager
- Recruitment Coordinator
- Payroll Processing Specialist
- Employee Relations Consultant
Enrollment
Buena Vista University provides great education to students who want to learn on campus and online, but you’ll need to head to the website to fill out an application.
There are both online and on campus applications, so make sure that you are filling out the correct one.
All you’ll need to do is submit your transcripts or GED information along with your application and you are good to go.
Then, talk to an academic advisor to set up a campus visit to make sure that you are committed to learning at Buena Vista University.
You should hear back with acceptance answers within two weeks of submitting your application.
Fees
Tuition rates at Buena Vista University may vary depending on room, meal plans, books, and whether you attend online or in person.
For the average full time student who lives and eats on campus, the yearly tuition is $51,086.
Since the average Bachelors degree takes about four years to finish, a full time residential student will end up paying about $204,344.
Students who don’t want to live or have a meal plan on campus will pay $40,190 per year.
This means that the average commuter graduate will pay $160,760 after graduation.
Online students will pay $451 per credit hour.
Financial aid, scholarships and grants are available for most students at this university.
Contact Information
- Address: 610 West 4th St. Storm Lake, IA 50588
- Phone: 800-383-9600
- Website: www.bvu.edu
4University of Northern Iowa
The University of Northern Iowa was ranked top public school of the Midwest region by the U.S. and world report in 2022.
This means you’ll be getting the best education out there if you attend the University of Northern Iowa.
This four year public university has a variety of majors and minors to look into, but for business minded people, the Human Resources Management degree program will suit them best.
The Human Resources department plays a huge role in any organization, and students within this program will learn the fundamentals of performance management, how to maintain a safe work environment, and policies for setting employee expectations.
If this sounds like something that you would be interested in, keep reading to see the courses that are required in order to graduate from this great school.
Not only will you take general education classes, but you will need to enroll in business-related classes as well, including:
- Managerial Problem Solving
- Staffing and Employee Development
- Dynamics of Negotiation
- Principles of Organizational Management
It takes 120 credit hours or about four years to finish a degree at the University of Norther Iowa.
With Human Resources Management jobs expected to grow about 6% over the next five years, it is a great time to get started down this career path.
Once you have graduated, you can expect to find roles in some really great careers, such as:
- Compensation and Benefits Specialist
- Recruiter
- Payroll Specialist
- Labor Relations Representative
Enrollment
At the University of Northern Iowa the application process is easy for all students.
You will first need to create an account so that you can save your information if you don’t have the time to finish it all in one sitting.
Freshman, transfer, returning, and international students are all welcome to apply to the University of Northern Iowa.
There is a $40 non-refundable application fee to be paid when you submit your application, however there is a waiver for qualified students.
Along with the application, you will want to provide some important information:
- SAT or ACT scores
- Transcripts from high school or previous university
Applications are open on July 1st of each year, so make sure that you get yours in before the deadline in September.
It may take 2 to 3 days for you to hear back from an academic advisor about the status of your application.
Fees
Iowa residents who use room and board at the University of Northern Iowa will pay $18,754 per year.
Expect to spend four years earning a Bachelors degree at this school, which will bring the total tuition for residential students to $75,016.
Those who do not wish to use the extra amenities will pay a base tuition of $8,111.
After four years of education, the total base tuition is $32,444.
Out of state students who plan to use room and board will pay $29,908 per year and after four years that total is $119,632.
Other expenses may occur:
- Books – $1,000
- Transportation – $660
- Personal expenses – $1,500
Contact Information
- Address: 1227 West 27th St. Cedar Falls, IA 50614
- Phone: 319-273-2311
- Website: www.uni.edu
5Mount Mercy University
You’ll love the feel of the quiet campus at Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
This four year school is a Catholic University, but students from all walks of life and faiths are welcome to enroll.
A small town feel with big aspirations is what you’ll get when you attend Mount Mercy University.
Within the many programs, you will find the Bachelors degree for Human Resources Management.
The school boasts a 96% success rate in finding employment after 6 months of graduation, those odds seem great to us.
This Society for Human Resources Management program will engage students in comprehensive curriculum that will lead them down great paths in the future.
Along the way, students are required to take on some interesting courses such as:
- Principles of Management
- International Management
- Organizational Behavior
- Corporate Social Responsibility
Students are able to choose whether they want to take part in the online accelerated program and get done in three years, or head out to campus for the traditional four year program.
Either way, a degree from Mount Mercy University will give you access to many great careers, like:
- Payroll Specialist
- Benefits Manager
- Training Coordinator
- Employee Relations Manager
Enrollment
No matter if you are a first year freshman, transfer student, or a returning student, Mount Mercy University allows you to apply to their school right on the website.
This application process is fairly simple and shouldn’t take too much of your time.
The first step is to pick which type of student that you are and go to the correct application screen.
Once there, you will see a list of steps necessary to complete your application.
Some important information is required to complete your enrollment, such as:
- SAT or ACT scores
- Transcripts from previous education
In order to be admitted to Mount Mercy University, you will need to meet the following criteria:
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Class rank in top half of graduating class
If you meet these criteria then you can apply today right from the website.
Online students and veterans are also welcome to apply through the admissions tab on the website.
You will hear back within a week or two about your admission status, at which time you can set up a campus tour to visit your new school.
Fees
Tuition to live on campus at Mount Mercy University is $24,030 per year, which includes room and board.
A Bachelors degree from this school takes four years to complete, in which time the tuition total will come out to $96,120.
Those who live off campus will pay $15,070 per year and will end up paying $60,280 after four years of education.
Other expenses that might occur throughout your time at Mount Mercy University include:
- Books – $1,200
- Personal expenses – $4,000
- Transportation – $3,000
- Loan fees – $70
Contact Information
- Address: 1330 Elmhurst Dr. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
- Phone: 319-363-8213
- Website: www.mtmercy.edu
6University of Dubuque
For over 100 years this private, co-ed university has been thriving in Dubuque, Iowa.
The University of Dubuque has great scenery and a wonderful campus life that intrigue students from across the country.
While at this four year college, students can earn a Bachelors degree in Human Resources Management to fulfill their business career dreams.
At the University of Dubuque, students along this track will gain valuable skills in recruitment and selection, compensation and performance management, as well as understanding employee benefits.
Throughout your time at this school, the faculty will help you every step of the way from classroom time to helping you secure an internship once you have completed most of your courses.
Before your internship, you’ll need to pass some interesting and motivating business courses such as:
- Recruitment and Selection
- Business Law
- Training and Development
- Labor Relations
In your Senior year, once you have completed the majority of your classroom time, it will be necessary to take on an internship to give you a leg up in the world of business.
This Society for Human Resources Management aligned program will have the built-in knowledge to lead you toward the next steps in your career goals.
After graduation, you should find it easy to network and align yourself with business minded people in careers that include:
- Administrative Services Manager
- Director of Diversity and Inclusion
- Human Resources Assistant
- Talent Acquisition Specialist
Enrollment
One of the many great things about the University of Dubuque is that they have waived application fees and they have made it optional to submit SAT or ACT scores.
It’s also very easy to apply using the website and shouldn’t take up too much of your time.
You’ll need to create a profile on the website and then you can start submitting your information.
It’s important to include the transcripts from high school or your previous university if you are a transfer student.
After you have completed the application, an academic advisor will contact you about setting up a campus tour and explaining the next steps in the enrollment process.
Once you have been admitted, you will need to submit a $200 admission deposit to confirm your enrollment.
Fees
Full time tuition with room and board included at the University of Dubuque is $51,535 per year.
After graduation, this total comes out to $206,140.
Those who choose not to live on campus or have meal plans will pay $38,260 a year in tuition.
After four years of school, this total comes out to $153,040.
Other fees that may apply throughout your schooling at this university include:
- Books – $1,200
- Transportation – $1,500
- Parking permit – $99
- Orientation fee – $100
Financial aid, scholarships, and grants are available at this university.
Contact Information
- Address: 2000 University Ave. Dubuque, IA 52001
- Phone: 563-589-3000
- Website: www.dbq.edu
7Grand View University
Grand View University is a career oriented college that has been around for over 100 years.
Located in Des Moines, Iowa, this metropolitan university is perfect for people who want to enroll in a big city college.
Though the school may be in a big city, the classes are small with a ratio of 14 students to 1 professor, allowing for one on one time and individual education.
While you are at Grand View University, you should check out the Human Resources Management Bachelors degree program.
This four year area of study is great for people who are interested in business but are also people-minded.
Within this degree track, you’ll be taught how to develop management functions and planning, compensation and recruitment skills to lead you toward a fantastic career.
Along the way, students will take classes that are business-related such as:
- Business Law
- Writing for Business
- Principles of Management
- Corporate Finance
Not only will students gain experience in the classroom, but Grand View expects each business student to take on an internship with a local business in the area to gain insight into the field they wish to work.
With that experience and the knowledge built up by courses at Grand View, graduates are capable and can find careers in roles that include:
- Training and Development Manager
- Employee Relations Manager
- Director of Human Resources
- Global HR Specialist
Enrollment
Everyone is welcome to apply at Grand View University from first year freshman to transfer students and beyond.
All applications can be done online and are free to submit at this time.
You can also sign up to take a campus tour or even a virtual tour before committing to attending Grand View University.
Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis, so you can apply at any time of the year.
Along with your application, you should submit your transcripts from high school or previous university if you are a transfers student, as well as ACT or SAT scores.
Once you have completed all of the above tasks, you are well on your way to becoming admitted to Grand View University.
Accepted students will hear back within a week or two of finishing their application about their acceptance status.
Fees
Full time tuition at Grand View University costs $32,800 a year.
After completing a Bachelors degree, the total cost of tuition is $131,200.
Students who plan to live and eat on campus will pay an additional $11,032 per year for a total of $44,482.
This comes out to a total of $177,928 after graduation.
Some other fees that may occur include:
- Activity fee – $210
- Technology fee – $400
- Online course fee – $32 per course
Contact Information
- Address: 1200 Grandview Ave. Des Moines, IA 50316
- Phone: 515-263-2800
- Website: www.grandview.edu
8Upper Iowa University- Fayette
Upper Iowa University located in Fayette, Iowa has a variety of business programs that students can enroll in.
One of the most influential degree programs is the Human Resources Management Bachelors degree.
This four year degree track will lead students on a journey to becoming successful in many entry-level business careers.
Along with general education classes that are necessary to take before graduation, students will have the opportunity to enroll in more specialized courses.
These courses can include the following:
- Business Ethics
- Organizational Behavior
- Management Cases
- Strategic Management
With the skills deemed from each class, graduates will have the opportunity to find a great career in business and Human Resources Management.
Some of the roles you can find yourself in after graduating from Upper Iowa University are:
- Director of Employee Services
- Compensation and Benefits Director
- Employee Relations
- Human Resources Manager
Enrollment
To apply at Upper Iowa University in Fayette, you will need to go to their website and fill out an application.
International students, transfer students, and even military active-duty and veterans are welcome to apply to this college.
In order to make your application complete, you will also need to submit the following information:
- SAT or ACT scores
- Transcripts from high school or previous education
International students will need to complete an English proficiency exam as well.
Once you have submitted your application and paperwork it make take about two weeks for an admission decision.
After you have been admitted, there is an enrollment fee of $250 for new students.
Fees
The annual tuition for full time undergraduate students at Upper Iowa University in Fayette is $19,000.
After four years, the total tuition for students is $76,000.
Students who qualify for the Peacock Promise program will not have to pay tuition at this school.
Financial aid and scholarships are also available for qualified students.
Room and board rates can be discussed with an academic advisor.
Contact Information
- Address: 605 Washington St. Fayette, IA 52142
- Phone: 800-553-4150
- Website: www.uiu.edu
9William Penn University
William Penn University has been one of the leading schools in Iowa for over 100 years.
The school has several majors and minor programs to enroll in, which gives the campus diversity and inclusivity.
The Human Resources Management major at William Penn University provides business minded individuals with the tools to succeed in their future roles by teaching them how to bridge the gap between organizations and employees.
On this degree track, students will learn a variety of new skills from interpersonal, general management, and progressive topics in business and Human Resources Management.
While this degree requires students to take some general education classes, there are specialized classes for Human Resources Management focused students.
Some of the courses you’ll need to attend include:
- Financial Management
- Compensation and Benefits
- Training and Development
- International Business
This Society for Human Resources Management aligned curriculum will allow students to apply for the Society for Human Resources Management certification.
In order to be considered for this certification, students will need to be in their Senior year of school and have 500 hours of relevant experience.
Luckily, the school also provides internships and work/study programs for students who want to get their foot in the door with business in the area.
After graduation, expect to find great careers in roles such as:
- Labor Relations Specialist
- Compensation and Benefits Manager
- Human Resources Manager
- Employee Relations Counselor
Enrollment
Each applicant is considered on an individual basis at William Penn University, and no one is discriminated by their race or religion.
That being said, William Penn University has some requirements in order to enroll, such as:
- Graduation from an accredited school
- At least a 2.0 GPA
- Score of 18 or more on ACT and equivalent score on SAT
If you can fulfill all of these requirements, then you are encouraged to apply to William Penn University.
The only way to apply to this university is through the website, and there is a non-refundable $50 application fee.
The online application is fairly easy if you have all the necessary paperwork ready to go.
Along with your personal information, you will need to include the following criteria:
- Official transcripts from high school or other education
- ACT or SAT scores
William Penn University invites both first year freshman and transfer students to apply to their school.
International students are also welcome to apply, and should provide an English proficiency exam result along with the other criteria.
Fees
Full time students will pay $28,750 per year at William Penn University for tuition.
A Bachelors degree from this school will require four years of your time, and the total tuition cost comes out to $115,000.
Room and board will require an additional $7,712 per year, for a total of $30,848 upon graduation.
If you add those two together, students who live and eat on campus will pay $145,848 after graduation.
Online students will also pay $28,750 per year to attend William Penn University.
Contact Information
- Address: 201 Trueblood Ave. Oskaloosa, IA 52577
- Phone: 800-779-7366
- Website: www.wmpenn.edu
10University of Wisconsin-MIlkwaukee
The University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee is a great place for people who live in Iowa to discover if they are looking to gain their education out of state.
It’s not too far away, and the experience here is unsurpassed.
If you are interested in earning a Bachelors degree in Human Resources Management, then this might be just the place that you are looking for.
Students come here to learn about business and how to help both employees and the organizations in which they work.
Some of the required classes that students of the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee will need to take part in in order to graduate are:
- Compensation Management
- Staffing Human Resources
- Employment Law
- Communication in Organizations
Once you have completed your required courses and general education classes, you’ll be on your way to earning a Bachelors degree, which takes about four year.
After graduation, you should expect to find a successful career in any of the following roles:
- Senior Recruiter
- Human Resources Manager
- Labor Relations Specialist
- Compensation and Benefits Manager
Enrollment
Applying at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee is pretty simple.
There are no fees associated with applying to this school.
An important aspect to note is that the University of Wisconsin has several campuses, so indicating the Milwaukee campus is necessary.
Students will need to download the UWM app to apply, or they can email or mail their application.
The application requirements vary depending on the degree being completed as well as academic background.
Fees
There are many factors that can change the tuition price at this school.
Whether you are a Wisconsin resident or an out of state student can change the cost.
For first year Wisconsin residents students that meet all the requirements listed above, tuition is free.
After the first year, resident students can expect to pay $9,610 per year.
For first year students who are not residents of Wisconsin, they can also expect to pay $9,610 per year, plus additional fees.
Some of the fees associated with students at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee include:
- Housing – $6,700
- Meal Plans – $4,190
- Books – $800
A four year Bachelors degree at this college will cost around $21,306 per year, or $85,224 in total.
Contact Information
- Address: 2200 East Kenwood Blvd. Milwaukee, WI 53211
- Phone: 414-229-2222
- Website: www.uwm.edu
Final Thoughts
There is no shortage of incredible places to see in Iowa and that includes some of the most interesting universities.
If you are looking to begin or continue your education here, then have a look at how many different types of schools there are to get involved in and earn a Bachelors degree in Human Resources Management.
