10 Best Public Health Bachelor's Degree Schools in Iowa

1The University of Iowa

At one of America’s premier public research universities, students can delve into a variety of innovative and necessary ways to learn.

The University of Iowa is located in Iowa City, and is in the top 200 of universities globally.

People from all around the United States flock here to enjoy the amenities and education system.

There are currently about 30,000 students enrolled and that number climbs each year.

With faculty that have experience in the field they teach, small class sizes, and many different types of programs, there is no way to go wrong at the University of Iowa.

One of the over 100 programs available through the College of Public Health is the Public Health Bachelors degree.

If you have an interest in protecting your community and learning the science behind health and wellness, then you may want to enroll in this four year degree plan.

The Public Health program at the University of Iowa is ranked in the top 20 across the nation and has an accredited curriculum.

There are so many great and wonderful things to do at the school, you will also take classes that include:

• Fundamentals of Public Health
• Health, Work, and the Environment
• Global Public Health
• The U.S. Health System in a Global Context

The college even offers opportunities for students to partake in internships, experiential learning, and research for hands-on real-life experience.

The University of Iowa also provides study abroad opportunities in over 100 different countries.

Each opportunity students receive to garner more education both physically and mentally will help them once they have graduated from college.

After four years, students will earn a degree that can lead them to successful lifelong careers which look like:

• Community Health Educator
• Clinical Research Specialist
• Cultural Competency Trainer
• Health Promotion Programmer

Enrollment

Current high school, transfer students, international students and even military students will find it easy to apply to the University of Iowa.

All you will need to do is go to the website and fill out the appropriate application.

The university of Iowa requires prospective students to create a username and password before beginning your application.

Once you do that you’ll be able to come back and finish your application if you need to leave at any time.

Along with your application, it is important to provide the following information:

• Transcripts from high school or previous education
• Proof of at least a 3.33 GPA
• SAT or ACT scores

That’s all you will need to do to apply to the University of Iowa.

Once your application is completed and submitted, it will take about two weeks to hear back from an academic advisor.

At which time, you’ll be able to choose classes and get started with the orientation process.

Fees

Iowa residents who decide they want to live and eat on campus will pay $21,829 per year to attend this school.

If you are an Iowa resident but want to live at home, your tuition will be $10,353 per year.

In state residents will pay between $41,412 and $87,316 to get an education at the University of Iowa.

If you are from out of state, your tuition will be a bit higher at $32,316 or $43,792 if you plan to utilize room and board.

After four years of school, expect to pay between $129,264 and $175,168 to earn a Bachelors degree.

Some other fees that may apply at the University of Iowa include:

• Books and supplies – $916
• Personal expenses – $3,098
• Transportation – $1,026

Financial aid is available for all students at the University of Iowa.

Contact Information

• Address: 2700 UCC Iowa City, IA 52242
• Phone: 319-335-3500
• Website: www.uiowa.edu

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2Allen College

Allen College is a healthcare focused school that has been around since the late 1980’s.

The campus in Waterloo, Iowa is a beautiful and diverse area with the closeness of small-town America.

All types of healthcare careers can be sought at Allen College, but for those who want to make a different in the health of their communities, the Public Health program located in the Allen College School of Health Science is a safe bet.

Students can earn their degree right online at this school, which can save on tuition as well as gas and time for those who have a busy schedule.

It takes 124 credits, or about four years, to complete a Public Health Bachelors degree at Allen College.

Throughout your time here, you will study a variety of healthcare related curriculum, including courses like:

• Social Determinants of Health
• The American Healthcare System
• Ethics, Law, and Healthcare Policy
• Health Care Informatics

Every faculty member has experience in the field that they teach, which provides a well-rounded experience at Allen College.

After four years of learning, students are equipped to seek entry-level jobs in Public Health roles that could include:

• Public Health Inspector
• Health Officer
• Prevention Specialist
• Data Scientist

Enrollment

Allen College has a great online application that costs $50 to apply for, and this fee is non-refundable.

In order to be considered for admission at Allen College, prospective students must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum high school GPA of 3.8
• ACT score of at least 25
• Transfer students must have a GPA of 2.7
• International students must pass an English proficiency exam

If you would like to apply to Allen College, you will need to provide your transcripts and ACT scores at the time you submit your application.

You can go back and check your application status at any time, but an academic advisor will contact you within a week or two to discuss the next steps in the process if you have been accepted.

Fees

At Allen College, students pay a base tuition of $10,455 per year to attend.

If you plan to earn your degree in four years at this school, you will end up paying $41,820.

Other fees that may apply include:

• Lab – $58 per semester
• Testing – $2,925
• Registration – $200
• Membership – $25-$40

Financial aid is available for all qualified students at Allen College.

Contact Information

• Address: 1825 Logan Ave. Waterloo, IA 50703
• Phone: 319-226-2014
• Website: www.allencollege.edu

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3Mercy College of Health Sciences

Mercy College of Health Sciences is a healthcare focused school located in the capital city of Iowa is another great source for up to date information.

On this 8 acre campus, students can have a lake-side view of the city around them while studying for the career of their dreams.

Over 100 areas of study make up this school, but each one is based in healthcare.

For those who are interested in biology and sociology, the Public Health Bachelors degree may be right up your alley.

This degree is a four year program and will help students learn how to address not only local concerns about health and disease, but also on a global scale.

Throughout your time at Mercy College of Health Sciences, you’ll take 45 credit hours of core courses and several electives and general education classes.

Many of the courses that you will be required to take in order to graduate will include:

• Environmental Health
• Program Planning in Health Promotion
• Biostatistics
• Research Methodologies

Start dates happen throughout the year, so get ready to begin your journey to a lifelong career in healthcare.

After graduating from Mercy College of Health Sciences, graduates have found success in careers such as:

• Drug Trial Specialist
• Wellness Coach
• Cancer Information Specialist
• Health Educator

Enrollment

The hassle-free admissions process at Mercy College of Health Sciences will make it so easy for you to apply, and you can do so right from the website.

An enrollment coach will be right by your side to help you through every step of the process.

If you are a first time college student and have graduated from high school, you will need to meet the following requirements to be eligible for admission into Mercy College of Health Sciences:

• At least a 2.25 GPA
• ACT of 18 or higher

Transfer students will also need a GPA of at least 2.5 to attend this school.

On the website, you will need to create an account in order to continue your application.

Once you have done so, fill out all of your personal information and include your transcripts from high school or your previous university as well as your test scores.

With all your information submitted, it shouldn’t take too long to hear back form the school.

After you have been admitted, you will need to enroll in the classes that are required for your academic program and attend orientation.

Fees

To attend Mercy College of Health Sciences you will need to pay $10,830 per year in tuition costs.

This adds up to $43,320 after four years of education.

Both in state and out of state students will pay the same price for admission.

Financial aid and scholarships are available for all students who attend this institution.

Contact Information

• Address: 928 6th Ave. Des Moines, IA 50309
• Phone: 515-643-3180
• Website: www.mchs.edu

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4Dordt Univresity

At Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa, you will be one of the many students in one of the top Christian schools in the country.

Dordt University was founded in 1955 and has grown exponentially since it’s opening days.

Though this is a Christian based school, students from all walks of life and belief systems are welcome to find a home here.

With accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, every major and minor here is up to date and comprehensive in it’s rightful way.

For those who want a well-rounded healthcare-based education, a Public Health Bachelors degree may be the perfect fit for you.

Each Bachelors degree at Dordt takes four years to complete, and this one is no different.

Throughout your time studying in the Public Health realm, your focus will be on biology and courses needed for success in the medical industry.

A few of the courses that are expected to be taken in order to graduate from Dordt University include:

• Molecular Biology
• Advanced Genetics
• Helping Communities Flourish
• Diversity and Inequality

In your senior year, you will also be a part of a research team that focuses on problem solving and critical thinking.

Each research program is conducted and lead by staff, but students are the main components throughout the opportunity.

Once you have completed the required courses and research, you will be on your way to a successful career in Public Health and healthcare as a whole.

Many careers are available to graduates of Public Health programs, including careers in roles like:

• Health Education Specialist
• Public Health Advocate
• Health and Safety Specialist
• Cancer Information Specialist

Enrollment

You’ll love the easy and free process of applying to Dordt University.

All you need to do is go to the website to begin the application process.

Along with the application, you will need to submit the following information:

• Statement of faith
• Official high school transcript
• ACT or SAT scores
• Scholarship and financial aid forms

Once you have submitted your application, an academic advisor will contact you via email and then you can begin the process of orientation and enrolling in classes.

Fees

Typically, students at Dordt University pay $35,960 per year to attend.

If you add on the cost of room and board, $11,430, the total goes up to $47,360 per year.

It takes about four years to finish a Bachelors degree, so the average student ends 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

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5University of Northern Iowa

The University of Northern Iowa was initially founded as a teacher’s college, but eventually emerged and expanded into the large public school that it is today.

Located in Cedar Falls on a massive campus, this top state school is among the best in the state of Iowa.

You’ll find over 90 programs and hundreds of opportunities within the campus here, but those who are interested in healthcare may like the Public Health Bachelors degree program.

With a degree in Public Health from the University of North Iowa, you will learn how to solve healthcare deficits in your community as well as around the world.

As one of the fastest growing careers in healthcare today, there are no wrong ways to earn a degree in Public Health

Both online and on-campus options are available here, so even if you are from out of state you can be part of this comprehensive program.

Some of the science-based courses that you will take throughout the four year long degree program at the University of North Iowa include:

• Epidemiology of Human Diseases
• Basic Nutrition
• Environmental Health Science
• Cultural Competency

Students will also be given the chance to expand their horizons with an internship available throughout your senior year.

This can be utilized through local healthcare facilities as well as government organizations.

There are so many possibilities both on campus as well as after graduation with a degree from the University of Northern Iowa.

After completing the courses here, you will be on your way to a successful lifelong career in roles like:

• Nutrition Program Director
• School Health Educator
• Emergency Manager
• Disaster Relief Organizer

Enrollment

In order to begin your application at the University of Northern Iowa, you will need to create an account, this way all your information will be saved if you need to leave and come back to it.

All types of students are welcome from freshman to transfer, returning, and even international learners.

Currently, there is a $40 non-refundable application fee that is due when you submit your application.

Provide the school with the following information along with your application:

• 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

Residents of Iowa who take part in the amenities of room and board at University of Northern Iowa will pay $18,754 per year.

Since it takes about four years to complete a degree, most graduates end up paying $75,016 in tuition costs.

If you don’t want to use room and board, the tuition cost is $8,111 per year.

This adds up to $32,444 once you have completed your Bachelors degree.

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.

Some other expenses that may occur include:

• 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

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6Mount Mercy University

Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is focused on each student having the ability to change the world.

This is a Catholic school that was founded by strong women in 1928, and has been going strong ever since.

Students are the main priority here, and even if you are not of the Catholic faith, you are welcome to come and enjoy the benefits of this great university.

Diversity and inclusion are among the top focuses of Mount Mercy University, so you will feel like you are a part of a big family once you step through the doors.

People who are looking to protect the safety of their communities can find the incredible Public Health Bachelors degree program right on campus.

Each course is designed to set you up for a lifelong career in healthcare with focuses on biology and sociology.

Some of the many classes that you will partake in throughout your time at Mount Mercy University include:

• Cultural Awareness
• Foundation of Biology
• Development of Psychology
• Human Anatomy

Research and lab work are a main goal for most of the courses at Mount Mercy University, so you won’t just be sitting in a chair for your education here.

Once you have completed all of the required courses as well as general education and elective classes, you will have the opportunity to focus on careers like:

• Worksite Safety Coordinator
• Restaurant Inspector
• Community Health Consultant
• Contact Tracer

Enrollment

Mount Mercy University accepts all types of students from fresh year freshman to transfer students and even international students.

The easy online application process should only take about 30 minutes to complete if you have all of the required paperwork ready to go.

Just head to the website and fill out your personal information to get started.

Along with your app location you will need to provide the following pieces of paperwork:

• SAT or ACT scores
• Transcripts from previous education

Mount Mercy University has some criteria that you will need to meet in order to be accepted, which includes:

• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Class rank in top half of graduating class

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

Living on campus at Mount Mercy University will cost $24,030 a year while a for your education will cost $96,120.

If you plan to live off campus you will pay $15,070 a year and $60,280 for a four year education.

Some other expenses that you might run into at this university include:

• Books – $1,200
• Personal expenses – $4,000
• Transportation – $3,000
• Loan fees – $70

Financial aid and scholarships are available for all students at Mount Mercy University.

Contact Information

• Address: 1330 Elmhurst Dr. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
• Phone: 319-363-8213
• Website: www.mtmercy.edu

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7University of Missouri-Kansas City

Graduating from the University of Missouri in Kansas City will put you among the ranks of some incredible alumni.

From Pulitzer Prize winners to Guggenheim Fellows and even a U.S. president, you can’t go wrong with an education from this university.

The diverse and unequivocal education system at the University of Missouri in Kansas City should excite and intrigue you.

Among the hundreds of degree programs, you can find a successful comprehensive curriculum through the Public Health Bachelors degree.

Through the School of Nursing and Health Studies, students can take on the four year program both online and in person.

So this means that even if you are from Iowa, you can fully take part in the education here right from your home state.

Potential courses that are required for graduation at this school include:

• Medical Terminology
• Diversity in Health
• Epidemiology
• Biology

Each course is science and evidence-based and most require some type of lab work or field work that really gets you into the thick of it.

Once you have earned your degree from the University of Missouri in Kansas City, you will be on your way to impact the healthcare community in roles like:

• Wellness Coordinator
• Community Outreach Manager
• Health Policy Maker
• Emergency Management Director

Enrollment

The first thing you’ll want to do when considering enrollment at the University of Missouri in Kansas City is to head over to the website to find their application.

When you get there, you will notice that there are applications for incoming freshman, transfer students, international students, and even graduate students.

If you have never gone to college before, you’ll want to choose first year freshman, so that you can get all the benefits you need.

Transfer and international students will use their respective portals, to insure that all of their information is correct and accepted.

The application process for this school is fairly simple, you will just need to fill out your information and include some important paperwork like:

• ACT or SAT scores
• Transcripts from high school or previous education

At this time, there is no application fee to apply to this school, and it should only take about two weeks to hear back.

There are some deadlines you’ll want to consider, so take a look at the website as they are subject to change.

Fees

For students who are from Missouri, the average yearly tuition cost is $11,287.

This adds up to $45,148 after four years of education

If you are from out of state, you’ll pay about $27,760 per year to attend

As it takes four years to complete a Bachelors degree, the average out of state graduate pays $111,040 to attend this school.

This does not include room and board, which come out to about $16,484 per year.

If you choose to live on campus, you’ll pay $65,936 after four years of room and board.

Books typically cost about $814 per year.

There are scholarships and financial aid available to all students who attend the University of Missouri in Kansas City.

Contact Information

• Address: 1464 Charlotte St. Kansas City, MO 64108
• Phone: 816-235-1000
• Website: www.umkc.edu

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8Lindenwood University

Located in St. Charles, Missouri, Lindenwood University has provided exceptional in-person education for thousands of people in and around Missouri for over one hundred years.

Iowa students can take advantage of the incredible programs at Lindenwood University, though it is necessary to move there in order to partake in the education.

Each program provided by Lindenwood University is top-notch and welcoming to a diverse community.

For those who are interested in small classes based in real-world experiences, a degree from Lindenwood University will suit your needs.

Though there are hundreds of programs to choose from, the Public Health Bachelors degree here can be obtained in four years and is the perfect stepping stone into the healthcare world.

Students will take part in courses that are based in science and evidence, including ones like:

• Environmental Health
• Chronic Disease Prevention
• Health Promotion
• United States Health Care

At Lindenwood University, students are also given opportunities to travel for research purposes and internships for hands-on experience.

No matter the way you choose to learn through your experiences at Lindenwood, you will sharpen your mind to find great success after graduation in careers that include:

• Public Health Researcher
• Communicable Disease Program Director
• Center for Disease Control Worker
• Health Educator

Enrollment

It should only take you about 20 minutes to fill out the simple application for Lindenwood University

In order to begin, you will need to create an account on the school’s website and then you can start filling out your personal information.

After choosing the desired degree program, you will be asked to set up an interview to speak with an academic advisor.

Along with your application, you will be required to submit the following pieces of information:

• High school transcripts/transcripts from previous university education
• SAT or ACT scores
• Financial aid information

Fees

Lindenwood requires students to pay per credit hour and the average student pays $495 per hour.

Military students receive a discounted tuition fee of $250.

Since this school requires 120 credit hours, the average graduate pays $59,400 after four years.

Military students will end up paying $30,000 upon graduation.

Other fees may apply like books and late fees.

Financial aid and scholarships are available at this facility.

Contact Information

• Address: 209 South Kingshighway St. Saint Charles, MO 63301
• Phone: 636-949-4579
• Website: www.lindenwood.edu

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9Bellevue University

Another great online education system can be found at Bellevue University.

Though the headquarters are located in Nebraska, students from Iowa are welcome to take part in the learning here because everything that you need is 100% online.

Each Bachelors degree at Bellevue University is designed to get you ready for your dream career.

The healthcare programs at Bellevue University are knowledgable and up to date, so you know that you are getting the most comprehensive education, even virtually.

Though there are several degrees to choose from at Bellevue, the Public Health Bachelors degree is a great four year program that leads students to understand and implement skills to help their communities.

Expect to learn the following information throughout your time in the Public Health program:

• How to implement and monitor health education plans
• How to research and select appropriate health information
• Planning healthcare programs
• How to analyze best practices for health education and promotion

If this sounds like something that you would be interested in, check out a few of the courses that are required for graduation:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Epidemiology
• Health Communication
• Human Development

An internship is not required for passing this program, but it is something that you could talk to an academic advisor about for more hands-on experience.

Once you have completed all of the necessary credit hours, you will graduate from Bellevue University with new found knowledge and the ability to find a career in roles like:

• Youth Program Specialist
• Health Counselor
• Employee Wellness Coordinator
• Health Journalist

Enrollment

Bellevue University is a great place to enroll if you are an adult student, first year freshman, transfer student and even from another country.

To apply, you’ll want to head over to the website to fill out your information.

It typically takes about twenty minutes to apply and costs $50.

There are some important pieces of information you’ll want to include with your application, such as:

• Proof of completion of high school or equivalent (GED, homeschool information, diploma)
• Official transcripts

Military students are required to provide their service information and international students will need to submit an English proficiency exam.

Once you have created an account and submitted your application, it make take about two weeks to hear back from an academic advisor about the next steps in the enrollment process.

Fees

If you attend class online, you will pay  $449 per credit hour and in-person students will pay $339.

It takes 120 credit hours to finish a Bachelors degree whether you spend that time on campus or online, so online students will pay $53,880 in total and on-campus students will pay $40,680 upon graduation.

Military students pay a smaller fee of $250 per credit hour.

This adds up to $30,000 to complete a Bachelors degree.

Room and board will cost an additional $10,683 per year for on-campus students.

There may be some other fees to apply to the total cost of attendance, like:

• International application – $100
• Administrative fee – $300
• Course material – $1,830

Contact Information

• Address: 100 Galvin Rd. South Bellevue, NE 68005
• Phone: 800-756-7920
• Website: www.bellevue.edu

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10American Public University

The 100% online format of an education here at American Public University is meant for working adults who have jobs and families to take care of.

This experience is perfect for the busy person who needs to earn their degree on their own time.

Though the school is located in West Virginia, you won’t have to travel there as everything can be done right from your home on your own computer.

American Public University has an insightful and accredited Public Health Bachelors degree program.

Within the program, students have four years to learn skills like:

• How to critically analyze the United States healthcare system
• Creating efficient healthcare plans
• How to appraise medical care
• How to apply organizational designs

This self-paced degree provides some amazing courses led by industry professionals, and some of those courses will include:

• Emergency and Disaster Management
• Public Health Informatics
• Research, Analysis and Writing
• Public Health in America

Each course is designed to get you one step closer to your dream career.

Classes start year round, so you won’t have any due dates to worry about when it comes to enrolling.

Prepare yourself for a successful career in healthcare with a degree from American Public University.

Expect to find entry-level roles in careers throughout the United States such as:

• Diabetes Educator
• Health Education Director
• Cultural Competency Trainer
• Health and Wellness Coordinator

Enrollment

American Public University has an easy and free application that can be found on their website.

Undergraduates who are interested in applying for online classes can do so in as little as twenty minutes.

Along with your application, it is necessary to submit some important information like:

• Transcripts from high school or previous education
• Military affiliation information if applicable

It’s that simple and you will hear back about the status of your application in as little as two days.

Fees

Course credits are only $285 per hour at American Public University, making it one of the most affordable online schools.

It takes 120 hours to complete a Bachelors degree here, so graduates typically end up paying $34,200.

For those with military experience, the cost goes down to $250 per credit hour.

That is a total of $30,000 for four years of education.

Ebooks and application fee are free for this university.

Contact Information

• Address: 111 West Congress St. Charles Town WV, 25414
• Phone: 877-755-2787
• Website: www.apu.edu

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