Iowa Higher Ed Report: No Education Deserts, But Workforce Retention a Problem
A state-commissioned report released this week reveals that Iowa's higher education system has broad access across the state, but the real challenge is keeping college graduates in Iowa. The report, prepared by the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS), found that Iowa ranks among the top states for higher education institutions per capita, with main campuses, branch locations, and Iowa State University Extension offices creating widespread access points.
However, the report also highlights a troubling trend: while Iowa attracts more college students than it loses, it also sees more graduates leave the state than stay or move in. According to the data, only 40% of public university graduates and 60% of community college graduates are employed in Iowa five years after completing their programs. Lower wages in parts of Iowa compared to neighboring states are drawing workers away.
“The primary education and workforce challenges from a statewide perspective are not how to produce more college graduates, but how to motivate college graduates to stay in Iowa, how to retain workers, and how to provide working adults with continuing education and upskilling,” the report states.
Community Colleges Push Back on 'Education Desert' Definition
The report has reignited a debate between community colleges and private institutions over whether parts of Iowa are “education deserts” lacking access to bachelor's degrees. Community Colleges for Iowa Executive Director Emily Shields argues the report's definition of an education desert—a 60-minute drive—doesn't reflect reality. She points to a previous study using a 30-mile standard that identified gaps in western Iowa and the southwest corner of the state.
“I think that 60 minutes is not supported if you talk to actual human beings about their abilities to get places,” Shields said. She also noted that affordability is a key factor, with private colleges averaging higher costs than public options.
Gary Steinke, president of the Iowa Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, disagrees. He says the report confirms what private institutions have long argued: there are no education deserts in Iowa. “That was our expectation, and I'm frankly quite happy with the conclusions and with the data now finally all being in one place,” Steinke said.
Report Recommendations: Better Data and Coordination
The NCHEMS report offers three key recommendations: improve data collection on education and workforce links, strengthen coordination among institutions, and create policies for delivering programs to remote sites as needed. Shields supports these ideas, especially better data gathering, but Steinke opposes tying data reporting to eligibility for the Iowa Tuition Grant program, calling it “a hammer” that could harm students.
“Never, ever, should a student's financial aid depend upon what it is an institution feels that it can or cannot provide in the way of data,” Steinke said.
What's Next for Iowa Higher Education?
Lawmakers introduced several bills this session, including proposals to pilot bachelor's degrees at community colleges and tax certain university endowments. Both sides agree the report should guide future policy, but they differ on solutions. Shields wants to explore community college bachelor's degrees to address access gaps, while Steinke insists each sector should “stay in their lane.”
The Iowa Department of Education received the report on June 25 but did not release it until now, raising questions about transparency. Neither the department nor the governor's office explained the delay. As Iowa faces an aging population and low unemployment, the report underscores the need to retain talent and upskill workers—challenges that go beyond the classroom.
FAQ: Iowa Higher Education Report
What does the NCHEMS report say about education deserts in Iowa?
The report finds that Iowa has broad access to higher education, with no true education deserts, but community colleges dispute this, citing a 30-mile standard that shows gaps in western and southwestern Iowa.
Why are college graduates leaving Iowa?
The report attributes this to lower wages in parts of Iowa compared to neighboring states, as well as limited job opportunities in certain fields. Only 40% of public university graduates stay in Iowa after five years.
What are the main recommendations of the report?
The report recommends improving data collection on education and workforce needs, strengthening coordination among institutions, and creating policies to deliver programs to remote sites as needed.