Iowa offers graduate study in health informatics and healthcare analytics through the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. The University of Iowa provides campus informatics pathways, while Iowa State offers an online master’s and certificate focused on healthcare analytics.
Start with the program comparison below, then review tuition, admissions, and the school profiles. The right choice depends on whether you want technical informatics training, research, pharmacy informatics, or healthcare operations.
Iowa Programs at a Glance
| School and program | Format / credits | Main focus |
|---|---|---|
| University of Iowa MS in Informatics, Health Informatics | Campus 31 credits | Computing and health data |
| University of Iowa Informatics PhD | Campus 72-credit minimum | Original research; health focus depends on advisor |
| University of Iowa Combined MS/PharmD | Campus 34-credit informatics plan; separate PharmD requirements | Pharmacy information systems and medication data |
| Iowa State University Healthcare Analytics and Operations MHAO | Online 30 credits | Analytics, process improvement, and operations |
| Iowa State University Healthcare Analytics Graduate Certificate | Online 12 credits | Focused healthcare data skills |
Iowa Tuition Comparison
| School / program | Published cost | What the figure covers |
|---|---|---|
| University of Iowa Graduate informatics pathways | 2026–27: $14,244 resident $33,295 nonresident | Annual Graduate College tuition and fees estimate for fall and spring; program and enrollment can change charges |
| Iowa State MHAO | Fall 2026: $750 per credit $22,500 estimated tuition | 30 credits at the verified resident graduate rate; technology fees extra |
| Iowa State Healthcare Analytics certificate | Fall 2026: $750 per credit $9,000 estimated tuition | 12 credits at the verified resident graduate rate; technology fees extra |
The University of Iowa figure is an annual estimate. Iowa State’s totals are credit-based calculations that assume a constant rate. These amounts use different billing periods and should not serve as a direct ranking of full program costs.
Iowa State’s fall 2026 technology fee is $96 for a 3-credit term, $144 for a 6-credit term, and $192 for a 9-credit term. University of Iowa students also face a $250 one-time records and document fee. Books, living costs, and future tuition changes can add to the budget.
How to Choose an Iowa Program
- For technical health informatics: compare the University of Iowa MS, including its programming, databases, statistics, and health coursework.
- For online healthcare analytics: consider Iowa State’s MHAO and its focus on data, process improvement, privacy, and supply chains.
- For a shorter graduate credential: review Iowa State’s 12-credit Healthcare Analytics certificate.
- For research: explore Iowa’s Informatics PhD and find faculty whose research matches your interests.
- For pharmacy informatics: review Iowa’s combined MS/PharmD pathway and the separate admission requirements.
University of Iowa: Campus Health Informatics
The University of Iowa’s Health Informatics MS combines core computing subjects with health-focused electives. Its course-based format suits applicants who want graduate training without a research thesis. The catalog’s sample plan spans two academic years.
The university also offers an Informatics PhD and a combined MS/PharmD pathway. Doctoral applicants should evaluate faculty research fit, while pharmacy applicants must gain admission to both degree programs.
View the University of Iowa health informatics profile for curriculum, admission materials, tuition, and funding.
Iowa State University: Online Healthcare Analytics
Iowa State’s MHAO requires 30 credits and can take as little as 15 months. The curriculum emphasizes healthcare analytics and operational decisions. The current plan includes an experiential learning or healthcare analytics capstone option in the final semester.
Its 12-credit online Healthcare Analytics certificate provides a shorter route to data skills. Applicants who plan to continue into a master’s should confirm any shared-credit rules with an advisor.
View the Iowa State healthcare analytics profile for course details, deadlines, and tuition examples.
Drake University Enrollment Update
Drake University states that its Master of Science in Health Informatics and Analytics is no longer accepting new applications for fall 2025 and later. Earlier listings may still show this program. Students should use the official Drake enrollment notice when checking current availability.
Drake points prospective students to its Business Analytics master’s. That degree has a broader business focus, so it is not listed here as an active health informatics degree.
Admission Planning
- University of Iowa: minimum 3.0 GPA; fall entry; January 1 deadline; three recommendation letters; GRE optional.
- Iowa State MHAO: Graduate College baseline of 3.0 GPA; no required GRE or GMAT; fall, spring, and summer deadlines of July 1, December 1, and April 1.
Before applying, compare prerequisites, course schedules, and your comfort with statistics and programming. Ask each school for a study plan and a cost estimate that matches your credit load and entry term.
Common Questions
Can I study health informatics online through an Iowa school?
Iowa State offers online healthcare analytics programs that overlap with health informatics. Its MHAO and certificate focus on data and operations. The University of Iowa’s informatics degrees provide campus options.
Is healthcare analytics the same as health informatics?
The fields overlap. Healthcare analytics focuses on using data to support decisions. Health informatics can also include information systems, data exchange, clinical workflow, computing, and research. Compare course requirements rather than relying on the degree name alone.
Which Iowa school offers a doctoral pathway?
The University of Iowa offers an Informatics PhD. A health-related research plan depends on faculty supervision and committee approval.
Official Sources
- University of Iowa graduate catalog
- University of Iowa 2026–27 cost estimates
- Iowa State graduate analytics programs
- Iowa State tuition and fee tool
Program and cost information reviewed September 30, 2026. Compare additional online health informatics programs or browse programs by state.