Clearly Coe
Coe = Clarity + Confidence
Choosing a college is a big decision. Coe is committed to providing you with clear information that helps you make a confident college choice. That’s why we’re reducing Coe’s tuition by 45 percent to $31,850 for 2027-28. When you consider housing, meals and fees, Coe's maximum direct cost will be $45,000.
We’ll continue to award scholarships for achievement and need-based grants that cut your costs even further. It starts with the sticker price — and goes on into your academic experience and career preparation...
For you, Clearly Coe means:
- A clear starting point on costs: You get a fuller picture of what your Coe investment might look like, knowing that your costs may go down as you complete the financial aid process.
- A more confident college search: With a clear starting point, you can focus on the advantages that set Coe apart, particularly our record of college-to-career success.
- College-to-career success: At Coe, everything begins with a rigorous education from accessible professors. Then, we layer in guaranteed practical hands-on experiences like internships, research and off-campus study so you can put what you're learning into practice. After that, you'll receive expert guidance from the #16 Career Services staff in the nation. You'll graduate with a degree and a resume built for success in your next step. That's great value.
- Proven outcomes: For the past decade, nearly 100% of reporting Coe graduates are either employed, continuing their education, enlisted in the military or volunteering full-time within nine months of graduation. The latest national average is 85%.
More about Clearly Coe: We think you deserve better
College costs can be hard to compare, especially when the final price depends on grants, scholarships and other financial aid. This can leave students and families scrambling to understand what college will really cost. We want you and your family to start with a cost figure that is more accurate so you can focus on why Coe is the right fit.
And, a Coe education has always been a sound investment. For more than a decade, nearly 100 percent of Coe students report landing jobs, pursuing advanced degrees, joining the military, or volunteering full time after graduation, beating the national average of 85 percent. The Princeton Review has ranked our career and support services among the nation’s best and says our professors are some of the most accessible anywhere.
Our new pricing model amplifies the return on your college investment. This change benefits both new and returning students. We expect every student to see savings on their college costs. Here's where Coe stands when considering maximum out-of-pocket cost including tuition, room, meals and fees. Again, most students will see their costs reduced much further due to additional scholarships and financial aid.
For all Iowa residents meeting the Iowa Ready eligibility criteria, Coe will provide scholarships and/or grants toward Coe's direct cost. Check if you're eligible by visiting Iowa Ready.
Where you go from here matters
Apply today
Start your journey at Coe and discover how you can gain:
- Practical, transferable and comprehensive skills and knowledge to leverage your career
- A well-built resume by being at the heart of a bustling city
- Steady mentorship at every milestone with a Success Coach
Make it happen today by filling out the application form.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Overview
Foremost, Clearly Coe adopts a new pricing model that reduces Coe College’s tuition to $31,850 for the 2027-28 academic year, a cut of 45 percent. Clearly Coe is a commitment to providing students and families with clear information that supports a more confident college decision.
Traditionally, private colleges have set tuition high and offset costs with packages of scholarships, grants and other financial aid. This can make it hard for students and families to know what they will pay for college. We want to provide upfront clarity on costs and make it easier to compare Coe with colleges with similar pricing models.
With tuition, fees, room and board, Coe’s baseline “sticker price” will total about $45,000 for 2027-28. Many Coe students will receive merit scholarships, need-based grants and other financial aid that cuts their costs even further. We will continue to provide early, individualized cost estimates during the admission process.
It includes the direct costs you pay to Coe — tuition, fees, room and board. It doesn’t include other common expenses like books, supplies, transportation, etc. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of approximately 2027-28 direct costs:
- Tuition: $31,850
- Room: $6,100
- Board/dining: $6,700
- Fees: $350
- Total: $45,000
No — Coe will not award fewer scholarships or grants. The number of merit awards we provide to students is staying the same. What’s changing is the value of each scholarship, which will be adjusted so it aligns proportionally with the new $45,000 direct cost. This makes each award more transparent and gives students a clearer, more accurate picture of their financial aid and overall cost.
The new Clearly Coe pricing model takes effect in fall 2027 for the 2027-28 academic year.
Yes — see more info below.
Info for prospective or new Coe students
Clearly Coe updates Coe College’s pricing model to set a lower starting point for annual tuition. It decreases Coe’s tuition to $31,850 before financial aid is applied. This change applies to both new and returning students, and we expect it to yield savings for most students.
No, it will not impact federal or state aid like Pell Grants, Iowa Tuition Grants, direct loans, etc., that are based on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Yes, you should still file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as it becomes available. It can affect your federal or state financial aid as well as need-based aid awarded by Coe.
Coe’s direct costs—which factor in tuition, fees, room and board—are similar to or less than most private colleges in Iowa. Here’s how our 2027-28 direct cost of $45,000 compares to the current direct cost for other schools:
Your family’s admission counselor is available to connect with you regarding any financial aid or scholarship questions. Or you can contact Coe’s Office of Admission at 319.399.8500.
Info for current or returning Coe students
Clearly Coe updates Coe College’s pricing model to set a lower starting point for annual tuition. It decreases Coe’s tuition to $31,850 before financial aid is applied. This change applies to both new and returning students, and we expect it to yield savings for most students.
Yes, if you’re still a Coe student in fall 2027 when the new pricing model takes effect.
The change will affect scholarships and other financial aid you receive from Coe, but we expect that what you ultimately pay for your education will be similar to your current costs. In addition, a lower baseline tuition means that any future tuition increases will cost you less.
Current Coe students returning for the fall 2027 semester will receive updated financial aid letters in late spring/early summer 2027, after they’ve filed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Yes, if you’ve previously filed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, you should file the 2027-28 FAFSA as soon as it becomes available. It determines your eligibility for federal and state financial aid, as well as need-based aid from Coe.
If you have questions about your current or updated financial aid offer, please contact the Office of Student Financial Services (Lower Voorhees, 319.399.8540, o-financialaid@coe.edu).