Best Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in Iowa, Ranked (2026)
The 4 APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs in Iowa for 2026, with cohort sizes, the 3,000 supervised hours (1,500 internship + 1,500 post-doctoral), EPPP plus the Iowa Jurisprudence Examination, and Iowa's pending PSYPACT legislation.
Key Takeaways
- Iowa has 4 APA-accredited doctoral psychology programs, concentrated at 2 institutions. University of Iowa Clinical Science PhD (continuously APA-accredited since 1948, PCSAS-accredited, charter member of the Academy for Psychological Clinical Science, ranked #14 nationally in U.S. News & World Report 2025). University of Iowa Counseling Psychology PhD (continuously APA-accredited since Spring 1980). University of Iowa School Psychology PhD (APA-accredited on contingency; expiration March 4, 2030). Iowa State University Counseling Psychology PhD (APA-accredited since 1973; most recent 10-year reaccreditation in 2018 through ~2028).
- No APA-accredited PsyD programs exist in Iowa. Drake University and University of Northern Iowa do not offer APA-accredited doctoral psychology (UNI School Psychology is a 3-year master's/EdS, not doctoral). Iowa's doctoral pipeline is highly competitive: approximately 25 seats per year combined across the 4 programs.
- Iowa licenses psychologists through the Iowa Board of Psychology, housed under the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) (the Board moved from IDPH to DIAL in 2024). Required supervised experience is 3,000 hours total: 1,500 hours during the doctoral program plus 1,500 hours post-doctoral.
- Exam sequence is the EPPP (passing scaled score 500) plus the Iowa Jurisprudence Examination (state-specific exam focused on Iowa mental health laws and ethical guidelines).
- Fees: Initial application $120 to $200 (verify with Board); license renewed every two years aligned with birth month. Health Service Provider (HSP) Certification requires a separate biennial fee of $60. Continuing education: 40 hours every two years, with at least 6 hours covering professional ethics.
- Iowa has NOT enacted PSYPACT as of early 2026. Iowa introduced PSYPACT legislation in 2025 (HF 24) which failed to advance; additional legislative filings are pending in 2026. Iowa-licensed psychologists CANNOT currently practice telepsychology across state lines under PSYPACT authority.
- Iowa launched a new Health Care Professional Incentive Program on February 13, 2026 that consolidates 5 prior loan repayment programs (including the legacy Mental Health Professional Loan Repayment Program with its $40,000 maximum) into a single program. Application deadline March 31, 2026. Applicants must not have previously received funding from any prior state health care incentive program.
- Iowa is one of 5 states with prescriptive authority for psychologists (with New Mexico 2002, Louisiana 2004, Illinois 2014, Iowa 2016, and Idaho 2017). Iowa psychologists with appropriate post-doctoral training and the APA Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists (PEP) can prescribe psychotropic medications for nervous and mental health disorders.
Iowa runs a small but high-caliber APA-accredited doctoral psychology training landscape: only 4 programs total, concentrated at 2 institutions (University of Iowa and Iowa State University). University of Iowa Clinical Science PhD in Iowa City is the marquee program: continuously APA-accredited since 1948 (one of the original APA-accredited Clinical PhDs), also PCSAS-accredited, charter member of the Academy for Psychological Clinical Science, and ranked #14 nationally in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings. The program plans to seek APA reaccreditation in 2027 and will then consider whether to be accredited solely by PCSAS. Funded students receive full tuition scholarship + stipend ($18,816 plus 25% of mandatory fees + two months summer support typical). GRE is no longer required and is not used in admissions decisions. Faculty research strengths include developmental psychopathology, neuropsychology, ADHD, eating and anxiety disorders, and health behavior.
University of Iowa Counseling Psychology PhD in the College of Education has been continuously APA-accredited since Spring 1980. Scientist-practitioner training model with approximately 4 to 5 students per cohort. Average completion time is 6 years including internship. GRE not required (preferred Verbal 152, Quantitative 151, Analytical Writing 3.5 if submitted). Application deadline November 15. University of Iowa School Psychology PhD (APA-accredited "on contingency" with expiration March 4, 2030) trains scientist-scholar-practitioners; GRE optional with historical accepted students scoring at or above the 61st percentile.
Iowa State University Counseling Psychology PhD in Ames has been APA-accredited since 1973; most recent 10-year reaccreditation in 2018 (through ~2028). ISU typically admits 4 students per year and graduate students typically receive funding (tuition + stipend) for 5 years contingent on maintaining a 20-hour/week graduate assistantship. Average completion time is 6 years. Scientist-practitioner model.
The Iowa Board of Psychology licensure path requires a doctoral degree (PsyD or PhD) from an APA-accredited program, 3,000 total supervised hours (1,500 pre-doctoral + 1,500 post-doctoral), the EPPP (passing scaled score 500), and the Iowa Jurisprudence Examination. Initial application fee runs $120 to $200; license renewed biennially aligned with birth month. Health Service Provider (HSP) Certification requires a separate $60 biennial fee. Continuing education: 40 hours every two years including 6 hours in professional ethics. Total timeline from start of bachelor's through full licensure typically runs 6 to 8 years.
Iowa has NOT enacted PSYPACT as of early 2026; HF 24 failed in the Iowa House and additional 2026 filings are pending. Iowa-licensed psychologists cannot currently practice telepsychology across state lines under PSYPACT authority. Iowa is, however, one of only 5 states with prescriptive authority for psychologists (enacted 2016): with appropriate post-doctoral training in clinical psychopharmacology and the PEP exam, Iowa psychologists can prescribe psychotropic medications.
APA-Accredited Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in Iowa
All 4 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.
| # | School | In-State Tuition | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Iowa (Clinical Science PhD) | ~$13,425/year (in-state graduate avg); funded students receive full tuition scholarship + $18,816 stipend + 25% of mandatory fees (~$254) + two months summer support typical | On-campus | |
| 2 | University of Iowa (Counseling Psychology PhD) | ~$13,425/year (in-state graduate); funded students typically receive tuition + stipend | On-campus | |
| 3 | University of Iowa (School Psychology PhD) | ~$13,425/year (in-state graduate) | On-campus | |
| 4 | Iowa State University | ~$11,838/year (in-state graduate, 2025-26); per-credit part-time $611 | On-campus |
University of Iowa (Clinical Science PhD)
In-State
~$13,425/year (in-state graduate avg); funded students receive full tuition scholarship + $18,816 stipend + 25% of mandatory fees (~$254) + two months summer support typical
Out-of-State
~$32,372/year (out-of-state); same funding for admitted PhD students
Length
~5 to 6 years including 1-year APA-accredited internship
Field Hours
1,500 on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum at Seashore Psychology Clinic, UI Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City VA
Concentrations
- Ranked #14 nationally in U.S. News & World Report 2025 (out of 251 programs)
- Continuously APA-accredited since 1948 (one of the original APA-accredited Clinical PhDs); PCSAS-accredited
- Charter member of the Academy for Psychological Clinical Science
- GRE not required and not used in admissions decisions
- Affiliations with Iowa City VA Healthcare System (APA internship since 2010), UI Hospitals and Clinics, Seashore Psychology Clinic
University of Iowa (Counseling Psychology PhD)
In-State
~$13,425/year (in-state graduate); funded students typically receive tuition + stipend
Out-of-State
~$32,372/year (out-of-state)
Length
Average 6 years including internship
Field Hours
1,500 on the APA-accredited internship plus doctoral practicum
Concentrations
- Continuously APA-accredited since Spring 1980
- Cohort of approximately 4 to 5 students per year (5 professors + 1 assistant professor faculty)
- GRE not required (preferred Verbal 152, Quantitative 151, Analytical Writing 3.5 if submitted)
- Application deadline November 15; interviews in February; decisions by March 1
- Affiliations with Iowa City VA, UI Hospitals and Clinics, university counseling centers
University of Iowa (School Psychology PhD)
In-State
~$13,425/year (in-state graduate)
Out-of-State
~$32,372/year (out-of-state)
Length
5 to 6 years typical including internship
Field Hours
1,500 on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum at Iowa City Community School District and UI Children's Hospital
Concentrations
- APA-accredited "on Contingency" (accreditation expiration March 4, 2030)
- GRE General Test optional (no definitive cutoff)
- Historically accepted students earn scores at or above 61st percentile on Verbal and Quantitative
- Affiliations with Iowa City Community School District practicum sites and UI Children's Hospital
- Both PhD (research/practice) and EdS (practitioner) tracks available
Iowa State University
In-State
~$11,838/year (in-state graduate, 2025-26); per-credit part-time $611
Out-of-State
~$29,976/year (non-resident); per-credit part-time $1,548
Length
Average 6 years
Field Hours
1,500 on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum at ISU Student Counseling Services and Iowa community practicum sites
Concentrations
- Continuously APA-accredited since 1973; most recent reaccreditation 2018 through ~2028
- Typically admits 4 students per year
- Graduate students typically receive 5 years of funding (tuition + stipend) contingent on 20-hour/week graduate assistantship
- Average completion time 6 years (consistent since 2013)
- Application deadline December 1; affiliations with ISU Student Counseling Services and Iowa community sites
How to Become a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Iowa
The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.
Iowa regulates psychologists through the Iowa Board of Psychology, housed under the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL). The Board moved from the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) to DIAL in 2024.
Education requirement is a doctoral degree (PsyD or PhD) in psychology from an APA-accredited institution. The state has no mechanism for evaluating academic credentials beyond accreditation.
Required supervised experience is 3,000 hours total: 1,500 hours of supervised professional experience during the doctoral program plus 1,500 hours post-doctoral.
Exam sequence is the EPPP (passing scaled score 500; exam fee $600 paid at registration) plus the Iowa Jurisprudence Examination (state-specific exam focused on Iowa mental health laws and ethical guidelines).
Fees: Initial application $120 to $200 (verify with Board); license renewed every two years aligned with birth month. Health Service Provider (HSP) Certification requires a separate $60 biennial fee. Continuing education: 40 hours every two years with at least 6 hours covering professional ethics and regulations or risk management. Total timeline from start of bachelor's through full licensure typically runs 6 to 8 years.
Supervised pre-doctoral training (1,500 hours during doctoral program)
Supervised practice during the doctoral program under faculty and site supervision; not a separate Board credential
Hours
N/A
Duration
Associate
Exam: Not applicable
Licensed Psychologist
Independent practice, mental health diagnosis and treatment, psychological testing and assessment, supervision of trainees, expert testimony. Iowa is one of 5 states with prescriptive authority for psychologists (with appropriate post-doctoral training in clinical psychopharmacology and PEP exam).
Hours
3,000
Duration
1,500 hours pre-doctoral + 1,500 hours post-doctoral
Exam: EPPP (passing scaled score 500) + Iowa Jurisprudence Examination
Iowa does not offer automatic reciprocity. Out-of-state applicants must complete the Iowa Jurisprudence Examination.
Iowa is NOT a PSYPACT state as of early 2026. Iowa introduced PSYPACT legislation HF 24 in 2025, which failed to advance in the Iowa House; additional legislative filings are pending in 2026. Iowa-licensed psychologists cannot currently practice telepsychology across state lines under PSYPACT authority. Movement on the legislation is ongoing.
Clinical Psychologist Salary in Iowa
BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.
Iowa psychologist wages run roughly at or below national medians but Iowa's cost of living runs below national average. The BLS Iowa OEWS shows Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033) near the national median of $96,100. The Des Moines-West Des Moines MSA and Iowa City MSA provide the highest concentration of psychology employment in the state. National psychologist median (OOH May 2024) is $94,310.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033)
National median: $96,100
Top metro: Verify with BLS MSA pages (Des Moines-West Des Moines and Iowa City)
School Psychologists (SOC 19-3034)
National median: $84,940
Top metro: Verify with BLS (Des Moines Public Schools, Cedar Rapids CSD)
Psychologists, All Other (SOC 19-3039)
National median: National mean ~$120,000
Top metro: Verify with BLS (Iowa City (UIHC))
Iowa Clinical Psychology Job Market and Top Employers
Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.
Iowa has a moderate psychology employment market with Iowa City punching well above its weight as the state's psychology training hub. Major employers fall into five buckets.
Iowa City (academic medical center hub): University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics / UIHC (flagship academic medical center; major employer of clinical, health, and neuropsychologists) and Mercy Iowa City. The Iowa City psychology cluster includes UI Clinical, Counseling, and School Psych PhDs all in Iowa City plus the Iowa City VA.
Statewide health systems: UnityPoint Health (headquartered Des Moines; statewide network with hundreds of jobs across Iowa), MercyOne (Catholic health system with statewide presence), Genesis Health System (Davenport, Quad Cities), and Iowa Specialty Hospital (multi-site).
Iowa DHS state psychiatric institutes (civil service): Cherokee Mental Health Institute / CMHI (Cherokee, IA; adult-only inpatient psychiatric), Independence Mental Health Institute / IMHI (active inpatient psychiatric treatment for adults, adolescents, and children needing acute psychiatric service), Civil Commitment Unit for Sexual Offenders / CCUSO (located on the campus of CMHI; created by the 1998 Sexually Violent Predators Act of Iowa; treatment team includes psychologists), and Iowa Department of Corrections (psychology positions at Anamosa, Newton, Fort Dodge correctional facilities).
VA Medical Centers: Iowa City VA Healthcare System (601 Highway 6 West; APA-accredited Psychology Internship Program since 2010, affiliated teaching site for UI doctoral psychology programs, VHA Level 1c), VA Central Iowa Healthcare System / Des Moines VA (with CBOCs in Mason City, Fort Dodge, Knoxville, Marshalltown, Carroll), and Knoxville VA (operates as CBOC under VA Central Iowa).
K-12 schools and Iowa AEAs: Des Moines Public Schools (largest district in Iowa, ~31,000 students), Cedar Rapids Community School District, Davenport Community School District, Iowa City Community School District, and Iowa AEAs (Area Education Agencies; statewide regional structure; major school psychology employer).
Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs
Iowa Health Care Professional Incentive Program (NEW, launched February 13, 2026): Consolidates 5 prior programs into one (Primary Care Provider LRP, Rural Iowa Primary Care LRP, Health Care Professional Recruitment Program, Health Care Award Program, AND the legacy Mental Health Professional LRP with its $40,000 maximum). Applicants must not have previously received funding from any prior state health care incentive program. Application deadline March 31, 2026.
NHSC Loan Repayment Program: Federal program. Licensed psychologists eligible. Up to $50,000 for 2-year full-time service at NHSC-approved sites in Mental Health HPSAs. Iowa has multiple Mental Health HPSAs.
VA Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Iowa City VA Healthcare System and VA Central Iowa Healthcare System (Des Moines VA) employed psychologists can qualify for EDRP awards up to $200,000 over 5 years.
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Iowa psychologists employed by state government (Cherokee MHI, Independence MHI, CCUSO, IA DOC), VA, public school districts, Iowa AEAs, public universities, or qualifying nonprofit hospitals (UIHC, UnityPoint nonprofits, MercyOne nonprofits) qualify for PSLF after 120 qualifying payments.
Iowa Prescriptive Authority Path: Iowa is one of 5 states with prescriptive authority for psychologists (enacted 2016). Iowa psychologists with appropriate post-doctoral training in clinical psychopharmacology + PEP exam can prescribe psychotropic medications, materially expanding career and earnings potential.
How to Choose a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program in Iowa
Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.
Choosing an Iowa clinical psychology doctoral program is straightforward given only 4 APA-accredited options at 2 institutions. Here is how to actually narrow it down.
If you want a top-15 nationally ranked Clinical Science PhD with PCSAS: University of Iowa Clinical Science PhD (continuously APA-accredited since 1948, PCSAS-accredited, charter member of the Academy for Psychological Clinical Science, ranked #14 nationally in U.S. News & World Report 2025). One of the original APA-accredited Clinical PhDs in the country.
If you want a Counseling Psychology PhD: Two options. University of Iowa Counseling Psychology PhD (continuously APA-accredited since Spring 1980, ~4 to 5 cohort) or Iowa State University Counseling Psychology PhD (continuously APA-accredited since 1973, typically admits 4 per year, 5 years of guaranteed funding contingent on assistantship).
If you want a School Psychology PhD: University of Iowa School Psychology PhD (APA-accredited on contingency, expiration March 4, 2030; also offers EdS).
If you want zero GRE friction: University of Iowa Clinical Science does NOT use GRE in admissions; UI Counseling does not require but considers if submitted; UI School Psych GRE is optional; ISU Counseling is increasingly optional.
If you want prescriptive authority: Iowa is one of 5 states with prescriptive authority for psychologists (enacted 2016, joining New Mexico 2002, Louisiana 2004, Illinois 2014, and Idaho 2017). After your APA-accredited doctorate and licensure, you can complete post-doctoral training in clinical psychopharmacology + the PEP exam to prescribe psychotropic medications.
If you want the Iowa City training hub: All 3 UI doctorates plus the Iowa City VA (APA-accredited Psychology Internship since 2010), UIHC, Mercy Iowa City, UI Children's Hospital, and the Iowa City Community School District practicum sites are concentrated in Iowa City. Strong training ecosystem for a city of 75,000.
If you want forensic psychology placement: Civil Commitment Unit for Sexual Offenders (CCUSO; located on Cherokee MHI campus) treats sexually violent predators under the 1998 Iowa SVP Act; treatment team includes psychologists alongside medical providers. Cherokee MHI and Independence MHI provide acute inpatient placements.
Caveats worth knowing before applying: Iowa is NOT a PSYPACT state. If telepsychology mobility matters to you, this is a significant consideration. Iowa has NO APA-accredited PsyD programs. Drake University and University of Northern Iowa do not offer APA-accredited doctoral psychology. Approximately 25 seats per year combined across the 4 Iowa APA programs is a highly competitive funnel. The Iowa Board of Psychology moved from IDPH to DIAL in 2024 (the IDPH URL redirects to dial.iowa.gov).
Related Pages
Counseling Programs in Iowa
CACREP-accredited counseling programs and the Iowa LMHC license, a master's alternative to the 7-year clinical psychology doctorate
MSW Programs in Iowa
CSWE-accredited social work programs and Iowa LISW licensure
ABA Programs in Iowa
BACB-verified course sequences and Iowa BCBA practice for students considering applied behavior analysis
Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs by State
Browse APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs (PhD and PsyD) in every state
Sources
- APA Commission on Accreditation, Accredited Programs Directory
- Iowa Board of Psychology (Iowa DIAL)
- University of Iowa Clinical Science
- University of Iowa Counseling Psychology PhD
- Iowa State University Counseling Psychology
- PSYPACT, Compact Map
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS Iowa Estimates
- Iowa Health Care Professional Incentive Program (2026)
- NHSC Loan Repayment Program
- Iowa City VA Psychology Doctoral Internship