Workforce & Education
57.7% of the Class of 2023 enrolled in postsecondary education immediately after high school
EIR, 2023
Workforce Iowa is nationally recognized for its skilled, reliable workforce and low business costs — ranking among the top states for business-friendly conditions in 2025.
Chief Executive, 2025
67%Iowa boasts one of the nation's highest labor force participation rates at 67.0%.
Iowa has all of the key elements to provide a smart, productive workforce, necessary to foster business growth. Not only does the K-12 public education system consistently lead the nation in graduation rates, students are also at the top on ACT and SAT scores. Lifelong learning is paramount in personal and professional growth.
Iowa has a network of technical colleges, public and private colleges and universities to produce the workforce necessary to support Iowa’s employers. Workforce training programs are also readily available through our extensive community college network.