Iowa Veterans: Healthcare Facilities, Education Benefits & Job Resources
Complete directory of Iowa VA medical centers, education programs, veteran employment resources, and support services across the state.
Iowa Veterans: Healthcare Facilities, Education Benefits & Job Resources
Iowa serves approximately 159,000 veterans - about 6.4% of the state's adult population. Whether you're transitioning to civilian life or already living in Iowa, you need to know what healthcare facilities, education benefits, and job opportunities are available.
This guide provides actual addresses, phone numbers, and actionable information for Iowa veterans.
Bottom Line Up Front
Healthcare: Iowa has 2 VA medical centers (Des Moines and Iowa City) and 15+ community-based outpatient clinics across the state
Education: Yellow Ribbon schools, strong GI Bill support at major universities, and in-state tuition rates for all veterans using VA benefits
Employment: State hiring preference (5-10 points), Home Base Iowa program connecting veterans with employers, strong agricultural and manufacturing sectors
Veteran Population Hotspots: Polk County (Des Moines, 15,000+), Linn County (Cedar Rapids), Scott County (Davenport), Johnson County (Iowa City)
VA Healthcare Facilities in Iowa
VA Medical Centers
1. VA Central Iowa Health Care System - Des Moines
Address: 3600 30th Street, Des Moines, IA 50310-5774 Phone: (515) 699-5999 Toll-free: 1-800-294-8387 Emergency Care: 24/7 emergency department
About: The Des Moines VA Medical Center is the largest VA healthcare facility in Iowa, serving central Iowa and beyond.
Services:
- Primary care
- Mental health services (PTSD, substance abuse, counseling)
- Surgery (general, orthopedic)
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Neurology
- Women's health clinic
- Prosthetics
- Pharmacy (on-site and mail order)
- Laboratory services
- Radiology and imaging
- Physical therapy
- Audiology
- Optometry
Specialty programs:
- PTSD treatment programs
- Substance abuse treatment
- Homeless veteran services
- Telehealth services
- Home-based primary care
- Mental health intensive case management
Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (under Des Moines system):
- Mason City CBOC: 626 South 4th Street, Mason City, IA 50401 | (641) 421-8077
- Fort Dodge CBOC: 804 Kenyon Road, Fort Dodge, IA 50501 | (515) 576-2235
- Knoxville CBOC: 1515 West Pleasant Street, Knoxville, IA 50138 | (641) 842-3426
- Marshalltown CBOC: 1903 South Center Street, Marshalltown, IA 50158 | (641) 753-0033
- Carroll CBOC: 1229 North Adams Street, Carroll, IA 51401 | (712) 662-5000
Parking: Available on-site (free for patients)
2. VA Iowa City Health Care System
Address: 601 Highway 6 West, Iowa City, IA 52246-2208 Phone: (319) 338-0581 Toll-free: 1-800-637-0128 Emergency Care: 24/7 emergency department
About: The Iowa City VA Health Care System is a tertiary care facility with advanced specialty services, serving eastern Iowa, western Illinois, and portions of surrounding states.
Services:
- Primary care
- Emergency services (24/7)
- Mental health services
- Surgical services (general, orthopedic, thoracic)
- Cardiology and cardiac surgery
- Oncology and radiation therapy
- Neurology and neurosurgery
- Spinal cord injury and disorder care center
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation
- Women's health
- Prosthetics and sensory aids
- Audiology and speech pathology
- Blind rehabilitation
- Polytrauma care
- Home-based primary care
- Hospice and palliative care
Specialty Centers:
- Comprehensive Spinal Cord Injury Center (one of few in the region)
- Advanced cardiac care
- Anemia and blood disorder treatment
- Epilepsy and seizure disorder programs
Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (under Iowa City system):
- Burlington: 1000 North Roosevelt Avenue, Burlington, IA 52601 | (319) 754-7324
- Cedar Rapids: 3500 Dalton Way, West Town Center, Suite 300, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 | (319) 393-0835
- Coralville: 2213 2nd Street, Coralville, IA 52241 | (319) 688-4800
- Davenport: 415 North Perry Street, Davenport, IA 52801 | (563) 326-8144
- Decorah: 1106 Military Boulevard, Decorah, IA 52101 | (563) 382-9679
- Dubuque: 2600 Dodge Street, Suite A1, Dubuque, IA 52003 | (563) 583-2000
- Ottumwa: 1001 Pennsylvania Avenue, Ottumwa, IA 52501 | (641) 682-6406
- Waterloo: 1015 South Hackett Road, Waterloo, IA 50701 | (319) 272-2226
Out-of-state CBOCs (also under Iowa City):
- Galesburg, IL: 1550 North Seminary Street, Galesburg, IL 61401
- Sterling, IL: 3500 East LeFevre Road, Sterling, IL 61081
- Quincy, IL: 3701 East Lake Centre Drive, Quincy, IL 62305
Parking: Available on-site
Iowa City VA Clinic (Downtown)
Address: 400 South Clinton Street, Iowa City Federal Building, Iowa City, IA 52240 Phone: (319) 338-0581
This is a separate outpatient clinic location in downtown Iowa City offering primary care and specialty services.
Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling)
Vet Centers provide confidential counseling for combat veterans, military sexual trauma survivors, and bereaved family members - separate from VA medical facilities.
Des Moines Vet Center Address: 2600 Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, Des Moines, IA 50310 Phone: (515) 284-4929
Cedar Rapids Vet Center Address: 4250 River Center Court NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 Phone: (319) 363-8383
Sioux City Vet Center Address: 1551 Indian Hills Drive, Suite 214, Sioux City, IA 51104 Phone: (712) 255-3808
Services:
- Individual and group counseling
- PTSD counseling and treatment
- Military sexual trauma counseling
- Bereavement counseling for family members
- Substance abuse counseling
- Employment counseling
- Readjustment services
- Referral and connection to VA and community resources
No appointment needed for initial visit at most Vet Centers.
Wait Times and Quality Ratings
Iowa VA facilities generally perform well compared to national averages:
- Primary care appointments: Average 7-14 days
- Specialty care: Varies by specialty (typically 14-30 days)
- Mental health: Typically available within 1-2 weeks
Best practice: Enroll in VA healthcare as soon as you separate from active duty, even if you have other insurance. This locks in your eligibility and priority group.
How to Enroll in VA Healthcare
Online: va.gov/health-care/apply Phone: 1-877-222-VETS (8387) In person: Visit either VA medical center or any CBOC with your DD-214
Documents needed:
- DD-214 (discharge paperwork)
- Social Security card or number
- Insurance information (if you have other coverage)
- Financial information (for priority group determination)
Priority Groups: Veterans are enrolled in priority groups 1-8 based on service-connected disabilities, income, and other factors. Priority group 1 (50%+ service-connected) receives highest priority.
Iowa State Veterans Homes (Long-Term Care)
Iowa operates the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, one of the nation's oldest and largest state-run veterans homes.
Iowa Veterans Home - Marshalltown
Address: 1301 Summit Street, Marshalltown, IA 50158 Phone: (641) 752-1501 Website: ivh.iowa.gov
Capacity: 840 beds (one of the largest in the United States)
Services:
- Skilled nursing care
- Memory care and dementia units
- Assisted living
- Independent living
- Rehabilitation services
- Hospice and palliative care
- Adult day services
Eligibility:
- Veterans who served during wartime or received hostile fire pay
- Honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions
- Iowa residency requirements
- Spouses may also qualify for admission
Cost: Sliding scale based on income and assets. VA Aid and Attendance benefits can help cover costs for eligible veterans.
How to apply: Contact the facility directly or download application at ivh.iowa.gov
The Iowa Veterans Home campus includes:
- Multiple living units and cottages
- On-site medical clinic
- Therapy services
- Recreation facilities
- Chapel
- Library
- Beauty/barber shop
- Post office
This is a comprehensive veterans community, not just a nursing facility.
Education Benefits for Iowa Veterans
Iowa National Guard Scholarship and Stipend (INGSS)
This is Iowa's premier education benefit for Iowa National Guard members.
Eligibility: Active Iowa Army or Air National Guard members in good standing
Benefit amount: 100% of tuition costs for classes between August and May (based on annual legislative appropriation)
Important limitations:
- Does not cover summer courses
- Does not pay fees or books
- Only covers tuition at Iowa public colleges and universities
How to apply: Through your National Guard unit education office
In-State Tuition for Veterans (VACAA)
Under the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act (VACAA), veterans using GI Bill benefits qualify for in-state tuition at Iowa public schools.
Eligibility:
- Using Post-9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill
- Living in Iowa while attending school
- Enrolling within 3 years of discharge
This removes a major financial barrier for veterans relocating to Iowa for education.
Post-9/11 GI Bill - Yellow Ribbon Schools in Iowa
Several Iowa schools participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, covering out-of-state tuition costs beyond standard GI Bill coverage.
University of Iowa (Iowa City)
Yellow Ribbon: Unlimited slots for graduate and undergraduate students Maximum contribution: $2,500 per year per student BAH rate: ~$1,650/month (2025 E-5 with dependents rate) Veteran enrollment: 800+ student veterans
Programs: Comprehensive public research university with strong programs in engineering, medicine, law, business, and liberal arts
Contact: Military and Veteran Services Phone: (319) 335-1462 Website: veterans.uiowa.edu
Military-friendly features:
- Dedicated veteran student center
- Student veteran organization
- Priority registration for veterans
- Veteran-specific orientation programs
Iowa State University (Ames)
Yellow Ribbon: Unlimited slots for graduate and undergraduate students Maximum contribution: $2,500 per year per student BAH rate: ~$1,550/month (2025 rate) Veteran enrollment: 1,000+ student veterans
Programs: Public land-grant university with exceptional engineering, agriculture, veterinary medicine, and STEM programs
Contact: Military Student Services / Veteran Center Phone: (515) 294-1111 Website: veterans.iastate.edu
Military-friendly features:
- Dedicated Veterans Center in Memorial Union
- Gold-level Military Friendly School designation
- Student Veterans of America chapter
- Priority registration
University of Northern Iowa (Cedar Falls)
Yellow Ribbon: Participates (check with school for current slot availability) BAH rate: ~$1,400/month Veteran enrollment: 300+ student veterans
Programs: Public university strong in education, business, and liberal arts
Contact: Military and Veterans Services Phone: (319) 273-6080
Community Colleges
Iowa's 15 community colleges all accept GI Bill benefits and offer veteran support services:
Major community colleges:
- Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) - Multiple campuses
- Kirkwood Community College (Cedar Rapids)
- Hawkeye Community College (Waterloo)
- Indian Hills Community College (Ottumwa)
- Iowa Western Community College (Council Bluffs)
- Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (Scott Community College - Davenport)
- North Iowa Area Community College (Mason City)
- Northeast Iowa Community College (Calmar)
All Iowa community colleges provide:
- In-state tuition for veterans using VA benefits
- Veteran support services
- Yellow Ribbon participation at some schools
- Transfer pathways to four-year universities
Cost advantage: Iowa community college tuition averages $4,500-5,500/year, making them excellent value with GI Bill benefits.
Private Colleges and Universities
Several Iowa private schools participate in Yellow Ribbon:
Drake University (Des Moines) - Limited Yellow Ribbon slots Grinnell College - Check current participation Cornell College (Mount Vernon) - Check current participation
Contact schools directly for current Yellow Ribbon participation and slot availability.
Veterans in Agriculture Programs
Iowa State University Extension: Partners with Veterans in Agriculture to connect veterans with agricultural careers
Programs include:
- Agricultural business training
- Apprenticeship opportunities
- Mentorship with established farmers
- Access to land and resources
- Connections to local food systems
Contact: Veterans in Agriculture Website: veteransinagriculture.org
Employment Resources for Iowa Veterans
State Hiring Preference
Iowa law provides substantial hiring preference for veterans in state, county, and municipal government positions.
Preference points:
- 5 points: Honorably discharged veterans
- 10 points: Veterans with service-connected disabilities
How it works: Points are added to your final hiring score, giving you an advantage over non-veteran candidates with similar qualifications.
Eligibility:
- Honorably discharged veterans
- Iowa National Guard members (20+ years after January 28, 1973)
- Reservists (20+ years)
- Guard/Reserve members activated for federal duty 90+ days (other than training)
Required proof:
- DD-214 photocopy
- For 10-point preference: VA letter showing disability rating or proof of Purple Heart
Where to apply: jobs.iowa.gov
Home Base Iowa
Home Base Iowa is a public-private partnership connecting veterans, transitioning service members, and military families with Iowa employers and communities.
Key benefits:
- Direct connections to veteran-friendly employers
- Community incentive packages for relocating veterans
- Business discounts and perks
- Educational support
- Housing assistance in some communities
Participating employers: 2,000+ Iowa businesses actively recruiting veterans
Industries represented:
- Manufacturing (John Deere, Rockwell Collins, HON)
- Agriculture (Pioneer, Corteva, grain operations)
- Healthcare (UnityPoint Health, MercyOne, University of Iowa Health)
- Technology (Microsoft, Google, Meta data centers)
- Finance and insurance
- Transportation and logistics
How to register: homebaseiowa.gov
Contact: (515) 242-5331
IowaWORKS - Veteran Services
IowaWORKS provides dedicated career planners specifically for veterans in every major Iowa city.
Services:
- One-on-one career counseling
- Resume writing and review
- Interview preparation
- Job search assistance
- Skills assessment
- Training program referrals
- Apprenticeship connections
- Employer introductions
Locations: IowaWORKS centers in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, Iowa City, Waterloo, Council Bluffs, Dubuque, and 50+ other locations
Contact: (866) 234-5382 (state hotline) Website: IowaWORKS.gov
Major Employers Hiring Veterans
Manufacturing and Aerospace
Rockwell Collins (Collins Aerospace) - Cedar Rapids Positions: Engineering, avionics, software development, manufacturing Website: collinsaerospace.com/careers
John Deere - Waterloo, Davenport, Ottumwa, Ankeny Positions: Engineering, manufacturing, skilled trades, management Veteran programs: Active military recruiting, SkillBridge Website: jobs.deere.com
Pella Corporation - Pella Positions: Manufacturing, skilled trades, sales Largest window and door manufacturer in North America
HON Company - Muscatine Positions: Manufacturing, engineering, design
Agriculture and Food Processing
Corteva Agriscience - Johnston (Des Moines metro) Positions: Research, sales, agronomy, operations Major agricultural science company
Pioneer (Corteva) - Multiple locations Positions: Agronomy, sales, research, production
Tyson Foods - Multiple Iowa locations Positions: Production, quality assurance, management, logistics
Smithfield Foods - Multiple locations Positions: Production, management, skilled trades
Cargill - Multiple locations Positions: Production, logistics, sales, agronomy
Technology and Data Centers
Microsoft Data Center - West Des Moines Positions: Data center operations, security, IT
Google Data Center - Council Bluffs Positions: Data center technicians, security, facilities
Meta (Facebook) Data Center - Altoona (Des Moines metro) Positions: Data center operations, engineering, security
Healthcare
UnityPoint Health - Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Sioux City Positions: Nursing, medical support, administration, security Active veteran hiring programs
MercyOne - Des Moines, Dubuque, Sioux City, Waterloo Positions: Healthcare providers, nursing, support services
University of Iowa Health Care - Iowa City Positions: All healthcare roles, research, administration One of the nation's top academic medical centers
Finance and Insurance
Principal Financial Group - Des Moines Positions: Financial services, IT, customer service, sales
Nationwide Insurance - Des Moines Positions: Claims, underwriting, customer service, sales
Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield - Des Moines Positions: Healthcare administration, IT, customer service
Casey's General Stores (HQ) - Ankeny Positions: Corporate roles, regional management, logistics
Veteran Unemployment
Iowa veterans have exceptionally low unemployment rates:
2022 data (most recent Iowa-specific):
- Iowa veteran unemployment: 1.8%
- Iowa non-veteran unemployment: 2.9%
- National veteran unemployment: 3.0%
Iowa veterans consistently show lower unemployment than both non-veterans and the national veteran average.
Apprenticeship Programs
Iowa offers registered apprenticeship programs in skilled trades, many compatible with GI Bill benefits:
Trades:
- Electrical (IBEW Local 405 - Cedar Rapids, Local 347 - Des Moines)
- Plumbing and pipefitting
- HVAC
- Carpentry
- Sheet metal work
- Welding
- Heavy equipment operation
- Manufacturing technician
- CNC machining
GI Bill for apprenticeships: You can receive monthly housing allowance while earning apprenticeship wages:
- 100% of BAH for first 6 months
- 80% of BAH for second 6 months
- Decreasing percentages thereafter
Contact: Iowa Department of Labor, Apprenticeship Office Phone: (515) 281-3606
Unemployment Benefits for Veterans
Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX): Available if you separated from active duty in the last 18 months and are unemployed through no fault of your own.
Contact: Iowa Workforce Development Phone: (866) 239-0843 Website: iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov
Support Services for Iowa Veterans
Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs
Main Office (Camp Dodge) Address: 7105 NW 70th Avenue, Building 3465, Camp Dodge, Johnston, IA 50131 Phone: (515) 252-4698 Email: idva@iowa.gov
Services:
- VA claims assistance
- Benefits counseling
- State benefits information
- Referrals to county veteran service officers
- Advocacy
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
County Veterans Service Officers
Every Iowa county has a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) who provides free assistance with:
- VA disability claims and appeals
- Healthcare enrollment
- Education benefits
- Burial benefits
- State and local benefits
Find your county VSO: dva.iowa.gov/county-state-federal-service-map
Major county VSO offices:
Polk County (Des Moines) Phone: (515) 286-3215
Linn County (Cedar Rapids) Phone: (319) 892-5660
Scott County (Davenport) Phone: (563) 326-8549
Johnson County (Iowa City) Phone: (319) 356-6088
Black Hawk County (Waterloo) Phone: (319) 833-3019
Veterans Service Organizations
American Legion - 400+ posts across Iowa Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) - 200+ posts statewide Disabled American Veterans (DAV) - Chapters in major cities Vietnam Veterans of America - Multiple chapters Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) - Online chapters
These organizations provide:
- Free VA claims assistance
- Camaraderie and peer support
- Community service opportunities
- Advocacy for veteran issues
Homeless Veteran Programs
VA Homeless Programs Hotline: 1-877-424-3838 (24/7)
Grant and Per Diem Program: Transitional housing available through community providers in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Sioux City
HUD-VASH (Housing and Urban Development - VA Supportive Housing): Housing vouchers paired with VA case management. Contact Des Moines or Iowa City VA medical centers.
Homeless Veteran Community Employment Services (HVCES): Job training and placement for homeless veterans
Stand Down Events: Annual events in Des Moines and other cities providing services, clothing, medical care, and resource connections
Mental Health Resources
Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1 (24/7) Text: 838255 Online chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net
VA Mental Health Services:
- Des Moines VA: (515) 699-5999
- Iowa City VA: (319) 338-0581
Vet Centers (listed earlier) provide free, confidential counseling for:
- PTSD
- Depression
- Military sexual trauma
- Readjustment issues
- Substance abuse
- Bereavement
Legal Assistance
Iowa State Bar Association - Military and Veterans Legal Assistance Free or low-cost legal services for veterans
Areas covered:
- Discharge upgrades
- VA benefits appeals
- Family law
- Housing issues
- Consumer protection
Contact: Iowa State Bar Association Phone: (515) 243-3179
Pro bono programs: Many Iowa attorneys provide free legal services to veterans through local bar associations
Burial and Memorial Benefits
Iowa Veterans Cemetery Address: 34024 Veterans Memorial Drive, Adel, IA 50003 Phone: (515) 996-9048
Eligibility: Veterans with honorable discharge, their spouses, and dependent children
Services provided:
- Grave site
- Opening and closing of grave
- Perpetual care
- Government headstone or marker
- Presidential Memorial Certificate
No cost to eligible veterans and families
National cemeteries near Iowa:
- Rock Island National Cemetery - Rock Island, IL (30 miles from Iowa border)
Key Takeaways
- Enroll in VA healthcare immediately - Even if you have other insurance, enrollment locks in your eligibility
- Use Yellow Ribbon benefits - University of Iowa and Iowa State offer unlimited slots
- Register with Home Base Iowa - Connect with 2,000+ veteran-friendly employers
- Leverage state hiring preference - 5-10 point advantage for government jobs
- Contact your county VSO - They'll help you claim every benefit you've earned
- Consider community colleges - Excellent value with GI Bill, easy transfer to universities
Iowa's veteran support infrastructure is strong, particularly in education and employment. The state genuinely values its veterans with tangible programs beyond just rhetoric.
Additional Resources
- Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs: (515) 252-4698 | dva.iowa.gov
- VA Central Iowa: (515) 699-5999 | va.gov/central-iowa-health-care
- VA Iowa City: (319) 338-0581 | va.gov/iowa-city-health-care
- Home Base Iowa: (515) 242-5331 | homebaseiowa.gov
- IowaWORKS: (866) 234-5382 | iowaworks.gov
- GI Bill School Search: benefits.va.gov/gibill/comparison
Information current as of January 2025. Contact facilities directly to verify hours, services, and eligibility requirements.