.jpg "Best Colleges in Iowa (2023 Rankings)")
When you think of Iowa, you might be more likely to picture endless cornfields than illustrious institutes of higher education. Not so fast! Iowa is home to a huge selection of colleges and universities, from bigger state schools to smaller private institutions.
Below, in no particular order, we round up the best colleges in Iowa in 2023 and cover all the essentials, from student body size to admission rate. (Hey, before you apply, it helps to know your chances, right?!) Let's get to it.
Mount Mercy University
Mount Mercy University is located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. If you want an intimate educational experience with small class sizes, this school is worth a look - there are only 1,381 undergraduate students in total. In a rush to get your degree? Mount Mercy has you covered. This school offers accelerated undergraduate programs online, allowing you to to complete courses anytime, anywhere, in five- or ten-week blocks.
- Undergraduate enrollment: 1,381
- Acceptance rate: 76%
- Four-year graduation rate: 49%
- Tuition and fees: $35,506 (in-state and out-of-state)
Dordt University
Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa, is another small, not-for-profit school. Take note: This is a Christian college! According to their website, "Everything at Dordt revolves around Jesus Christ." If you aren't into church on Sundays and prayer circles, this probably isn't the right fit for you. That said, they've got a comprehensive offering of more than 40 degree programs and a relatively high 61% four-year graduation rate.
- Undergraduate enrollment: 1,436
- Acceptance rate: 72%
- Four-year graduation rate: 61%
- Tuition and fees: $32,820 (in-state and out-of-state)
Buena Vista University
This private Christian university is another small school, nestled in serene Storm Lake, Iowa. If you want to unwind after a day of classes with some watersports, like fishing and wakeboarding, this is your spot! The city has five beaches, and most undergraduate students live on campus in Storm Lake for all four years.
- Undergraduate enrollment: 1,456
- Acceptance rate: 56%
- Four-year graduation rate: 56%
- Tuition and fees: $36,426 (in-state and out-of-state)
Morningside University
Located in Sioux City, Iowa, Morningside University offers both in-person and online bachelor's degree programs. Our tip? Go on campus! Why? You'll have access to more than 50 student organizations and clubs. If you're strapped for cash, this school is worth a serious look.
- Undergraduate enrollment: 1,281
- Acceptance rate: 69%
- Four-year graduation rate: 49%
- Tuition and fees: $33,970 (in-state and out-of-state)
University of Dubuque
Set in Dubuque, Iowa, this university is another good choice if you want small class sizes and individualized access to your teachers. They boast a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1. Students can choose from 41 different bachelor's and master's programs. Like most of the schools on this list, this one is private, so the tuition will be the same whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student.
- Undergraduate enrollment: 1,778
- Acceptance rate: 79%
- Four-year graduation rate: 36%
- Tuition and fees: $36,610 (in-state and out-of-state)
St. Ambrose University
Do you want to get a job right out of the gate after graduation (and start earning some cash)? Saint Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, has some stats that might interest you: 96% of their graduates are employed or pursuing continuing education within six months after graduating. It's not all work and no fun at this school, though. They have 73 student clubs to keep you busy when you're not studying.
- Undergraduate enrollment: 2,305
- Acceptance rate: 74%
- Four-year graduation rate: 57%
- Tuition and fees: $32,758 (in-state and out-of-state)
Grinnell College
Real talk: rankings shouldn't determine where you go to school - there are other things, like personal fit, to consider. That said, if rankings matter to you, you'll undoubtedly be interested in Grinnell College. Set in Grinnell, this liberal arts college is known for its top-tier education, social activism, and great student-to-faculty ratio (9:1). Of course, it's harder to get into, with an acceptance rate of only 19%.
- Undergraduate enrollment: 1,493
- Acceptance rate: 19%
- Four-year graduation rate: 81%
- Tuition and fees: $56,680 (in-state and out-of-state)
Iowa State University
Finally: a state school! In-state students at Iowa State benefit from a favorable tuition rate of $9,316 (but it's more than double that for out-of-state students). If you dream of spending your college days tailgating at football games, this school is also a great pick. Located in Ames, it has a broad selection of educational options, including an agriculture program (in case you see your future in the cornfields of Iowa).
- Undergraduate enrollment: 26,843
- Acceptance rate: 88%
- Four-year graduation rate: 50%
- Tuition and fees: $9,316 (in-state), $24,504 (out-of-state)
Coe College
Do you dream of deep, in-depth conversations with your professors? Check this out: Coe College in Cedar Rapids has some of the most accessible professors in the country - along with some of the best career services. The average class size is only 16. That kind of focused support pays off, with nearly 100% of reporting graduates employed or in a graduate education program within nine months after completing their degrees.
- Undergraduate enrollment: 1,394
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- Four-year graduation rate: 55%
- Tuition and fees: $47,220 (in-state and out-of-state)
University of Northern Iowa
We're rounding out the list with one more state school, the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. You can expect a variety of educational options, plus plenty of extracurriculars to choose from - including 200 student clubs and organizations. This school also has an Honors Program in case you're a high-achiever who wants some individualized attention.
- Undergraduate enrollment: 8,289
- Acceptance rate: 79%
- Four-year graduation rate: 41%
- Tuition and fees: $8,938 (in-state), $21,222 (out-of-state)
Honorable mentions
If you're wondering "Is that it?!" we've got news for you: The Hawkeye state is home to plenty of other private colleges, community colleges, and public universities. Here's a roundup of some other schools you might want to take a look at.
- Drake University. Located in Des Moines, Iowa, Drake University is a private school that prides itself on its personal mentorship opportunities and global network.
- Luther College. Luther College in Decorah stands out on the list thanks to its affiliation with the Evangelical Lutheran Church. The small school lets you personally tailor your education to your needs.
- Cornell College. Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, is a liberal arts school that prioritizes innovation, creativity, and diversity. They place a big emphasis on civic and social responsibility. Future activists, look out!
- Northwestern College. Northwestern College of Orange City, Iowa, is another one to look at if you're worried about costs. 100% of their students receive scholarships. They emphasize spiritual enrichment.
- Simpson College. Simpson College stands out for its speech and debate program - it claims to be the only private college in the state with that kind of program. Located in Indianola, it's close to big-city Des Moines.
- Central College. Established in 1853, Central College of Pella, Iowa, has a long-standing history. Their campus life covers everything from faith to fine arts, giving you plenty to do when you aren't studying.
- Clarke University. Clarke University offers more than 50 academic majors and minors in a community-oriented setting in Dubuque. From art to accounting, they've got it all.
- Loras College. Also located in Dubuque, Loras College is a faith-based institution that prioritizes Catholic values. Their foundational curriculum emphasizes philosophy, ethics, and theology.
- Graceland University. Graceland University of Lamoni has roots dating back to 1895 and offers more than 30 areas of study.
- Wartburg College. Located in Waverly, Iowa, Wartburg College has more than 60 areas of study to choose from.
- Grand View University. Grand View University of Des Moines offers both in-person and online programs. Take note: This Iowa college embraces diversity, with events like an LGBTQIA+ Visit Day.
- Upper Iowa University. Set in Fayette, Upper Iowa University is one of the bigger schools on this list, with more than 3,000 students and 80-plus academic programs. If you're worried about money, their "Peacock Promise" of free tuition is sure to catch your attention.
Chart your course in Iowa's academic landscape with College Rover
Choosing the right university or college for your higher education can make a big difference in your success - and your future path (no pressure).
Don't sweat it: College Rover makes it easy to compare schools at a glance, giving you important stats in a side-by-side comparison tool that covers all the essentials. You'll also find handy resources to help with the application process. Log in to get started.
College Rover gets the majority of its data directly from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The DOE publishing schedule "lags" the most current data which some colleges post on their official websites. This may cause there to be a difference in the data you see on College Rover and an individual college website. College Rover's website is updated as the DOE data becomes available and is configured for the College Rover website.
.jpg "Best Colleges in Colorado (2023 Rankings)")
