Best Colleges in Iowa
Known as “the land where tall corn grows,” it’s not surprising the Iowa is often known as the “Corn State.” Top industries are value-added agriculture and food production, as well as advanced manufacturing, renewable energy and fuels, and distribution and warehousing. There are 60 colleges in Iowa with Carnegie Classifications, 19 of which confer baccalaureate degrees. The oldest institution in the state is Loras College, which was founded in 1839. Sliced bread was created in the Hawkeye State, which also lays claim to the National Hobo Convention every second week in August. The “eighth wonder of the world” resides in Iowa’s jurisdiction, too, a religious monument called the The Grotto of the Redemption.
How Were the Top Schools in Iowa Chosen?
Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.
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Founded in 1846, Grinnell College is a 4-year liberal arts college located in central Iowa. Grinell offers bachelor’s degrees in 27 academic majors and 13 concentrations. For environmentally-minded Grinellians, the college is home to the Conard...
Though the courses cover a large amount of material in what seems to be a short time span, the professors are happy to help outside of class.
” – Marlu from Sun Valley, CA
Luther College is a destination for the active and actively involved. Located in northeast Iowa, with learning opportunities around the world, we encourage curiosity, community, and a commitment to the common good. The Luther curriculum emphasizes...
Almost every department takes pride and enjoyment in teaching students everything they came to learn as well as a good deal they did not sign up for. Most students are pleasantly surprised by the faculty's desire and success in challenging what we...
” – matt from Rochester, MN
Calling Des Moines, Iowa, its home, Drake University is a midsize, private institution of higher learning with more than 70 majors available to its undergraduate students. Cultivated over 130 years of educating, The Drake Curriculum features small...
I feel like I didn't learn anything in high school, but I love college! At Drake I feel like the professors really teach you the material and most make it interesting!
” – Kristin from Lockport, IL
Experience more at Wartburg!
Studying in another country, performing research with your professors, and completing internships will give you resumé-worthy experiences and new perspectives that better prepare you for what’s next. And we’re here to...
The professors on staff are some of the most competent professionals I've ever had the pleasure of working with. From top-notch Religion professors, to published English professors, to accomplished Music professors, the entire staff is rich in...
” – Kyle from Waverly, IA
A St. Ambrose University education equips you like no other — because St. Ambrose is a university like no other.
Relentlessly committed to our students, we provide a private college experience that ignites transformation. We offer more than 60...
The small student to teacher ratio will be great. Offer may different types of programs.
” – Jacqueline from Bartlett, IL
Cornell College is a liberal arts institution situated in Mount Vernon, Iowa, that was founded in 1853. Deemed “more selective,” Cornell is one of only 40 schools profiled by Loren Pope's book "Colleges That Change Lives" and also ranks as a top tier...
I love the atmosphere of learning here. There is always something academic going on, from the many guest lecturers and visiting professors to class field trips. I can focus fully on one subject at a time and not have to worry about having two papers...
” – Lucee from Pleasanton, TX
Founded in 1851, Coe College is small liberal arts institution and national leader in producing Fulbright Scholars. The college is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church and has a “more selective” admissions process. Coe College requires that 100%...
the people of coe are very friendly and there are many ways to get involved. the teachers are always willing to help out if you need it. the campus is beautiful and kept clean.
” – Clara
Iowa State University is a public, land-grant university located in Ames, IA. The 1,813-acre campus features 6 undergraduate colleges offering 100+ majors, as well as residence hall, apartment-style, and Greek-life housing options for more than 35...
The learning environment at Iowa State is unlike anything else, there's no doubt in my mind that it has been a challenge, but the school offers many resources for any student who is willing to seek them out. the collegiate learning experience demands...
” – Jennifer from Shoreview, MN
Simpson College is a private, 4-year institution established in Indianola, Iowa. Simpson features a unique Engaged Citizenship core curriculum which includes the Simpson Colloquium for first years as well as a Senior Capstone project. The college is...
You'll never meet a more inclusive campus filled with friends and faculty that want you to succeed. The academics are fantastic as well as the opportunities the campus works to give each student. If you want to go to a college where you'll make...
” – Brianna from Des Moines, IA
Buena Vista University is a private, 4-year institution established in Storm Lake, Iowa. The college offers over 50 academic programs and 90 majors and minors, with primary focus given to their Science, Education, and Business programs. As the...
I am planning on majoring in biology. If science or the medical field is what you are looking at, BVU is the place to go. It has one of the best science departments in Iowa and has a very cool medical internship program at the local hospital.
” – Beth from Mapleton, IA
Established in 1853, Central College is a private, 4-year institution located on a 130-acre campus in Pella, Iowa. The college offers over 50 major and minor programs of study, and boasts a 76% rate of students completing internships. Central College...
I have learned valuable lessons in each of the classes I have taken, even my non-major classes! The professors really care about you. They will take the time out of their day to make sure you really understand what is going on in class. Most classes...
” – Kailey from Ankeny, IA
Dordt University integrates faith into every aspect of campus, whether academics, athletics, music, or social activities. Students are challenged and invested in, which creates a vibrant and close-knit campus community. Dordt offers four-year...
Dordt College has exceptional academics and wonderful professors. The professors challenge you and you learn important information about your major throughout your time at Dordt.
” – Kailee from Ripon, CA
As Iowa's Standout Christian College, Northwestern delivers a high-quality academic experience in a Christ-centered community to empower students to lead lives of significance. We offer 135+ academic programs with personal attention in small classes...
The professors have a deep desire to see your grow in and out of the classrooms. They know you by name, and if they don't; they're working on you. They want you to feel open and welcome to dropping by their office, their house or even calling their...
” – Laura from Gretna, NE
Morningside College is a 4-year liberal arts college in northwest Iowa affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Morningside is home to over 65 undergrad degree-granting and pre-professional programs. Every school year culminates in May Term, a...
Most of my classes are a good mix of challenging and easy material. I do spend about 3 hours a day studying, but even so I find my chemisty class especially difficult. There are times, though, in all of my classes when I feel like I've learned the...
” – Jessyka from Linwood, KS
Mount Mercy University is a private, 4-year liberal arts university. Offering over 50 undergraduate, pre-professional, and graduate programs, MMU provides an affordable education that promises solid preparation for a changing world. Founded in 1928...
The classes are just the right size and easy environment to learn in.
” – Breanna from Waterloo, IA
Founded in 1847, the University of Iowa is a 4-year public research institution in Iowa City, often considered one of the nation’s top college towns. Iowa grants undergraduate degrees in over 200 academic majors, minors, and certificate programs. The...
The faculty at the University of Iowa is very qualified and interacts well with their students to provide them with a great educational experience. In a school the size of Iowa, both discussion sections and lectures are the predominant forms of...
” – Lorena from La Grange Park, IL
Founded in 1839, Loras College is a liberal arts school affiliated with the Archdiocese of Dubuque. Loras is the first college created in Iowa and is rated as having “selective” admissions. All first-year students are required to complete a January...
The school has a lot of great courses that keep you learning. The professors are very helpful. They also have a class called MOI which is a fun transition course which helps freshman meet fellow classmates and transition between high school to...
” – Jessica from clearlake, MN
Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a 4-year private school in northeast Iowa. UIU hosts schools of Arts & Sciences, Business, and Education conferring undergraduate degrees in 45 academic programs. Additionally, UIU makes 32 bachelor’s degrees...
The classes here are great. There aren't usually a large number of students in each class, so students have more of an opportunity for one on one time with the teachers. The teachers, advisers and all the staff are always very helpful and are always...
” – UIU Fan
Graceland University Lamoni is a private, 4-year institution established in Decatur County, Iowa. The Lamoni campus offers programs in over 50 major and minor fields of study, including a number of paraprofessional programs. All undergraduate...
Graceland University is the only school of it's kind. The housing system makes it impossible to be friendless, the teachers make all of your answers feel heard, and the memories gained from campus activities will be with you a lifetime.
” – Jessica from Grain Valley, MO
The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) is a public university located in Cedar Falls, Iowa. While it started as a teacher training institution in 1876, UNI now offers more than 150 areas of study for undergraduates spanning from business and...
I am learning to be more independent while at the same time gaining a very valuable education in a safe setting. Not only am I learning good study habits, I am also learning about time management. The professors and staff here really care about their...
” – Greg from Alton, IA