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.

Iowa City, 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

average act composite

1235

average sat composite

86%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$17,452

average net price

30,015

number of students

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Iowa State University

Ames, IA

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

average act composite

1220

average sat composite

90%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$16,105

average net price

29,969

number of students

Save to list

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA

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

average act composite

1149

average sat composite

95%

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$16,166

average net price

8,945

number of students

Save to list

Drake University

Des Moines, IA

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

average act composite

1285

average sat composite

67%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$30,321

average net price

4,685

number of students

Save to list

Grinnell College

Grinnell, IA

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

average act composite

1457

average sat composite

11%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$32,091

average net price

1,759

number of students

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Cornell College

Mount Vernon, IA

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

average act composite

1241

average sat composite

79%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$25,028

average net price

1,073

number of students

Save to list

Upper Iowa University

Fayette, IA

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

average act composite

1082

average sat composite

54%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$23,187

average net price

3,072

number of students

Save to list

Luther College

Decorah, IA

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

average act composite

1207

average sat composite

75%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$25,291

average net price

1,610

number of students

Save to list

Grand View University

Des Moines, IA

Grand View University is a 4-year, liberal arts institution located in the capital city of Iowa, Des Moines. GV offers 40 academic programs on their 50-acre urban campus, where students are immersed in the university’s Viking culture. On top of...

“…

I would give Grand View University an excellent rate. They are very helpful in many ways. It has many majors to offer and the major that I was interested in.

” – Brian from Des Moines, IA

average act composite

1033

average sat composite

98%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$19,423

average net price

1,827

number of students

Save to list

Coe College

Cedar Rapids, IA

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

average act composite

1211

average sat composite

73%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$21,155

average net price

1,264

number of students

Save to list

Wartburg College

Waverly, IA

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

average act composite

1166

average sat composite

97%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$23,248

average net price

1,444

number of students

Save to list

William Penn University

Oskaloosa, IA

Established by the Religious Society of Friends in 1873, William Penn University is a liberal arts institution in central Iowa affiliated with the Quakers. William Penn is home to seven academic divisions conferring degrees in over 20 majors. As a...

average act composite

990

average sat composite

58%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$21,256

average net price

1,473

number of students

Colleges in Iowa

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