Best Christian Colleges in Iowa 2026
Key Takeaways
- The 19 Christian colleges in our ranking have small student bodies and more opportunity to interact with faculty.
- Attending a Christian college in Iowa allows students to learn about and practice their faith while receiving an excellent education.
- Students studying at a Christian college in Iowa are still eligible for financial aid as long as the school is regionally accredited.
10 Best Christian Colleges in Iowa in 2026
Colleges and Universities in Iowa
With a large number of both brick-and-mortar and online colleges in Iowa, students have plenty of great schools to choose from, and nearly half of the schools in the state are religiously affiliated.
Our ranking of the best Christian colleges in Iowa includes 19 schools that self-identify as Christian, are fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor degree programs.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
What are Iowa’s Colleges & Universities?
- 5 Research Universities
- 23 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 6 Graduate Schools
- 4 Public Colleges & Universities
- 24 Private Colleges & Universities
- 19 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 24 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 4 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 15 Community Colleges
- Best Online Colleges
Iowa’s Best Overall
Best Christian Colleges in Iowa
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2026 #3 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2026 #3 Best Small Colleges in Iowa 2026 #5 Best Colleges in Iowa 2026
Tuition + fees
$57K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
60%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1180/26
Career Outlook for degree at Coe College
Cost of Degree: $52,576Expenses: $15,136Starting Salary: $60,502Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryCoe College is a liberal arts college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church.
What we love about Coe College:
Coe College’s academic offerings include a wide range of fields of discipline and several pre-professional programs.
Coe College is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a college with interdisciplinary degree program offerings.
Coe College may not be ideal for students who:
Might prefer a college located in a quiet, rural setting.
- #5 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2026 #5 Best Small Colleges in Iowa 2026 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2026 #8 Best Colleges in Iowa 2026
Tuition + fees
$55K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
60%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1202/26
Career Outlook for degree at Cornell College
Cost of Degree: $50,634Expenses: $15,718Starting Salary: $57,224Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryCornell College is a small liberal arts college east of Cedar Rapids.
What we love about Cornell College:
The college is known for its trademark One Course At A Time approach to learning and its Ingenuity curriculum.
Cornell College is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a college known for its innovative curriculum.
May not be ideal for students who:
Might be looking for a larger university with a wider range of academic offerings.
Cornell College’s Online Degrees
BFA/MFA in Fine Arts
Degree Concentrations
- Creative Writing Low-Residency
- Completion Time: 2 years
- #6 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2026 #6 Best Small Colleges in Iowa 2026 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2026 #9 Best Colleges in Iowa 2026
Tuition + fees
$54K
Acceptance
72%
Graduation
65%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1242/25
Career Outlook for degree at Luther College
Cost of Degree: $50,320Expenses: $15,235Starting Salary: $61,821Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryAffiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Luther College was established in 1861.
What we love about Luther College:
It offers a wide range of on-campus housing for students.
Luther College is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a supportive learning community with solid academics.
Luther College may not be ideal for students who:
Are looking for a college that also offers graduate degrees.
- #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026 #7 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2026 #7 Best Small Colleges in Iowa 2026 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2026
Tuition + fees
$41K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
64%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Loras College
Cost of Degree: $38,298Expenses: $12,543Starting Salary: $63,900Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryLoras College was the first higher education institution in Iowa, founded back in 1839.
What we love about Loras College:
Its downtown Dubuque location gives access to various cultural and other extra-curricular activities.
Loras College is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a college with graduate degrees they can potentially enroll into right after graduation.
Loras College may not be ideal for students who:
Might not readily fit with the college’s Catholic approach and tradition.
- #8 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2026 #8 Best Small Colleges in Iowa 2026 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2026 #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees
Tuition + fees
$22K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
44%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Graceland University
Cost of Degree: $33,646Expenses: $15,240Starting Salary: $53,979Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryGraceland University is located in Lamoni, Iowa and is affiliated with the Community of Christ. It has another campus in Independence, Missouri.
What we love about Graceland University:
Graceland University has adult learner-oriented flexible programs and a professional continuing education program.
Graceland University is ideal for students who:
Have academic credits on hand and are looking for good degree completion programs.
Graceland University may not be ideal for students who:
Seek to enroll in a STEM degree program, which is not considered a strength of Graceland.
Graceland University’s Online Degrees
BA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 141
- Format: Fully online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 62
- Format: Fully online
BA in Organizational Leadership
- Required Credits: 108
- Format: Fully online
- #24 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2026 #4 Best Research Universities in Iowa 2026 #10 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2026 #10 Best Small Colleges in Iowa 2026
Tuition + fees
$42K
Acceptance
72%
Graduation
52%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1030/20
Career Outlook for degree at Clarke University
Cost of Degree: $39,600Expenses: $15,888Starting Salary: $58,625Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryClarke University is a Catholic university in Dubuque and is a next-door neighbor to Loras College.
What we love about Clarke University:
Given its city location, students at Clarke also enjoy a wide range of extra-curricular and cultural opportunities at Dubuque.
Clarke University is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a school with solid academics, as well as a tight-knit community and strong alumni networks.
Clarke University may not be ideal for students who:
May not necessarily conform to the Catholic tradition.
Clarke University’s Online Degrees
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 31
- Format: Fully online
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2026 #8 Best Online Master's Programs in Iowa 2026 #9 Best Online Colleges in Iowa 2026
Tuition + fees
$49K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
63%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Simpson College
Cost of Degree: $46,212Expenses: $15,352Starting Salary: $57,816Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salarySimpson College is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It is located in Indianola, south of Des Moines.
What we love about Simpson College:
Simpson College offers students a number of study abroad, research, and other academic opportunities.
Simpson College is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a college with an innovative curriculum and ample extra-curricular opportunities.
Simpson College may not be ideal for students who:
Prefer to study in a big-city environment.
Simpson College’s Online Degrees
BA in Accounting
- Required Credits: 128
BA in Computer Information System
BA in Criminal Justice
BA in Human Services
BA in Management
- Format: Fully online
BA in Management Information Systems
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 4 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Marketing Communication
- Format: Fully online
Tuition + fees
$41K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
52%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Morningside University
Cost of Degree: $38,190Expenses: $15,480Starting Salary: $58,902Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryMorningside University was founded in 1894. It is affiliated with the United Methodist Church.
What we love about Morningside University:
Morningside University has Study Abroad opportunities, along with internships and externships.
Morningside University is ideal for students who:
Are looking for somewhere with a good range of majors and minors related to agriculture.
Morningside University may not be ideal for students who:
Might be looking to enroll in an engineering degree program.
Morningside University’s Online Degrees
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 88-92
- Format: Fully online
BS in Organizational Management
- Required Credits: 50
- Format: Fully online
Tuition + fees
$44K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
45%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1100/21
Career Outlook for degree at University of Dubuque
Cost of Degree: $40,065Expenses: $14,370Starting Salary: $60,869Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryThe University of Dubuque was founded in 1852 and shares its home city with Loras College.
What we love about the University of Dubuque:
Around 99% of its students receive some form of financial aid.
The University of Dubuque is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a university with specialized adult-oriented accelerated degree programs.
The University of Dubuque may not be ideal for students who:
Might be looking to enroll in an Engineering degree program.
- #5 Best Grad Schools in Iowa 2026 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Iowa #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Iowa #11 Best Online Colleges in Iowa 2026
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
77%
Graduation
70%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1050/22
Career Outlook for degree at St. Ambrose University
Cost of Degree: $35,598Expenses: $17,206Starting Salary: $66,659Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salarySt. Ambrose University is a Roman Catholic university, first established in 1882 as a seminary & school of commerce.
What we love about Saint Ambrose University:
Saint Ambrose University has a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs right up to the doctoral level, as well as some online programs.
Saint Ambrose University is ideal for students who:
Might be looking for somewhere with a wide range of academic offerings in the health sciences.
Saint Ambrose University may not be ideal for students who:
Are from a religious background different from the Catholic church.
St. Ambrose University’s Online Degrees
BA in Applied Management Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 24 months
- Format: Fully online
BA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Accounting Management
- Cybersecurity Management
- Human Resources Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 18 months
- Format: Fully online
BA in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 2- 4 years
- Format: Fully online
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
68%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1065/24
Career Outlook for degree at Wartburg College
Cost of Degree: $51,040Expenses: $13,462Starting Salary: $60,035Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWartburg College is a Lutheran liberal arts college in the city of Waverly. It is named after a German castle that was a key location in the history of the Reformation.
What we love about Wartburg College:
Aside from its academics, Wartburg College is well known for its athletic programs.
Wartburg College is ideal for students who:
Want to take advantage of study abroad opportunities.
Wartburg College may not be ideal for students who:
Might also be looking for a school with a wide range of graduate programs.
Tuition + fees
$22K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
59%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1088/23
Career Outlook for degree at Central College
Cost of Degree: $20,988Expenses: $16,737Starting Salary: $57,387Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryCentral College was established in 1853. It is affiliated with the Reformed Church of America (RCA).
What we love about Central College:
Its home city of Pella is known for its Dutch heritage, culture, and attractions. This is also evident in Central College’s campus.
Central College is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a college with good pre-professional programs and solid athletics.
Central College may not be ideal for students who:
Might be more interested in campuses with a more urban or big-city vibe.
- #13 Best Online Colleges in Iowa 2026 #23 Best Online Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree Programs Ranked for 2026
Tuition + fees
$39K
Graduation
46%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Briar Cliff University
Cost of Degree: $34,727Expenses: $16,308Starting Salary: $59,643Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryBriar Cliff University is affiliated with the Franciscans (of the Catholic Church) and was established in 1930.
What we love about Briar Cliff University:
It’s not just the robust academics; Briar Cliff is located on a hill overlooking Sioux City, which also has its own set of historical and cultural attractions.
Briar Cliff University is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a more tight-knit learning community with a wide range of academic offerings they can choose from.
Briar Cliff University may not be ideal for students who:
Might prefer Briar Cliff’s emphasis on Catholic values and traditions.
Briar Cliff University’s Online Degrees
BA in Accounting
- Required Credits: 39
- Format: Fully online
BA in Business Administration
- Required Credits: 39
- Format: Fully online
BS in Health Sciences
- Required Credits: 39
- Format: Fully online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 30-34
- Format: Fully online
BA in Operations Management
- Required Credits: 39
- Format: Fully online
BA in Social Work
- Required Credits: 47
- #6 Best Grad Schools in Iowa 2026 #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Iowa #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2026 #13 Best Online Master's Programs in Iowa 2026
Tuition + fees
$43K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
52%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Mount Mercy University
Cost of Degree: $39,070Expenses: $16,930Starting Salary: $59,669Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryMount Mercy University is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church and was established in 1928.
What we love about Mount Mercy University:
Its students can take part in mentorship, research, internship, and study abroad opportunities.
Mount Mercy University is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a university that also has good athletic programs.
Mount Mercy University may not be ideal for students who:
Might be looking for a wide range of STEM degree programs they can choose from.
Mount Mercy University’s Online Degrees
BA in Applied Management
- Required Credits: 34
BA in Healthcare Administration
- Required Credits: 58-61.5
- Completion Time: 12-24 months
- Format: Fully online
BA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Accounting
- Finance
- Marketing
- Management
- Human Resource Management
- Sport Management
- Required Credits: 34-36
- Format: Fully online
BA in Religious Studies
- Completion Time: 2-4 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Nursing
- Completion Time: 3.5 years
- Format: Fully online
- #14 Best Online Master's Programs in Iowa 2026 #15 Best Online Colleges in Iowa 2026 #25 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2026
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
49%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Grand View University
Cost of Degree: $33,450Expenses: $18,426Starting Salary: $58,718Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryGrand View University in Des Moines is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
What we love about Grand View University:
Students can combine their majors, minors, and certificates into a more customized degree.
Grand View University is ideal for students who:
Are looking for a university that also offers degrees in online & evening formats.
Grand View University may not be ideal for students who:
Might be looking for a university with a path to the doctorate level.
Grand View University’s Online Degrees
BA in Accounting
- Required Credits: 65-66
- Format: Fully online
BA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Finance
- Human Resource Management
- Management
- Required Credits: 48-50
- Format: Fully online
BA in Psychology
- Required Credits: 53
- Format: Fully online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 26
- Format: Fully online
BA in Liberal Arts
- Required Credits: 42
- Format: Fully online
BA in Social Work
- Required Credits: 58
- Completion Time: 2-3 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Paralegal Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Business & Human Resource Management Concentration
- Criminal Justice Concentration
- Required Credits: 34
- Format: Fully online
Tuition + fees
$31K
Acceptance
52%
Graduation
38%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
995/19
Career Outlook for degree at William Penn University
Cost of Degree: $28,750Expenses: $15,050Starting Salary: $52,106Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWilliam Penn University is affiliated with the Quakers and was founded in 1873.
What we love about William Penn University:
William Penn has a storied campus that’s listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
William Penn University is ideal for students who:
Might be looking for a university with a good range of online degree options.
William Penn University may not be ideal for students who:
Prefer studying in a big-city/highly urban campus.
William Penn University’s Online Degrees
BA in Human Resource Management
- Format: Fully online
BA in Human Services
- Format: Fully online
BA in Elementary Education
- Required Credits: 86
- Format: Fully online
BA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Business Management
- Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
- General Accounting
- Public Accounting
- Human Resource Management
- Format: Fully online
BA in Psychology
- Format: Fully online
- #7 Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Bachelor's (Online, On-Campus) 2026 #16 Best Online Master's Programs in Iowa 2026 #17 Best Online Colleges in Iowa 2026 #19 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2026
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
66%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Northwestern College
Cost of Degree: $35,300Expenses: $15,000Starting Salary: $57,028Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryNorthwestern College is affiliated with the Reformed Church in America (RCA) and was first established in 1832.
What we love about Northwestern College:
Northwestern College also offers graduate and adult-oriented programs.
Northwestern College is ideal for students who:
Are looking for pre-professional degree programs.
Northwestern College may not be ideal for students who:
May be looking for specialized engineering programs.
Northwestern College ’s Online Degrees
BA in Early Childhood
- Required Credits: 33
- Completion Time: 2 years
- Format: Fully online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 30
- Completion Time: 1.5- 2 years
- Format: Fully online
- #17 Best Online Master's Programs in Iowa 2026 #22 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
Tuition + fees
$43K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
58%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Buena Vista University
Cost of Degree: $40,190Expenses: $14,589Starting Salary: $51,626Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryBuena Vista University has ties to the Presbyterian Church and was founded in 1891.
What we love about Buena Vista University:
Its location at the shore of Storm Lake adds a unique dimension to its student life.
Buena Vista University is ideal for students who:
Are looking for degree programs related to agriculture.
Buena Vista University may not be ideal for students who:
Might prefer a university with a more big-city vibe.
- #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs #18 Best Online Master's Programs in Iowa 2026 #20 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2026 #21 Best Online Colleges in Iowa 2026
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
68%
Graduation
72%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1200/25
Career Outlook for degree at Dordt University
Cost of Degree: $35,960Expenses: $15,940Starting Salary: $57,576Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryDordt University is affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church. It was founded in 1955.
What we love about Dordt University:
Dordt’s Degree in Three programs let students earn their bachelor’s degree in three years.
Dordt University is ideal for students who:
Are interested in enrolling in an agriculture degree.
Dordt University may not be ideal for students who:
Might be looking for a university with a more big-city vibe, as Sioux Center is a town of less than 10,000.
Dordt University’s Online Degrees
BA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Management
- Construction Management
- Finance
- General
- Human Resource Management
- Information Systems
- International Business
- Marketing
- Office Management
- Public Administration
- Required Credits: 159.5
- Format: Fully online
Iowa’s Best Christian Colleges in Your Area of Interest
Student Submitted Questions about Christian Colleges in Iowa
Will I receive the same quality of education in a Christian college that I would receive at a traditional secular four-year school?
Each of the Christian colleges in this ranking are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). HLC is an institutional accreditor, which ensures that students receive a quality higher education.
Can I apply for financial aid when I attend a Christian college in Iowa?
Yes, as long as the college is accredited through the HLC, regardless of its religious affiliation, students can apply to receive financial aid. For more information on how to apply, visit the Federal Student Aid website.
Can I attend a Christian college in Iowa even if I am not a Christian?
There are many religiously-affiliate colleges that accept students who do not profess any faith. However, it is always a good idea to contact the admissions department at the college to discuss.
