Best Colleges in Iowa 2023

Best Colleges in Iowa 2023
By James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Here are the best colleges and universities in Iowa. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you.

10 Best Colleges in Iowa

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  1. University of Iowa
    2. 65%
  2. Iowa State University
    3. 59%
  3. Grinnell College
    4. 43%
  4. Drake University
    5. 40%
  5. Coe College
    6. 37%
  6. University of Northern Iowa
    7. 35%
  7. Cornell College
    8. 31%
  8. Upper Iowa University
    9. 30%
  9. Loras College
    10. 29%
  10. Luther College
    11. 29%
  1. Grand View University
    2. 100%
  2. Maharishi International University
    3. 95%
  3. Iowa State University
    4. 91%
  4. Simpson College
    5. 91%
  5. Clarke University
    6. 89%
  6. University of Iowa
    7. 86%
  7. University of Northern Iowa
    8. 86%
  8. Wartburg College
    9. 83%
  9. Northwestern College
    10. 83%
  10. Iowa Wesleyan University
    11. 82%
  1. Waldorf University
    2. 25 to 1
  2. Iowa State University
    3. 18 to 1
  3. University of Northern Iowa
    4. 17 to 1
  4. University of Iowa
    5. 16 to 1
  5. University of Dubuque
    6. 15 to 1
  6. William Penn University
    7. 15 to 1
  7. Dordt University
    8. 14 to 1
  8. Graceland University
    9. 14 to 1
  9. Mount Mercy University
    10. 14 to 1
  10. Morningside University
    11. 13 to 1
  1. Grinnell College
    2. $58,648
  2. Coe College
    3. $48,822
  3. Cornell College
    4. $47,726
  4. Wartburg College
    5. $47,500
  5. Luther College
    6. $46,760
  6. Drake University
    7. $45,912
  7. Simpson College
    8. $44,030
  8. Buena Vista University
    9. $37,518
  9. Clarke University
    10. $36,870
  10. Mount Mercy University
    11. $36,540
  1. Maharishi International University
    2. $32,000
  2. Wartburg College
    3. $21,850
  3. Upper Iowa University
    4. $19,685
  4. St. Ambrose University
    5. $18,360
  5. Cornell College
    6. $14,850
  6. Clarke University
    7. $13,847
  7. Loras College
    8. $12,960
  8. Drake University
    9. $11,738
  9. Mount Mercy University
    10. $11,106
  10. Graceland University
    11. $10,970
  1. Dordt University
    2. 14%
  2. Waldorf University
    3. 15%
  3. Morningside University
    4. 16%
  4. Northwestern College
    5. 17%
  5. Briar Cliff University
    6. 19%
  6. Buena Vista University
    7. 19%
  7. Mount Mercy University
    8. 19%
  8. William Penn University
    9. 20%
  9. Grand View University
    10. 21%
  10. St. Ambrose University
    11. 22%
  1. Grinnell College
    2. 11%
  2. William Penn University
    3. 58%
  3. Upper Iowa University
    4. 65%
  4. Buena Vista University
    5. 66%
  5. Graceland University
    6. 67%
  6. Drake University
    7. 69%
  7. Waldorf University
    8. 72%
  8. Loras College
    9. 72%
  9. St. Ambrose University
    10. 72%
  10. Dordt University
    11. 73%
  1. Grinnell College
    2. 8 to 1
  2. Clarke University
    3. 8 to 1
  3. Buena Vista University
    4. 10 to 1
  4. Drake University
    5. 10 to 1
  5. Luther College
    6. 11 to 1
  6. Simpson College
    7. 11 to 1
  7. Briar Cliff University
    8. 11 to 1
  8. Northwestern College
    9. 11 to 1
  9. Upper Iowa University
    10. 11 to 1
  10. Coe College
    11. 12 to 1
  1. University of Northern Iowa
    2. $7,780
  2. Iowa State University
    3. $8,324
  3. University of Iowa
    4. $8,356
  4. Maharishi International University
    5. $16,530
  5. Waldorf University
    6. $23,666
  6. William Penn University
    7. $27,200
  7. Grand View University
    8. $30,864
  8. Graceland University
    9. $31,920
  9. St. Ambrose University
    10. $33,570
  10. Northwestern College
    11. $33,590
  1. Waldorf University
    2. $4,800
  2. Northwestern College
    3. $6,120
  3. Iowa Wesleyan University
    4. $6,300
  4. Morningside University
    5. $6,516
  5. Simpson College
    6. $6,526
  6. University of Dubuque
    7. $6,960
  7. Grand View University
    8. $9,270
  8. University of Northern Iowa
    9. $9,296
  9. Briar Cliff University
    10. $9,450
  10. Dordt University
    11. $9,750

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.

Iowa’s largest public university, Iowa State University, serves over 30,000 students and offers extra flexibility for both undergraduate and graduate students through a selection of online degree programs in more than 50 academic fields including business administration, psychology, computer science, and more.

The University of Iowa-home of the Hawkeyes-is also home to some of the nation’s top programs in literature, philosophy, and law. The University of Iowa has also been at the forefront of higher education, starting the nation’s first co-educational medical school, as well as being the first public school to grant a law degree to a woman, Mary B. Hickey Wilkinson, in 1873.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

For prospective students hoping to obtain their degrees at a smaller school, Iowa offers over 40 options to choose from. For a more affordable option, students can pay $4,000 per year for tuition at Indian Hills Community College. Like most community colleges in Georgia, Indian Hills also offers an array of online programs.

At the other end of the spectrum, students will pay up to $52,000 for an academic year at Grinnell College. Furthermore, nearly half of the schools in Iowa are religiously affiliated.

Iowa is often recognized for its agriculture as it produces the most pork and corn in the nation. Equally noteworthy is Iowa’s wealth of one-of-a-kind roadside attractions. From the largest wooden nickel, to the crookedest street, to the Grotto of Redemption, The Hawkeye State is full of wonders. Students in search of curiosities and oddities while earning a degree can attend one of Iowa’s public or private colleges.

Whether you’re looking to earn your associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, Iowa offers a wealth of on-campus and online learning options. Discover more about Iowa’s top brick-and-mortar and online programs as well as top career paths in the state of Iowa.


What are Iowa’s Colleges & Universities?

Iowa’s Best Overall

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

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We’ve identified 27 colleges and universities in Iowa that meet our criteria. This list of the top 30 colleges in Iowa below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in Iowa.

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Best Colleges in Iowa 2022

  1. #1

    University of Iowa

    Iowa City , IA
    #5 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #14 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2023 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Iowa 2023 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1210/25

    What is University of Iowa known for?

    University of Iowa’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Iowa’s Online Degrees

    BA in Applied Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Creative Writing
    • Human Relations
    • Justice Studies
    • Political Science
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Enterprise Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120-136
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Expression in Writing and Arts
    • Global Studies
    • Family
    • Community
    • and Social Support
    • Health and Human Studies
    • Justice and Ethics
    • Organizational Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 32
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Radiation Sciences
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 121-132
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  2. #2

    Iowa State University

    Ames , IA
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Iowa 2023 #2 Best Grad Schools Iowa 2023 #2 Best Public Colleges in Iowa 2023 #2 Best Research Universities in Iowa 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    28K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1160/24

    What is Iowa State University known for?

    Iowa State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Iowa State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Early childcare education and programming
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  4. #4

    Drake University

    Des Moines , IA
    #2 Best Small Colleges in Iowa 2023 #2 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2023 #3 Best Grad Schools Iowa 2023 #3 Best Research Universities in Iowa 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/26

    What is Drake University known for?

    Drake University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Drake University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Journalism and Mass Communication
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  5. #5

    University of Northern Iowa

    Cedar Falls , IA
    #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2023 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Iowa 2023 #3 Best Public Colleges in Iowa 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1130/23

    What is University of Northern Iowa known for?

    University of Northern Iowa’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Northern Iowa’s Online Degrees

    BAS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Elementary Education
    • Required Credits: 48-53
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BA in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  7. #6

    Cornell College

    Mount Vernon , IA
    #1 Best Christian Colleges in Iowa 2023 #3 Best Small Colleges in Iowa 2023 #3 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2023 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1174/26

    What is Cornell College known for?

    Cornell College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Cornell College’s Online Degrees

    BFA/MFA in Fine Arts
    Degree Concentrations
    • Creative Writing Low-Residency
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
  10. #9

    Upper Iowa University

    Fayette , IA
    #6 Best Small Colleges in Iowa 2023 #6 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2023 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    953/20

    What is Upper Iowa University known for?

    Upper Iowa University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Upper Iowa University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Communication Studies
    • Mass Media
    • and Sports Communication
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    Degree Concentrations
    • Homeland Security
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency and Disaster Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • General Business
    • Global
    • Health Services Administration
    • Human Resource Management
    • Marketing
    • Sports Administration
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Systems
    Degree Concentrations
    • Information Systems and Security and Integration (ISSI)
    • and Information Systems and Technology Management (ISTM)
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Financial Management
    • Accounting
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • General
    • Emergency Management
    • Fire Science or Law Enforcement
    • Policy and Politics
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Information Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Cyber Security and Computer Forensics (SEC)
    • and Network Management (NET)
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • General Social Science
    • History
    • Political Science
    • Psychology
    • Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  13. #11

    Graceland University

    Lamoni , IA
    #5 Best Christian Colleges in Iowa 2023 #8 Best Small Colleges in Iowa 2023 #8 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2023 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1000/20

    What is Graceland University known for?

    Graceland University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Graceland University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 141
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 62
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 108
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  14. #12

    Grand View University

    Des Moines , IA
    #6 Best Christian Colleges in Iowa 2023 #9 Best Small Colleges in Iowa 2023 #9 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2023 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1015/20

    What is Grand View University known for?

    Grand View University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Grand View University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 65-66
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Finance
    • Human Resource Management
    • Management
    • Required Credits: 48-50
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 53
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 26
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Arts
    • Required Credits: 42
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 58
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  15. #13

    Iowa Wesleyan University

    Mount Pleasant , IA
    #7 Best Christian Colleges in Iowa 2023 #10 Best Small Colleges in Iowa 2023 #10 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2023 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    23%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    920/18

    What is Iowa Wesleyan University known for?

    Iowa Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Iowa Wesleyan University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Criminal Justice
    Degree Concentrations
    • General
    • Cybersecurity
    • Homeland Security
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • Agribusiness
    • Applied Science
    • Criminal Justice
    • Health Care Management
    • Human Resource Management
    • Human Services
    • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
    • Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  16. #14

    Wartburg College

    Waverly , IA
    #8 Best Christian Colleges in Iowa 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/22

    What is Wartburg College known for?

    Wartburg College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  17. #15

    Briar Cliff University

    Sioux City , IA
    #9 Best Christian Colleges in Iowa 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is Briar Cliff University known for?

    Briar Cliff University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Briar Cliff University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Sciences
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 30-34
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Operations Management
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  20. #17

    St. Ambrose University

    Davenport , IA
    #4 Best Grad Schools Iowa 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1075/22

    What is St. Ambrose University known for?

    St. Ambrose University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    St. Ambrose University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Applied Management Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting Management
    • Cybersecurity Management
    • Human Resources Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  21. #18

    Simpson College

    Indianola , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/23

    What is Simpson College known for?

    Simpson College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Simpson College’s Online Degrees

    BA in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BA in Computer Information System
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BA in Human Services
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BA in Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Management Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  22. #19

    Clarke University

    Dubuque , IA
    #8 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2023 #4 Best Research Universities in Iowa 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1022/22

    What is Clarke University known for?

    Clarke University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Clarke University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 31
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  23. #20

    Buena Vista University

    Storm Lake , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    2K

    What is Buena Vista University known for?

    Buena Vista University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  25. #21

    Waldorf University

    Forest City , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $24K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1015/19

    What is Waldorf University known for?

    Waldorf University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Waldorf University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Criminal Justice
    Degree Concentrations
    • Forensic Mental Health
    • Forensic Psychology
    • Homeland Security
    • Public Relations
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communications
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Communications
    • Finance
    • Health Care Management
    • Human Resource Management
    • Industrial Organizational Psychology
    • Management
    • Project Management
    • Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Occupational Safety
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Fire Science Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Leadership
    Degree Concentrations
    • Global Leadership
    • Diversity and Inclusion
    • Health Care Management
    • Leadership Communication
    • Occupational Safety and Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Homeland Security
    Degree Concentrations
    • Criminal Justice
    • Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Public Relations
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Communications
    • Criminal Justice
    • Fire Science
    • Health Care Management
    • Occupational Safety and Health
    • Sport Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  26. #22

    Mount Mercy University

    Cedar Rapids , IA
    #5 Best Grad Schools Iowa 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    1K

    What is Mount Mercy University known for?

    Mount Mercy University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Mount Mercy University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Applied Management
    • Required Credits: 34
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BA in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 58-61.5
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • Finance
    • Marketing
    • Management
    • Human Resource Management
    • Sport Management
    • Required Credits: 34-36
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Religious Studies
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  27. #23

    Maharishi International University

    Fairfield , IA
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Iowa 2023 #6 Best Grad Schools Iowa 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    2K

    What is Maharishi International University known for?

    Maharishi International University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Maharishi International University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Ayurveda Wellness & Integrative Health
    • Required Credits: 50
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Applied Arts & Sciences
    Degree Concentrations
    • Consciousness and Human Potential
    • Sustainable and Regenerative Living
    • Cinematic Arts and New Media
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Cinematic Arts & New Media
    • Required Credits: 40
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  28. #24

    William Penn University

    Oskaloosa , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    1K

    What is William Penn University known for?

    William Penn University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    William Penn University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Human Services
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Elementary Education
    • Required Credits: 86
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business Management
    • Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
    • General Accounting
    • Public Accounting
    • Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  29. #25

    Dordt University

    Sioux Center , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1171/25

    What is Dordt University known for?

    Dordt University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  31. #26

    Northwestern College

    Orange City , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/23

    What is Northwestern College known for?

    Northwestern College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Northwestern College ’s Online Degrees

    BA in Early Childhood
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  32. #27

    Morningside University

    Sioux City , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    2K

    What is Morningside University known for?

    Morningside University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Morningside University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 88-92
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Management
    • Required Credits: 50
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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Iowa’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

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2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. Grinnell College
  2. Clarke University
  3. University of Iowa
  4. Drake University
  5. Iowa State University
  6. Cornell College
  7. Graceland University
  8. Wartburg College
  9. Coe College
  10. Maharishi International University
  11. Loras College
  12. Morningside University
  13. Luther College
  14. University of Northern Iowa
  15. Dordt University
  16. Northwestern College
  17. Mount Mercy University
  18. University of Dubuque
  19. Simpson College
  20. Buena Vista University
  21. Grand View University
  22. St. Ambrose University
  23. Upper Iowa University
  24. Briar Cliff University
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