Best Colleges in Iowa 2024

Badge for BEST IN IOWA COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

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

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

Iowa's Best Colleges and Universities Badge
Download Badge

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.

Back to Top

Best Colleges in Iowa 2023

  1. #1

    University of Iowa

    Iowa City , IA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1210/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Iowa

    Cost of Degree: $10,353
    Expenses: $16,530
    Starting Salary: $62,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1160/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Iowa State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,133
    Expenses: $13,339
    Starting Salary: $56,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  3. #3

    Grinnell College

    Grinnell , IA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1445/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Grinnell College

    Cost of Degree: $61,480
    Expenses: $18,148
    Starting Salary: $61,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. #4

    Drake University

    Des Moines , IA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Drake University

    Cost of Degree: $47,742
    Expenses: $15,820
    Starting Salary: $68,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1130/23

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Northern Iowa

    Cost of Degree: $9,411
    Expenses: $12,577
    Starting Salary: $49,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  6. #6

    Cornell College

    Mount Vernon , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1174/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Cornell College

    Cost of Degree: $49,158
    Expenses: $15,578
    Starting Salary: $45,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  7. #7

    Luther College

    Decorah , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $47K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Luther College

    Cost of Degree: $48,160
    Expenses: $14,725
    Starting Salary: $53,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #9

    Upper Iowa University

    Fayette , IA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    953/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Upper Iowa University

    Cost of Degree: $33,639
    Expenses: $14,783
    Starting Salary: $45,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
  9. #10

    Coe College

    Cedar Rapids , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Coe College

    Cost of Degree: $50,664
    Expenses: $14,620
    Starting Salary: $50,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  10. #11

    Graceland University

    Lamoni , IA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1000/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Graceland University

    Cost of Degree: $31,970
    Expenses: $14,880
    Starting Salary: $40,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  11. #12

    Grand View University

    Des Moines , IA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1015/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Grand View University

    Cost of Degree: $32,158
    Expenses: $16,306
    Starting Salary: $45,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
  12. #13

    Iowa Wesleyan University

    Mount Pleasant , IA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    23%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    920/18

    Career Outlook for degree at Iowa Wesleyan University

    Cost of Degree: $34,700
    Starting Salary: $39,900
    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
  13. #14

    Wartburg College

    Waverly , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    70%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Wartburg College

    Cost of Degree: $49,190
    Expenses: $12,680
    Starting Salary: $50,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Wartburg College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  14. #15

    Briar Cliff University

    Sioux City , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Briar Cliff University

    Cost of Degree: $34,095
    Expenses: $15,512
    Starting Salary: $44,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
  15. #16

    University of Dubuque

    Dubuque , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    949/20

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Dubuque

    Cost of Degree: $38,526
    Expenses: $12,874
    Starting Salary: $42,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Dubuque known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  16. #17

    St. Ambrose University

    Davenport , IA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1075/22

    Career Outlook for degree at St. Ambrose University

    Cost of Degree: $34,570
    Expenses: $16,728
    Starting Salary: $50,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  17. #18

    Simpson College

    Indianola , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Simpson College

    Cost of Degree: $45,108
    Expenses: $14,038
    Starting Salary: $51,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  18. #19

    Clarke University

    Dubuque , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1022/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Clarke University

    Cost of Degree: $38,060
    Expenses: $15,572
    Starting Salary: $44,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Clarke University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 31
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  19. #20

    Buena Vista University

    Storm Lake , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Buena Vista University

    Cost of Degree: $38,644
    Expenses: $14,255
    Starting Salary: $42,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Buena Vista University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  20. #21

    Waldorf University

    Forest City , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $24K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1015/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Waldorf University

    Cost of Degree: $24,526
    Expenses: $13,650
    Starting Salary: $42,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
  21. #22

    Mount Mercy University

    Cedar Rapids , IA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Mount Mercy University

    Cost of Degree: $37,606
    Expenses: $16,060
    Starting Salary: $48,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Mount Mercy University known for?

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

    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
  22. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Maharishi International University

    Cost of Degree: $16,530
    Expenses: $12,200
    Starting Salary: $30,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Maharishi International University known for?

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

    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
  23. #24

    William Penn University

    Oskaloosa , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at William Penn University

    Cost of Degree: $27,800
    Expenses: $13,900
    Starting Salary: $46,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  24. #25

    Dordt University

    Sioux Center , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1171/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Dordt University

    Cost of Degree: $34,600
    Expenses: $15,500
    Starting Salary: $45,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
  25. #26

    Northwestern College

    Orange City , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Northwestern College

    Cost of Degree: $34,250
    Expenses: $14,550
    Starting Salary: $40,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
  26. #27

    Morningside University

    Sioux City , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Morningside University

    Cost of Degree: $36,610
    Expenses: $14,870
    Starting Salary: $47,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
Back to Top

Iowa’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

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
Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here