Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2024

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Private colleges, unlike large public institutions, can be a great option for students wanting a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Here is our list of the best private colleges in Iowa.

10 Best Private Colleges in Iowa

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  1. Grinnell College
  2. Drake University
  3. Cornell College
  4. Luther College
  5. Loras College
  6. Upper Iowa University
  7. Coe College
  8. Graceland University
  9. Grand View University
  10. Iowa Wesleyan University
  1. Grinnell College
  2. Drake University
  3. Coe College
  4. Maharishi International University
  5. Cornell College
  6. Upper Iowa University
  7. Luther College
  8. Loras College
  9. Graceland University
  10. Clarke University
  1. Grand View University 98%
  2. Wartburg College 97%
  3. Maharishi International University 93%
  4. Loras College 90%
  5. Simpson College 89%
  6. Dordt University 88%
  7. Northwestern College 87%
  8. Clarke University 85%
  9. University of Dubuque 85%
  10. Iowa Wesleyan University 81%
  1. Waldorf University 24 to 1
  2. William Penn University 18 to 1
  3. Northwestern College 15 to 1
  4. Dordt University 14 to 1
  5. Morningside University 13 to 1
  6. Maharishi International University 13 to 1
  7. Cornell College 13 to 1
  8. Iowa Wesleyan University 13 to 1
  9. Graceland University 13 to 1
  10. Mount Mercy University 13 to 1
  1. Grinnell College $61,480
  2. Coe College $50,664
  3. Wartburg College $49,190
  4. Cornell College $49,158
  5. Luther College $48,160
  6. Drake University $47,742
  7. Simpson College $45,108
  8. Buena Vista University $38,644
  9. University of Dubuque $38,526
  10. Clarke University $38,060
  1. Maharishi International University $29,000
  2. St. Ambrose University $19,040
  3. Upper Iowa University $18,870
  4. Cornell College $14,850
  5. Wartburg College $13,800
  6. Loras College $13,410
  7. Clarke University $12,868
  8. Drake University $11,878
  9. Graceland University $11,688
  10. Mount Mercy University $11,106
  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. Upper Iowa University 54%
  3. William Penn University 58%
  4. Drake University 67%
  5. Morningside University 71%
  6. Waldorf University 74%
  7. St. Ambrose University 74%
  8. Graceland University 74%
  9. Mount Mercy University 75%
  10. Luther College 75%
  1. University of Dubuque 9 to 1
  2. Grinnell College 9 to 1
  3. Clarke University 9 to 1
  4. Coe College 10 to 1
  5. Simpson College 10 to 1
  6. Drake University 10 to 1
  7. Luther College 11 to 1
  8. Buena Vista University 12 to 1
  9. Grand View University 12 to 1
  10. Briar Cliff University 12 to 1
  1. Maharishi International University $16,530
  2. Waldorf University $24,526
  3. William Penn University $27,800
  4. Graceland University $31,970
  5. Grand View University $32,068
  6. Upper Iowa University $33,639
  7. Northwestern College $34,250
  8. Briar Cliff University $34,498
  9. St. Ambrose University $34,570
  10. Dordt University $34,600
  1. Waldorf University $5,040
  2. Northwestern College $6,120
  3. Iowa Wesleyan University $6,420
  4. Simpson College $6,526
  5. University of Dubuque $7,440
  6. Briar Cliff University $8,474
  7. Grand View University $8,730
  8. Dordt University $9,360
  9. Buena Vista University $9,936
  10. William Penn University $10,500

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

What is the difference between public and private colleges?

Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.

Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.

Iowa's Best Private Colleges and Universities Badge
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This list is composed entirely of private colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 24 private universities in Iowa. To be included in the list below of the best private universities in Iowa, schools must be fully accredited, private, non-profit institution, and must offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.

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Best Private Colleges in Iowa

  1. #1

    Grinnell College

    Grinnell , IA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1455/32

    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
  2. #2

    Drake University

    Des Moines , IA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/27

    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
  3. #3

    Cornell College

    Mount Vernon , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1275/26

    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
  4. #4

    Luther College

    Decorah , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1202/25

    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
  5. #6

    Upper Iowa University

    Fayette , IA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    54%

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    970/21

    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
  6. #7

    Coe College

    Cedar Rapids , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $51K

    Graduation

    65%

    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
  7. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    2K

    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
  8. #9

    Grand View University

    Des Moines , IA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    2K

    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
  9. #10

    Iowa Wesleyan University

    Mount Pleasant , IA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    30%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    920/19

    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
  10. #11

    Wartburg College

    Waverly , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1045/22

    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

  11. #12

    Briar Cliff University

    Sioux City , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Graduation

    43%

    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
  12. #13

    University of Dubuque

    Dubuque , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    2K

    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

  13. #14

    St. Ambrose University

    Davenport , IA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1130/23

    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
  14. #15

    Simpson College

    Indianola , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    1K

    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
  15. #16

    Clarke University

    Dubuque , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1040/20

    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
  16. #17

    Buena Vista University

    Storm Lake , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1030/22

    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

  17. #18

    Waldorf University

    Forest City , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $25K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    26%

    Student body

    4K

    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
  18. #19

    Mount Mercy University

    Cedar Rapids , IA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    57%

    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
  19. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    50%

    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
  20. #21

    William Penn University

    Oskaloosa , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    30%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    965/18

    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
  21. #22

    Dordt University

    Sioux Center , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/24

    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
  22. #23

    Northwestern College

    Orange City , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    2K

    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
  23. #24

    Morningside University

    Sioux City , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    56%

    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
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Iowa’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area 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. Drake University
  4. Cornell College
  5. Graceland University
  6. Wartburg College
  7. Coe College
  8. Maharishi International University
  9. Loras College
  10. Morningside University
  11. Luther College
  12. Dordt University
  13. Northwestern College
  14. Mount Mercy University
  15. University of Dubuque
  16. Simpson College
  17. Buena Vista University
  18. Grand View University
  19. St. Ambrose University
  20. Upper Iowa University
  21. Briar Cliff University

Check out our directory of private colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top private schools in every state.

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