Best Small Colleges in Iowa 2025

Badge for BEST IN IOWA SMALL COLLEGES

Small colleges in Iowa are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.

Key Takeaways

  • Many of Iowa’s small colleges emphasize community service and leadership development, encouraging students to participate in local projects and internships that create real-world impact.
  • These colleges offer small class sizes and close student-faculty relationships, allowing for individualized attention and mentoring, fostering a more personalized and supportive academic environment.
  • These institutions provide a welcoming and close-knit community where students can easily engage in various clubs, organizations, and campus activities, creating a strong sense of belonging and camaraderie.

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best public colleges in Florida saw a fair amount of movement. Maharishi International University gained the most ranking positions as a result of the school developing its Sustainable Living Program, with new eco-friendly infrastructure, including green buildings powered by renewable energy and organic farming projects integrated into the curriculum. The university has also enhanced its Consciousness-Based Education model by offering more personalized learning pathways that integrate meditation and mindfulness practices with academic studies.

Additionally, MIU has launched new online learning platforms, allowing students to engage in remote learning while still participating in the university’s holistic educational philosophy. These updates reflect MIU’s commitment to sustainability, wellness, and innovative learning.

The following list of the best small colleges and universities in Iowa is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 24 small colleges in Iowa. The list below of the best small colleges in Iowa. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.

Best Small Colleges in Iowa

  1. #1

    Grinnell College

    Grinnell , IA

    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: $64,862
    Expenses: $18,628
    Starting Salary: $61,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #2

    Drake University

    Des Moines , IA

    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: $49,944
    Expenses: $17,136
    Starting Salary: $68,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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

    Coe College

    Cedar Rapids , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $51K

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Coe College

    Cost of Degree: $52,576
    Expenses: $15,136
    Starting Salary: $50,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. 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
  5. #5

    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: $50,634
    Expenses: $15,718
    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
  6. #6

    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: $50,320
    Expenses: $15,235
    Starting Salary: $53,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. #7

    Loras College

    Dubuque , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Loras College

    Cost of Degree: $38,298
    Expenses: $12,543
    Starting Salary: $50,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Graceland University

    Cost of Degree: $33,646
    Expenses: $15,240
    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
  9. #9

    Upper Iowa University

    Fayette , IA

    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: $19,000
    Expenses: $15,022
    Starting Salary: $45,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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
  10. #10

    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: $51,040
    Expenses: $13,462
    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. #11

    Simpson College

    Indianola , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Simpson College

    Cost of Degree: $46,212
    Expenses: $15,352
    Starting Salary: $51,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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
  12. #12

    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: $39,600
    Expenses: $15,888
    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
  13. #13

    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: $38,190
    Expenses: $15,480
    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
  14. #14

    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: $40,065
    Expenses: $14,370
    Starting Salary: $42,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 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

  15. #15

    St. Ambrose University

    Davenport , IA

    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: $35,598
    Expenses: $17,206
    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
  16. #16

    Iowa Wesleyan University

    Mount Pleasant , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    30%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    920/19

    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
  17. #17

    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: $34,727
    Expenses: $16,308
    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
  18. #18

    Grand View University

    Des Moines , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Grand View University

    Cost of Degree: $33,450
    Expenses: $18,426
    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
  19. #19

    Mount Mercy University

    Cedar Rapids , IA

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Mount Mercy University

    Cost of Degree: $39,070
    Expenses: $16,930
    Starting Salary: $48,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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
  20. #20

    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: $40,190
    Expenses: $14,589
    Starting Salary: $42,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 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

  21. #21

    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: $25,220
    Expenses: $14,746
    Starting Salary: $42,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
  22. #22

    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: $28,750
    Expenses: $15,050
    Starting Salary: $46,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
  23. #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: $35,300
    Expenses: $15,000
    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
  24. #24

    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: $35,960
    Expenses: $15,940
    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
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Iowa’s Best Small College in Your Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 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

Many states have great small colleges. If you’re interested in looking into what other states have to offer, check out the best small colleges in Delaware and Tennessee.

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