Best Small Colleges in Iowa 2025
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.
10 Best Small Colleges in Iowa in 2025
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 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2025 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Iowa 2024
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: $64,862Expenses: $18,628Starting Salary: $61,000Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Grinnell College known for?
Grinnell College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Literature
- Economics
- Physics
- Political Science
- Philosophy
- History
- Anthropology
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Iowa 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Iowa 2025 #4 Best Colleges in Iowa 2024
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: $49,944Expenses: $17,136Starting Salary: $68,700Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #1 Best Christian Colleges in Iowa 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2025 #7 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2024 #10 Best Colleges in Iowa 2024
Tuition + fees
$51K
Graduation
65%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Coe College
Cost of Degree: $52,576Expenses: $15,136Starting Salary: $50,000Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Coe College known for?
Coe College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Iowa 2025 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Iowa 2025 #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Iowa
Tuition + fees
$17K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
50%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Maharishi International University
Cost of Degree: $16,530Expenses: $12,200Starting Salary: $30,400Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Iowa 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2025 #6 Best Colleges in Iowa 2024
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: $50,634Expenses: $15,718Starting Salary: $45,400Cost Recoup Time: 20 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #3 Best Christian Colleges in Iowa 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2025 #7 Best Colleges in Iowa 2024
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: $50,320Expenses: $15,235Starting Salary: $53,200Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Luther College known for?
Luther College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- Anthropology
- Literature
- Communications
- History
- Mathematics
- Economics
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in Iowa 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2025
Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
68%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Loras College
Cost of Degree: $38,298Expenses: $12,543Starting Salary: $50,200Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Loras College known for?
Loras College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Religious Studies
- Chemistry
- Philosophy
- Education
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- Literature
- Communications
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in Iowa 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2025 #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
48%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Graceland University
Cost of Degree: $33,646Expenses: $15,240Starting Salary: $40,200Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Graceland University known for?
Graceland University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Sociology
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- History
- Business
- Economics
- Literature
- Education
- Communications
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
- #10 15 Best Self-Paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Iowa 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa 2025
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: $19,000Expenses: $15,022Starting Salary: $45,500Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Upper Iowa University known for?
Upper Iowa University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Computer Science
- Nursing
- Business
- Education
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Biology
- Literature
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
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: $51,040Expenses: $13,462Starting Salary: $50,600Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Wartburg College known for?
Wartburg College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Social Work
- Education
- Religious Studies
- History
- Sociology
- Communications
- Political Science
- Business
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Christian Colleges in Iowa 2024 #10 Best Online Master's Programs in Iowa 2024 #11 Best Online Colleges in Iowa 2024
Tuition + fees
$45K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
67%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Simpson College
Cost of Degree: $46,212Expenses: $15,352Starting Salary: $51,200Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Simpson College known for?
Simpson College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Biology
- Religious Studies
- History
- Literature
- Communications
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Social Work
- Education
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
- #8 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #4 Best Research Universities in Iowa 2025 #6 Best Christian Colleges in Iowa 2024 #5 Best Online Colleges in Iowa 2024
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: $39,600Expenses: $15,888Starting Salary: $44,800Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Clarke University known for?
Clarke University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Literature
- Communications
- Philosophy
- Mathematics
- Social Work
- History
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
Clarke University’s Online Degrees
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 31
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
56%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Morningside University
Cost of Degree: $38,190Expenses: $15,480Starting Salary: $47,900Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Morningside University known for?
Morningside University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Communications
- Sociology
- Nursing
- Religious Studies
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Engineering
- Biology
- Literature
- Criminal Justice
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
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
39%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Dubuque
Cost of Degree: $40,065Expenses: $14,370Starting Salary: $42,500Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Dubuque known for?
University of Dubuque’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- Literature
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- Mathematics
- Religious Studies
- Computer Science
- Medical
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Grad Schools in Iowa 2025 #9 Best Christian Colleges in Iowa 2024 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Iowa #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Iowa
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: $35,598Expenses: $17,206Starting Salary: $50,500Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is St. Ambrose University known for?
St. Ambrose University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Medical
- Engineering
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Nursing
- Business
- Literature
- Criminal Justice
- Political Science
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
- #10 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2024 #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Iowa #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Iowa 2024 #7 Best Online Bachelor’s in Agribusiness and Agriculture Degree Programs
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
- #13 Best Online Colleges in Iowa 2024 #23 Best Online Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
Tuition + fees
$34K
Graduation
43%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Briar Cliff University
Cost of Degree: $34,727Expenses: $16,308Starting Salary: $44,400Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Briar Cliff University known for?
Briar Cliff University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Social Work
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Sociology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Medical
- Communications
- Literature
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
- #9 Best Private Colleges in Iowa 2024 #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Iowa 2024 #9 Best Online Colleges in Iowa 2024
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
52%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Grand View University
Cost of Degree: $33,450Expenses: $18,426Starting Salary: $45,200Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Grand View University known for?
Grand View University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Nursing
- Criminal Justice
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Medical
- Literature
- Biology
- Political Science
- Computer Science
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
- #6 Best Grad Schools in Iowa 2025 #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024 #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Iowa #13 Best Online Master's Programs in Iowa 2024
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
57%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Mount Mercy University
Cost of Degree: $39,070Expenses: $16,930Starting Salary: $48,400Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #12 Best Online Master's Programs in Iowa 2024 #22 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
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: $40,190Expenses: $14,589Starting Salary: $42,600Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Buena Vista University known for?
Buena Vista University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Social Work
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Criminal Justice
- Literature
- Business
- History
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Iowa #17 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students #19 Best Online Colleges in Iowa 2024
Tuition + fees
$25K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
26%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Waldorf University
Cost of Degree: $25,220Expenses: $14,746Starting Salary: $42,400Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
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: $28,750Expenses: $15,050Starting Salary: $46,400Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is William Penn University known for?
William Penn University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- History
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Engineering
- Communications
- Biology
- Social Work
- Business
- Literature
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
- #8 Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Bachelor's (Online, On-Campus) 2025 #12 Best Online Colleges in Iowa 2024 #17 Best Online Master's Programs in Iowa 2024 #19 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2025
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
63%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Northwestern College
Cost of Degree: $35,300Expenses: $15,000Starting Salary: $40,200Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Northwestern College known for?
Northwestern College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Literature
- History
- Chemistry
- Social Work
- Biology
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Medical
- Political Science
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
- #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs #16 Best Online Colleges in Iowa 2024 #16 Best Online Master's Programs in Iowa 2024 #22 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2025
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: $35,960Expenses: $15,940Starting Salary: $45,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Dordt University known for?
Dordt University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Chemistry
- Social Work
- Literature
- Philosophy
- Biology
- Physics
- Earth Sciences
- Communications
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
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.
- Grinnell College
- Clarke University
- Drake University
- Cornell College
- Graceland University
- Wartburg College
- Coe College
- Maharishi International University
- Loras College
- Morningside University
- Luther College
- Dordt University
- Northwestern College
- Mount Mercy University
- University of Dubuque
- Simpson College
- Buena Vista University
- Grand View University
- St. Ambrose University
- Upper Iowa University
- 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.
