Best Colleges in Iowa
Earning a college degree provides graduates with a number of benefits. Higher education promotes critical thinking, enhances communication skills, and often exposes students to diverse communities and perspectives they might not otherwise encounter. Perhaps most significantly, data suggests that earning a college degree can dramatically increase employability and earning potential over the course of your lifetime.
Related Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Colleges in Iowa
- In-State$60,988
- Out-of-state$60,988
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate11%
- Students Enrolled1,759
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$8,982
- Out-of-state$26,168
- In-State$10,572
- Out-of-state$26,776
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled30,177
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
Allen College
Waterloo, IA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$19,236
- Out-of-state$19,236
- In-State$18,400
- Out-of-state$18,400
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled497
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment82%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$8,396
- Out-of-state$19,940
- In-State$9,691
- Out-of-state$20,774
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled9,021
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$10,964
- Out-of-state$32,927
- In-State$10,875
- Out-of-state$29,822
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled30,042
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
St Luke's College
- Sioux City, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$19,440
- Out-of-state$19,440
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate100%
- Acceptance Rate23%
- Students Enrolled196
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$50,314
- Out-of-state$50,314
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate72%
- Students Enrolled1,264
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment0%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$47,510
- Out-of-state$47,510
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled1,610
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment6%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$47,564
- Out-of-state$47,564
- In-State$11,878
- Out-of-state$11,878
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate65%
- Students Enrolled4,504
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment35%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$48,514
- Out-of-state$48,514
- In-State$14,850
- Out-of-state$14,850
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled1,074
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment1%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2020. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.
Generally, low unemployment rates make it easier for job seekers to find work. This is good news for college graduates in the Hawkeye State. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Iowa boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation — 2.6% as of October 2019. According to the state agency Iowa Workforce Development, occupational fields with particularly high projected growth rates between 2016 and 2026 include office and administrative support, sales, management, and education/library services.
If you’re ready to begin your college journey, the following list of the 25 top colleges in Iowa is a great place to start. Our ranking provides you with notable information about several key elements of the college experience, such as admissions, academic offerings, student life, and campus culture.
Explore More College Resources
How to Choose Your College Class Schedule
Learn how to create the best class schedule each semester by considering important academic and nonacademic factors.
by Steve Bailey
Updated March 22, 2023
Full-Time vs. Part-Time Student: What’s the Difference?
Discover the challenges and opportunities full-time vs. part-time students face and get tips on which college experience is right for you.
by Marisa Upson
Updated October 12, 2023
Summer Semester: When Does It Start? And Should You Enroll?
School’s out — or, rather, in — for summer. Discover the pros and cons of enrolling in an optional summer semester in college.
by Anne Dennon
Updated March 20, 2023