2026 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa

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The two-year student loan default rate measures how many graduates from the institution go into default on their student loans with two years of graduation. This is a complicated metric with many factors, but in general colleges and universities with high student loan default rates may indicate that students have trouble finding employment or well-paying jobs after college. This may mean that the institution has a less-established reputation with employers or that it graduates a higher percentage of students with degrees in lower-wage fields of study.

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Rank	Institution	Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year)	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Emmaus Bible College	0	97.7	970 – 1,240	14393	34653	#1 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa Emmaus Bible College Dubuque, IA Found in Dubuque, Emmaus Bible College’s acceptance rate is 98% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 98% of students attending Emmaus Bible College will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The school’s first year retention rate is 57% and 52% of......Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) -- Acceptance Rate 97.7% SAT Score 970 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $14,393 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,653
2	Dordt University	0.5	71.16	1,070 – 1,330	27925	50551	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa Dordt University Sioux Center, IA Found in Sioux Center, Dordt University accepted 71% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 99% of students at Dordt University will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 0.5 % Acceptance Rate 71.2% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,330 Avg. Net Price $27,925 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,551
3	Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary	0.9	49.68	1,030 – 1,220	18288	33372	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary Ankeny, IA Based in Ankeny, Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary accepts 50% of applicants. They request $45 for undergraduate applications and $45 for graduate applications. Approximately 100% of students attending Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary currently receive institutional grant aid. At Faith......Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 0.9 % Acceptance Rate 49.7% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $18,288 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,372
4	Allen College	1.6	100	1,040 – 1,210	0	65078	#4 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa Allen College Waterloo, IA Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 1.6 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $65,078
5	Northwestern College	1.6	80.35	1,040 – 1,210	24737	46731	#5 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa Northwestern College Orange City, IA Many students - 620 to be exact - participate in sports at Northwestern College. They’re known as the Red Raiders and compete in the NAIA Division II Great Plains Athletic Conference. In the classroom, NWC has 34 majors and programs to choose from. Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 1.6 % Acceptance Rate 80.4% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $24,737 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,731
6	Grinnell College	1.7	14.51	1,410 – 1,530	33446	49004	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa Grinnell College Grinnell, IA The most popular majors at Grinnell College include Computer Science, Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Biology/Biological Sciences, and General. Part of the Midwest Conference and NCAA Division III with football, the Pioneers, wearing scarlet and black, have a wide variety of sports to choose from, such as Football,......Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 1.7 % Acceptance Rate 14.5% SAT Score 1,410 – 1,530 Avg. Net Price $33,446 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,004
7	Drake University	1.8	63.85	1,110 – 1,350	30886	58233	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa Drake University Des Moines, IA Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 1.8 % Acceptance Rate 63.9% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $30,886 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $58,233
8	Simpson College	2.1	88.88	1,400 – 1,460	23637	49946	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa Simpson College Indianola, IA Simpson College is non selective. 100% receive grant aid, $35,240 on average. Attending students enjoy an 11 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, and many go on to major in Health and Wellness, General....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 2.1 % Acceptance Rate 88.9% SAT Score 1,400 – 1,460 Avg. Net Price $23,637 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,946
9	Morningside University	2.4	70.57	1,040 – 1,210	23482	47687	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa Morningside University Sioux City, IA Located in Sioux City, Morningside University accepted 71% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 100% of students at Morningside University will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. The college’s......Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 2.4 % Acceptance Rate 70.6% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $23,482 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,687
10	Wartburg College	2.4	99.41	1,010 – 1,200	23321	48795	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa Wartburg College Waverly, IA Business/Commerce, General, Biology/Biological Sciences, General, and Elementary Education and Teaching are popular majors at Wartburg College, whose motto is “Experience more.” The school was founded in 1852, and it moved several times between Illinois and Iowa....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 2.4 % Acceptance Rate 99.4% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $23,321 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,795
11	Cornell College	2.9	80.66	1,140 – 1,350	25850	39299	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa Cornell College Mount Vernon, IA Students at Cornell College follow a “block plan,” where they attend one course at a time over a few weeks. In a year, students can expect to finish eight blocks, or courses. Classes tend to be smaller, with a 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. King Chapel on campus is home to an over 3,000-piped organ. Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 2.9 % Acceptance Rate 80.7% SAT Score 1,140 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $25,850 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,299
12	Maharishi International University	2.9	96.9	960 – 1,220	18875	26468	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa Maharishi International University Fairfield, IA Found in Fairfield, Maharishi International University accepted 97% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $20 for undergraduate applications. About 90% of students at Maharishi International University currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 2.9 % Acceptance Rate 96.9% SAT Score 960 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $18,875 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $26,468
13	Luther College	3	84.02	1,100 – 1,370	24790	49541	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa Luther College Decorah, IA Luther College started as a Lutheran seminary opened by Norwegian immigrants. The upper campus is on the National Register of Historic Places, while the Upper Iowa River flows through the lower campus. Biology/Biological Sciences, General is a popular area of study, and the school has a first year retention rate of 77%. Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 3.0 % Acceptance Rate 84.0% SAT Score 1,100 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $24,790 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,541
14	University of Iowa	3.3	83.62	1,100 – 1,320	20121	52696	#14 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa University of Iowa Iowa City, IA Found in Iowa City, the University of Iowa accepted 84% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $55 for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. About 70% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 3.3 % Acceptance Rate 83.6% SAT Score 1,100 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $20,121 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,696
15	Central College	3.6	86.17	1,040 – 1,240	22499	49115	#15 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa Central College Pella, IA Located in Pella, Central College accepts 86% of applicants. They require $25 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of students at Central College will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 3.6 % Acceptance Rate 86.2% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $22,499 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,115
16	Coe College	3.6	64.04	1,090 – 1,330	20940	47136	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa Coe College Cedar Rapids, IA Located in Cedar Rapids, Coe College accepts 64% of applicants and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. The first year retention rate is 72%....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 3.6 % Acceptance Rate 64.0% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,330 Avg. Net Price $20,940 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,136
17	Iowa State University	3.8	88.66	1,090 – 1,330	17354	53873	#17 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa Iowa State University Ames, IA Iowa State University's full name is Iowa State University of Science and Technology. The school has an 18 to 1 student to faculty ratio, 87% first year retention rate, and 51% 4-year graduation rate....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 3.8 % Acceptance Rate 88.7% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,330 Avg. Net Price $17,354 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,873
18	Mount Mercy University	3.8	78.76	970 – 1,180	23972	52871	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa Mount Mercy University Cedar Rapids, IA Located in Cedar Rapids, Mount Mercy University’s acceptance rate is 79% and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . About 100% of students at Mount Mercy University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At Mount Mercy University, there is a 74% first year retention......Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 3.8 % Acceptance Rate 78.8% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $23,972 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,871
19	University of Northern Iowa	4.5	87.13	1,010 – 1,220	15931	47222	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, IA Based in Cedar Falls, the University of Northern Iowa’s acceptance rate is 87% and charges $40 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 73% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. At the University of Northern Iowa, there is a 81% first year retention rate and around 44% of undergraduates will earn......Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 4.5 % Acceptance Rate 87.1% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $15,931 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,222
20	Loras College	4.7	18.54	1,020 – 1,200	22338	46069	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa Loras College Dubuque, IA Loras College offers up to a Master's degree, with 33 programs to choose from. Business Administration and Management, General is a top choice. The private school also has an 11 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 82% first year retention rate....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 4.7 % Acceptance Rate 18.5% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $22,338 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,069
21	St Luke's College	4.8	44.44	930 – 1,110	12771	54850	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa St Luke's College Sioux City, IA Located in Sioux City, St Luke's College’s acceptance rate is 44% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 100% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 4.8 % Acceptance Rate 44.4% SAT Score 930 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $12,771 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,850
22	Buena Vista University	5.2	77.61	1,010 – 1,240	18156	43572	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa Buena Vista University Storm Lake, IA Buena Vista University has a 13 to 1 student to faculty ratio, 77% first year retention rate, and 56% 4-year graduation rate. Every year BVU students volunteer at Buenafication Day, the school's annual day of community service. Popular majors among students include Elementary Education and Teaching, Human Services, and General. Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 5.2 % Acceptance Rate 77.6% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $18,156 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,572
23	Mercy College of Health Sciences	5.4	98.78	1,010 – 1,180	24881	53375	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa Mercy College of Health Sciences Des Moines, IA Located in Des Moines, Mercy College of Health Sciences accepted 99% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. About 31% of students at Mercy College of Health Sciences currently receive institutional grant aid......Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 5.4 % Acceptance Rate 98.8% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $24,881 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,375
24	Saint Ambrose University	5.5	77.33	980 – 1,190	23578	51616	#24 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa Saint Ambrose University Davenport, IA St. Ambrose University got its start as a school of commerce for men. Today, the most popular majors are Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Business Administration and Management, and General. It’s a private Catholic institution with an 11 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. The school motto is “Faith Learning Justice.” Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 5.5 % Acceptance Rate 77.3% SAT Score 980 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $23,578 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,616
25	Briar Cliff University	5.7	59.83	970 – 1,180	23292	48338	#25 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa Briar Cliff University Sioux City, IA Briar Cliff University has a 13 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 78% first year retention rate. 98% of students typically receive around $26,325 to help offset the cost of college. Briar Cliff is a NAIA Division II school, and the average athletic scholarship for 410 Chargers is $11,290. Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 5.7 % Acceptance Rate 59.8% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $23,292 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,338
26	Clarke University	5.8	68.16	970 – 1,150	25692	49157	#26 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa Clarke University Dubuque, IA Found in Dubuque, Clarke University’s acceptance rate is 68%. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. About 100% of students at Clarke University currently receive grant aid from the school. On average, these students are given $23,601 each. The first year retention rate is 72%....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 5.8 % Acceptance Rate 68.2% SAT Score 970 – 1,150 Avg. Net Price $25,692 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,157
27	Upper Iowa University	6.3	93.38	960 – 1,130	22427	48776	#27 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa Upper Iowa University Fayette, IA Based in Fayette, Upper Iowa University accepts 93% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. About 94% of students at Upper Iowa University will receive institutional grant aid. The institution’s first year retention rate is 55% and its four year graduation rate is......Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 6.3 % Acceptance Rate 93.4% SAT Score 960 – 1,130 Avg. Net Price $22,427 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,776
28	Grand View University	7.3	98.43	930 – 1,140	22296	47582	#28 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa Grand View University Des Moines, IA Based in Des Moines, Grand View University’s acceptance rate is 98%. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 99% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. The school’s first year retention rate is 68% and 39% of students will graduate in four years. The common majors among......Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 7.3 % Acceptance Rate 98.4% SAT Score 930 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $22,296 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,582
29	Graceland University-Lamoni	7.5	80.83	920 – 1,140	16632	40792	#29 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa Graceland University-Lamoni Lamoni, IA Located in Lamoni, Graceland University-Lamoni accepted 81% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 100% of students at Graceland University-Lamoni will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. 56%......Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 7.5 % Acceptance Rate 80.8% SAT Score 920 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $16,632 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,792
30	University of Dubuque	8	88.63	950 – 1,200	25216	44960	#30 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa University of Dubuque Dubuque, IA Located in Dubuque, the University of Dubuque’s acceptance rate is 89% and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and $25 for graduate applications. Approximately 98% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 8.0 % Acceptance Rate 88.6% SAT Score 950 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $25,216 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,960
31	Waldorf University	8.8	72.6	970 – 1,110	21510	50515	#31 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa Waldorf University Forest City, IA Based in Forest City, Waldorf University accepted 73% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 90% of students attending Waldorf University will receive grant aid from the school. At Waldorf University, there is a 46% first year retention......Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 8.8 % Acceptance Rate 72.6% SAT Score 970 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $21,510 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,515
32	William Penn University	10.1	51.88	890 – 1,110	22361	40189	#32 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student Loan Default Rate in Iowa William Penn University Oskaloosa, IA Found in Oskaloosa, William Penn University’s acceptance rate is 52% and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 100% of students attending William Penn University will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Student Loan Default Rate (2 Year) 10.1 % Acceptance Rate 51.9% SAT Score 890 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $22,361 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,189