2026 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Iowa

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First-year retention rates measure the percentage of first-year students who come back to campus for a second year. This is an indicator of how happy students are generally with their decision to attend that institution as less students decide to drop out or transfer to another school.

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Rank	Institution	First Year Retention Rate	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Grinnell College	93	14.51	1,410 – 1,530	34363	49004	#1 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Iowa Grinnell College Grinnell, IA The most popular majors at Grinnell College include Computer Science, Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Political Science and Government, 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......Read more First Year Retention Rate 93 % Acceptance Rate 14.5% SAT Score 1,410 – 1,530 Avg. Net Price $34,363 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,004
2	University of Iowa	90	83.62	1,100 – 1,320	21765	52696	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention 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 $40 for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. About 72% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 90 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 83.6% SAT Score 1,100 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $21,765 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,696
3	Iowa State University	88	88.66	1,090 – 1,330	17779	53873	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention 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, 88% first year retention rate, and 52% 4-year graduation rate....Read more First Year Retention Rate 88 % Acceptance Rate 88.7% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,330 Avg. Net Price $17,779 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,873
4	Dordt University	85	68.47	1,080 – 1,340	28486	50551	#4 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Iowa Dordt University Sioux Center, IA Found in Sioux Center, Dordt University accepted 68% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 100% of students at Dordt University will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 85 % Acceptance Rate 68.5% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $28,486 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,551
5	Drake University	84	63.85	1,170 – 1,350	29565	58233	#5 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Iowa Drake University Des Moines, IA Located in Des Moines, Drake University accepted 64% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request unknown for undergraduate applications and $35 for graduate applications. About 100% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 84 % Acceptance Rate 63.9% SAT Score 1,170 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $29,565 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $58,233
6	Emmaus Bible College	83	59.79	1,090 – 1,360	15028	34653	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Iowa Emmaus Bible College Dubuque, IA Found in Dubuque, Emmaus Bible College’s acceptance rate is 60% and requests $25 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 100% 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 83% and 45% of......Read more First Year Retention Rate 83 % 18.6% Acceptance Rate 59.8% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,360 Avg. Net Price $15,028 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,653
7	Loras College	82	99.86	1,020 – 1,200	21631	46069	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Iowa Loras College Dubuque, IA Loras College offers up to a Master's degree, with 32 programs to choose from. Kinesiology and Exercise Science is a top choice. The private school also has an 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 82% first year retention rate. Founded in 1839, Loras College is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state. First Year Retention Rate 82 % 1.2% Acceptance Rate 99.9% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $21,631 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,069
8	University of Northern Iowa	82	92.74	1,010 – 1,250	16437	47222	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Iowa University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, IA Based in Cedar Falls, the University of Northern Iowa’s acceptance rate is 93% and charges $40 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 80% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. At the University of Northern Iowa, there is a 82% first year retention rate and around 43% of undergraduates will earn......Read more First Year Retention Rate 82 % 3.5% Acceptance Rate 92.7% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $16,437 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,222
9	Simpson College	81	86.22	1,400 – 1,460	23282	49946	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Iowa Simpson College Indianola, IA Simpson College is non selective. 100% receive grant aid, $37,896 on average. Attending students enjoy an 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, and many go on to major in Health and Wellness, General....Read more First Year Retention Rate 81 % 6.6% Acceptance Rate 86.2% SAT Score 1,400 – 1,460 Avg. Net Price $23,282 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,946
10	Central College	80	86.17	1,050 – 1,240	23848	49115	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention 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 First Year Retention Rate 80 % 9.6% Acceptance Rate 86.2% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $23,848 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,115
11	Cornell College	80	79.9	1,140 – 1,350	25220	39299	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention 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 14 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. King Chapel on campus is home to an over 3,000-piped organ. First Year Retention Rate 80 % 8.1% Acceptance Rate 79.9% SAT Score 1,140 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $25,220 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $39,299
12	Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary	77	67.52	1,010 – 1,230	19733	33372	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Iowa Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary Ankeny, IA Based in Ankeny, Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary accepts 68% of applicants. They request $45 for undergraduate applications and $45 for graduate applications. Approximately 96% of students attending Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary currently receive institutional grant aid. At Faith......Read more First Year Retention Rate 77 % 3.8% Acceptance Rate 67.5% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $19,733 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $33,372
13	Luther College	77	71.54	1,100 – 1,370	24511	49541	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention 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. Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse is a popular area of study, and the school has a first year retention rate of 77%. First Year Retention Rate 77 % 2.5% Acceptance Rate 71.5% SAT Score 1,100 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $24,511 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,541
14	University of Dubuque	77	88.63	980 – 1,200	26067	44960	#14 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention 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 . Approximately 100% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 77 % 8.5% Acceptance Rate 88.6% SAT Score 980 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $26,067 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,960
15	Buena Vista University	76	77.61	1,010 – 1,240	19704	43572	#15 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Iowa Buena Vista University Storm Lake, IA Buena Vista University has a 13 to 1 student to faculty ratio, 76% first year retention rate, and 48% 4-year graduation rate. Every year BVU students volunteer at Buenafication Day, the school's annual day of community service....Read more First Year Retention Rate 76 % Acceptance Rate 77.6% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $19,704 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,572
16	Saint Ambrose University	76	77.33	980 – 1,190	25345	51616	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention 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, and Social Work. It’s a private Catholic institution with an 11 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. The school motto is “Faith Learning Justice.” First Year Retention Rate 76 % 9.5% Acceptance Rate 77.3% SAT Score 980 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $25,345 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,616
17	Wartburg College	76	75.84	1,070 – 1,280	24031	48795	#17 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Iowa Wartburg College Waverly, IA Business/Commerce, General, Elementary Education and Teaching, Biology/Biological Sciences, and General 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 First Year Retention Rate 76 % 5.0% Acceptance Rate 75.8% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $24,031 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,795
18	Morningside University	74	71.04	710 – 1,110	24437	47687	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention 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 First Year Retention Rate 74 % 7.2% Acceptance Rate 71.0% SAT Score 710 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $24,437 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,687
19	Coe College	73	64.04	1,130 – 1,330	20864	47136	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention 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 73%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 73 % 5.2% Acceptance Rate 64.0% SAT Score 1,130 – 1,330 Avg. Net Price $20,864 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,136
20	Mount Mercy University	73	82.52	1,010 – 1,210	24347	52871	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Iowa Mount Mercy University Cedar Rapids, IA Located in Cedar Rapids, Mount Mercy University’s acceptance rate is 83% 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 73% first year retention......Read more First Year Retention Rate 73 % 4.3% Acceptance Rate 82.5% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $24,347 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,871
21	Northwestern College	73	80.36	1,040 – 1,280	26347	46731	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention 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 39 majors and programs to choose from. First Year Retention Rate 73 % 8.8% Acceptance Rate 80.4% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $26,347 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,731
22	Grand View University	70	99.09	930 – 1,110	22319	47582	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Iowa Grand View University Des Moines, IA Based in Des Moines, Grand View University’s acceptance rate is 99%. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of attending students currently receive grant aid from the school. The school’s first year retention rate is 70% and 46% of students will graduate in four years. The common majors among......Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % 4.1% Acceptance Rate 99.1% SAT Score 930 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $22,319 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,582
23	Upper Iowa University	68	96.46	930 – 1,140	20426	48776	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Iowa Upper Iowa University Fayette, IA Based in Fayette, Upper Iowa University accepts 96% of applicants. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. About 86% of students at Upper Iowa University will receive institutional grant aid. The institution’s first year retention rate is 68% and its four year graduation rate is......Read more First Year Retention Rate 68 % 15.3% Acceptance Rate 96.5% SAT Score 930 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $20,426 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,776
24	Clarke University	67	71.83	900 – 1,180	26725	49157	#24 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Iowa Clarke University Dubuque, IA Found in Dubuque, Clarke University’s acceptance rate is 72%. 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 $24,838 each. The first year retention rate is 67%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 67 % Acceptance Rate 71.8% SAT Score 900 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $26,725 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,157
25	Briar Cliff University	64	58.34	970 – 1,130	23263	48338	#25 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Iowa Briar Cliff University Sioux City, IA Briar Cliff University has a 10 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 64% first year retention rate. 100% of students typically receive around $28,425 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. First Year Retention Rate 64 % 6.7% Acceptance Rate 58.3% SAT Score 970 – 1,130 Avg. Net Price $23,263 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,338
26	Maharishi International University	61	95.7	960 – 1,220	16281	26468	#26 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Iowa Maharishi International University Fairfield, IA Found in Fairfield, Maharishi International University accepted 96% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $20 for undergraduate applications. About 87% of students at Maharishi International University currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 61 % Acceptance Rate 95.7% SAT Score 960 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $16,281 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $26,468
27	William Penn University	58	51.88	890 – 1,110	22740	40189	#27 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention 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 First Year Retention Rate 58 % 3.6% Acceptance Rate 51.9% SAT Score 890 – 1,110 Avg. Net Price $22,740 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,189
28	Graceland University-Lamoni	55	80.83	890 – 1,170	19574	40792	#28 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention 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. 55%......Read more First Year Retention Rate 55 % 14.1% Acceptance Rate 80.8% SAT Score 890 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $19,574 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,792
29	Waldorf University	44	76.98	930 – 1,090	19766	50515	#29 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Iowa Waldorf University Forest City, IA Based in Forest City, Waldorf University accepted 77% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 92% of students attending Waldorf University will receive grant aid from the school. At Waldorf University, there is a 44% first year retention......Read more First Year Retention Rate 44 % 15.4% Acceptance Rate 77.0% SAT Score 930 – 1,090 Avg. Net Price $19,766 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,515