2027 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by 4 Year Graduation Rate in Iowa

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This is a measure of what percentage of students at each college or university graduate with a bachelor's degree within 4 years. Students who graduate within four years generally save money on overall tuition costs and student loan debt. This is also seen as a way to measure the success of students on campus and their engagement with faculty and staff.

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Rank	Institution	Graduation Rate % (4 Year)	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Grinnell College	68.8453159041394	16.05	1,420 – 1,530	34363	49004	#1 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by 4 Year Graduation Rate in Iowa Grinnell College Grinnell, IA The most popular majors at Grinnell College include Computer Science, Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, and Sociology. 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, Swimming and Diving......Read more Graduation Rate % (4 Year) 69 % 7.6% Acceptance Rate 16.1% SAT Score 1,420 – 1,530 Avg. Net Price $34,363 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,004
2	Dordt University	67.2672672672673	68.47	1,080 – 1,340	28486	50551	#2 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by 4 Year Graduation 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 Graduation Rate % (4 Year) 67 % 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
3	Drake University	66.8797953964194	64.94	1,110 – 1,350	29565	58233	#3 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by 4 Year Graduation Rate in Iowa Drake University Des Moines, IA Located in Des Moines, Drake University accepted 65% 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 Graduation Rate % (4 Year) 67 % 0.3% Acceptance Rate 64.9% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,350 Avg. Net Price $29,565 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $58,233
4	Saint Ambrose University	63.5789473684211	80.06	950 – 1,180	25345	51616	#4 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by 4 Year Graduation 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.” Graduation Rate % (4 Year) 64 % 16.1% Acceptance Rate 80.1% SAT Score 950 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $25,345 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,616
5	Luther College	62.0938628158845	83.98	1,100 – 1,370	24511	49541	#5 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by 4 Year Graduation 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%. Graduation Rate % (4 Year) 62 % Acceptance Rate 84.0% SAT Score 1,100 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $24,511 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,541
6	University of Iowa	60.7106598984772	79.9	1,090 – 1,320	21765	52696	#6 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by 4 Year Graduation Rate in Iowa University of Iowa Iowa City, IA Found in Iowa City, the University of Iowa accepted 80% 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 72% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Graduation Rate % (4 Year) 61 % 4.3% Acceptance Rate 79.9% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $21,765 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,696
7	Cornell College	59.4594594594595	79.9	1,140 – 1,350	25220	39299	#7 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by 4 Year Graduation 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. Graduation Rate % (4 Year) 59 % 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
8	Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary	58.3333333333333	67.52	1,010 – 1,230	19733	33372	#8 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by 4 Year Graduation 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 Graduation Rate % (4 Year) 58 % 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
9	Iowa State University	57.4094401756312	87.93	1,100 – 1,330	17779	53873	#9 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by 4 Year Graduation 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, 89% first year retention rate, and 57% 4-year graduation rate....Read more Graduation Rate % (4 Year) 57 % 1.3% Acceptance Rate 87.9% SAT Score 1,100 – 1,330 Avg. Net Price $17,779 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,873
10	Northwestern College	54.6125461254613	80.35	1,040 – 1,280	26347	46731	#10 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by 4 Year Graduation Rate in Iowa Northwestern College Orange City, IA Many students - 618 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. Graduation Rate % (4 Year) 55 % 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
11	Mount Mercy University	54.3933054393305	82.48	1,010 – 1,210	24347	52871	#11 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by 4 Year Graduation Rate in Iowa Mount Mercy University Cedar Rapids, IA Located in Cedar Rapids, Mount Mercy University’s acceptance rate is 82% 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 Graduation Rate % (4 Year) 54 % 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
12	Central College	52.8189910979229	86.98	1,050 – 1,270	23848	49115	#12 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by 4 Year Graduation Rate in Iowa Central College Pella, IA Located in Pella, Central College accepts 87% of applicants. They require $25 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of students at Central College will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Graduation Rate % (4 Year) 53 % 7.1% Acceptance Rate 87.0% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $23,848 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,115
13	Simpson College	51.3888888888889	86.22	1,400 – 1,460	23282	49946	#13 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by 4 Year Graduation 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 Graduation Rate % (4 Year) 51 % 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
14	University of Northern Iowa	51.3420509291122	93.13	1,010 – 1,220	16437	47222	#14 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by 4 Year Graduation 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 84% first year retention rate and around 51% of undergraduates will earn......Read more Graduation Rate % (4 Year) 51 % 8.7% Acceptance Rate 93.1% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $16,437 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,222
15	Buena Vista University	50	64.97	970 – 1,180	19704	43572	#15 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by 4 Year Graduation 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 50% 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, and Accounting. Graduation Rate % (4 Year) 50 % 6.9% Acceptance Rate 65.0% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $19,704 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,572
16	Coe College	49.868073878628	63.36	1,110 – 1,320	20864	47136	#16 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by 4 Year Graduation Rate in Iowa Coe College Cedar Rapids, IA Located in Cedar Rapids, Coe College accepts 63% 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 76%....Read more Graduation Rate % (4 Year) 50 % 12.1% Acceptance Rate 63.4% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $20,864 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,136
17	Loras College	49.2307692307692	69.66	1,020 – 1,200	21631	46069	#17 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by 4 Year Graduation Rate in Iowa Loras College Dubuque, IA Loras College offers up to a Master's degree, with 34 programs to choose from. Business Administration and Management, General is a top choice. The private school also has an 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio and 74% first year retention rate....Read more Graduation Rate % (4 Year) 49 % 12.3% Acceptance Rate 69.7% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $21,631 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,069
18	Wartburg College	45.5723542116631	75.84	1,070 – 1,280	24031	48795	#18 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by 4 Year Graduation Rate in Iowa Wartburg College Waverly, IA Business/Commerce, General, Biology/Biological Sciences, General, and Kinesiology and Exercise Science 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 Graduation Rate % (4 Year) 46 % 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
19	Grand View University	45.2599388379205	99.09	930 – 1,110	22319	47582	#19 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by 4 Year Graduation 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 45% of students will graduate in four years. The common majors among......Read more Graduation Rate % (4 Year) 45 % 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
20	Clarke University	44.6153846153846	71.83	900 – 1,180	26725	49157	#20 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by 4 Year Graduation 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 Graduation Rate % (4 Year) 45 % 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
21	Emmaus Bible College	43.5897435897436	59.79	1,090 – 1,360	15028	34653	#21 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by 4 Year Graduation Rate in Iowa Emmaus Bible College Dubuque, IA A very small school, Emmaus University received 190 during the last admissions cycle. 60% were accepted, and about 63% – or 70 – enrolled. On average, 100% of students receive $16,106 in grant aid. Affiliated with the Plymouth Brethren, it became a university in 2024. Graduation Rate % (4 Year) 44 % 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
22	Morningside University	41.4492753623188	71.04	710 – 1,110	24437	47687	#22 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by 4 Year Graduation 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 Graduation Rate % (4 Year) 41 % 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
23	Maharishi International University	38.8888888888889	95.7	960 – 1,220	16281	26468	#23 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by 4 Year Graduation 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 Graduation Rate % (4 Year) 39 % 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
24	William Penn University	38.3783783783784	73.11	930 – 1,140	22740	40189	#24 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by 4 Year Graduation Rate in Iowa William Penn University Oskaloosa, IA Found in Oskaloosa, William Penn University’s acceptance rate is 73% 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 Graduation Rate % (4 Year) 38 % 17.6% Acceptance Rate 73.1% SAT Score 930 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $22,740 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,189
25	Graceland University-Lamoni	36.8613138686131	80.83	890 – 1,170	19574	40792	#25 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by 4 Year Graduation 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 Graduation Rate % (4 Year) 37 % 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
26	Briar Cliff University	35.9116022099448	58.34	970 – 1,180	23263	48338	#26 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by 4 Year Graduation 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 395 Chargers is $13,058. Graduation Rate % (4 Year) 36 % Acceptance Rate 58.3% SAT Score 970 – 1,180 Avg. Net Price $23,263 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $48,338
27	University of Dubuque	32.4607329842932	87.31	950 – 1,200	26067	44960	#27 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by 4 Year Graduation Rate in Iowa University of Dubuque Dubuque, IA Located in Dubuque, the University of Dubuque’s acceptance rate is 87% and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and . Approximately 100% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Graduation Rate % (4 Year) 32 % 8.0% Acceptance Rate 87.3% SAT Score 950 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $26,067 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $44,960
28	Upper Iowa University	25	96.46	930 – 1,140	20426	48776	#28 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by 4 Year Graduation 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 Graduation Rate % (4 Year) 25 % 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
29	Waldorf University	20.8588957055215	76.98	930 – 1,090	19766	50515	#29 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by 4 Year Graduation 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 Graduation Rate % (4 Year) 21 % 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