2026 College Rankings

Best Colleges in Iowa

About

The Top 50 Best Colleges in the US is College Raptor’s most prestigious rankings list. Updated annually, these schools are celebrated for their rich histories, stunning campuses, excellent academics, and vibrant student life. The institutions on this list are known for both academic excellence and impressive extracurricular opportunities, making them “dream schools” for students around the world. Use these rankings as a jumping-off point for you to create your own personalized rankings using our college match tool.

Methodology

Each of these rankings is based on an analysis of data about the school’s selectivity, financial health, graduation rates, student success, and more. We’ve outlined our full methodology here.

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Rank	Institution	Undergraduates	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Grinnell College	1788	14.51	1,410 – 1,530	33446	49004	#1 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,788 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
2	Drake University	2585	63.85	1,190 – 1,380	30886	58233	#2 2026 Best Colleges in Iowa Drake University Des Moines, IA Undergraduates 2,585 Acceptance Rate 63.9% SAT Score 1,190 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $30,886 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $58,233
3	University of Iowa	22738	83.62	1,100 – 1,320	20121	52696	#3 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 22,738 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
4	Dordt University	1695	71.16	1,070 – 1,330	27925	50551	#4 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,695 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
5	Iowa State University	25628	88.66	1,090 – 1,330	17354	53873	#5 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 25,628 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
6	Luther College	1384	84.02	1,100 – 1,370	24790	49541	#6 2026 Best Colleges 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%. Undergraduates 1,384 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
7	Simpson College	1140	88.88	1,400 – 1,460	23637	49946	#7 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,140 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
8	Northwestern College	1187	80.35	1,040 – 1,210	24737	46731	#8 2026 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 1,187 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
9	Wartburg College	1454	99.41	1,010 – 1,200	23321	48795	#9 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,454 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
10	Saint Ambrose University	1939	77.33	980 – 1,190	23578	51616	#10 2026 Best Colleges 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.” Undergraduates 1,939 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
11	Loras College	1169	18.54	1,020 – 1,200	22338	46069	#11 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,169 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
12	Coe College	1195	64.04	1,090 – 1,330	20940	47136	#12 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,195 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
13	Cornell College	1085	80.66	1,140 – 1,350	25850	39299	#13 2026 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 1,085 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
14	University of Northern Iowa	7716	87.13	1,010 – 1,220	15931	47222	#14 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 7,716 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
15	Central College	1084	86.17	1,040 – 1,240	22499	49115	#15 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,084 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	Buena Vista University	810	77.61	1,010 – 1,240	18156	43572	#16 2026 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 810 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
17	Mount Mercy University	1185	78.76	970 – 1,180	23972	52871	#17 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,185 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
18	Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary	518	49.68	1,030 – 1,220	18288	33372	#18 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 518 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
19	Emmaus Bible College	197	97.7	1,030 – 1,220	14393	34653	#19 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 197 Acceptance Rate 97.7% SAT Score 1,030 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $14,393 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,653
20	Briar Cliff University	737	59.83	970 – 1,180	23292	48338	#20 2026 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 737 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
21	Clarke University	871	68.16	970 – 1,150	25692	49157	#21 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 871 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
22	Grand View University	1483	98.43	930 – 1,140	22296	47582	#22 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,483 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
23	Morningside University	1177	70.57	1,040 – 1,210	23482	47687	#23 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,177 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
24	Graceland University-Lamoni	802	80.83	920 – 1,140	16632	40792	#24 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 802 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
25	University of Dubuque	1417	88.63	950 – 1,200	25216	44960	#25 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,417 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
26	Mercy College of Health Sciences	905	98.78	1,010 – 1,180	24881	53375	#26 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 905 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
27	Waldorf University	2196	72.6	970 – 1,110	21510	50515	#27 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 2,196 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
28	Upper Iowa University	2504	93.38	960 – 1,130	22427	48776	#28 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 2,504 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
29	William Penn University	1348	51.88	890 – 1,110	22361	40189	#29 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,348 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
30	Maharishi International University	777	96.9	960 – 1,220	18875	26468	#30 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 777 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