2027 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.

Sort by:

View as:

Rank	Institution	Undergraduates	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Grinnell College	1668	16.05	1,420 – 1,530	34363	49004	#1 2027 Best Colleges in Iowa Grinnell College Grinnell, IA The most popular majors at Grinnell College include Computer Science, Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Research and Experimental Psychology, and Other. 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 Undergraduates 1,668 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	University of Iowa	23407	79.9	1,090 – 1,320	21765	52696	#2 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 23,407 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
3	Iowa State University	26346	87.93	1,100 – 1,330	17779	53873	#3 2027 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, 89% first year retention rate, and 57% 4-year graduation rate....Read more Undergraduates 26,346 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
4	Drake University	2504	64.94	1,110 – 1,350	29565	58233	#4 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 2,504 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
5	Dordt University	1716	68.47	1,080 – 1,340	28486	50551	#5 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,716 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
6	Luther College	1384	83.98	1,100 – 1,370	24511	49541	#6 2027 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. Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse 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 $24,511 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,541
7	Simpson College	1235	86.22	1,400 – 1,460	23282	49946	#7 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,235 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
8	Cornell College	1094	79.9	1,140 – 1,350	25220	39299	#8 2027 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 14 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. King Chapel on campus is home to an over 3,000-piped organ. Undergraduates 1,094 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
9	University of Northern Iowa	7800	93.13	1,010 – 1,220	16437	47222	#9 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 7,800 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
10	Saint Ambrose University	1884	80.06	950 – 1,180	25345	51616	#10 2027 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, 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.” Undergraduates 1,884 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
11	Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary	551	67.52	1,010 – 1,230	19733	33372	#11 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 551 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
12	Northwestern College	1187	80.35	1,040 – 1,280	26347	46731	#12 2027 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 1,187 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
13	Coe College	1204	63.36	1,110 – 1,320	20864	47136	#13 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,204 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
14	Emmaus Bible College	234	59.79	1,090 – 1,360	15028	34653	#14 2027 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 234 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
15	Central College	1050	86.98	1,050 – 1,270	23848	49115	#15 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,050 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
16	Wartburg College	1464	75.84	1,070 – 1,280	24031	48795	#16 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,464 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
17	Loras College	1073	69.66	1,020 – 1,200	21631	46069	#17 2027 Best Colleges in Iowa Loras College Dubuque, IA Loras College offers up to a Master's degree, with 34 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 74% first year retention rate. Founded in 1839, Loras College is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state. Undergraduates 1,073 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	Buena Vista University	836	64.97	970 – 1,180	19704	43572	#18 2027 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 836 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
19	Mount Mercy University	1139	82.48	1,010 – 1,210	24347	52871	#19 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,139 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
20	Mercy College of Health Sciences	867	99.71	890 – 1,080	28313	53375	#20 2027 Best Colleges in Iowa Mercy College of Health Sciences Des Moines, IA Located in Des Moines, Mercy College of Health Sciences accepted 100% 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 16% of students at Mercy College of Health Sciences currently receive institutional grant aid......Read more Undergraduates 867 Acceptance Rate 99.7% SAT Score 890 – 1,080 Avg. Net Price $28,313 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,375
21	University of Dubuque	1395	87.31	950 – 1,200	26067	44960	#21 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,395 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
22	Grand View University	1500	99.09	930 – 1,110	22319	47582	#22 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,500 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	Clarke University	815	71.83	900 – 1,180	26725	49157	#23 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 815 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
24	Briar Cliff University	766	58.34	970 – 1,180	23263	48338	#24 2027 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 766 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
25	Morningside University	1172	71.04	710 – 1,110	24437	47687	#25 2027 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 1,172 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
26	Maharishi International University	925	95.7	960 – 1,220	16281	26468	#26 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 925 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	Graceland University-Lamoni	802	80.83	890 – 1,170	19574	40792	#27 2027 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 890 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $19,574 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,792
28	Upper Iowa University	3054	96.46	930 – 1,140	20426	48776	#28 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 3,054 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	William Penn University	1366	73.11	930 – 1,140	22740	40189	#29 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,366 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
30	Waldorf University	1834	76.98	930 – 1,090	19766	50515	#30 2027 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,834 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