2026 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index in Iowa

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The selectivity index is a rating system that looks at overall acceptance rate divided by the percentage of accepted students who enroll (yield rate). It's a measurement of both the selectivity and desirability of the college or university.

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Rank	Institution	Selectivity Index	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Grinnell College	2.1316	14.51	1,410 – 1,530	33446	49004	#1 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 2.1 25.1% 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	Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary	1.6051	49.68	1,030 – 1,220	18288	33372	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 1.6 19.1% 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
3	St Luke's College	1.4064	44.44	930 – 1,110	12771	54850	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 1.4 125.0% 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
4	William Penn University	0.8115	51.88	890 – 1,110	22361	40189	#4 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.8 6.2% 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
5	Emmaus Bible College	0.6262	97.7	970 – 1,240	14393	34653	#5 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.6 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
6	Dordt University	0.567	71.16	1,070 – 1,330	27925	50551	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.6 46.9% 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
7	University of Northern Iowa	0.3611	87.13	1,010 – 1,220	15931	47222	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.4 2.5% 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
8	Northwestern College	0.3374	80.35	1,040 – 1,210	24737	46731	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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. Selectivity Index 0.3 4.3% 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	Iowa State University	0.3209	88.66	1,090 – 1,330	17354	53873	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.3 1.2% 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
10	Mercy College of Health Sciences	0.3062	98.78	1,010 – 1,180	24881	53375	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.3 9.3% 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
11	Waldorf University	0.2883	72.6	970 – 1,110	21510	50515	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.3 16.2% 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
12	University of Iowa	0.2652	83.62	1,100 – 1,320	20121	52696	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.3 3.2% 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
13	Simpson College	0.2631	88.88	1,400 – 1,460	23637	49946	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.3 8.9% 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
14	University of Dubuque	0.2596	88.63	950 – 1,200	25216	44960	#14 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.3 4.4% 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
15	Maharishi International University	0.2559	96.9	960 – 1,220	18875	26468	#15 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.3 20.4% 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
16	Buena Vista University	0.2558	77.61	1,010 – 1,240	18156	43572	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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. Selectivity Index 0.3 2.7% 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	Upper Iowa University	0.2557	93.38	960 – 1,130	22427	48776	#17 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.3 43.5% 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
18	Morningside University	0.2456	70.57	1,040 – 1,210	23482	47687	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.2 14.0% 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
19	Central College	0.2423	86.17	1,040 – 1,240	22499	49115	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.2 7.9% 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
20	Luther College	0.2333	84.02	1,100 – 1,370	24790	49541	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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%. Selectivity Index 0.2 10.1% 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
21	Mount Mercy University	0.2268	78.76	970 – 1,180	23972	52871	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.2 8.8% 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
22	Saint Ambrose University	0.2156	77.33	980 – 1,190	23578	51616	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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.” Selectivity Index 0.2 5.9% 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
23	Grand View University	0.2089	98.43	930 – 1,140	22296	47582	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.2 15.6% 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
24	Graceland University-Lamoni	0.1921	80.83	920 – 1,140	16632	40792	#24 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.2 25.6% 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	Wartburg College	0.1687	99.41	1,010 – 1,200	23321	48795	#25 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.2 26.8% 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
26	Drake University	0.1535	63.85	1,110 – 1,350	30886	58233	#26 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index in Iowa Drake University Des Moines, IA Selectivity Index 0.2 21.8% 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
27	Cornell College	0.141	80.66	1,140 – 1,350	25850	39299	#27 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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. Selectivity Index 0.1 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
28	Clarke University	0.1388	68.16	970 – 1,150	25692	49157	#28 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.1 37.8% 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
29	Coe College	0.0856	64.04	1,090 – 1,330	20940	47136	#29 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.1 14.6% 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