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	34363	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, 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 Selectivity Index 2.1 25.1% 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	St Luke's College	1.1459	80	930 – 1,140	18248	54850	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index in Iowa St Luke's College Sioux City, IA Selectivity Index 1.1 41.8% Acceptance Rate 80.0% SAT Score 930 – 1,140 Avg. Net Price $18,248 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $54,850
3	Emmaus Bible College	1.0669	59.79	1,090 – 1,360	15028	34653	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 1.1 70.4% 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
4	Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary	1.0167	67.52	1,010 – 1,230	19733	33372	#4 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 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 Selectivity Index 1.0 36.7% 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
5	William Penn University	0.8086	51.88	890 – 1,110	22740	40189	#5 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 1.3% 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
6	Maharishi International University	0.7866	95.7	960 – 1,220	16281	26468	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.8 51.2% 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
7	Dordt University	0.5545	68.47	1,080 – 1,340	28486	50551	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.6 2.9% 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
8	Upper Iowa University	0.3519	96.46	930 – 1,140	20426	48776	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.4 34.9% 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
9	Mount Mercy University	0.3386	82.52	1,010 – 1,210	24347	52871	#9 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 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 Selectivity Index 0.3 45.0% 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
10	Northwestern College	0.3382	80.36	1,040 – 1,280	26347	46731	#10 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 39 majors and programs to choose from. Selectivity Index 0.3 4.5% 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	University of Northern Iowa	0.3353	92.74	1,010 – 1,250	16437	47222	#11 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 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 Selectivity Index 0.3 5.4% 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
12	Iowa State University	0.3253	88.66	1,090 – 1,330	17779	53873	#12 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, 88% first year retention rate, and 52% 4-year graduation rate....Read more Selectivity Index 0.3 1.4% 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
13	Luther College	0.2784	71.54	1,100 – 1,370	24511	49541	#13 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. Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse is a popular area of study, and the school has a first year retention rate of 77%. Selectivity Index 0.3 3.9% 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 Iowa	0.2682	83.62	1,100 – 1,320	21765	52696	#14 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 $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 Selectivity Index 0.3 2.5% 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
15	Buena Vista University	0.2666	77.61	1,010 – 1,240	19704	43572	#15 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, 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 Selectivity Index 0.3 2.3% 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	University of Dubuque	0.263	88.63	980 – 1,200	26067	44960	#16 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 . Approximately 100% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Selectivity Index 0.3 4.6% 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
17	Mercy College of Health Sciences	0.2577	99.71	890 – 1,080	28313	53375	#17 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 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 Selectivity Index 0.3 47.8% 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
18	Waldorf University	0.2576	76.98	930 – 1,090	19766	50515	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.3 22.1% 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
19	Simpson College	0.2505	86.22	1,400 – 1,460	23282	49946	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.3 4.8% 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
20	Central College	0.2439	86.17	1,050 – 1,240	23848	49115	#20 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 9.8% 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
21	Morningside University	0.2226	71.04	710 – 1,110	24437	47687	#21 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 9.4% 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
22	Wartburg College	0.2182	75.84	1,070 – 1,280	24031	48795	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.2 29.3% 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
23	Saint Ambrose University	0.2161	77.33	980 – 1,190	25345	51616	#23 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, 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.” Selectivity Index 0.2 4.8% 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
24	Grand View University	0.2107	99.09	930 – 1,110	22319	47582	#24 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 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 Selectivity Index 0.2 0.1% 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
25	Graceland University-Lamoni	0.1921	80.83	890 – 1,170	19574	40792	#25 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. 55%......Read more Selectivity Index 0.2 25.2% 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	Loras College	0.1859	99.86	1,020 – 1,200	21631	46069	#26 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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. Selectivity Index 0.2 0.8% 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
27	Cornell College	0.1788	79.9	1,140 – 1,350	25220	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 14 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. King Chapel on campus is home to an over 3,000-piped organ. Selectivity Index 0.2 20.5% 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
28	Drake University	0.1535	63.85	1,170 – 1,350	29565	58233	#28 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.2 23.5% 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
29	Coe College	0.0856	64.04	1,130 – 1,330	20864	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 73%....Read more Selectivity Index 0.1 14.6% 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
30	Clarke University	0.0771	71.83	900 – 1,180	26725	49157	#30 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Selectivity Index 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 Selectivity Index 0.1 44.5% 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