2026 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio in Iowa

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Many students seek a college or university with a low student-to-faculty ratio as it means that students, on average, get more face-to-face time with professors and instructors. This also means that it's easier to get help outside of class and get in to faculty office hours.

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Rank	Institution	Undergraduates	Student-Faculty Ratio	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	St Luke's College	196	6	44.44	930 – 1,110	12771	54850	#1 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Undergraduates 196 Student-Faculty Ratio 6 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
2	Grinnell College	1788	9	14.51	1,410 – 1,530	33446	49004	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 9 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
3	Luther College	1384	9	84.02	1,100 – 1,370	24790	49541	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 9 10.0% 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
4	Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary	518	10	49.68	1,030 – 1,220	18288	33372	#4 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 10 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
5	Graceland University-Lamoni	802	10	80.83	920 – 1,140	16632	40792	#5 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 10 23.1% 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
6	University of Dubuque	1417	10	88.63	950 – 1,200	25216	44960	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 10 11.1% 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
7	Coe College	1195	11	64.04	1,090 – 1,330	20940	47136	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 11 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
8	Drake University	2585	11	63.85	1,190 – 1,380	30886	58233	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio in Iowa Drake University Des Moines, IA Undergraduates 2,585 Student-Faculty Ratio 11 10.0% 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
9	Loras College	1169	11	18.54	1,020 – 1,200	22338	46069	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 11 8.3% 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
10	Saint Ambrose University	1939	11	77.33	980 – 1,190	23578	51616	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 11 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	Simpson College	1140	11	88.88	1,400 – 1,460	23637	49946	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 11 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
12	Central College	1084	12	86.17	1,040 – 1,240	22499	49115	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 12 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
13	Cornell College	1085	12	80.66	1,140 – 1,350	25850	39299	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 12 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	Grand View University	1483	12	98.43	930 – 1,140	22296	47582	#14 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 12 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
15	Upper Iowa University	2504	12	93.38	960 – 1,130	22427	48776	#15 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 12 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
16	Briar Cliff University	737	13	59.83	970 – 1,180	23292	48338	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 13 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
17	Buena Vista University	810	13	77.61	1,010 – 1,240	18156	43572	#17 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 13 8.3% 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
18	Morningside University	1177	13	70.57	1,040 – 1,210	23482	47687	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 13 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	Mount Mercy University	1185	13	78.76	970 – 1,180	23972	52871	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 13 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
20	Northwestern College	1187	15	80.35	1,040 – 1,210	24737	46731	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 15 66.7% 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
21	Wartburg College	1454	15	99.41	1,010 – 1,200	23321	48795	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 15 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
22	William Penn University	1348	15	51.88	890 – 1,110	22361	40189	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 15 16.7% 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
23	University of Iowa	22738	16	83.62	1,100 – 1,320	20121	52696	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 16 6.7% 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
24	Iowa State University	25628	18	88.66	1,090 – 1,330	17354	53873	#24 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 18 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
25	University of Northern Iowa	7716	18	87.13	1,010 – 1,220	15931	47222	#25 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by Student-Faculty Ratio 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 Student-Faculty Ratio 18 5.9% 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