Best Colleges in Iowa

Known as “the land where tall corn grows,” it’s not surprising the Iowa is often known as the “Corn State.” Top industries are value-added agriculture and food production, as well as advanced manufacturing, renewable energy and fuels, and distribution and warehousing. There are 60 colleges in Iowa with Carnegie Classifications, 19 of which confer baccalaureate degrees. The oldest institution in the state is Loras College, which was founded in 1839. Sliced bread was created in the Hawkeye State, which also lays claim to the National Hobo Convention every second week in August. The “eighth wonder of the world” resides in Iowa’s jurisdiction, too, a religious monument called the The Grotto of the Redemption.

How Were the Top Schools in Iowa Chosen?

Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.

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Ellsworth Community College is a 2-year college with two campuses in northern Iowa. While most academic courses are held on the main Ellsworth campus, ECC’s Agricultural and Animal Sciences department is headquartered at the college’s Robert & Arlene...

“…

Here at Ellsworth, not only can you learn general ed and your major, but if you're from California like me, you also learn to save your money for winter clothes! It's snowing here in the winter and I am freezing.

” – Danielle from San Mateo, CA
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Hawkeye Community College is a public, 2-year institution established in Waterloo, Iowa, with satellite facilities in Cedar Falls, Iowa City, Dubuque, Des Moines, Davenport, and Sioux City, as well as in four other states. HCC offers over 40 career...

“…

I learned a lot in my history classes, Russian civilization, coaching classes, math, science, and educational classes. Each of my classes were beneficial to me and I learned a lot. I would say that none of my classes were a waste of time.

” – Andrew from Denver, IA
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Indian Hills Community College is a 2-year community college with three campuses serving 10 counties in southeast Iowa. In addition to over 70 academic programs, IHCC offers more than 250 online courses and three degrees are attainable entirely...

“…

It is a very good college, the Culinary Arts program is really complete. Here at Indian Hills you learn hand on, so going into the real world is easier. The teachers here help you to obtain all the tools you need to have success in your career.

” – Karen from Ottumwa, IA
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Iowa Central Community College is a public, 2-year institution established in the city of Fort Dodge. Along with the main campus, the college also maintains satellite locations in Webster City, Storm Lake, and Eagle Grove. Iowa Central offers over 90...

“…

The professors actually care about the students in their classes and often give out their personal cell numbers so students can call them. Also, smaller class sizes make one-on-one time more available.

” – Gabrielle from Clarion, IA
Iowa Lakes Community College

Iowa Lakes Community College is a 2-year college serving five counties in northwest Iowa. ILCC is home to seven academic departments offering over 40 degree and certificate programs. As a rural institution, ILCC features programs in Agriculture...

“…

i think i will

” – Amber from Cherokee, IA
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North Iowa Area Community College is a 2-year institution and the oldest community college in Iowa. NIACC offers over 35 academic programs and its Agriculture Division features a Farm Lab, which includes livestock facilities and 260 acres of land for...

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Northeast Iowa Community College is a 2-year institution with two main campuses and 11 learning centers. NICC offers degrees and certificates in 67 areas of study within nine academic departments. The college’s Agriculture and Dairy Science programs...

“…

I have a disease, epilepsy, and I feel better since the teachers work around my disability.

” – Katarina from Monona, IA
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Established in 1966, Northwest Iowa Community College is a public, 2-year institution located in Sheldon. NCC offers nearly 40 career-oriented and academic programs on-campus, online, and in hybrid formats, awarding associate’s degrees and...

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Western Iowa Tech Community College is a 2-year institution in Sioux City. WITCC offers degrees and certificates in over 70 academic fields of study and the college’s Culinary Arts program includes a demonstration kitchen for students to practice...

“…

western iowa tech community college is really a great school, specially to start out at. the people here are quite friendly and truly try and help you succeed. also, the class sizes here are perfect for you to get attention and one-on-one time with...

” – Kory from Hartley, IA
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The Eastern Iowa Community Colleges consist of three 2-year institutions along Iowa’s Mississippi River border: Clinton, Muscatine, and Scott Community Colleges. EICC are home to 20 academic career clusters conferring associate degrees as well as 32...

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I love Clinton community college because its right were i live, i don't have to travel to far get to the college. I love the staff at CCC they our friendly and very helpful..The financial aid office was so awesome in helping me get my loans for...

” – Michelle from Clinton, IA
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Marshalltown Community College is a public, 2-year institution with two campuses located in Grinnell and Marshalltown, Iowa. MCC offers over 50 academic programs throughout eight fields of study, awarding diplomas, certificates, and associate’s...

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I learned a lot while at MCC and it was a great place to start my college career! I gained much more self confidence and feel that I am better prepared for the next step in my life.

” – Nathan from Eldora, IA
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Formed by the merger of two radiologic technology schools, Mercy-St. Luke’s School of Radiologic Technology is a medical school in eastern Iowa. Mercy-St. Luke’s hosts a 24-month academic program and confers a certificate in Radiologic Technology...

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The UnityPoint Health-Des Moines School of Radiologic Technology is a medical imaging academy in Iowa’s state capital. UnityPoint Health-Des Moines offers a 2-year certificate-granting program in Radiologic Technology featuring classroom sessions and...

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Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Wartburg Theological Seminary is a Christian graduate school in eastern Iowa with a focus on mission work. Wartburg grants master’s degrees in Divinity, Arts, and Diaconal Ministry. As an Evangelical...

William Penn University - Online

Established by the Religious Society of Friends in 1873, William Penn University is a liberal arts institution in central Iowa affiliated with the Quakers. William Penn is home to seven academic divisions conferring degrees in over 20 majors. As a...