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.

Orange City, IA

As Iowa's Standout Christian College, Northwestern delivers a high-quality academic experience in a Christ-centered community to empower students to lead lives of significance. We offer 135+ academic programs with personal attention in small classes...

“…

The professors have a deep desire to see your grow in and out of the classrooms. They know you by name, and if they don't; they're working on you. They want you to feel open and welcome to dropping by their office, their house or even calling their...

” – Laura from Gretna, NE

average act composite

1185

average sat composite

83%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$22,968

average net price

1,513

number of students

Save to list

Hawkeye Community College

Waterloo, IA

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

average act composite

average sat composite

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

2 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$11,495

average net price

5,085

number of students

Save to list

Clarke University

Dubuque, IA

Clarke University is a private, 4-year institution established on urban, 55-acre campus in Dubuque, Iowa. Clarke offers over 40 undergraduate major and minor areas of study, as well as six graduate programs, and Adult & Continuing Education programs...

“…

As a four year, private college, they sure teach a lot. The best thing about that is that it is all good stuff; it is not boring or useless homework. No matter if your class is in your major or not, you'll always find it valuable.

” – Rach

average act composite

1054

average sat composite

89%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$34,204

average net price

888

number of students

Save to list

Southeastern Community College

West Burlington, IA

Southeastern Community College is a 2-year college with two campuses and two extension sites in Iowa’s Great River Region. SCC is home to seven academic departments hosting 34 degree and certificate-granting programs. The college’s IT & Multimedia...

“…

I was very pleased with this college; every professor that I had was very supportive and educational. The small class sizes offered at this college were very good for me especially when it came to my public speaking class. I believe that my time at...

” – Ashley from Keokuk, IA

average act composite

average sat composite

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

2 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$7,223

average net price

2,321

number of students

Save to list

Buena Vista University

Storm Lake, IA

Buena Vista University is a private, 4-year institution established in Storm Lake, Iowa. The college offers over 50 academic programs and 90 majors and minors, with primary focus given to their Science, Education, and Business programs. As the...

“…

I am planning on majoring in biology. If science or the medical field is what you are looking at, BVU is the place to go. It has one of the best science departments in Iowa and has a very cool medical internship program at the local hospital.

” – Beth from Mapleton, IA

average act composite

1108

average sat composite

66%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$17,544

average net price

1,959

number of students

Save to list

Indian Hills Community College

Ottumwa, IA

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

average act composite

average sat composite

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

2 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$7,217

average net price

3,385

number of students

Save to list

Saint Ambrose University

Davenport, IA

A St. Ambrose University education equips you like no other — because St. Ambrose is a university like no other.

Relentlessly committed to our students, we provide a private college experience that ignites transformation. We offer more than 60...

“…

The small student to teacher ratio will be great. Offer may different types of programs.

” – Jacqueline from Bartlett, IL

average act composite

1149

average sat composite

72%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$26,204

average net price

2,913

number of students

Save to list

Iowa Wesleyan University

Mount Pleasant, IA

Iowa Wesleyan University is a private, liberal arts institution established in the city of Mount Pleasant. IW’s campus embraces its rich history, featuring the Harlan-Lincoln House museum, the Belle Babb Mansfield Symposium, the PEO Memorial Building...

“…

I am having a great experience at Iowa Wesleyan. The town has that small town feel and everyone is friendly. The pass rate of the NCLEX-RN exam is what brought me to IWC, it is awesome!

” – Krista from New London, IA

average act composite

1042

average sat composite

82%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$26,312

average net price

825

number of students

Save to list

Des Moines Area Community College

Ankeny, IA

Des Moines Area Community College is Iowa’s largest and most diverse 2-year community college. In addition to the numerous academic programs DMACC offers on its various campuses, distance learning students can also earn four different degrees...

“…

Each class I have taken has taught me a little bit about myself. College is so much about self discovery and that is one of the great qualities of DMACC. Not only am I learning about myself, my likes and dislikes, and who I am as a person, I am...

” – Sam from Clive, IA

average act composite

average sat composite

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

2 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$10,076

average net price

20,536

number of students

Save to list

Graceland University-Lamoni

Lamoni, IA

Graceland University Lamoni is a private, 4-year institution established in Decatur County, Iowa. The Lamoni campus offers programs in over 50 major and minor fields of study, including a number of paraprofessional programs. All undergraduate...

“…

Graceland University is the only school of it's kind. The housing system makes it impossible to be friendless, the teachers make all of your answers feel heard, and the memories gained from campus activities will be with you a lifetime.

” – Jessica from Grain Valley, MO

average act composite

1067

average sat composite

67%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$17,650

average net price

1,427

number of students

Save to list

Iowa Lakes Community College

Estherville, IA

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

average act composite

average sat composite

acceptance rate

Public

type of institution

2 Year

level of institution

Suburb or town

campus setting

$10,509

average net price

1,803

number of students

Save to list

Mercy College of Health Sciences

Des Moines, IA

Founded by the Sisters of Mercy as a nursing school in 1899, the Mercy College of Health Sciences is a Catholic health science institution in Des Moines. Mercy College offers five bachelor’s degree programs in Healthcare Administration, Health...

“…

The faculty is very helpful and knowledgeable. 
Clinical sites give a lot of different experiences and the clinical instructors are always willing to try to get you to the area you are interested in.
Classes can be a little disorganized and...

” – Amber from Des Moines, IA

average act composite

1030

average sat composite

97%

acceptance rate

Private

type of institution

4 Year

level of institution

Small city

campus setting

$21,989

average net price

951

number of students

Colleges in Iowa

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