Explore Iowa Colleges
Colleges in Iowa
Explore 35 colleges and universities in Iowa, including 3 public institutions and 32 private schools. Compare tuition costs, acceptance rates, and find your perfect fit.
35
Total Colleges
3
Public
32
Private
Iowa at a Glance
Avg Acceptance Rate
7294%
Average acceptance rate for Iowa colleges
Avg Net Price
$20,922.645
After financial aid
Avg In-State Tuition
$30,334.057
For public universities
Iowa Colleges Directory
Browse 35 colleges in Iowa, sorted by ranking and selectivity.
Iowa City, IA•Public
84%
Acceptance Rate$21,631/yr
1130-1330
74%
"At Iowa, you dive into a lively Midwestern college town where the Writers' Workshop sparks literary legends and Hawkeye fandom fuels Friday night lights."
Grinnell, IA•Private
15%
Acceptance Rate$77,830/yr
1410-1540
89%
"Nestled in Iowa's cornfields, Grinnell molds fiercely independent thinkers who dive headfirst into ideas without the distractions of big-city buzz."
Ames, IA•Public
89%
Acceptance Rate$19,486/yr
1120-1360
76%
"Land-grant pioneer where ag scientists and engineers innovate amid cornfields, birthplace of the first digital computer."
Cedar Falls, IA•Public
93%
Acceptance Rate$18,097/yr
1020-1280
70%
"University of Northern Iowa is located in Cedar Falls, IA."
Decorah, IA•Private
72%
Acceptance Rate$59,040/yr
1078-1406
73%
"Norwegian-rooted liberal arts college in Iowa bluffs, where choirs tour the world and students bond over riverside hikes."
Des Moines, IA•Private
64%
Acceptance Rate$60,016/yr
1110-1350
81%
"Drake University fuses Midwest practicality with professional training in pharmacy, law, and journalism right in Iowa's capital."
Mount Vernon, IA•Private
80%
Acceptance Rate$60,108/yr
1120-1285
65%
"Dive deep into one subject at a time on Cornell College's revolutionary Block Plan, where three-and-a-half-week immersions in a cozy Iowa town forge unbreakable focus and friendships."
Cedar Rapids, IA•Private
64%
Acceptance Rate$62,104/yr
1070-1290
70%
"Small Iowa liberal arts college where undergrads dive into hands-on biology research and theater amid Cedar Rapids' industrial buzz."
Pella, IA•Private
86%
Acceptance Rate$31,860/yr
1056-1120
71%
"Small Iowa liberal arts college in a Dutch heritage town where most students study abroad before graduating."
Waverly, IA•Private
76%
Acceptance Rate$58,490/yr
930-1200
73%
"Lutheran liberal arts college in Iowa where choirs and bands tour Europe amid a tight-knit small-town community."
Storm Lake, IA•Private
78%
Acceptance Rate$49,974/yr
930-1130
64%
"Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA."
Davenport, IA•Private
77%
Acceptance Rate$47,668/yr
930-1170
70%
"Catholic university blending faith, service, and hands-on professional training in Iowa's Quad Cities."
Oskaloosa, IA•Private
52%
Acceptance Rate$36,022/yr
880-1110
49%
"William Penn University is located in Oskaloosa, IA."
Sioux City, IA•Private
73%
Acceptance Rate$43,959/yr
930-1130
64%
"A small Catholic university in Sioux City, Iowa, blending tight-knit community with a focus on service and liberal arts."
Fayette, IA•Private
96%
Acceptance Rate$42,688/yr
970-1160
49%
"Upper Iowa University is located in Fayette, IA."
Dubuque, IA•Private
72%
Acceptance Rate$48,634/yr
900-1160
55%
"A small Catholic university in Dubuque, Iowa, Clarke blends tight-knit community with a focus on service and personal growth."
Fairfield, IA•Private
96%
Acceptance Rate$23,400/yr
N/A
84%
"Maharishi International University is located in Fairfield, IA."
Cedar Rapids, IA•Private
83%
Acceptance Rate$48,474/yr
N/A
62%
"Mount Mercy University is located in Cedar Rapids, IA."
Dubuque, IA•Private
60%
Acceptance Rate$29,400/yr
1120-1320
74%
"Emmaus Bible College is located in Dubuque, IA."
Sioux City, IA•Private
80%
Acceptance Rate$19,440/yr
N/A
82%
"St Luke's College is located in Sioux City, IA."
Frequently Asked Questions About Iowa Colleges
Grinnell College is the highest-ranked university in Iowa, ranked #63 nationally. The state is home to several prestigious institutions offering world-class education across various fields.
The average tuition at Iowa colleges varies by institution type. For public universities, the average in-state tuition is $30,334 per year. Out-of-state students pay an average of $31,751. After financial aid, the average net price is $20,923.
The average acceptance rate for colleges in Iowa is 73%. However, acceptance rates vary significantly by institution, with some highly selective universities accepting less than 10% of applicants while others maintain open enrollment policies.
To qualify for in-state tuition at Iowa public universities, you typically need to establish residency for at least 12 months before enrolling. Requirements usually include living in the state, having a Iowa driver's license, registering to vote in the state, and demonstrating intent to remain. Specific requirements vary by institution, so check with your chosen school's admissions office.
Iowa is located in the Midwest region of the United States. Known for strong public university systems and Big Ten athletics, the Midwest offers affordable education with tight-knit campus communities.
Iowa offers a range of affordable college options. The average net price after financial aid is $20,923. Public universities in Iowa provide particularly strong value for in-state residents, with lower tuition rates and access to state financial aid programs.