Iowa is home to some of the best colleges in the country, offering students an exceptional education and a wide range of academic programs. With so many options available, choosing the right college for your needs can be challenging. This article will explore the best colleges in Iowa and provide valuable insights into what makes them stand out.
When it comes to higher education, Iowa has a lot to offer. From large research universities to small liberal arts colleges, there is a college for every student. The best colleges in Iowa are known for their outstanding academic programs, world-class faculty, and excellent student support services. These colleges provide students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in their chosen careers.
Choosing the right college is an important decision that can significantly impact a student’s future. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the best colleges in Iowa, including their academic programs, campus life, and student outcomes. Whether you are looking for a large or small university, this article will help you find the perfect fit for your educational needs.
The University of Iowa
The University of Iowa is a public research university in Iowa City, Iowa. It is the oldest and second-largest university in the state of Iowa. The university is known for its writing and communication programs, consistently ranked among the best in the nation.
Annual Cost
The annual cost of attending the University of Iowa varies depending on whether a student is an in-state or out-of-state resident. In-state tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 academic year are $9,942, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $31,904.
Enrollment and SAT Range
As of Fall 2021, the University of Iowa had a total enrollment of 33,334 students, with 24,503 undergraduates and 8,831 graduate students. The middle 50% SAT range for enrolled students was 1190-1410.
Majors
The University of Iowa offers various undergraduate and graduate programs across its 12 academic colleges. The most popular majors include Business, Psychology, Biology, Engineering, and English.
Location
The University of Iowa is located in Iowa City, a vibrant college town in eastern Iowa. The city is known for its cultural offerings, including music, theater, art, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Employment and Diversity
The University of Iowa is one of the largest employers in Iowa, with over 29,000 faculty and staff members. The university is committed to diversity and inclusion and has been recognized for its efforts to create a welcoming and inclusive campus community.
Graduation Rate and Student-to-Faculty Ratio
The University of Iowa has a graduation rate of 73%, which is slightly above the national average. The student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1, which allows for personalized student attention and support.
Acceptance Rate and Study Abroad Opportunities
The University of Iowa has an acceptance rate of 83%, making it a moderately selective institution. The university offers a wide range of study abroad opportunities, with programs in over 50 countries worldwide.
Big 12 Athletics
The University of Iowa is a member of the Big 10 Conference and has a strong athletic program, with teams competing in various sports. The university’s football team, in particular, has a passionate fan base and is a source of pride for the university and the state of Iowa.
Drake University
Drake University is a private institution located in Des Moines, Iowa. It is ranked #137 in National Universities by US News Best Colleges in 2022-2023. Drake University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,128, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1.
Annual Cost
The annual tuition and fees for Drake University are $47,912. The average net price for in-state students is $27,399, while out-of-state students pay an average net price of $34,327.
Enrollment and SAT Range
Drake University has a selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of 68%. The middle 50% of admitted students have an SAT score range of 1120-1350.
Majors
Drake University offers over 70 undergraduate majors, including business, journalism, and pharmacy. The most popular majors at Drake University are Business Administration and Management, Journalism, and Marketing/Marketing Management.
Location
Drake University is located in Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa. Des Moines is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene and its thriving business community.
Employment and Diversity
Drake University has a strong commitment to preparing students for successful careers. The university has a 95% job placement rate for graduates within six months of graduation. Regarding diversity, 28% of undergraduate students are from underrepresented racial or ethnic groups.
Graduation Rate
The graduation rate at Drake University is 76%. The six-year graduation rate for first-time, full-time students is 79%.
Study Abroad Opportunities
Drake University offers a variety of study abroad opportunities for students, including semester-long programs, short-term courses, and international internships. The university has partnerships with over 70 institutions in 40 countries worldwide.
Grinnell College
Grinnell College is a private liberal arts college located in Grinnell, Iowa. The college was founded in 1846 and has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,748 students as of fall 2021.
Annual Cost
The annual cost of attendance for Grinnell College for the 2021-2022 academic year is $77,550, which includes tuition, room and board, and fees. However, the college is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.
Enrollment and SAT Range
Grinnell College has a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1 and an acceptance rate of 24.3%. The middle 50% range of SAT scores for admitted students is 1410-1540. The college is known for its diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 40 countries.
Majors
Grinnell College offers over 40 majors, including popular economics, biology, psychology, and computer science programs. The college also offers a unique individually advised curriculum, which allows students to design their own course of study with the guidance of a faculty advisor.
Location
Grinnell College is located in a small town in central Iowa, about an hour’s drive from Des Moines. The college’s 120-acre campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including the award-winning Joe Rosenfield ’25 Center.
Employment and Study Abroad Opportunities
Grinnell College is strongly committed to providing students with opportunities for employment and study abroad. The college’s Center for Careers, Life, and Service offers a range of resources to help students find internships, jobs, and post-graduate opportunities. Grinnell also has a robust study abroad program, with opportunities in more than 60 countries.
Diversity and Graduation Rate
Grinnell College is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. The college’s student body is diverse, with students from various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The college also strongly commits to graduating its students, with a six-year graduation rate of 91%.
In summary, Grinnell College is a top-ranked liberal arts college in Iowa that offers a unique individually advised curriculum, a diverse student body, and a strong commitment to employment and study abroad opportunities.
Coe College
Coe College is a private liberal arts college in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. With an acceptance rate of 71%, Coe College is a selective institution that offers a personalized education experience to its students.
Annual Cost
The annual cost of attending Coe College is $50,664, which includes tuition and fees. However, the college offers need-based and merit-based financial aid to assist students in covering the cost of attendance.
Enrollment and SAT Range
Coe College has a total enrollment of approximately 1,300 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1. The SAT range for admitted students is between 1080-1320.
Majors
Coe College offers over 60 majors and minors, with popular majors including Business Administration, Psychology, Biology, and English. The college also offers pre-professional programs in law, Medicine, and Engineering.
Location
Coe College is located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a mid-sized city with a population of approximately 133,000. The college’s campus is in a residential neighborhood, providing students a safe and comfortable atmosphere.
Employment and Study Abroad Opportunities
Coe College is strongly committed to providing its students with employment opportunities, with over 90% of graduates finding employment or enrolling in graduate school within six months of graduation. The college also offers numerous study abroad programs, allowing students to gain valuable international experience.
Graduation Rate
Coe College has a graduation rate of 68%, which is slightly above the national average for private colleges.
Diversity
Coe College is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on its campus, with approximately 20% of its student body consisting of students from underrepresented groups. The college also offers numerous programs and initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion, including cultural events and affinity groups.
Luther College
Luther College is a private liberal arts college located in Decorah, Iowa. It is ranked #107 in National Liberal Arts Colleges by US News Best Colleges for the 2022-2023 edition.
Annual Cost
The annual tuition and fees for Luther College is $48,160. Additionally, the college offers financial aid and scholarships to students based on need and merit.
Enrollment and SAT Range
As of Fall 2021, Luther College has an enrollment of 2,002 undergraduate students. The SAT range for admitted students is 1160-1380.
Majors
Luther College offers over 60 majors and pre-professional programs. Some of the popular majors include Biology, Business, Psychology, and Music.
Location
Decorah, Iowa, is a small town with a population of approximately 8,000. The town is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Luther College is located on a 200-acre campus in the heart of Decorah.
Diversity
Luther College is committed to diversity and inclusion. The student body is made up of students from 44 states and 58 countries. Additionally, the college has several programs and initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion on campus.
Graduation Rate and Student-to-Faculty Ratio
The graduation rate for Luther College is 78%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1, allowing small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty members.
Study Abroad Opportunities
Luther College is known for its strong study abroad programs. Approximately 70% of Luther students participate in study abroad programs in over 60 countries. The college has its own study abroad center in Nottingham, England, and also offers semester-long programs in China, India, and Namibia.
