Best Colleges & Universities in Iowa 2023
You may know Iowa as the “Corn State” or “Hawkeye State.” From these nicknames, you can tell that Iowa is well-known for both its corn production and its higher education opportunities. The best colleges & universities in Iowa will explore many of the higher education opportunities so you can make the best choice. It is home to Iowa State University, the oldest land-grant university in America. Students flock to Iowa from all over the world, not only to enjoy the education but to take part in the Big 10 and Big 12 athletics programs available.
Because of the concentration of agriculture in the midwestern U.S., Iowa’s colleges and universities offer some of the most innovative agricultural degree programs. You can find any avenue of study there, however. Central College, for example, is leading in programs about environmental sustainability. Luther College is a leader in music education. Emmaus Bible College offers Christian students an education that includes religious studies.
Related Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Financially, Iowa is stepping up efforts to help students who would like to attend school from out of state by participating in the Midwest Student Exchange Program, which allows students from participating states to pay no more than 150% of the in-state tuition at another participating state’s colleges or universities. See if you could participate in this program by visiting https://www.mhec.org/programs/midwest-student-exchange-program.
The Iowa Writers’ Workshop is based at the University of Iowa, and the state’s institutions have produced nationally-ranked collegiate wrestlers for many years. As you can see, the state that produces loads of corn and soybeans has a variety of educational avenues for students of all academic and athletic interests to pursue. So Iowa may provide you with the education for which you are searching.
Rankings
EDsmart assesses colleges in Iowa based on data that covers four main areas:
- Cost (average net price)
- Academic quality (graduation rate)
- Student satisfaction (retention rate)
- Salary After Attending (the median earnings of former students who received federal financial aid, at 10 years after entering the school)
All data was gathered from the U.S. Dept of Education websites College Scorecard and College Navigator.
This ranking aims to help students assess the affordability and value of top colleges in Iowa so they can make informed decisions about which college to attend.
Best Accredited Colleges in Iowa 2023
1. Iowa State University
Score: 100.0
Average Net Price: $16,002
Retention Rate: 88%
Graduation Rate: 74%
Salary After Attending: $57,351
Iowa State University is located in Ames and had a total enrollment of 30,708 students in 2021. Iowa State University consistently ranks among the top universities in the world. Its undergraduate programs in landscape architecture, agriculture and forestry, engineering, chemistry, and physics are all well-regarded. The university’s world-class graduate programs in veterinary medicine, analytical chemistry, biological/agricultural engineering, physics, and higher education administration continue to be superior to those of other colleges and universities worldwide.
2. University of Iowa
Score: 98.6
Average Net Price: $19,401
Retention Rate: 87%
Graduation Rate: 72%
Salary After Attending: $58,274
The University of Iowa was founded in 1847, and it is the oldest university in Iowa. The university is regarded as one of the best colleges in IA for veterans. With more than 200 areas of study, the programs in communications, nursing, physical therapy, education, and chemistry are considered to be among the best in the nation. In addition, this university’s athletic program, most well-known for its championship wrestling team, is so impressive that one of Iowa’s state nicknames is Hawkeye State, from the University of Iowa’s mascot.
3. Grinnell College
Score: 96.4
Average Net Price: $25,182
Retention Rate: 87%
Graduation Rate: 86%
Salary After Attending: $59,488
Grinnell College was founded in 1846, and today the school is ranked #15 in National Liberal Arts College and #8 in Best Value Schools by U.S. News and World Report. As one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country, you’re in charge of your studies at Grinnell College. For now, freshmen are required only to take the First-Year Tutorial or FIT and the rest is up to them. With guidance and support from academic, career, and residential advisers, you’ll have the freedom to make your own plan. Your studies will therefore be tailored to fit what you want to get out of it and where you want to go with your career. Niche.com ranked the school with a grade rating of A+ for its academics, diversity, and value.
4. Coe College
Score: 95.4
Average Net Price: $20,371
Retention Rate: 81%
Graduation Rate: 67%
Salary After Attending: $52,967
Coe College is a private college located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with a focus on Christ. The college has a total population of 1,371. Coe offers an excellent liberal arts and sciences education with opportunities to explore some of the world’s most pressing global issues through off-campus studies. The U.S. News and World Report ranked Coe College #38 in Top Performers on Social Mobility and #142 in National Liberal Arts Colleges. 73% of Coe students are accepted. Business, Biology, and Psychology majors are most popular here. 59% of these graduates go on to earn a starting salary of $37,600.
5. University of Northern Iowa
Score: 95.0
Average Net Price: $16,438
Retention Rate: 84%
Graduation Rate: 66%
Salary After Attending: $49,563
Located in Cedar Falls, the University of Northern Iowa offers students a choice of more than 90 majors. Founded in 1876, the university had a total enrollment of nearly 9,231 students in 2021, and it has an acceptance rate of 86 percent. The school’s degree programs in education, accounting, finance, and communications are top-notch. The university is considered to be one of the safest colleges in America, and its athletic opportunities are plentiful. Students who are looking to join clubs and campus organizations can choose from more than 250 options, including the Women in STEM club, the Pre-Physician Assistant Club, the Panther Village Activities Board, Art for El Salvador, and the American Choral Directors Association.
6. Drake University
Score: 95.0
Average Net Price: $29,903
Retention Rate: 85%
Graduation Rate: 78%
Salary After Attending: $63,528
Drake University is a small, private university located in Des Moines, Iowa. As a student here, you will benefit from the best of both worlds: the small class sizes and personal attention of a school that feels “big” in other ways. Drake University is home to just under 5,000 students. Drake has over 150 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in 7 different colleges. With small classes and professors who know your name, Drake is the perfect place to receive an education on your terms. Drake University is just 5 minutes from downtown Des Moines, a fast-growing city in the Midwest. It boasts a vibrant, urban campus with great student opportunities and Division I athletics. They also offer access to internships and great extracurriculars for students.
7. Simpson College
Score: 94.6
Average Net Price: $19,644
Retention Rate: 77%
Graduation Rate: 71%
Salary After Attending: $50,628
Simpson College is a private Christian institution in the Des Moines area. With its 1,218 undergraduate students and small size, it makes for the perfect college choice. Simpson College has a high acceptance rate of 91%. Popular majors that students pick are Business, Accounting, and Psychology. With an average graduation rate of 65%, Alumni have a starting salary of $37,800. U.S. News and World Report ranked Simpson College #7 in Regional Colleges Midwest, #6 in Best Undergraduate Teaching, and #4 in Best Value Schools. Niche.com ranked the school #10 in Best Value Colleges in Iowa.
8. Luther College
Score: 93.6
Average Net Price: $25,538
Retention Rate: 81%
Graduation Rate: 79%
Salary After Attending: $51,981
Luther College is home to more than 1,800 undergraduates who are here to get a world-class education and give back through their studies. Niche.com gave Luther College a grade rating of B+, and U.S. News and World Report ranked the college #107 among National Liberal Arts Colleges. Luther offers over 60 academic options that cover a wide range of topics, all of which emphasize real-world experience and foster curiosity to prepare students for limitless opportunities. A few of these popular programs include Biology, Computer Science, Experimental Psychology, Elementary Education, and Nursing.
9. Loras College
Score: 93.2
Average Net Price: $21,629
Retention Rate: 77%
Graduation Rate: 68%
Salary After Attending: $52,435
Loras College, founded in 1839, is located in Dubuque. It is the oldest post-secondary institution in the state. With an enrollment of approximately 1,400 students, this Catholic college offers undergraduate and graduate degrees with a focus on the liberal arts. The acceptance rate is roughly 72 percent. Psychology, criminal justice, and business are some of the most popular majors at the institution, and the college is one of the only schools in the country that offers a four-year engineering degree that is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Loras College is also one of the best value colleges in Iowa. Students at the school enjoy a student-teacher ratio of 11:1, much better than the national average of 18:1. All students receive financial aid.
10. Central College
Score: 93.0
Average Net Price: $21,099
Retention Rate: 77%
Graduation Rate: 70%
Salary After Attending: $49,741
Founded in 1853, Central College in Pella, Iowa, is an intimate and rigorous college with a strong focus on leadership. With its close-knit community of students and dedicated faculty, Central offers connections that last through all aspects of life for grads The Central experience is rooted in a residential community of 1,139 students. The college features NCAA Division III athletics. Central College has a high graduation rate sitting at 63% and a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1. U.S. News and World Report ranked the college #145 in National Liberal Arts Colleges and #120 in Top Performers on Social Mobility.
11. Wartburg College
Score: 92.6
Average Net Price: $22,765
Retention Rate: 80%
Graduation Rate: 66%
Salary After Attending: $52,864
You will find that a liberal arts education at Wartburg not only provides you with the skills needed in your chosen field but also teaches necessary life skills. You’ll learn to think critically and explore ethical decision-making, effective communication, cultural diversity, and collaborative teamwork. Students at Wartburg College are not limited academically. Students can choose from more than 60 different academic majors and programs, which range from business administration to music to engineering. Wartburg graduates are finding fulfilling careers and are accepted into prestigious graduate and professional schools.
12. Mount Mercy University
Score: 91.8
Average Net Price: $22,668
Retention Rate: 77%
Graduation Rate: 68%
Salary After Attending: $50,047
Mount Mercy University is here to give you the education you deserve. The school is located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is ranked as one of the best U.S. cities to live in. As an affordable school, they offer a world-class education with solid preparation for a changing future. Mount Mercy University has an international student body of more than 1,600 people from around the world. The diverse group of students is what makes for a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. Niche.com gave Mount Mercy an overall grade rating of B- for their academics, value, and diversity.
13. Dordt University
Score: 91.4
Average Net Price: $24,313
Retention Rate: 82%
Graduation Rate: 70%
Salary After Attending: $48,164
Established in 1955, Dordt College is affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church. They offer a biblical and Christ-centered education to all students interested in that, no matter their background. Today, as a highly regarded Christian liberal arts university, Dordt College is on a mission to equip the next generation of servant-leaders who will saturate their relationships and communities with the light of Christ. U.S. News and World Report ranked Dordt College #3 in Most Innovative Schools, #4 in Best Undergraduate Teaching, and #9 in Regional Universities Midwest. Explore more than 40-degree programs that offer a wide range of majors, minors, and emphases to provide you with the best possible options for your education.
14. Cornell College
Score: 90.8
Average Net Price: $23,694
Retention Rate: 75%
Graduation Rate: 74%
Salary After Attending: $49,543
The average private school with an enrollment of 1054, Cornell College is located in Mount Vernon, Iowa. It’s a small college that offers higher-than-average quality education. Cornell College has an acceptance rate of 81%. Popular classes include Psychology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Kinesiology, and Exercise Science. Niche.com ranked Cornell College #3 in Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa and gave them a grade rating of B. U.S. News and World Report ranked the college #47 in Best Value Schools and #51 in Most Innovative Schools.
15. St. Ambrose University
Score: 90.8
Average Net Price: $26,292
Retention Rate: 79%
Graduation Rate: 65%
Salary After Attending: $54,600
St. Ambrose is a high-quality secondary, private university known for its small size and quality education. The Catholic institution is located in Davenport, Iowa with an enrollment of 2,228 undergraduate students. Niche.com ranked St. Ambrose #9 in Best Value Colleges in Iowa. Due to the competitive nature of our admissions process, St. Ambrose boasts an acceptance rate of 72%. Popular majors at St. Ambrose include Nursing, Psychology, Kinesiology, and Exercise Science. After graduating 55% of students, and alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $38,800.
16. Graceland University-Lamoni
Score: 89.6
Average Net Price: $18,286
Retention Rate: 77%
Graduation Rate: 62%
Salary After Attending: $41,637
Graceland University-Lamoni has two primary campuses. One is in Lamoni, IA, and the other is in Independence, MO. Satellite centers are located in the Iowa towns of Centerville, and Cedar Rapids, as well as in Trenton, MO. More than 50 majors are available at this private university, and the most popular fields include registered nursing, elementary education, and business administration. Students will also be able to take advantage of a new minor option in creative writing. In 2021, the student population across all campuses was just over 1,431. Uniquely, Graceland University requires all Lamoni campus students who are under the age of 23 to live in university-run housing. An elected council plans social and academic events for on-campus students, including free movie nights every Thursday. The acceptance rate at Graceland University is 56 percent.
17. Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary
Score: 89.4
Average Net Price: $16,014
Retention Rate: 78%
Graduation Rate: 50%
Salary After Attending: $38,558
Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary is a private institution in Ankeny. Founded in 1921, this Christian college trains both men and women to be Christian ministers. Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees are both offered. In addition to its seminary, the college offers many undergraduate degrees. For example, students can receive bachelor’s degrees in music education, sacred music, office administration, secondary English education, and elementary education. The institution provides both two-year and four-year degrees in biblical studies. Degrees are also available in pastoral training and world missions.
18. Northwestern College
Score: 89.4
Average Net Price: $22,410
Retention Rate: 78%
Graduation Rate: 66%
Salary After Attending: $44,904
Northwestern University is one of the best-ranking Christian colleges in America. They offer an unparalleled academic experience in a Christ-centered community setting. They offer a huge range of courses and can guarantee you’ll find one that fits your needs. They believe in small class sizes so as to give you the best possible experience and Northwestern University’s research opportunities are unmatched. High-performing graduates tend to receive great job offers at companies like Google, the Mayo Clinic, and Principal Financial. Niche.com ranked Northwestern University #4 in Best Value Colleges in Iowa.
19. Buena Vista University
Score: 88.8
Average Net Price: $18,054
Retention Rate: 72%
Graduation Rate: 59%
Salary After Attending: $44,699
Located in Storm Lake, Buena Vista University is a Presbyterian college that offers more than 45 majors. The university opened its doors in 1891. The school has an acceptance rate of 66 percent, and the total student population is just under 2,000 students. The average class size ranges from 10 to 19 pupils, and the student-teacher ratio is 11:1. Elementary education, psychology, liberal arts, and humanities are particularly popular majors for students at Buena Vista. The graduation rate at the college is 62 percent, and the average starting salary for graduates is $34,500 per year.
20. Grand View University
Score: 88.6
Average Net Price: $20,469
Retention Rate: 68%
Graduation Rate: 59%
Salary After Attending: $49,451
Located in Des Moines, Grand View University is a Lutheran university that emphasizes the liberal arts. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, this private university has around 1,874 students. Some of the most popular majors at Grand View University include nursing, psychology, finance, human services, and business, and the school has an acceptance rate of 97 percent. Grand View University consistently makes the list of the best-value colleges in Iowa.
21. Morningside University
Score: 88.0
Average Net Price: $22,350
Retention Rate: 69%
Graduation Rate: 57%
Salary After Attending: $50,044
Morningside is a small Christian university with an enrollment of 1,157 undergrads in Sioux City, Iowa. The school offers higher-than-average quality and provide a good-sized selection of programs to choose from. U.S. News and World Report ranked Morningside University #66 in Regional Universities Midwest and #67 in Top Performers on Social Mobility. Getting accepted to Morningside can be competitive because its acceptance rate is 66%. Popular majors at Morningside include Elementary Education, Nursing, and Counseling Psychology. Graduating 60% of its students, Morningside alumni go on to earn an average starting salary of $37,400.
22. Clarke University
Score: 86.2
Average Net Price: $24,860
Retention Rate: 72%
Graduation Rate: 64%
Salary After Attending: $47,254
Here at Clarke University, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from expert faculty in small classes. They offer state-of-the-art facilities that immerse students in a hands-on learning environment. Niche.com gave Clarke University a grade rating of B- for its diversity, athletics, and value. They also strive to help you network beyond campus and into the communities you love, presenting you with unique internship and service-learning opportunities outside of the classroom. This means you will be able to take on new challenges and launch your career in the best way possible.
23. Upper Iowa University
Score: 86.0
Average Net Price: $24,063
Retention Rate: 70%
Graduation Rate: 50%
Salary After Attending: $49,292
Upper Iowa University is a liberal arts private university with a small campus in Fayette, IA. They have an enrollment of 3,610 undergraduate and graduate students. Upper Iowa University received a grade rating of B- from Niche.com for its outstanding diversity, academics, and value. With an acceptance rate sitting at 65%, Upper Iowa University can be somewhat competitive to get into. Popular majors at UIU include Accounting, Human Services, Criminology, and Physical Education. Graduating 27% of its students, Upper Iowa alumni are known to go on and earn a starting salary of $38,400.
24. Iowa Western Community College
Score: 85.6
Average Net Price: $11,682
Retention Rate: 53%
Graduation Rate: 26%
Salary After Attending: $38,863
Iowa Western Community College is located in Council Bluffs and was founded in 1967. The college provides degrees and certificates in more than 80 subjects, including its flight school. Dental assisting, music technology, culinary arts, early childhood education, literature, and laser systems are among the many degree options at the college. In the area of culinary arts, students can specialize in baking and pastry or food service. The institution also has a certificate in songwriting and rap production, and associate’s degrees in psychology and sociology are offered entirely online. Both evening and winter-term classes are available, and students can choose to commute or live on campus in one of the residence halls. Specialized advising is available for students who are planning to transfer to a university, and the college also offers an online library and online tutoring options. Mental health support and disability services are available as needed.
25. Briar Cliff University
Score: 85.2
Average Net Price: $22,212
Retention Rate: 64%
Graduation Rate: 47%
Salary After Attending: $47,922
Briar Cliff is a small Catholic university located in Sioux City, Iowa. With only 587 undergraduate students, it has a relatively small student body. Briar Cliff offers only undergraduate degrees and is dedicated to providing a comprehensive liberal arts education that emphasizes the development of each student’s intellect, character, and faith. Briar Cliff University has a 100% acceptance rate and students are keen to pursue education in nursing, social work, and youth services, or business. The graduation rate of Briar Cliff University is 50% which is higher than the national average, alumni consistently go on to make a starting salary of $35,200.
26. Waldorf University
Score: 85.0
Average Net Price: $20,541
Retention Rate: 40%
Graduation Rate: 50%
Salary After Attending: $43,860
Founded in 1903, Waldorf University is a for-profit university located in Forest City. Associated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the private university has approximately 3,025 students and an acceptance rate of 61 percent. The graduation rate of the university is 52 percent, and the starting salary for alumni is an average of $32,200. With a student-teacher ratio of 19:1, popular subjects at Waldorf include business, fire protection and prevention, occupational safety and health, psychology, and homeland security and disaster management.
27. William Penn University
Score: 84.6
Average Net Price: $21,208
Retention Rate: 59%
Graduation Rate: 45%
Salary After Attending: $45,250
William Penn University is located in the small town of Oskaloosa, Iowa. The school has a total enrollment of 1,350 and offers 27 majors to study. They also offer over 100 student organizations and nine varsity sports teams. Though it’s a bit of a challenge to get into Penn as the acceptance rate is relatively low, being accepted is worth your time. Popular majors at William Penn include Business, Elementary Education, and Psychology. After graduating, alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $32,900.
28. University of Dubuque
Score: 83.6
Average Net Price: $27,592
Retention Rate: 65%
Graduation Rate: 50%
Salary After Attending: $47,629
The University of Dubuque is a small private college that was founded in 1852. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,594 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1. The University of Dubuque values academic achievement, but more than anything, they want to create a community that values strength of character. You’ll be challenged with rigorous academics by the University of Dubuque, but you’ll also find it to be one of the most welcoming atmospheres with an endless amount of opportunities for you to pursue your passions and connect with other like-minded students.
Honorable Mention:
Northwest Iowa Community College
Northwest Iowa Community College began in 1966 and is located in Sheldon. The institution is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The college has a total enrollment of around 1,747 students, and it boasts an acceptance rate of 100 percent. Some of the most popular majors at the school include the liberal arts, humanities, nursing, and electrical engineering. The graduation rate at Northwest Iowa Community College is 65 percent, and the average starting salary for graduates of the institution is approximately $38,000 per year. The school boasts a good value for the cost, and it has a good record as a safe campus with a high quality of life for the student body.
Emmaus Bible College
Founded in 1941, Emmaus Bible College is affiliated with the Open Brethren. The private college is situated in Dubuque, and students can choose to double major in both biblical and professional studies. The college offers programs in music, intercultural studies, teacher education, educational ministries, theology, and counseling psychology. In addition, the school offers a 3+1 transfer program for select majors. Students who participate in this program spend three years studying at Emmaus before transferring to the University of Dubuque for a single year of study. This option enables students to complete a degree that is not available at Emmaus. As a Christian college, Emmaus prioritizes students’ spiritual development, and students can choose to participate in regular service ministries, growth groups, and chapel.
Iowa Lakes Community College
Located in Estherville, Iowa Lakes Community College offers a variety of career and technical programs. Students can choose to enroll in the diploma, certificate, or Associate in Applied Science degree programs. Some programs, including the accounting specialist program and the business specialist program, can be completed entirely online. The college offers programs in an array of disciplines such as nursing, massage therapy, hotel and restaurant management, agribusiness, and wind energy and turbine technology. Specialized evening college courses are offered in select subjects; these programs enable students to complete their coursework without the need for any daytime classes. Iowa Lakes Community College also offers a bachelor’s degree completion program so that students in specific disciplines can transfer from a university to a community college to complete the final two years of their bachelor’s degree.
Northeast Iowa Community College
Northeast Iowa Community College was founded in 1966 and is made up of two campuses, one in the town of Calmar and the other in the town of Peosta. The college offers associate’s degrees, diplomas, and certificates in 67 fields of study across nine academic departments. It boasts a student-teacher ratio of 13:1. Students at Northeast Iowa Community College can complete some associate’s degrees entirely online, and they can also take advantage of summer sessions and an honors program. Notably, students in the agriculture and dairy science programs can utilize the on-site learning opportunities at both the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety and Iowa’s Dairy Center. The total enrollment currently is just under 5,000 students and the average salary for graduates of this school is $28,900 per year. Outside of academia, the college offers several intramural sports teams for students, including a pickleball team and an ultimate frisbee team.
Further Reading: Cheapest Accredited Online College Rankings
Southwestern Community College
Located in Creston, Southwestern Community College offers programs in the arts and sciences, and it is well-regarded for its programs in career and technical education. In addition to the main campus in Creston, the college has satellite campuses in Red Oak and Osceola. Students can choose from more than 400 online classes offered each semester. On campus, students can choose from programs such as professional music, nursing, graphic design, criminal justice, and information technology systems networking. Some of the most popular fields of study at this school are the humanities, liberal arts, welding, and licensed practical nurse training. A college transfer program is available in the arts and sciences. Southwestern Community College accepts 100 percent of applicants, and it has a graduation rate of 57 percent. The average starting salary for graduates is $28,500.
Marshalltown Community College
Founded in 1927, Marshalltown Community College is located just to the south of Marshalltown and has a satellite campus in Grinnell. The college is part of the Iowa Valley district of community colleges, and students can choose from 55 different degree and diploma options. The average enrollment at the community college is around 2,000 students, and the student-teacher ratio is 19:1. In addition to its on-campus offerings, the college has a liberal arts degree that can be completed entirely online. Students can seamlessly transfer the credits earned from this two-year degree into many university programs, including those at Iowa State and the University of Northern Iowa. Unlike the majority of community colleges, Marshalltown offers on-campus living options for student residents.
North Iowa Area Community College
North Iowa Area Community College was founded in 1918 and is in Mason City. With an acceptance rate of 100 percent, the college offers a variety of degree and diploma options, including programs in healthcare, agriculture, the arts and sciences, business, and industrial fields. The most popular programs at the college are the arts and humanities, nursing and nursing assistant, emergency medical technician, business, and agricultural production operations. North Iowa Area Community College consistently ranks as one of the best community colleges in America. The college has a graduation rate of 46 percent, and the average starting salary for alumni is $28,500. More than 90 percent of graduates have jobs within two years of earning their degrees.
Purdue University Global-Cedar Rapids
Purdue University Global is a for-profit university with a campus located in Cedar Rapids. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the school offers many programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Nursing, business, and healthcare management are among the most popular majors. With an acceptance rate of 100 percent, the graduation rate for the Cedar Rapids campus is 38 percent, and alumni go on to earn an average starting salary of $24,600. Purdue University Global offers evening degree programs for students with daytime schedule constraints.
Iowa Central Community College
With the main campus in Fort Dodge, Iowa Central Community College was founded in 1966 and has satellite centers in Storm Lake and Webster City. The college offers more than 100 programs of study, and the student population is just over 5,300. Nursing, nursing assistant, humanities, liberal arts, and industrial electronics technician are among the most popular courses. The graduation rate at Iowa Central Community College is 43 percent, and alumni have an average salary of $29,600 six years after graduation. Eighty-nine percent of alumni are employed within two years of graduation.
Southeastern Community College
Founded in 1967, Southeastern Community College has its main campuses in Burlington and Keokuk. A smaller center is located in Mount Pleasant. Currently, the total student population is just over 2,548 students, and the graduation rate is 37 percent. Some of the most popular subjects at Southeastern Community College include nursing, licensed practical nurse training, the arts and humanities, agricultural business, information technology, and emergency medical technician. First-year students at Southeastern live on campus, and the college provides daycare services for students with children.
Kirkwood Community College
Founded in 1966, Kirkwood Community College has a main campus in Cedar Rapids and a secondary campus in Iowa City. The college has eight regional centers, including those located in Belle Plaine, Coralville, Tipton, Washington, and Williamsburg. Students at Kirkwood Community College can earn associate’s degrees in a variety of liberal arts majors such as music, political science, early childhood education, art, anthropology and cultural studies, and history. The college also offers degrees in Chinese, French, and Spanish, and applied sciences degrees are available in engineering, math, agriculture, and computer science. On-campus housing is available for students who need it, and the campus has an on-site recreation center and a student health center.
Hawkeye Community College
Hawkeye Community College is located in Waterloo, and it has regional centers in Cedar Falls, Waverly, and Independence. It is one of the best schools in Iowa for students hoping to attend a community college. Currently, student enrollment sits at just over 5,200 students. The school has a graduation rate of 32 percent. Along with the liberal arts and humanities, the most popular fields of study at Hawkeye Community College include nursing, machine and metalworking, business support services, and natural resources conservation and management. On-campus housing is available, and the school has both a dental clinic and a medical clinic for students, too.
Western Iowa Tech Community College
Founded in 1966, Western Iowa Tech Community College now has five campuses. The institution’s main campus is in Sioux City, and smaller campuses are in Mapleton, Le Mars, Cherokee, and Denison. On-campus housing is provided in three residence halls, and a student life center includes walking areas, a weight-training room, and cardio machines. Associate’s degrees and certificates are offered in many fields of study. For example, the school has an associate’s degree in surgical technology, and students can also choose from subjects such as musical instrument fabrication and repair, firefighting, cinematography, and recording technology. An honors program is available, and students may also wish to be part of the International Education Institute. Specialized courses are available for English language learners, and many programs can be completed entirely online, including those accounting, agriculture, human resources, child development, entrepreneurship concepts, and video game design.
Eastern Iowa Community College District
The Eastern Iowa Community College District is three different community colleges: Clinton Community College, Muscatine Community College, and Scott Community College. Together, the three colleges offer programs suited for a wide range of students. Adult learners may be interested in the district’s degree plan for working adults or in the option to earn an associate’s degree exclusively with nighttime classes. Overall, the colleges in this district offer a combined total of 20 different associate’s degrees and 32 certificates. Students at Clinton Community College can take advantage of an on-campus housing option. This is provided in single rooms or suites of two rooms.
Maharishi University of Management
Formerly known as Maharishi International University, this institution is located in Fairfield. The non-profit university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers on-campus and online degrees. Students can earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in subjects such as art, screenwriting, computer science, and software development. Uniquely, the school also has degree options in Vedic studies, Ayurveda wellness, and consciousness and human potential. Single rooms are available for all students in on-campus housing, and the dining hall serves organic and vegetarian options. All students and faculty members practice meditation twice per day at designated times.
Indian Hills Community College
Indian Hills Community College has campuses in Ottumwa and Centerville. Founded in 1966, the college has both residential and commuter students. Associate’s degrees, diplomas, and certificates are available in several disciplines, including radiologic technology, phlebotomy, nutrition, aviation pilot training, and commercial driver training. The institution also offers an associate’s degree in health information technology that can be completed entirely online. Online-only diploma programs are also available in medical/insurance coding, healthcare documentation, and health unit coordination. At Indian Hills, the arts are particularly well regarded. The school has a concert choir, a chamber choir, and a jazz band. Private music lessons are available in jazz, woodwinds, voice, and piano, and IHCC offers several performing arts scholarships. Several study-abroad options are available for interested students.
Des Moines Area Community College
Des Moines Area Community College has campuses in Ankeny, Boone, Carroll, Newton, Des Moines, and West Des Moines. Eight of the school’s programs can be completed entirely online, including certificates in retail management, homeland security, digital forensic investigation, and digital marketing. Online-only associate’s degrees are offered in the areas of criminal justice, accounting, psychology, liberal arts, and computer information systems. High school students can use the Career Advantage program to receive Des Moines Area Community College credits for their high school coursework, and the college also provides an honors program and study abroad options. For students with children who are up to five years old, on-campus daycare is provided during regular business hours. Bus transportation is available from the college, and students can participate in a range of clubs and athletic activities.
Ellsworth Community College
Founded in 1890 as Ellsworth College, Ellsworth Community College is in Iowa Falls. The college offers degrees and certificates in fields such as veterinary medicine, swine management, precision agriculture, and animal science. Students with an interest in healthcare may wish to consider the institution’s programs in medical assisting, nursing, pharmacy, and physical therapy. For liberal arts students, degrees are available in art, social work, English, education, law, and psychology. In addition to its on-campus offerings, Ellsworth Community College provides numerous online-only programs. For example, programs in human services, secondary education, history, finance and banking, and accounting can be completed entirely online. Through admissions partnerships, students at the college can easily transfer their credits to Iowa State University, the University of Northern Iowa, or the University of Iowa. The school also has a partnership with Bachelor Academy Sachsen in Germany. Through this partnership, students in agriculture programs complete two years of courses at Ellsworth before transferring to Germany to complete their final two years of study.
