When you have so many possibilities, choose which institution to attend is difficult. Because much of Iowa’s land is used for agriculture, it is known as the Corn State. Many unique agriculture degree programs are available at the state’s finest colleges and universities, including Iowa State University, the country’s oldest land-grant university. Unfortunately, only a few of Iowa’s many four-year degree-granting institutions are sponsored by the Government of Iowa.
The Best Colleges In Iowa 2021 ranking is based on rigorous analysis of academic, admissions, financial, and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education, along with millions of reviews from students and alumni.
The Best Colleges In Iowa 2021
10.University of Northern Iowa
The University of Northern Iowa is a regional comprehensive Division I university in Iowa’s attractive and dynamic Cedar Valley that provides affordable, world-class education and helps students identify and develop their skills. Building on its long tradition of distinction in teacher education, the institution now provides great business, technology, the performing arts, and health sciences, totalling more than 160 fields of study in nearly every discipline.
- SAT Range: 980-1240
- ACT Range: 20-26
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
9.Loras College
Loras College is a private Catholic college in Dubuque, Iowa. It is a small university, with only 1,264 undergraduate students enrolled. Loras has a 75% acceptance rate, making admissions somewhat competitive. Business, Elementary Education, and Psychology are all popular majors. Loras graduates receive a starting income of $37,300, with 67 percent of students graduating.
- SAT Range: 960-1140
- ACT Range: 20-25
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
8.Northwestern College – Iowa
Northwestern College is a private Christian liberal arts college in Orange City, Iowa. It is a small university, with only 968 undergraduate students enrolled. The Northwestern – Iowa acceptance rate is 70%, making admissions somewhat competitive. Business, Elementary Education, and Nursing are all popular majors. Northwestern – Iowa graduates receive a starting salary of $36,000 after graduating 68 percent of the time.
- SAT Range: 1030-1250
- ACT Range: 21-27
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
7.Dordt University
Dordt University is a private evangelical Christian university in Sioux Center, Iowa. It is a small university, with only 1,319 undergraduate students enrolled. The Dordt acceptance rate is 75%, making admissions somewhat competitive. Elementary education, nursing, and finance are all popular majors. Dordt graduates earn a starting income of $35,900, with 75% of students graduating.
- SAT Range: 1030-1340
- ACT Range: 21-28
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
6.Cornell College
Cornell College is a private liberal arts college in Mount Vernon, Iowa. It is a small university, with only 1,017 undergraduate students enrolled. Cornell College has a 62 percent acceptance rate, making admissions somewhat tough. Kinesiology and Exercise Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and History are also popular majors. Cornell College graduates receive a starting income of $32,600, with 69 percent of students graduating.
- SAT Range: 1100-1340
- ACT Range: 23-29
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
5.Luther College
Luther College is a private Lutheran liberal arts college in Decorah, Iowa. Take action to benefit people, communities, and society. Located in the stunning bluff country of Decorah and with learning opportunities worldwide, Luther’s experiential approach to education and its supportive community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully, and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact.
- SAT Range: 1030-1260
- ACT Range: 22-28
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
4.Drake University
Drake University is a medium-sized university, which means you will benefit from the best advantages of a school that feels both “big” and “small” simultaneously. Drake offers over 150 undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate degrees in 7 different colleges, but you’ll still have small classes and professors who know your name. Students can dive into their major from day 1 or explore their options.
- SAT Range: 1100-1370
- ACT Range: 24-31
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
3.Iowa State University
Iowa State University is a public land-grant research university in Ames, Iowa. There are 26,713 undergraduate students enrolled. Iowa State has a 92 percent acceptance rate. Mechanical Engineering, Marketing, and Agricultural Business are also popular degrees. Iowa State graduates receive a starting income of $41,200, with 74 percent of students graduating.
- SAT Range: 1100-1340
- ACT Range: 22-28
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
2.University of Iowa
With 32,948 students from 114 countries and all 50 states, the University of Iowa is one of the nation’s premier public research universities. It is the state’s oldest institution of higher education, and it is located in Iowa City, one of America’s most treasured college towns, alongside the scenic Iowa River.
The University of Iowa offers more than 200 majors, minors, and certificates, one of the most prestigious academic medical facilities in the country, and the world-renowned Iowa Writers’ Workshop.
- SAT Range: 1130-1340
- ACT Range: 22-29
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
1.Grinnell College
Grinnell College is a private liberal arts college in Grinnell, Iowa. You have complete control over how your studies develop and where you wish to go. The only obligatory class outside of your major is the First-Year Tutorial. After that, the rest is up to you, and with more than 500 courses to select from, you’ll have both freedom and concentrated supervision.
With their extensive global learning possibilities, you’ll be able to apply your academic interests in various locations around the globe. In fact, every Grinnellian has the opportunity to study, work, and travel in over 30 nations.
- SAT Range: 1370-1530
- ACT Range: 31-34
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
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