Best Colleges in Iowa

Located in the town of the same name, Grinnell College is a private liberal arts college known for flexible curriculum pathways and a commitment to social responsibility and justice. This coeducational, residential college serves approximately 1,700 students each year. Grinnell participates in NCAA athletics, features over 150 student groups, and hosts hundreds of lectures, performances, and events each year. Grinnell offers a diverse catalog of 27 majors and 16 concentrations. Areas of study include biological chemistry, classics (ancient Greece and Rome), Russian, statistics, and technology studies. Students receive individual advising to help them craft their own ideal curriculum. Major selection isn't required until the second half of a learner's sophomore year. Grinnell emphasizes experiential learning and mentorship, providing students with extensive opportunities for internships, externships, service learning, and study abroad. Admission to Grinnel is highly selective. Prospective students must submit official high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, two teacher evaluations, and a counselor recommendation.

Cornell College is a private liberal arts college located in Mount Vernon and affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Cornell values spiritual diversity and welcomes students from all religious and nonreligious perspectives. More than 1,000 students attend classes at Cornell each year, 92% of whom live on campus. Cornell offers more than 40 undergraduate majors and pre-professional programs in areas such as economics, history, and psychology. Students can also work with an academic advisor to customize a major according to specific career goals. Cornell's notable "One Course at a Time" curriculum structure allows students to immerse themselves in a single academic discipline during each three- to four-week block. Cornell's centers its selective admissions process on academic ability and preparedness, personal character, and extracurricular involvement. All prospective students must supply a completed application, high school transcripts, writing samples, and either ACT/SAT scores or a portfolio.

A private liberal arts institution, Northwestern College affiliates with the Reformed Church. Approximately 85% of NWC's 1,200 students live in on-site residence halls and apartment complexes. The 100-acre campus in Orange City also offers state-of-the-art facilities for academics, athletics, physical fitness, theater performance, and worship. Dozens of student clubs and organizations provide additional engagement opportunities. NWC students can customize their education through dozens of undergraduate majors, minors, career concentrations, pre-professional programs, and certificates. Available disciplines include criminal justice, public relations, art therapy, and education. Undergraduates who need additional flexibility to achieve their goals can craft a unique, student-initiated major. Learners can complete several programs entirely online, including an RN-to-BSN degree, five master of education options, and seven education endorsements. Prospective undergraduates must supply a completed application, either online or through the mail, along with official high school transcripts and ACT, SAT, or CLT test scores.

Maharishi University of Management is a private nonprofit university located on a 370-acre campus in Fairfield. The school's on-site and online programs attract approximately 300 undergraduates and 1,400 graduate students each year. MUM utilizes consciousness-based education, which applies transcendental meditation techniques to academic learning and exploration. Undergraduate students can pursue a variety of majors -- including creative and professional writing, computer science, and art -- or design their own individualized program. MUM is the first university in the U.S. to offer bachelor's degrees in sustainable living, regenerative organic agriculture, and consciousness and human potential. MUM also offers 16 master's programs and three doctoral degrees. A month-by-month block system allows students to immerse themselves in one course at a time. MUM accepts applications year-round. Prospective students should possess a GPA of at least 2.5 for undergraduate degrees or 3.0 for graduate degrees, but those with lower GPAs may be considered depending on additional qualifications. A $20 processing fee applies for all applicants.

Mount Mercy University offers distance learners 10 online bachelor's degrees, including business, management, and an RN-to-BSN. All programs at this top online Iowa University allow degree-seekers to continue working full time. Courses feature both an asynchronous and accelerated format, while dedicated professors respond to student questions and concerns within one business day. MMU has created an online campus culture to help learners succeed and provide a unique educational experience. The Mercy App connects learners to MMU 24/7, and students who live in and around Cedar Rapids can take advantage of on-campus resources. Services available to all online degree-seekers include scheduled conversations with academic and career advisors, as well as one-on-one tutoring. Application requirements include a high school diploma and ACT or SAT scores. The RN-to-BSN program requires a valid nursing license and a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Although MMU does not award institutional or departmental scholarships, the university provides a 10% tuition discount to learners who work for one of 24 partner companies.

With more than 30 online programs, Buena Vista University attracts students with a broad variety of academic interests. Notable undergraduate programs include sports business, health services leadership, and criminal justice. Additionally, BVU provides seven graduate endorsement programs for primary and secondary school educators in areas such as special education and significant support needs. This top online Iowa university provides students with online learning software that features a grade portal, a payment portal, tutor access, and virtual office hours. The university's community college partners -- the Iowa Community College Online Consortium -- ensure that degree-seekers can also transfer credits seamlessly. BVU offers a start date every eight weeks, making the university an excellent option for prospective students who want to start a program as soon as possible. Applicants without at least 24 transferable credits submit transcripts or GED scores. BVU prefers applicants with a minimum 3.0 high school or undergraduate GPA. Phi Theta Kappa members may qualify for an institutional scholarship.

Located in Sioux City, Morningside College is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The college's online bachelor's completion program is designed for students who already possess an associate degree or significant college credit. This program, a bachelor of science in organizational management, focuses on leadership in various organizational settings. Some degree-seekers with transfer credit can graduate in just one year. The school also offers several online and hybrid master's degrees in teaching and nursing. Learners at this top online Iowa college who need academic and career support turn to the experts at the Krone Advising Center. These highly trained advisors direct students to valuable resources, such as the writing center and career services. Both students and alumni can use Handshake software to explore job opportunities throughout Iowa. Morningside accepts new students at five points throughout the year. Undergraduate applicants should possess at least 50 transferable credits and at two years of work experience in any field.

Iowa State University offers an online bachelor's in liberal studies that allows learners to create a personalized, 36-credit concentration in areas such as English literature, mathematics, and military studies. This flexibility attracts degree-seekers undecided about a major and career path. Additionally, all courses use an asynchronous curriculum, and the school offers online courses in the spring, summer, and fall semesters. With dozens of online courses to choose from, degree-seekers work one-one-one with an advisor to explore different topics and choose a concentration. Prospective students can also speak to an advisor to discuss academic and career goals. Applicants should possess an associate degree or at least 60 undergraduate credits from an accredited school. Iowa State may admit applicants who do not meet this requirement. All learners pay the same per-credit tuition rate and fees regardless of residency. Additionally, prospective students submit only one scholarship application to apply to all Iowa State scholarship opportunities.

Saint Ambrose University is a private, Roman Catholic liberal arts university located in Davenport. The small, urban campus features a fine arts center, a recently renovated chapel, a wellness and recreation center, and residence halls with 24/7 security and weekly housekeeping. SAU welcomes approximately 3,000 students each year. Students can choose from more than 60 academic programs at SAU, including bachelor's degrees, pre-professional tracks, and graduate programs in 12 diverse areas of study. SAU also offers four accelerated degree options -- in applied management studies, nursing, and business administration -- as well as six asynchronous online programs. Motivated students can challenge themselves in SAU's honors program or apply for a spot in the intensive, six-week undergraduate summer research institute organized by the College of Arts and Sciences. Admission requirements vary by student status and program. First-year applicants must provide a completed application, high school transcripts, and ACT or SAT scores.

Grand View University is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Annual enrollment typically exceeds 1,800 students, more than 800 of whom live on-site at the 50-acre campus in the Union Park neighborhood of Des Moines. The campus features a wellness center, business center, communication center, and library. GV's diverse academic offerings include bachelor's degrees, graduate programs, teaching endorsements, and pre-professional preparation. Undergraduates can choose from over 40 majors, 28 minors, and 4 certificates in disciplines like art and design, biotechnology, foreign languages, and organizational studies. GV offers full-time day courses, evening courses, online courses, and hybrid courses to meet a variety of scheduling needs. Students can enhance their college experience with study abroad opportunities, NAIA Vikings athletics, and campus events. To be considered for admission, prospective freshmen must complete a free online application, provide official high school transcripts, and submit ACT or SAT scores.

A private school located in Oskaloosa, William Penn University offers two online degrees: a bachelor's in elementary education and a bachelor's in physical education. The latter program allows learners to specialize in a specific grade range. Additionally, students can personalize a degree by selecting one of five endorsement areas, including reading (K-8) and strategist (5-12). These endorsements enhance an Iowa teaching license, but may not satisfy other states' endorsement requirements. WPU's Student Success Center provides peer tutoring in general education topics, and online degree-seekers can receive help either over the phone or through video conferencing. Career services at this top online Iowa university include career mentoring, as well as cover letter and resume assistance. Prospective degree-seekers can apply through the mail. Applicants self-report standardized test scores, and WPU may request an official report. Online learners who already work in the education field may qualify for a tuition reduction that caps tuition at $5,000 per year.

Wartburg College is a four-year liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church. The college has relocated more than five times since its founding in 1852 and settled in Waverly in 1870. Wartburg offers on-site residence halls, dozens of clubs and organizations, arts and culture events, and study abroad opportunities. The Knights compete in NCAA's Division III. Approximately 1,500 students attend Wartburg each year. Undergraduates can choose from more than 50 majors, including business administration, biology, elementary education, psychology, and music therapy -- the last of which is the only degree of its kind offered by a private college in Iowa. Wartburg also offers a diverse catalog of minors, concentrations, pre-professional programs, and graduate programs in leadership and music therapy. Wartburg practices selective admissions. All prospective freshmen must submit a high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a writing sample with their completed application.

Iowa's premier public university, the University of Iowa offers 39 online degrees and certificates. Bachelor's programs that lead to in-demand careers include RN-to-BSN, social work, and enterprise leadership. The university also offers one online endorsement in education leadership -- an attractive option for in-state public school teachers. Additionally, many master's and certificate programs allow learners to study in a hybrid format. UI offers extensive resources that help learners familiarize themselves with learning online. Prospective students can take a sample course to see if online learning at UI is right for them. The university provides 24/7 technical support services. Each semester, advisors work closely with students to select from more than 600 online courses. UI admits new students in the fall and spring semesters. Application requirements for undergraduate programs include high school transcripts -- UI also accepts GED scores -- and SAT or ACT scores. Scholarship opportunities open to online learners award $1,000. UI typically sets scholarship application deadlines around July 1 and December 1.

St. Luke's College offers two online programs -- a bachelor's in nursing and a bachelor's in health science -- to prepare learners for in-demand healthcare careers. The nursing major builds on associate-level knowledge and emphasizes coursework in proactive nursing and course assessment. The health science program allows students to personalize their degree by taking electives such as pathophysiology or culture and diversity in healthcare. St. Luke's offers both full-time and part-time graduation tracks, a boon for learners already employed in the healthcare field. All online learners complete an in-depth student orientation before registering for courses. This top online college in Iowa also employs tutors and resume coaches. Both first-time and transfer students can apply. Freshmen applicants should submit a high school diploma or GED scores, and transfer credit should reflect a minimum 2.0 undergraduate GPA. Learners who maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA may qualify for one of many endowed scholarship opportunities.

Founded in 1851, Coe College is a private liberal arts university historically affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. The 70-acre campus in Cedar Rapids attracts an annual enrollment of more than 1,400. Coe students engage in weekly activities, on-site housing communities, NCAA athletics, Greek life, and the nation's largest undergraduate, student-run writing center. Undergraduate students can choose from more than 60 areas of study, including African American studies, biology, creative writing, environmental science, organizational science, and religion. Coe also offer pre-professional programs in 13 fields such as pre-actuarial science, pre-law, and pre-veterinary medicine. The school ensures small class sizes and personal attention from knowledgeable professors with an 11-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. Learners can also access a wealth of resources including tutoring, career assistance, and public speaking consultations. Prospective students must supply a completed application, ACT or SAT scores, official high school transcripts, an admission recommendation, and a personal essay.

Originally founded as a seminary in 1861, Luther College later became a private liberal arts institution affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church. More than 2,000 students enroll at Luther each year. The 175-acre campus in Decorah hosts over 100 student organizations and a variety of athletic facilities. Luther offers more than 40 majors, 46 minors, and nine pre-professional programs including pre-dentistry, pre-law, and pre-ministry. Every undergraduate program at Luther features a broad liberal arts curriculum that prepares students for complexity, diversity, and change. Available majors include anthropology, environmental science, international studies, Nordic studies, and visual communication. Students seeking a more individualized education can develop a customizable, interdisciplinary major that combines two or more related disciplines. Prospective students must supply a completed application, an educator or counselor reference, an essay, official high school transcripts, and ACT or SAT scores.

Drake University is a private university located on a 105-acre, urban campus in Des Moines. Drake enrolls more than 3,000 undergraduate students and 1,800 graduate students. Students benefit from on-campus housing, dining, 160 clubs and organizations, intramural sports, and leadership and service-learning opportunities. Nearby state parks provide year-round outdoor recreation. Drake students can choose from more than 100 undergraduate majors, minors, and concentrations and more than 35 graduate degrees. The school organizes academic offerings into six colleges, including one of the oldest law schools in the country. Undergraduates can pursue programs of study in art history, information science, magazine media, neuroscience, and writing. Drake also provides six graduate degrees and two certificates in an asynchronous online format. Admission to Drake is competitive. Prospective freshmen can choose a standard application process or a test-flexible application process, which requires an interview in lieu of ACT or SAT scores. All applicants must provide official high school transcripts.