A Comprehensive Guide to Colleges and Universities in Iowa

Iowa, often called the "Corn State," boasts a rich landscape of educational opportunities. Known for its value-added agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and renewable energy sectors, Iowa also distinguishes itself with a strong emphasis on education. With nearly 70 accredited colleges and universities, Iowa presents a diverse array of options for prospective students, from large research universities to small liberal arts schools.

Iowa's Higher Education Landscape

The state's higher education institutions include 19 public colleges and universities, numerous private not-for-profit schools, and some for-profit private institutions. This mix offers students a variety of educational environments, including Christian colleges, community colleges, law schools, and specialized focus colleges.

Iowa's colleges and universities are known for their affordability and high graduation rates. Public colleges in Iowa boast the second-highest graduation rate among all 50 states.

Why Choose Iowa for College?

Iowa offers a welcoming, community-oriented experience in the heart of the Midwest. College towns like Iowa City and Ames are known for their local charm, featuring coffee shops, festivals, and arts scenes. The state's agricultural roots and scenic landscapes provide opportunities for outdoor activities. Supportive campus communities and a low cost of living make Iowa an attractive and enriching choice for college students.

Key Statistics About Iowa Colleges

Iowa stands out in several key educational metrics:

High School Graduation Rates: Iowa leads the US in high school graduation rates. In 2014, 90.5% of Iowa's high school seniors graduated, compared to the national average of 82.3%.
College Graduation Rates: Iowa college students are more likely to graduate within six years. In 2010, the graduation rate for four-year degree programs nationwide was 56%, while in Iowa, it was 69.4%.
Community College Graduation Rates: Community college students in Iowa have above-average graduation rates. In 2010, the nationwide graduation rate was 20.4%, but in Iowa, it was 33%.
Tuition Costs: Private universities and colleges in Iowa cost less than the national average. In 2012, the average yearly tuition for private four-year schools nationwide was about $24,500, while in Iowa, it was about $15,500. Public universities and colleges in Iowa also cost less than the US average. In 2012, the average yearly tuition for American public four-year schools was about $8,100, while in Iowa, it was about $7,850.

Living and Learning in Iowa

Iowa is often ranked as a top place to attend college and raise a family. The cost of living is relatively low; in 2012, housing in Iowa cost about 10% less than the national average, and health care, groceries, and utilities were also cheaper. In 2011, Iowa was ranked as the 6th safest place to live in the US.

Iowa also offers unique facts and features:

Approximately 61% of students at Iowa’s public colleges and universities are female.
The University of Iowa College of Engineering notifies each applicant of their admission decision within 48 hours of receiving the application.
Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa is the only school in the US to have its entire campus included on the National Register of Historic Places.
Iowa State University is America’s oldest land grant college, founded in 1864.
Top industries in Iowa include agriculture, food production, and insurance. There are more pigs in Iowa than people, Iowa-based Quaker Oats is the largest cereal producer in the world, and Iowa has the 13th-largest insurance industry among the 50 states.
Iowa ranks third in the nation for motorcycles per capita and #1 in golf courses per capita.
The average commute time to work in Iowa is below the national average, about 19 minutes compared to the US average of 25 minutes.
Iowa is the only state with its eastern and western borders formed entirely by water: the Missouri River to the west and the Mississippi to the east.
Iowa is #9 in the nation for the number of state parks and other recreational natural areas and is home to the famed bridges of Madison County.

List of Colleges and Universities in Iowa

Iowa offers a diverse range of colleges and universities. Here's a list of some of the prominent institutions:

AIB College of Business, Des Moines
Allen College, Waterloo
Briar Cliff University, Sioux City
Buena Vista University, Storm Lake
Central College, Pella
Clarke University, Dubuque
Coe College, Cedar Rapids
Cornell College, Mt. Vernon
Des Moines University, Des Moines
Divine Word College, Epworth
Dordt University, Sioux Center
Drake University, Des Moines
Emmaus University, Dubuque
Faith Baptist Bible College, Ankeny
Graceland University, Lamoni
Grand View University, Des Moines
Grinnell College, Grinnell
Loras College, Dubuque
Luther College, Decorah
Maharishi International University, Fairfield
Mercy College of Health Sciences, Des Moines
Morningside University, Sioux City
Mount Mercy University, Cedar Rapids
Northwestern College, Orange City
Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport
Simpson College, Indianola
St. Ambrose University, Davenport
St. Luke's College, Sioux City
University of Dubuque, Dubuque
Upper Iowa University, Fayette
Wartburg College, Waverly
Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque
William Penn University, Oskaloosa

Public Universities in Iowa

Iowa is home to several distinguished public universities:

Iowa State University
University of Iowa
University of Northern Iowa

Community Colleges in Iowa

Iowa's Community Colleges provide accessible and affordable education:

Read also: Understanding the UCF Framework

Des Moines Area Community College
Eastern Iowa Community College District
Ellsworth Community College
Hawkeye Community College
Indian Hills Community College
Iowa Central Community College
Iowa Lakes Community College
Iowa Western Community College
Kirkwood Community College
Marshalltown Community College
North Iowa Area Community College
Northeast Iowa Community College
Northwest Iowa Community College
Southeastern Community College
Southwestern Community College
Western Iowa Tech Community College

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Various scholarships are available for students attending colleges in Iowa. These scholarships cater to different fields of study, academic achievements, and backgrounds. Examples include:

Scholarships for students majoring in Music at Luther College.
Awards for Architecture students at Iowa State University College of Design.
Scholarships for Veterinary Medicine students at Iowa State University.
Scholarships for Nursing students at Luther College and the University of Iowa.
Scholarships for students with a strong background in 4-H leadership and livestock projects.

Law and Medical Schools

Iowa has two accredited law schools: the University of Iowa College of Law and Drake University Law School. The state also has two medical schools: Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine and Des Moines University.

Historical Context

Iowa has a rich history in higher education. Iowa State University is America's oldest land-grant college, established on federal lands in accordance with laws set in 1862 and 1890. It was founded in 1864 and was originally named the State Agricultural College.

Colleges and Universities No Longer Operating in Iowa

Several colleges and universities in Iowa have closed, merged, or changed names throughout history. These include:

AIB College of Business
Des Moines College
Grundy College
Kaplan University
Ottumwa Heights College
Vennard College
Westmar University

Read also: Banned Substances and the NCAA

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