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Catholic Colleges in Iowa

7 schools in Iowa. See our methodology.

Divine Word College achieves a perfect 100% graduation rate with just 61 students, making it Iowa's smallest Catholic institution but most successful in terms of completion. The state's seven Catholic colleges span a wide cost range from $20,068 at Clarke University to $23,435 at Mount Mercy University, with acceptance rates reaching as high as 96.7% at Mercy College of Health Sciences. These schools prepare graduates for Iowa's economy anchored by Principal Financial and John Deere, with alumni earning between $54,475 and $62,234 annually. Saint Ambrose University leads enrollment with 2,101 students while maintaining a solid 62.8% graduation rate. The concentration in eastern Iowa cities like Davenport and Dubuque reflects the state's Catholic heritage, while specialized programs at Mercy College address healthcare workforce needs in Des Moines.
7
Schools
$22,053
Avg. Net Price
$58,452
Avg. Earnings
63.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Catholic Colleges in Iowa

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 61 100.0%
2 2,101 $22,750 62.8% 73.9%
3 626 $21,590 49.4%
4 905 $23,417 48.6% 96.7%
5 1,087 $21,057 69.9% 89.8%
6 1,135 $23,435 55.9% 75.3%
7 782 $20,068 54.9% 84.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Divine Word College unique among Iowa's Catholic schools?

Divine Word College maintains a 100% graduation rate with only 61 enrolled students, making it both the smallest Catholic college in Iowa and the most successful in terms of completion. This specialized seminary focuses on preparing students for religious vocations and missionary work.

How do tuition costs compare across Iowa's Catholic colleges?

Net prices range from $20,068 at Clarke University to $23,435 at Mount Mercy University, a difference of $3,367. Most schools cluster around $21,000-$22,000, making Catholic education relatively affordable compared to national averages while maintaining quality programming.

Where are most Catholic colleges concentrated in Iowa?

Eastern Iowa dominates with schools in Davenport, Dubuque, and Cedar Rapids. This concentration reflects historical Catholic settlement patterns along the Mississippi River. Only Briar Cliff in Sioux City and Mercy College in Des Moines serve western and central Iowa respectively.

Is acceptance competitive at Iowa's Catholic colleges?

Acceptance rates are generally high, ranging from 73.9% at Saint Ambrose to 96.7% at Mercy College of Health Sciences. Most schools accept 80-90% of applicants, reflecting their mission to serve students across academic backgrounds while maintaining Catholic educational values.

What earning potential do graduates from these colleges have?

Graduates earn between $54,475 and $62,234 annually, with Mercy College of Health Sciences leading at $62,234 due to healthcare career focus. These salaries align well with Iowa's lower cost of living and major employers like Principal Financial and manufacturing companies.

Related

Catholic Colleges Nationally All Colleges in Iowa Cheapest Programs in Iowa

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.