About Coe College
Coe College builds its reputation on close mentoring and hands-on learning opportunities. This liberal arts college enrolls 1,246 students in Cedar Rapids, where the Presbyterian heritage emphasizes service and ethical leadership. The student-faculty ratio of 11:1 creates an environment where professors know every student's name and research interests.
The sticker price of $52,576 drops dramatically after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,657 annually after grants. Even middle-class families see significant relief, with those earning $75,000-$110,000 paying around $20,555. Graduates earn a median of $57,125 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $27,000 manageable. The monthly loan payment of $286 represents a reasonable investment given career outcomes.
Nearly half the student body participates in athletics across 29 varsity sports. The Kohawks compete in NCAA Division III, where 582 student-athletes balance academics with competition. Campus housing accommodates 1,347 students, creating a tight-knit residential community. The 4-year graduation rate of 62% reflects the college's commitment to helping students finish on time. About 60% of students come from outside Iowa, bringing diverse perspectives to this Midwestern campus.
The sticker price of $52,576 drops dramatically after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $12,657 annually after grants. Even middle-class families see significant relief, with those earning $75,000-$110,000 paying around $20,555. Graduates earn a median of $57,125 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $27,000 manageable. The monthly loan payment of $286 represents a reasonable investment given career outcomes.
Nearly half the student body participates in athletics across 29 varsity sports. The Kohawks compete in NCAA Division III, where 582 student-athletes balance academics with competition. Campus housing accommodates 1,347 students, creating a tight-knit residential community. The 4-year graduation rate of 62% reflects the college's commitment to helping students finish on time. About 60% of students come from outside Iowa, bringing diverse perspectives to this Midwestern campus.
Academics & Faculty
Coe College operates as a liberal arts institution where students explore broad academic foundations before diving into specialized majors. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students by name and provide personalized mentoring throughout their academic journey. With a 62% four-year graduation rate, the college demonstrates solid support systems for degree completion. Coe is particularly recognized for its strong business and education programs, along with a respected music department that attracts talented performers from across the Midwest. The liberal arts approach means students take courses across multiple disciplines, developing critical thinking skills that employers value. Small class sizes allow for discussion-based learning rather than large lecture halls.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 62.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 59.0%
- Retention Rate
- 76.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,125
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $61,516 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,402 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $52,107 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,458 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $42,235 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $37,568 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $36,560 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $36,042 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $30,988 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
Campus Life
Students at Coe College experience small-town intimacy within Cedar Rapids, Iowa's metro area of 270,000 people. The campus sits about two hours from Des Moines and three hours from Minneapolis. Housing capacity reaches 1,347 students, accommodating most of the 1,246-person student body on the compact 89-acre campus. Iowa winters demand heavy coats and boots, with temperatures often dropping below freezing from December through February.
The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates tight relationships between professors and students. Weekend activities center around the college's 29 varsity sports teams, with 582 total athletes competing as the Kohawks in NCAA Division III. Students often attend basketball and football games or participate in intramural sports. The Presbyterian heritage shows in campus traditions, though the college welcomes students of all backgrounds. Cedar Rapids offers restaurants, shopping, and internship opportunities at major employers like Rockwell Collins. Many students explore the city's Czech & Slovak Museum or catch concerts at the Paramount Theatre downtown.
The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates tight relationships between professors and students. Weekend activities center around the college's 29 varsity sports teams, with 582 total athletes competing as the Kohawks in NCAA Division III. Students often attend basketball and football games or participate in intramural sports. The Presbyterian heritage shows in campus traditions, though the college welcomes students of all backgrounds. Cedar Rapids offers restaurants, shopping, and internship opportunities at major employers like Rockwell Collins. Many students explore the city's Czech & Slovak Museum or catch concerts at the Paramount Theatre downtown.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 1,347 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1851
Campus Safety (2023)
26 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 12°–30°F
- July Avg
- 63°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 38.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 34.3"
Student Demographics
Coe draws students from across the Midwest, with nearly 60% coming from outside Iowa. The college attracts a diverse student body that's almost evenly split between men and women. More than one-third receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to making liberal arts education accessible. The student population is diverse for a small Iowa college, with significant Black and Hispanic representation. This mix creates a campus where students from different backgrounds and economic circumstances come together around Coe's emphasis on experiential learning and close faculty mentorship.
- Men
- 49.0%
- Women
- 51.0%
- White
- 62.8%
- Black
- 10.2%
- Hispanic
- 12.5%
- Asian
- 2.3%
- In-State Students
- 40.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 35.7%
Location
Coe College sits in Cedar Rapids, Iowa's second-largest city with about 137,000 residents. The campus lies roughly 100 miles northeast of Des Moines and 380 miles west of Chicago. Cedar Rapids anchors eastern Iowa's Corridor region, known for its mix of industry and culture along the Cedar River. The city houses major employers like Rockwell Collins and General Mills while maintaining a mid-sized feel that gives students access to internships without big-city overwhelm. With 1,246 students, Coe creates a close-knit academic environment within this growing metropolitan area. The surrounding region offers both urban amenities and Iowa's characteristic agricultural landscapes. Students considering colleges in Iowa may also compare Coe College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402-5092
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,125
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $54,517
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 81.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the student-faculty ratio at Coe College?
Coe College maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,246 students enrolled. This small liberal arts environment allows for personalized attention and close mentoring relationships that have defined the college since its founding in 1851.
How much does Coe College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $19,155 despite the $52,576 sticker price. The college provides substantial institutional grants averaging $41,431 to help make this Presbyterian-affiliated education accessible to families across income levels.
What are the graduation rates at Coe College?
Coe College graduates 62% of students within four years and 59% within six years. The 76.5% retention rate reflects the close-knit community atmosphere that keeps students engaged in their liberal arts education in Cedar Rapids.
How much do Coe College graduates earn after graduation?
Coe College alumni earn a median of $57,125 ten years after graduation with typical monthly loan payments of $286. The 96.6% employment rate demonstrates the college's strong career preparation and alumni network connections throughout the Midwest.
Where do Coe College students live on campus?
The college houses students in facilities with a capacity of 1,347, accommodating most of the 1,246 enrolled students. This residential campus culture strengthens the tight-knit community that defines the Coe experience in Iowa's second-largest city.
Does Coe College offer athletic scholarships?
Coe College provides $0 in athletic scholarships as a NCAA Division III institution with 29 varsity sports. The 582 student-athletes compete as the Kohawks in the American Rivers Conference, representing nearly half the student body in competitive athletics.
