Divine Word College: $15,000 Tuition

$15,000Tuition

61Students

100%Grad Rate (6-yr)

#8 in IowaPrivate nonprofit4-yearLiberal ArtsStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Divine Word College

Divine Word College trains future missionaries and priests in a tiny rural Iowa community. This Catholic seminary college enrolls just 61 students, creating an intimate environment where spiritual formation takes precedence over traditional college experiences. The 5:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention as students prepare for religious vocations. Every single graduate completes their degree within six years, a perfect 100% graduation rate that reflects the college's focused mission and close-knit community.

Students pay $15,000 in tuition regardless of residency, with room and board adding just $4,200 to bring total costs to $19,500. Only 11.76% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many seminarians receive support from their religious orders or dioceses rather than traditional federal aid. The low federal loan rate of 0% indicates students typically graduate debt-free, which matters given the modest salaries most graduates will earn in religious service.

The student body draws entirely from out-of-state, with no Iowa residents enrolled. Women comprise 54.1% of students, reflecting the college's openness to training lay missionaries alongside future priests. The campus houses up to 150 students despite current enrollment being much smaller, providing room for growth in this specialized religious education niche.

Academics & Faculty

Divine Word College operates as a Catholic seminary focused on preparing students for missionary work and the priesthood. The 5:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intensely personal academic environment where professors mentor each student individually. Every student graduates within six years, reflecting the focused nature of the curriculum and full support system. The college emphasizes philosophy, theology, and cross-cultural studies essential for international ministry. Students study multiple languages and world religions to prepare for missionary assignments across different cultures. The small enrollment of just 61 students allows for customized academic plans tailored to each student's calling and intended ministry location.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Full-Time Faculty: 73.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 100.0%
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Campus Life

Divine Word College sits on 40 acres of rolling farmland in eastern Iowa, about 20 miles west of Dubuque. The campus houses up to 150 students in its residence halls, though current enrollment stands at just 61. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, so heavy coats are essential from November through March.

The 5:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student personally. Daily life revolves around a structured schedule of classes, prayer, and community service. Students attend daily Mass and participate in evening prayer services. The seminary environment creates tight bonds among classmates, many of whom come from international backgrounds. Only 3.28% of students are white, reflecting the college's global missionary focus.

Weekends often involve community service projects in nearby towns or outdoor activities on the rural campus. Students might help at local parishes or participate in cultural exchange programs. The small size means every student plays an active role in campus life. Most social activities happen on campus since the nearest city amenities are a 30-minute drive away.

Setting: Rural-Distant
Housing Capacity: 150 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1964

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 11°–27°F
July Avg: 62°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 39.3"
Annual Snowfall: 31.1"

Student Demographics

Divine Word College draws students from across the country with zero in-state enrollment, reflecting its specialized mission as a Catholic seminary. The student body of 61 is nearly split between men and women at 46% and 54% respectively, unusual for seminary education which traditionally serves only men. International students make up the vast majority, with only 3% identifying as white and 11% as Asian. Just 12% receive Pell Grants, suggesting families prioritize this religious calling despite financial challenges. The diverse, internationally-minded community reflects the college's focus on preparing missionaries for global service.

Men: 45.9%
Women: 54.1%
White: 3.3%
Black: 0.0%
Hispanic: 1.6%
Asian: 11.5%
In-State Students: 0.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 11.8%

Location

Divine Word College sits in Epworth, Iowa, about 15 miles west of Dubuque along the Mississippi River. The campus occupies rolling farmland in Iowa's northeast corner, where rural roads connect small farming communities. Dubuque, with roughly 60,000 residents, serves as the nearest metropolitan area and offers urban amenities like restaurants, shopping, and cultural venues. The seminary's 150-bed housing capacity accommodates most of its 61 students on the secluded 400-acre campus. The Mississippi River bluffs and agricultural landscape create a contemplative setting ideal for religious formation and study. Students considering colleges in Iowa may also compare Divine Word College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Epworth, Iowa 52045

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance process like at Divine Word College?

Divine Word College maintains a 100% graduation rate for its small cohort of 61 students. The college operates as a Catholic seminary specifically designed for students preparing for missionary work and the priesthood, which means admission involves both academic and vocational discernment.

How much does Divine Word College cost for students?

Tuition at Divine Word College costs $15,000 per year for all students regardless of residency status. With room and board at just $4,200, the total cost of attendance reaches $19,500, making it one of the most affordable private colleges in the nation.

What are academics like at Divine Word College?

Students benefit from an exceptional 5:1 student-faculty ratio that enables intensive mentorship and personalized instruction. The curriculum focuses on preparing future missionaries and priests through theology, philosophy, and cross-cultural studies.

What career outcomes can students expect from Divine Word College?

Divine Word College achieves a remarkable 100% six-year graduation rate among its students. Graduates typically pursue ordination as Catholic priests or continue their formation in advanced seminary programs to serve in missionary work worldwide.

Where do students at Divine Word College come from?

The college draws 0% of its students from Iowa despite being located in Epworth. With 11.48% Asian students and only 3.28% white students, Divine Word College reflects the international nature of Catholic missionary work and attracts students from diverse global backgrounds.

Is financial aid available at Divine Word College?

Only 11.76% of students receive financial aid, with the same percentage qualifying for Pell Grants. The low financial aid rate reflects the college's already affordable tuition structure and the vocational nature of seminary education, where many students receive support from religious communities.