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NCAA Division III Colleges in Iowa

10 schools in Iowa. See our methodology.

Grinnell College stands apart among Iowa's Division III schools with an acceptance rate of just 10.8%, creating fierce competition for admission while most peers accept 75% or more of applicants. The state's 10 Division III institutions serve 12,055 students total, with net costs ranging from Grinnell's $15,608 to Luther College's $25,635. These small liberal arts colleges connect directly to Iowa's economy through alumni networks at Principal Financial and other Des Moines insurance giants. Graduates earn between $49,156 and $62,830 annually, reflecting the state's stable job market in agriculture technology, manufacturing, and financial services. Central College in Pella demonstrates this regional integration, producing graduates who earn $54,317 while maintaining strong ties to Iowa's Dutch heritage and local business community. The graduation rate spread from 41.1% at University of Dubuque to 87.5% at Grinnell reveals significant quality differences, yet all schools benefit from Iowa's low cost of living and proximity to major employers like John Deere in Moline.
10
Schools
$21,529
Avg. Net Price
$56,169
Avg. Earnings
65.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

NCAA Division III Colleges in Iowa

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 1,705 $15,608 87.5% 10.8%
2 1,062 $22,353 69.2% 79.2%
3 1,454 $25,635 75.0% 75.3%
4 1,087 $21,057 69.9% 89.8%
5 1,246 $19,155 59.0%
6 1,074 $25,079 71.7% 79.3%
7 1,130 $22,231 65.7% 89.1%
8 1,446 $22,604 66.8% 97.5%
9 1,378 $18,321 47.3% 77.3%
10 1,473 $23,250 41.1% 85.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Grinnell College so selective compared to other Iowa Division III schools?

Grinnell accepts only 10.8% of applicants while peer schools like Wartburg accept 97.5%. This selectivity reflects Grinnell's national reputation and $2.4 billion endowment, which enables the lowest net cost at $15,608 despite premium academics.

How do graduation rates vary among these 10 colleges?

Graduation rates span from 41.1% at University of Dubuque to 87.5% at Grinnell College. Schools with higher selectivity generally show better completion rates, with Luther College at 75% and Cornell College at 71.7% representing the middle tier.

Where do graduates typically find employment in Iowa's job market?

Alumni commonly join Principal Financial, John Deere, and regional agriculture technology firms. Average earnings range from $49,156 to $62,830, reflecting Iowa's stable economy in insurance, manufacturing, and agricultural innovation sectors concentrated around Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.

Is the cost difference between schools significant for families?

Net costs vary by $10,027 annually, from Grinnell's $15,608 to Luther's $25,635. This $40,000+ difference over four years reflects varying endowment sizes and financial aid strategies, making cost comparison essential for Iowa families.

Does enrollment size affect the college experience at these schools?

Enrollment ranges from 1,062 at Central College to 1,705 at Grinnell, keeping all schools intimate. This 600-student difference maintains small class sizes across all institutions while offering slightly different campus energy and activity options.

Related

NCAA Division III Colleges Nationally All Colleges in Iowa Cheapest Programs in Iowa

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.