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Easy Admission Colleges in Iowa

25 schools in Iowa. See our methodology.

Emmaus Bible College achieves an 81.7% graduation rate while accepting every applicant, making it the most selective success story among Iowa's accessible colleges. The state's agricultural and insurance economy creates natural pathways for graduates, with University of Iowa alumni earning $64,762 annually despite an 86% acceptance rate. Iowa State University demonstrates how land-grant accessibility works in practice, welcoming 90.22% of applicants while maintaining strong ties to John Deere and agricultural technology firms. These 25 institutions span from $12,904 to $25,635 in net costs, with acceptance rates ranging from 70.6% to 100%. The University of Northern Iowa balances accessibility with outcomes, accepting 94.95% of students while producing graduates who earn $55,177 annually. Iowa's low cost of living amplifies these earning figures, particularly for graduates entering the state's insurance sector through companies like Principal Financial. Even smaller colleges like Central College in Pella achieve 69.2% graduation rates while accepting nearly 80% of applicants, reflecting Iowa's commitment to educational access without sacrificing quality.
25
Schools
$20,828
Avg. Net Price
$54,328
Avg. Earnings
57.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Easy Admission Colleges in Iowa

College listings
# School Acceptance Rate Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 100.0% 183 $12,904 81.7%
2 98.4% 1,472 $21,616 55.8%
3 97.5% 1,446 $22,604 66.8%
4 96.7% 905 $23,417 48.6%
5 95.0% 7,599 $14,609 68.9%
6 94.3% 774 $18,225 17.6%
7 90.2% 25,033 $18,165 75.5%
8 89.8% 1,087 $21,057 69.9%
9 89.1% 1,130 $22,231 65.7%
10 87.7% 1,547 $25,383 65.3%
11 87.3% 1,125 $23,519 63.6%
12 86.0% 21,691 $21,398 73.1%
13 85.1% 1,473 $23,250 41.1%
14 84.8% 782 $20,068 54.9%
15 80.8%
16 80.0% 192 $13,021 33.3%
17 79.3% 1,074 $25,079 71.7%
18 79.2% 1,062 $22,353 69.2%
19 77.3% 1,378 $18,321 47.3%
20 75.3% 1,454 $25,635 75.0%
21 75.3% 1,135 $23,435 55.9%
22 74.5% 901 $15,975 38.3%
23 73.9% 2,101 $22,750 62.8%
24 73.9% 2,103 $21,683 29.0%
25 70.6% 1,166 $23,169 52.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Iowa colleges so accessible to students?

Iowa colleges accept between 70.6% and 100% of applicants, with 15 schools accepting over 85% of students. The state's agricultural economy and insurance industry create steady demand for college graduates, allowing schools to maintain open admissions while connecting students to local career opportunities through companies like John Deere and Principal Financial.

How do graduation rates compare at these accessible Iowa colleges?

Graduation rates span from 29% to 81.7% across Iowa's accessible colleges. Emmaus Bible College leads at 81.7% despite accepting all applicants, while Iowa State University maintains 75.5% with 90.22% acceptance. Luther College achieves 75% graduation rates while accepting three-quarters of applicants, showing strong retention practices.

Is studying in Iowa affordable compared to other states?

Net costs range from $12,904 at Emmaus Bible College to $25,635 at Luther College, with most schools under $24,000 annually. Iowa's low cost of living extends these dollars further, and graduates earn between $42,631 and $64,762, creating favorable debt-to-income ratios for most students.

Does school size affect acceptance rates in Iowa?

Large universities like Iowa State (25,033 students) accept 90.22% of applicants, while small colleges like Emmaus (183 students) accept 100%. University of Iowa enrolls 21,691 students with 86% acceptance, showing that Iowa schools maintain accessibility regardless of size, from 183 to over 25,000 enrolled students.

What career opportunities await graduates in Iowa?

Iowa graduates enter agriculture, insurance, and manufacturing sectors, with alumni earning $42,631 to $64,762 annually. Major employers include Principal Financial Group, John Deere, and agricultural cooperatives. The state's business-friendly environment and low unemployment create opportunities for graduates across industries, from Des Moines insurance to rural agricultural technology.

Where do the strongest academic programs exist among accessible Iowa colleges?

University of Iowa combines 86% acceptance with $64,762 graduate earnings, indicating strong programs. Iowa State University produces $63,386 earners with 90.22% acceptance, excelling in agriculture and engineering. Central College achieves 69.2% graduation rates, while specialized schools like Mercy College focus on health sciences with targeted career preparation.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.