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Small Colleges in Iowa

47 schools in Iowa. See our methodology.

Grinnell College stands out among Iowa's 47 small colleges with a highly selective 10.76% acceptance rate, placing it among the most competitive institutions in the Midwest. The college's $15,608 net price delivers strong value given its graduates earn $62,830 annually. Iowa's agricultural and insurance economy creates unique opportunities for smaller institutions, with community colleges like Northwest Iowa Community College producing graduates who earn $50,776 despite lower tuition costs. The state's 47 small colleges range dramatically in graduation rates from 34.3% to 100%, with Divine Word College achieving perfect completion rates among its 61 seminarians. Drake University commands the highest net price at $30,042 but justifies costs with graduates earning $71,901, reflecting Des Moines' role as an insurance capital. Community colleges dominate the market, serving over 15,000 students combined across institutions like Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge and Iowa Western in Council Bluffs. These schools connect directly to Iowa's job market, training workers for John Deere manufacturing facilities and Principal Financial operations. The state's low cost of living makes even higher-priced private colleges more accessible, with many institutions keeping net prices below $20,000. Technical programs at places like Orion Technical College achieve 80.5% graduation rates, meeting demand from Iowa's manufacturing sector.
47
Schools
$17,696
Avg. Net Price
$49,822
Avg. Earnings
53.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Small Colleges in Iowa

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 1,705 $15,608 87.5% 10.8%
2 73 $20,489 80.5%
3 856 $12,357 55.0%
4 1,271 $8,849 55.2%
5 774 $9,775 53.0%
6 61 100.0%
7 2,669 $30,042 77.3% 67.2%
8 1,736 $10,059 47.7%
9 1,062 $22,353 69.2% 79.2%
10 3,107 $9,601 44.0%
11 371 $17,819 61.1% 52.5%
12 540 $10,915 42.6%
13 1,635 $7,492 40.4%
14 3,029 $11,574 40.1%
15 2,589 $8,875 40.2%
16 1,529 $12,812 43.3%
17 868 $7,144 37.4%
18 2,021 $23,172 41.5% 54.2%
19 183 $12,904 81.7% 100.0%
20 3,244 $9,722 34.3%
21 2,528 $10,298 31.5%
22 2,101 $22,750 62.8% 73.9%
23 626 $21,590 49.4%
24 1,454 $25,635 75.0% 75.3%
25 995 $10,846 25.8%
26 905 $23,417 48.6% 96.7%
27 1,087 $21,057 69.9% 89.8%
28 1,246 $19,155 59.0%
29 1,135 $23,435 55.9% 75.3%
30 1,547 $25,383 65.3% 87.7%
31 1,166 $23,169 52.8% 70.6%
32 192 $13,021 33.3% 80.0%
33 1,074 $25,079 71.7% 79.3%
34 1,125 $23,519 63.6% 87.3%
35 279
36 1,130 $22,231 65.7% 89.1%
37 782 $20,068 54.9% 84.8%
38 1,391 $22,115 29.2% 57.7%
39 1,472 $21,616 55.8% 98.4%
40 2,103 $21,683 29.0% 73.9%
41 1,446 $22,604 66.8% 97.5%
42 1,378 $18,321 47.3% 77.3%
43 40 $22,619 58.6%
44 901 $15,975 38.3% 74.5%
45 1,473 $23,250 41.1% 85.1%
46 41
47 774 $18,225 17.6% 94.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Grinnell College so selective compared to other Iowa small colleges?

Grinnell College accepts only 10.76% of applicants, making it the most selective among Iowa's small colleges. This selectivity reflects its national liberal arts reputation and $62,830 graduate earning potential. Most other Iowa small colleges accept 50-100% of applicants, creating stark competition differences within the state's higher education system.

How do community college graduates in Iowa perform financially?

Iowa community college graduates earn between $40,129 and $50,776 annually, with Northwest Iowa Community College leading at $50,776. These earnings compare favorably to the state's cost of living and provide strong returns on net prices ranging from $7,492 to $12,357. Technical programs often produce the highest-earning graduates.

Is Drake University worth its $30,042 net price tag?

Drake University graduates earn $71,901 annually, the highest among Iowa's small colleges, justifying its $30,042 net cost. The Des Moines location provides internship access to Principal Financial and other major employers. With a 77.3% graduation rate and 67.23% acceptance rate, Drake balances accessibility with strong outcomes.

Where do Iowa's small college graduates typically find employment?

Iowa's agricultural economy, insurance sector, and manufacturing companies like John Deere provide primary employment for small college graduates. Des Moines serves as the insurance capital, while manufacturing centers in the Quad Cities and Cedar Rapids offer technical positions. Community colleges particularly serve these regional workforce needs.

What accounts for the wide graduation rate spread in Iowa small colleges?

Graduation rates range from 34.3% to 100% among Iowa's small colleges, with specialized institutions like Divine Word College achieving perfect rates among 61 students. Community colleges typically graduate 40-55% of students, while private colleges reach 60-87%. Student preparation levels and institutional mission significantly impact completion rates.

How affordable are Iowa's small private colleges compared to community colleges?

Private colleges in Iowa average $15,000-$30,000 net prices, while community colleges cost $7,500-$12,500. However, private college graduates often earn $54,000-$72,000 compared to community college graduates' $40,000-$51,000. The state's low cost of living makes both options financially viable for most families seeking quality education.

Related

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.