Special Learning Opportunity
The following table compares the special learning opportunities between best schools in Iowa including distance learning opportunities, ROTC program, Study abroad, and more special chances of learning. This statistics is based on the latest data from IPEDS, U.S. Department of Education for academic year 2024-2025.
| Rank | Name | Online Class | ROTC | Teacher Cert. | Study Abroad | Weekend/ Evening College | Campus Housing* | Meal Plan** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grinnell College | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✗ | ✔ (1,419) | ✔ ($7,940) |
| 2 | Drake University | Under, Grad | Army, Air Force | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ (1,758) | ✔ ($5,256) |
| 3 | Iowa State University | Under, Grad | Army, NAVY, Air Force | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ (10,140) | ✔ ($4,633) |
| 4 | Luther College | Under, Grad | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✗ | ✔ (2,156) | ✔ ($5,650) |
| 5 | University of Iowa | Under, Grad | Army, Air Force | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✔ (6,497) | ✔ |
| 6 | Simpson College | Under, Grad | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ (1,294) | ✔ ($4,974) |
| 7 | University of Northern Iowa | Under, Grad | Army | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✔ (3,593) | ✔ ($4,550) |
| 8 | Central College | Under, Grad | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✗ | ✔ (1,405) | ✔ ($5,660) |
| 9 | Coe College | Under, Grad | Army, Air Force | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✔ (1,237) | ✔ ($5,726) |
| 10 | Wartburg College | Under, Grad | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✗ | ✔ (1,371) | ✔ ($4,380) |
Student Services on Campus
The following table compares the on-campus students services and facilities between best schools in Iowa including Student Counseling, Employment services for current students, Placement service for program completers, On-campus daycare facility, and library information.
| Rank | Name | Career Counseling | Employment Service | Placement Service | On Campus Daycare | Library Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grinnell College | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | Own Library |
| 2 | Drake University | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | Own Library |
| 3 | Iowa State University | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Own Library |
| 4 | Luther College | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | Own Library |
| 5 | University of Iowa | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Own Library |
| 6 | Simpson College | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | Own Library |
| 7 | University of Northern Iowa | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | Own Library |
| 8 | Central College | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | Own Library |
| 9 | Coe College | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | Own Library |
| 10 | Wartburg College | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | Own Library |
Athletics Associations
The following table summarizes the alheletic teams and program information of best schools in Iowa. Among 10 best schools in Iowa, all schools are NAA members, and all schools are NCAA members.
| Rank | Name | Members | Football | Basketball | Baseball | All Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grinnell College | NAA, NCAA | Midwest Conference | Midwest Conference | Midwest Conference | 12 athletic programs |
| 2 | Drake University | NAA, NCAA | Pioneer Football League | Missouri Valley Conference | - | 9 athletic programs |
| 3 | Iowa State University | NAA, NCAA | Big 12 Conference | Big 12 Conference | - | 11 athletic programs |
| 4 | Luther College | NAA, NCAA | Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conf | Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conf | Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conf | 11 athletic programs |
| 5 | University of Iowa | NAA, NCAA | Big Ten Conference | Big Ten Conference | Big Ten Conference | 14 athletic programs |
| 6 | Simpson College | NAA, NCAA | Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conf | Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conf | Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conf | 11 athletic programs |
| 7 | University of Northern Iowa | NAA, NCAA | Missouri Valley Conference | Missouri Valley Conference | - | 10 athletic programs |
| 8 | Central College | NAA, NCAA | Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conf | Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conf | Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conf | 12 athletic programs |
| 9 | Coe College | NAA, NCAA | Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conf | Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conf | Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conf | 13 athletic programs |
| 10 | Wartburg College | NAA, NCAA | Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conf | Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conf | Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conf | 12 athletic programs |
NAA: National Athletic Association
NCAA: National Collegiate Athletic Association
Additional Characteristics
The following table compares and describes additional facts of best schools in Iowa including religious affiliation, specialized schools, and medical degree offer, and other facts.
| Rank | Name | Religious Affiliation | Historical Black School | Tribal School | Has Hospital | Offer Medical Degree |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grinnell College | Not affiliated | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| 2 | Drake University | Not affiliated | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| 3 | Iowa State University | Not affiliated | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ |
| 4 | Luther College | Evangelical Lutheran Church | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| 5 | University of Iowa | Not affiliated | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 6 | Simpson College | United Methodist | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| 7 | University of Northern Iowa | Not affiliated | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| 8 | Central College | Reformed Church in America | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| 9 | Coe College | Presbyterian Church (USA) | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| 10 | Wartburg College | Evangelical Lutheran Church | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Top Colleges By Subject
- Tightest Schools To Admit (Lowest Acceptance Rate)
- Affordable Schools To Admit (Highest Acceptance Rate)
- Most Favored Schools (Highest Yield)
- Colleges with Low Yield
- Expensive Colleges (Highest Tuition & Fees)
- Inexpensive Colleges (Lowest Tuition & Fees)
- Colleges with Most Students
- Colleges with Least Students
- Colleges with Most Online Students
- Colleges with Least Online Students
- Colleges with Highest Graduation Rates
- Colleges with Lowest Graduation Rates
- Low Student to Faculty Ratio
- High Student to Faculty Ratio
*dormitory capacity
**yearly costs