DEEPCOLLEGES · OPS · v3.3 SCHOOLS·INDEXED 120 SOURCES IPEDS · CDS · SCORECARD LAST·SYNC 2026.04.29

Best Colleges in Iowa: Ranked by Value & Outcomes

Ranked by graduate outcomes and value — not prestige.

Top Colleges in Iowa

#1
Grinnell College
Grinnell, IA · Private
12.7%
accept
$62,830
Salary (10yr)
#2
Iowa State University
Ames, IA · Public
89.1%
accept
$63,386
Salary (10yr)
#3
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA · Public
84.7%
accept
$64,762
Salary (10yr)

FAQs about colleges in Iowa

How many colleges are in Iowa ranked on this page?
This guide ranks 3 colleges in Iowa by graduate salary outcomes, acceptance rate, and net cost of attendance — using public US Department of Education College Scorecard and IPEDS data.
What is the hardest college to get into in Iowa?
Grinnell College has the lowest acceptance rate among Iowa colleges on this list at 12.7%. Reach for it only if your GPA, test scores, and extracurriculars are well above the school's median.
Which Iowa college has the highest graduate salary?
University of Iowa graduates earn the highest median 10-year salary among Iowa colleges on this list, at $64,762. Major choice impacts earnings far more than school choice — pick based on intended career, not just school median.
Should I stay in Iowa for college?
In-state public colleges in Iowa typically charge significantly less tuition than out-of-state students pay, so staying in-state can cut costs dramatically. Private colleges in Iowa charge the same regardless of state residency. Compare net cost (not sticker) for your family income to decide.
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Data source: IPEDS, College Scorecard.