Today’s blog will discuss Iowa’s Best colleges and universities for domestic and international students. Iowa is one of the best states in the upper midwestern region of the United States.
Iowa is the 31st most popular state in the US and the 26th most extensive in area size. It is known for its vast agricultural production and is called the ‘food capital of the world.’
Iowa has many top and high-ranked universities for students. Most of the top universities in Iowa provide various innovative agricultural degree programs. The cost of living in Iowa is relatively low compared to others.
It is the most popular study-abroad destination for students. This blog will help you choose the best university in Iowa for your successful student life. So, let’s move to our main topic, the top universities in Iowa.
Note:- To know about the best Universities In Kansas, please read our other blog.
Top 7 Universities In Iowa
Iowa has many recognized colleges and universities that provide quality education to domestic and international students. So, here is the list of top universities in Iowa.
| Universities | Location | Average Tuition Fees Per Year |
| Iowa State University of Science and Technology | Ames, Iowa, US | $25,446 |
| University of Iowa | Iowa City, US | $31,904 |
| University of Northern Iowa | Cedar Falls, Iowa | $20,565 |
| Drake University | Des Moines, Iowa | $47,912 |
| St. Ambrose University | Davenport, Iowa | $34,570 |
| Clarke University | Dubuque, Iowa, US | $36,870 |
| Grinnell College | Grinnell, Iowa | $61,480 |
So, it is the list of top colleges and universities in Iowa to pursue higher education. Let’s briefly discuss these top universities:
1. Iowa State University of Science and Technology
Iowa State University of Science and Technology is a highly reputed public land grant research university in Ames, Iowa, in the United States. It was established in 1858 as the Iowa Agricultural College and modern farm.
The Iowa General Assembly founded the university. It is one of the largest and best universities in Iowa. The university offers over 110 bachelor’s, 125 master’s degrees, 90 doctoral degrees and many professional degree programs.
You can choose any program or degree according to your interests. The university is well known for its mastery of science and technology innovation, and the professors are dedicated to student success. The university is home to 30,000+ students. It is ranked #400 in the QS World University ranking.
Overall Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ☆ (4.8 Rating)
2. University of Iowa
The University of Iowa is the oldest public research institution. It was founded in 1847 in Iowa City. The university is affiliated with the universities of the Research Association and the Association of American University.
The university has 11 colleges that offer 200+ various study areas, including education, engineering, law science, arts, public health, aerospace, computer science, business and management. They also offer online learning programs in social work, liberal arts, and strategic communications.
The university has the most extensive library in Iowa, containing many historical, rare, and other types of books. It also provides athletic facilities, including gymnastics, football, hockey, diving, basketball, wrestling, etc. The university is home to 38,000 students from different areas of study.
Overall Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ☆ (4.6 Rating)
3. University of Northern Iowa
The University of Northern Iowa is a recognized public university. It was established in 1876 at Cedar Falls, Iowa. The reason for establishing the university was to take care of orphans of the civil war and to give training to teachers.
The university is home to 9,000 students representing over 60 countries. It offers many postgraduate and undergraduate programs in science, engineering, arts, management and more. It is famous for its design of robust and practical learning experiences.
The university provides high-quality learning and excellence in campus life. It is continuously ranked as the best public university in midwest Iowa. This university offers a variety of extracurricular activities and clubs, so you can find something you are interested in.
Overall Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ☆ (4.4 Rating)
Note:- To know about the best universities in Maryland, please read our other blog.
4. Drake University
Drake University is a medium-sized private university situated in Des Moines, Iowa. It was founded in 1881 by George Thomas Carpenter. The state has only two law schools, and Drake University is one of them. It is the oldest and largest law university in the state.
The university has six colleges: College of Business Administration and Public Administration, College of Arts and Sciences, Law School, School of Education, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
It offers courses, workshops, activity clubs, and other opportunities for students to develop their skills. The most popular majors are JD (Law), Pharmacy, education and business. The university is home to 50,000 students representing different countries.
Overall Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ☆ (4.2 Rating)
5. St. Ambrose University
Bishop John McMullen founded St. Ambrose University as a commerce school for young men in 1882. The university is a private, coeducational catholic institute in Davenport, Iowa, in the United States.
The university offers full-time, part-time, online learning, undergraduate and postgraduate programs for students. They are committed to providing academic excellence, the liberal arts, social justice and service. It has a total enrollment is around of 4,000 students in the university.
The university provides students with some scholarships like first-year-student scholarships, athletics scholarships, etc., ranging from 12,000 to 17,000 USD per year. The campus provides comfortable housing facilities for domestic and international students in its residential halls, houses, and townhouses.
Overall Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ☆ (4.0 Rating)
6. Clarke University
Clarke University is a highly respected private roman catholic, liberal arts and science institution. It was established in 1843 by Mary Frances Clarke in Dubuque, Iowa, in the United States of America. It was founded as St. Mary’s Female Academy.
It was one of the first such schools for women built in West Iowa, and now, it is a co-educational university that provides quality education.
Clarke offers many undergraduate curriculum in 19 departments with over 40 degrees and programs. The university also provides graduate master’s and doctoral degrees in select areas of study. The university is home to 1,500 students representing different countries.
Overall Rating – ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3.9 Rating)
7. Grinnell College
Grinnell College is a highly reputed private college in Grinnell, Iowa. It was founded in 1846 by Josiah Bushnell Grinnell. The college provides quality education and a memorable student life. It has 63 buildings in the college with 120 acre land area.
It is the largest college in the state that offers classes in different subjects, like science, arts, and business, for amazing learning. The college is well-known for its strong social activism, and the most popular program is liberal arts.
Grinnell College is known for its good teachers who support students to succeed. It also has events, clubs, and other activities to enjoy the campus life. This college is a great place to study and grow.
Overall Rating – ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3.7 Rating)
Note:- To know about the best Universities in Colorado, please read our other blog.
Some Other Best Colleges And Universities In Iowa
Till now, we have discussed the top universities. Now, we will discuss some of the other best colleges and universities in Iowa.
- Allen College
- Briar Cliff University
- Central College
- Coe College
- Dordt University
- Cornell College
- Emmaus Bible College
- Buena Vista University
- Simpson College
- William Penn University
- North Iowa Area Community College
- Southeastern Community College
- Luther College
- Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary
- Grand View University
- Maharishi University of Management
- Hawkeye Community College
- Des Moines Area Community College
- Marshalltown Community College
- Divine Word College
- Mercy College of Health Sciences
- St. Luke’s College
- Waldorf University
- Hamilton Technical College
- University of Dubuque
- Palmer College of Chiropractic
- Wartburg College
- Wartburg Theological Seminary
- Graceland University
- Mount Mercy University
- Indian Hills Community College
- Iowa Lakes Community College
- Kirkwood Community College
- North Iowa Area Community College
- Scott Community College
- Grinnell College
- Morningside College
- Iowa Wesleyan University
- Southwestern Community College
- Western Iowa Tech Community College
- University of Phoenix-Iowa
- AIB College of Business
Here is the complete list of other colleges and universities in Iowa.
Note:- To know about the best universities in Arizona, please read our other blog.
Final Remarks
In this blog, we have discussed the top Universities in Iowa. Iowa offers excellent universities and colleges for students from the United States and abroad. The University of Iowa is a top-ranked institution known for its research and beautiful surroundings.
Iowa State University focuses on science and agriculture, while the University of Northern Iowa offers diverse educational opportunities. Drake University excels in law, pharmacy, education and business studies.
Grinnell College provides a vibrant urban learning experience. Also, Iowa has several other reputable colleges and universities, making it a great place to pursue higher education in a beautiful and dynamic state. I hope you liked this post about top Universities in Iowa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the #1 University in Iowa?
Iowa State University of Science and Technology is the number one university in Iowa. It is ranked #400 in the QS World University ranking.
Q2. Which is the hardest college in Iowa?
Grinnell College is one of the hardest colleges in Iowa to get into it. It has a very low acceptance rate of students.