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All in all, there are approximately 100 accredited colleges and universities in the state of Iowa. With nearly three dozen private colleges to choose from, students seeking an education at a private college in Iowa will need to perform research to determine which ones make sense to pursue. Top ranked private colleges in Iowa include schools from Storm Lake to Davenport and from Sioux City to Cedar Falls. Private colleges consistently rated in the top quartile by MatchCollege include the following: Drake University, Waldorf College, Cornell College, Clarke University, Iowa Wesleyan College, Northwestern College, William Penn College, Simpson College, and Mercy College.
2025 Best Private Colleges in Iowa
Grinnell College is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and assists students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Grinnell, Iowa, which is a predominantly rural area. Grinnell College has an annual student enrollment of around 1,700.
Here is a list of some of the popular programs Grinnell College offers:
- History
- Psychology
- English Language And Literature
- Social Sciences
Students applying for admission are asked to submit an application, school records, standardized test scores and any requested application essays, which will then be reviewed by admissions officials. Most common test scores among applicants admitted to this school are between 28 - 32 for the ACT exam, or 1210 - 1430 for the SAT exam. This school accepts approximately 40% of students applying. Of those applicants accepted, around 34% of students registered for enrollment. More information from the admissions office can be found at grinnell.edu.
Tuition is approximately $44,000 for the year, though it may change based on any number of circumstances. Students should visit the school's net price calculator to get a more personalized estimate of costs. School housing is available on-campus for students. The annual cost of housing is about $4,800. Grinnell College may offer financial aid for students who are eligible in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
The Grinnell College Pioneers participate in a number of athletic programs, with competitions managed and overseen by the NCAA. Sports available may include the following:
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Football (NCAA Division III)
- Golf (NCAA Division III)
Students can visit the school's http://www.grinnell.edu to view additional information.
Enrollment
1,716
Student to Faculty Ratio
9:1
Drake University is a nonprofit private college that has many degree programs available for students to choose from. The school is located in Des Moines, Iowa, in a predominantly urban area. Approximately 5,600 students are enrolled yearly at Drake.
A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Legal Professions And Studies
- Public Administration And Social Services
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Education
The admissions process starts with the submission of an application, transcripts, records, and test scores, which are then evaluated by the admissions staff. Either the SAT or ACT exam must be taken in order to be able to apply to Drake. Scores within the range of 25 - 29 on the ACT or 1110 - 1330 on the SAT are needed to increase your chances for admission. 63% of those who apply are accepted to Drake University, of which 21 percent choose to enroll. More information on admissions can be found here.
Tuition is approximately $31,000 for the year, though it may change based on different types of circumstances. Students may visit the school's tuition calculator to get a more personalized estimate of costs. Student housing is available on-campus for students. The annual cost of housing is estimated to be $4,900. Some students at this school may be eligible for financial aid, which is typically offered as scholarships, grants, and loans.
The Drake "Bulldogs" compete in a number of intercollegiate sports through participation in the NCAA. Available athletic programs offered:
- Basketball (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Football (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Golf (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Rowing (NCAA Division I-AA)
Contact information, tuition information, areas of study offered, and more can be viewed on school's website at http://www.drake.edu.
Enrollment
4,869
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
ACADEMICS
The curriculum is designed to give each student a complete comprehensive education from a solid, Reformed, Christian perspective. There are over 30 majors and 11 pre-professional programs of study. Degrees include the four-year Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science in Engineering and in Nursing, and Bachelor of Social Work degrees, along with the two-year Associate of Arts degree, and a Master of Education degree.
ACTIVITIES:
Dozens of clubs and activities, from choir, band, and student government to drama, academic, and social clubs.
ATHLETICS:
A member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC), Dordt College fields intercollegiate teams in men's baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, indoor and outdoor track; and in women's basketball, cross country, soccer, golf, softball, indoor track, and volleyball. A variety of intramural sports are offered as well.
RESIDENTIAL LIFE:
Approximately 85 percent of Dordt College students live in campus residence halls or on-campus apartments.
FINANCIAL AID:
About 98 percent of our students receive financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
Dordt College requires a minimum high school GPA of 2.25 for regular admissions status. ACT or SAT results are also considered in the admissions process. Recommended preparation includes: English, 4 years; foreign language, 2 years; social science, 2 years; natural science, 2 years; mathematics, 3 years (including algebra and geometry).
Get more information at: dordt.edu
Enrollment
1,564
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
Luther College is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and assists students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Decorah, Iowa, which is a predominantly rural area. The Evangelical Lutheran Church affiliation of this school is an important part of the history, education and curriculum that defines the school. Enrollment at Luther College is nearly two thousand per year. Here is a list of some of the popular programs Luther College offers:
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Visual And Performing Arts
- Education
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division III)
Enrollment
2,005
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Simpson College provides a variety of degree programs for students to aid them in their growth and development. The school is located in Indianola, IA and operated as a private institution. The school's United Methodist affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's mission. About 2,000 students enroll at Simpson College yearly.
Here is a list of some of the popular programs Simpson College offers:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Education
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Recreation And Fitness Studies
The admissions process will include the submission of an application, school records, and test scores, which are then reviewed by admissions staff. The majority of students at Simpson College scored in a range of 21 to 26 on the ACT. Roughly 80 percent of all applicant were accepted at this school, with 30 percent of those admitted choosing to attend. More information regarding admissions can be found at simpson.edu.
The cost of undergraduate tuition is close to $31,000, but may change yearly. Students are encouraged to use the school's tuition calculator to better understand their cost of attendance. The cost of on-campus housing is about $4,200 for the year. Students enrolled at Simpson College may qualify for aid which is typically loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
The Simpson College "Storm" compete in a number of intercollegiate sports through participation in the NCAA. Athletic programs that are available include:
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division III)
- Football (NCAA Division III)
- Golf (NCAA Division III)
Students should visit the school's http://www.simpson.edu to view additional information.
Enrollment
1,444
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Cornell College is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and assists students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Mount Vernon, Iowa, which is a predominantly rural area. Cornell College maintains a United Methodist affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. Approximately a thousand students are enrolled annually at Cornell College. Students can select from several areas of study, including:
- Psychology
- Recreation And Fitness Studies
- English Language And Literature
- Social Sciences
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Football (NCAA Division III)
- Golf (NCAA Division III)
Enrollment
1,028
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
Northwestern College is a nonprofit private institution located in Orange City, Iowa and provides a large number of educational opportunities for students. The school's Reformed Church in America affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's mission. Nearly a thousand students enroll at Northwestern College annually.
Here is a list of some of the popular programs Northwestern College offers:
- Education
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Business And Marketing Studies
The admissions process will begin with the submission of an application, school records, and test scores, which are then evaluated by the admissions committee. The most common scores among applicants accepted to this school are in the range of 22 - 27 on the ACT, or 920 - 1146 on the SAT exam. Northwestern College accepts around 70 percent of students applying annually. Of those applicants admitted, nearly 31 percent enrolled. More information on admissions can be found here.
The cost of tuition is close to $27,000 annually. Tuition prices may change for a variety of reasons, and therefore students should use the school's price of attendance calculator to identify their personalized cost estimate of attendance. This school may provide financial aid for students who are eligible as loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
The Northwestern College "Red Raiders" compete in a number of intercollegiate sports through participation in the NAIA. Athletic programs that are available may include:
- Baseball (NAIA Division II)
- Basketball (NAIA Division II)
- Track & Field (NAIA Division II)
- Football (NAIA Division II)
Students should visit the website to see a complete list of programs offered, financial aid details, and more that is available at this school.
Enrollment
1,299
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Loras College, a nonprofit private institution, offers a variety of degree programs, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Dubuque, Iowa, it resides in an urban setting for students to study in. The school's Roman Catholic affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's vision. Approximately a thousand students are enrolled per year at Loras College. Areas of study offered at Loras College include:
- Education
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- History
- Communications And Journalism
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division III)
- Football (NCAA Division III)
Enrollment
1,489
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Central College, a nonprofit private institution, offers a large number of program options, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Pella, Iowa, the school resides in a rural setting for students to study in. The Reformed Church in America affiliation at the school is an important part of the history, education and vision that defines the school. Approximately a thousand students are enrolled annually at Central College.
Here is a list of some of the popular programs Central College offers:
- Recreation And Fitness Studies
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Education
To be considered for admissions, applicants may be asked to complete an application, provide letters of recommendations, and submit school transcripts, which are then reviewed by admissions officials. Either the ACT or SAT exam must be taken to apply to Central College. Scores within the range of 21 to 26 on the ACT or 890 to 1170 on the SAT are needed to greatly increase your chances for admission. An estimated 70 percent of all applicant were accepted at this school, with 21 percent of those admitted choosing to attend. More information on admissions can be found here.
Tuition is approximately $31,000 per year, though it may vary based on different types of circumstances. Students should check the school's net price calculator to determine a more personalized cost estimate. The cost of on-campus housing is about $4,900 annually. Some students at this school may be eligible for financial aid, which is typically provided as scholarships, grants, and loans.
The Central College Dutch participate in a number of athletic programs, within the NCAA organization. Available athletic programs offered may include but not limited to:
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Football (NCAA Division III)
- Golf (NCAA Division III)
- Soccer (NCAA Division III)
Students should visit the website to see a complete list of programs offered, student services, and more that is available at this school.
Enrollment
1,117
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Maharishi University of Management is a nonprofit private college that has a fair number of programs available for students to choose from. The school is located in Fairfield, IA, in a predominantly rural area. Approximately a thousand students enroll at Maharishi University of Management yearly. Here is a list of some of the popular programs Maharishi University of Management offers:
- Computer Science
- Business Administration
- Accounting and Business and Management
- Liberal Arts
- Communication and Media Studies
Enrollment
1,589
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Coe College is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and assists students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, which is a predominantly urban area. Coe College maintains a Presbyterian Church affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. Over a thousand students enroll at Coe College per year. Areas of study available at Coe College include:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Recreation And Fitness Studies
- Health And Clinical Professions
- English Language And Literature
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division III)
- Football (NCAA Division III)
Enrollment
1,422
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Mount Mercy University is a nonprofit private institution located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and provides a large number of degree programs for students. The school maintains a Roman Catholic affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. Enrollment at Mount Mercy College exceeds 1,600 per year.
Areas of study offered at Mount Mercy College include:
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Security And Protective Services
- Education
To be considered for admissions, students may be required to complete an application, provide letters of recommendations, and submit school records, which are then studied by the admissions committee. Most students accepted to Mount Mercy College score in a range of 20 to 22 on the ACT. Mount Mercy College has an acceptance rate of 70% of which only 41% chose to enroll. More information regarding admissions can be found at mtmercy.edu.
The cost of tuition is approximately $27,000, but may change per year. Students are encouraged to use the school's price of attendance calculator to better understand their cost of attendance. Students attending Mount Mercy University may qualify for aid which is generally loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
Mount Mercy University offers a variety of athletic programs overseen by the NAIA. Athletic programs that are available include:
- Baseball (NAIA Division II)
- Basketball (NAIA Division II)
- Track & Field (NAIA Division II)
Contact information, academics information, areas of study offered, and more can be accessed on school's website at http://www.mtmercy.edu.
Enrollment
1,835
Student to Faculty Ratio
15:1
SAU is a nonprofit private school that has a large number of degrees available for students to choose from. The school is located in Davenport, IA, in a predominantly urban area. The school maintains a Roman Catholic affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. Approximately three thousand students enroll at SAU per year. A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Psychology
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Public Administration And Social Services
- Education
- Baseball (NAIA Division II)
- Basketball (NAIA Division II)
- Football (NAIA Division II)
- Golf (NAIA Division II)
- Soccer (NAIA Division II)
Enrollment
3,045
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Clarke University provides a variety of educational opportunities for students to assist them in their growth and development. The school is located in Dubuque, Iowa and operated as a private institution. The school's Roman Catholic affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's curriculum. Approximately a thousand students are enrolled annually at Clarke University. Areas of study offered at Clarke University include but are not limited to:
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Education
- Psychology
- Public Administration And Social Services
- Communications And Journalism
- Baseball (NAIA Division II)
- Basketball (NAIA Division II)
- Track & Field (NAIA Division II)
- Golf (NAIA Division II)
Enrollment
1,004
Student to Faculty Ratio
8:1
Wartburg College provides a variety of degree programs for students to guide them in their growth and development. The school is located in Waverly, Iowa and operated as a private institution. The Evangelical Lutheran Church affiliation of this school is an important part of the history, education and mission that defines the school. Around a thousand students enroll at Wartburg College annually.
A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Communications And Journalism
- Education
To be considered for admissions, applicants may be required to fill out an application, provide letters of recommendations, and submit high school records and test scores, which are then evaluated by the admissions committee. Either the SAT or ACT exam must be taken to apply to Wartburg College. Scores between 21 to 26 on the ACT or 1223 to 1715 on the SAT are needed to greatly increase your chances for getting accepted. This school admits approximately 80% of applicants annually. Of those students accepted, around 29% enrolled. More information from the admissions office can be found here.
The cost of undergraduate tuition is approximately $34,000, but may change each year. Students are encouraged to visit the school's price of attendance calculator to better understand their cost of attendance. School housing is available on-campus for students. The annual cost of housing is estimated to be $4,300. Some students at this school may be eligible for financial aid, which is typically offered as grants or student loans.
The mascot for Wartburg College is the "Knights", and they participate in intercollegiate athletic programs through the NCAA. Athletic programs available:
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division III)
To see a full list of programs offered, enrollment information, financial aid details, and more, please visit the school's website at http://www.wartburg.edu.
Enrollment
1,498
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
Morningside College provides a variety of educational opportunities for students to assist them in their growth and development. The school is located in Sioux City, Iowa and operated as a private institution. The United Methodist affiliation at the school is an important part of the history, education and vision that defines the school. Approximately two thousand students enroll at Morningside College annually.
Students can pick from a few areas of study, including:
- Education
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Health And Clinical Professions
- English Language And Literature
The admissions process will include the submission of an application, school records, and test scores, which are then evaluated by the admissions committee. The majority of students at this school scored between 21 - 26 on the ACT. Approximately 60 percent of all students that applied were admitted at Morningside College, with 21 percent of those accepted choosing to enroll. More information on admissions can be found here.
Undergraduate tuition is approximately $26,000 annually, though it may vary based on different types of circumstances. Students should visit the school's net price calculator to find what your personalized cost of attendance would be. On-campus housing is available for students and costs about $4,100 per year. Morningside College may help with costs by offering financial aid for students who qualify by way of scholarships, grants, and loans.
The Morningside College Mustangs participate in several athletic programs, overseen by the NAIA. Sports available may include but not limited to:
- Baseball (NAIA Division II)
- Basketball (NAIA Division II)
- Track & Field (NAIA Division II)
- Football (NAIA Division II)
Students may visit the website to get a complete list of areas of study, programs, admissions information, and more.
Enrollment
2,698
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Buena Vista University provides a variety of educational opportunities for students to aid them in their growth and development. The school is located in Storm Lake, Iowa and operated as a private institution. The school's Presbyterian Church affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's mission. Buena Vista University has an annual student enrollment of about 2,700. A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Education
- Psychology
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Security And Protective Services
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division III)
Enrollment
1,846
Student to Faculty Ratio
8:1
Grand View University provides a variety of degree programs for students to assist them in their growth and development. The school is located in Des Moines, IA and operated as a private institution. The Evangelical Lutheran Church affiliation of this school is an important part of the history, education and mission that defines the school. Enrollment at Grand View University exceeds two thousand yearly. Areas of study offered at GVC include but are not limited to:
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Baseball (NAIA Division II)
- Basketball (NAIA Division II)
- Football (NAIA Division II)
- Golf (NAIA Division II)
Enrollment
1,886
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
UIU is a nonprofit private institution located in Fayette, IA and provides a large number of educational opportunities for students. Enrollment at UIU is nearly 5,700 annually. Areas of study offered at UIU include:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Public Administration And Social Services
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Education
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Baseball (NCAA Division II)
- Basketball (NCAA Division II)
- Football (NCAA Division II)
Enrollment
4,392
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Graceland University - Lamoni is a nonprofit private college that has many majors available for students to choose from. The school is located in Lamoni, IA, in a predominantly rural area. Over 2,300 students enroll at Graceland University - Lamoni per year. Students can pick from several areas of study, including:
- Education
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Baseball (NAIA Division I)
- Basketball (NAIA Division I)
- Football (NAIA Division I)
- Golf (NAIA Division I)
Enrollment
1,993
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
University of Dubuque is a nonprofit private institution that has a large selection of majors and degree programs available for students to choose from. The school is located in Dubuque, Iowa, in a predominantly urban area. The school's Presbyterian Church affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's curriculum. Approximately 2,000 students are enrolled annually at University of Dubuque.
A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Computer And Information Sciences
- Security And Protective Services
- Education
Students applying for admission are required to submit an application, transcripts, standardized test scores and any requested application essays, which will then be reviewed by the school. An ACT or SAT exam is required prior to applying, with scores between 790 to 1010 for the SAT exam and within the range of 18 to 23 on the ACT is common among students admitted to this school. Approximately 80 percent of all applicant were accepted at this school, with 40 percent of those accepted choosing to attend. More information on admissions can be found here.
Tuition is approximately $25,000 for the year, though it may vary based on different types of circumstances. Students should check the school's price of attendance calculator to find what your personalized cost of attendance would be. Housing may be available for students that would like to live on-campus for around a cost of $4,000 annually. Students at University of Dubuque may be eligible for aid which is generally grants and loans.
The mascot for University of Dubuque is the "Spartans", and they participate in intercollegiate athletic programs through the oversight and organization of the NCAA. Sports available may include:
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division III)
- Football (NCAA Division III)
- Golf (NCAA Division III)
Contact information, tuition information, areas of study offered, and much more may be viewed on school's website at http://www.dbq.edu.
Enrollment
2,385
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Briar Cliff University is a nonprofit private university that has many degree programs available for students to choose from. The school is located in Sioux City, IA, in a predominantly urban area. The Roman Catholic affiliation of this school is an important part of the history, education and curriculum that defines the school. Over 1,200 students enroll at Briar Cliff University yearly.
Areas of study offered at Briar Cliff University include:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Education
- Public Administration And Social Services
The school operates under an open enrollment policy, accepting any students that meet the basic requirements for admission. Submission of school records, test scores, and letters of recommendations may be requested for certain programs. More information on admissions can be found at briarcliff.edu.
Tuition is approximately $27,000 annually, though it may vary based on any number of circumstances. Students may visit the school's net price calculator to determine a more personalized cost estimate. The price of on-campus housing is around $4,100 annually. Some students at Briar Cliff University may be eligible for financial aid, which is generally offered in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
The Briar Cliff University Chargers participate in several intercollegiate athletic programs, within the NAIA organization. Available sports offered may include but not limited to:
- Baseball (NAIA Division II)
- Basketball (NAIA Division II)
- Track & Field (NAIA Division II)
For a complete list of academic programs offered, enrollment information, financial aid details, and more, please visit the school's website at http://www.briarcliff.edu.
Enrollment
1,229
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
William Penn University is a nonprofit private institution located in Oskaloosa, Iowa and provides a large number of degree programs for students. The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) affiliation at the school is an important part of the history, education and mission that defines the school. Approximately two thousand students are enrolled annually at William Penn University.
A list of some of the popular programs are:
- Commerce
- Liberal Arts
- Sports Medicine
- Elementary Education
- Biology
Students applying for admission are asked to submit an application, transcripts, records, standardized test scores and any requested letters of recommendations, which will then be reviewed by admissions staff. The most common scores among applicants admitted to William Penn University are between 16 to 22 for the ACT exam, or 730 to 940 on the SAT exam. 62% of those students that apply are accepted to William Penn University, of which 63% choose to enroll.
The cost of undergraduate tuition is around $19,000, but may change yearly. Students are encouraged to visit the school's tuition calculator to better estimate their cost of attending this school. School housing is available on-campus for students. The annual cost of housing is approximately $2,200. Financial aid may be provided to students that meet the necessary requirements by way of grants or student loans.
Athletic programs are available at William Penn University through the NAIA, allowing students to compete in intercollegiate sports. Sports available:
- Baseball (NAIA Division II)
- Basketball (NAIA Division II)
- Football (NAIA Division II)
Students should take a look at the school's http://www.wmpenn.edu to see additional information.
Enrollment
1,279
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
Iowa Wesleyan University, a nonprofit private institution, offers a large number of degree programs, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Mount Pleasant, IA, the campus offers a rural setting for students to study in. The school's United Methodist affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's curriculum. The school enrolls 770 students annually, allowing for a more personalized education. Here is a list of some of the popular programs Iowa Wesleyan College offers:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Education
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Psychology
- Baseball (NAIA Division II)
- Basketball (NAIA Division II)
- Track & Field (NAIA Division II)
- Football (NCAA)
- Golf (NAIA Division II)
Enrollment
616
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Waldorf College is a private institution that has a large selection of majors available for students to choose from. The school is located in Forest City, Iowa, in a predominantly rural area. Waldorf College, with only around 640 students enrolled, offers a low student to teacher ratio and personalized education as part of its commitment to students. Students can select from many areas of study, including but not limited to:
- Commerce
- Communications
- Psychology
- Education
- Nutrition and Wellness Studies
- Baseball (NAIA Division II)
- Basketball (NAIA Division II)
- Football (NAIA Division II)
Enrollment
3,150
Student to Faculty Ratio
23:1
Iowa Private College Degree Programs

College-bound students interested inchiropracticcan research Palmer College in Davenport while students focused on abusinesspath may find a specialty focus school like American Institute of Business a great fit. For students with a more broad-based educational bent, can pursue schools that offer a number of accredited degree paths, on-site and online, such asnursing,forensic psychology,higher education administration,pharmacology,music composition,holistic health,graphic design, orcomputer engineeringto name a few examples. Begin your research quest with MatchCollege and connect with the best private colleges in Iowa for you today with our seamless technology.
List of Large 4-Year Private Universities in Iowa
- Allen Community College (Allen Community College) in Oskaloosa, IA
- Drake University (Drake) in Sioux Center, IA
- Iowa Western Community College in Mount Pleasant, IA
- Luther College (Luther Norse) in Dubuque, IA
- Northeast Iowa Community College - Calmar (NICC) in Orange City, IA
- University of Dubuque (Drake) in Des Moines, IA
- Waldorf College (UIU) in Fayette, IA
Small to Medium Sized 4-Year Universities
The 4-year schools listed below have a small to medium sized student body and may offer a wide range of associate and bachelor's degrees. Get more information about each school by clicking the links below.
- Buena Vista University in Sioux City, IA
- Clarke University in Pella, IA
- Coe College in Dubuque, IA
- Cornell College in Cedar Rapids, IA
- Ellsworth Community College in Dubuque, IA
- Grand View University in Lamoni, IA
- Grinnell College (Grinnell) in Des Moines, IA
- Maharishi University of Management (Luther Norse) in Decorah, IA
- Marshalltown Community College in Fairfield, IA
- Mount Mercy University (Mount Mercy College) in Sioux City, IA
- Wartburg College in Forest City, IA
4-Year Colleges with a Special Focus on an Area of Study
The schools below are grouped by their special area of focus. To learn about admissions, tuition & fees, programs offered, and more click on the school names below.
Health Professions Schools
- Briar Cliff University in Waterloo, IA
- Morningside College in Des Moines, IA
Theological Seminaries, Bible Colleges, and Other Faith-Related Institutions
- Dordt College in Epworth, IA
- Eastern Iowa Community College District in Dubuque, IA
Technology-Related Schools
- Hawkeye Community College in Davenport, IA
Notes: Tuition & fee amounts are for both Iowa in-state residents and out of state students, unless noted otherwise. The tuition information displayed is an estimate, which we calculated based on historical data and should be solely used for informational purposes only. Please contact the respective school for information about the current school year.
Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.