The Best Iowa Colleges

The Best Colleges in Iowa for 2025

These are the top ranked public and private four-year colleges in Iowa as ranked by CollegeSimply. Leading the list for 2025 as the best overall college in Iowa is Grinnell College. The top rated public state college is University of Iowa. Learn how the Best Colleges rankings are calculated on our ranking methodology page.
Iowa Public Private 4 year

21 results

Grand View University
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G
Des Moines, IA
 

Grand View University

Private 4 Year

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#16 Best Private Colleges in Iowa

  • 1,796enrollment
  • $22,296net price
  • 98%acceptance rate
  • 920-1080SAT range
  • 17-22ACT range
  • 3.3Avg GPA

Applications Due Aug 15

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William Penn University
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Oskaloosa, IA
 

William Penn University

Private 4 Year

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#17 Best Private Colleges in Iowa

  • 1,536enrollment
  • $22,361net price
  • 57%acceptance rate
  • 830-1100SAT range
  • 16-22ACT range
  • 3.0Avg GPA

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Upper Iowa University
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U
Fayette, IA
 

Upper Iowa University

Private 4 Year

0 reviews

#18 Best Private Colleges in Iowa

  • 3,102enrollment
  • $22,427net price
  • 93%acceptance rate
  • 970-1160SAT range
  • 14-21ACT range
  • 3.34Avg GPA

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