According to INDEXDOTCOM, Iowa is located in the Midwestern United States. It is bordered by the Mississippi River to the east, Minnesota to the north, South Dakota and Nebraska to the west, and Missouri and Illinois to the south. Iowa has a total area of 56,272 square miles making it the 26th largest state in size. The state is mostly composed of rolling hills and plains with a few rugged bluffs along its eastern border with the Mississippi River. The state’s highest point is Hawkeye Point at 1,670 feet above sea level located in Osceola County. The climate of Iowa is generally humid continental with warm summers and cold winters. Precipitation amounts vary from year to year but are generally moderate throughout the state. According to SIMPLYYELLOWPAGES, Iowa is home to a wide variety of universities, ranging from small liberal arts colleges to large research universities. The University of Iowa is the state’s flagship university and the largest school in the state, with over 33,000 students enrolled. Other notable public institutions include Iowa State University, which has a strong focus on science and engineering; the University of Northern Iowa, which has a strong reputation for teacher preparation; and Drake University, a private institution that offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Additionally, many smaller private and religious-affiliated colleges are located throughout the state.