Top 10 Universities in Iowa

1. University of Iowa

The University of Iowa, located in Iowa City, is a major public research university known for its strong academic programs, innovative research, and vibrant campus life. Established in 1847, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its various colleges. The University of Iowa is particularly noted for its programs in health sciences, law, and creative writing. The university’s commitment to research and innovation is reflected in its numerous research centers and partnerships with industry leaders.

U.S. News Ranking of the University

The University of Iowa is consistently ranked among the top 100 national universities in the United States.

Number of Students

The University of Iowa serves approximately 31,000 students, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.

Degrees Offered

The University of Iowa offers more than 200 degree programs across its various colleges.

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at the University of Iowa is around 84%.

Average SAT Score

The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1230.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities

Popular extracurricular activities at the University of Iowa include student government, Greek life, academic clubs, sports teams, and cultural organizations.

5 Famous Alumni

1. Gene Wilder – Actor and comedian.
2. Tennessee Williams – Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright.
3. Ashton Kutcher – Actor and entrepreneur.
4. John Irving – Novelist and screenwriter.
5. Tom Brokaw – Television journalist.

Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years

1. University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
2. Rockwell Collins
3. Principal Financial Group
4. ACT, Inc.
5. John Deere

2. Iowa State University

Iowa State University, located in Ames, is a major public research university known for its strong academic programs, commitment to innovation, and vibrant campus life. Established in 1858, Iowa State offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its various colleges. The university is particularly noted for its programs in engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine. Iowa State’s commitment to research and innovation is reflected in its numerous research centers and partnerships with industry leaders.

U.S. News Ranking of the University

Iowa State University is consistently ranked among the top 100 national universities in the United States.

Number of Students

Iowa State serves approximately 30,000 students, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.

Degrees Offered

Iowa State offers more than 100 degree programs across its various colleges.

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Iowa State is around 88%.

Average SAT Score

The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1210.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities

Popular extracurricular activities at Iowa State include student government, Greek life, academic clubs, sports teams, and cultural organizations.

5 Famous Alumni

1. George Washington Carver – Agricultural scientist and inventor.
2. Clayton Anderson – NASA astronaut.
3. Fred Hoiberg – NBA player and coach.
4. Carrie Chapman Catt – Women’s suffrage leader.
5. Dan Gable – Olympic gold medalist and wrestling coach.

Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years

1. John Deere
2. Principal Financial Group
3. Rockwell Collins
4. Workiva
5. Iowa State University

3. Drake University

Drake University, located in Des Moines, is a private university known for its strong academic programs, beautiful campus, and commitment to community engagement. Established in 1881, Drake offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its various colleges. The university is particularly noted for its programs in business, law, and pharmacy. Drake’s small class sizes and supportive community provide students with personalized attention and opportunities for personal and academic growth.

U.S. News Ranking of the University

Drake University is consistently ranked among the top regional universities in the Midwest.

Number of Students

Drake serves approximately 5,000 students, including undergraduate and graduate students.

Degrees Offered

Drake offers more than 140 degree programs across its various colleges.

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Drake is around 68%.

Average SAT Score

The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1250.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities

Popular extracurricular activities at Drake include student government, Greek life, academic clubs, sports teams, and cultural organizations.

5 Famous Alumni

1. Terry Branstad – Former Governor of Iowa and U.S. Ambassador to China.
2. Tom Arnold – Actor and comedian.
3. Zach Johnson – Professional golfer.
4. Shawn Johnson – Olympic gold medalist gymnast.
5. John August – Screenwriter and director.

Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years

1. Principal Financial Group
2. Nationwide
3. Wells Fargo
4. MercyOne
5. Drake University

4. University of Northern Iowa

The University of Northern Iowa (UNI), located in Cedar Falls, is a public university known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and commitment to community engagement. Established in 1876, UNI offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its various colleges. The university is particularly noted for its programs in education, business, and the arts. UNI’s commitment to experiential learning and community service is reflected in its numerous internship opportunities and outreach programs.

U.S. News Ranking of the University

The University of Northern Iowa is ranked among the top regional universities in the Midwest.

Number of Students

UNI serves approximately 10,000 students, including undergraduate and graduate students.

Degrees Offered

UNI offers more than 90 degree programs across its various colleges.

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at UNI is around 79%.

Average SAT Score

The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1140.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities

Popular extracurricular activities at UNI include student government, Greek life, academic clubs, sports teams, and cultural organizations.

5 Famous Alumni

1. Terry Allen – College football coach.
2. Kurt Warner – NFL Hall of Fame quarterback.
3. Danielle Colby – Television personality.
4. David Johnson – NFL running back.
5. Mark Steines – Television journalist.

Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years

1. John Deere
2. Principal Financial Group
3. UnityPoint Health
4. CUNA Mutual Group
5. University of Northern Iowa

5. Grinnell College

Grinnell College, located in Grinnell, is a private liberal arts college known for its rigorous academic programs, beautiful campus, and commitment to social justice. Established in 1846, Grinnell offers a wide range of undergraduate programs in various fields of study. The college is particularly noted for its programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Grinnell’s small class sizes and supportive community provide students with personalized attention and opportunities for personal and academic growth.

U.S. News Ranking of the University

Grinnell College is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States.

Number of Students

Grinnell serves approximately 1,700 students, all of whom are undergraduates.

Degrees Offered

Grinnell offers more than 30 degree programs in various fields of study.

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Grinnell is around 19%.

Average SAT Score

The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1440.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities

Popular extracurricular activities at Grinnell include student government, academic clubs, cultural organizations, sports teams, and service groups.

5 Famous Alumni

1. Robert Noyce – Co-founder of Intel Corporation.
2. Gary Cooper – Academy Award-winning actor.
3. Herbie Hancock – Grammy Award-winning musician.
4. Harry Hopkins – Advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
5. Thomas Cech – Nobel Prize-winning chemist.

Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years

1. Google
2. Microsoft
3. Goldman Sachs
4. Peace Corps
5. Teach For America

6. Dordt University

Dordt University, located in Sioux Center, is a private Christian university known for its strong academic programs, commitment to faith-based education, and vibrant campus life. Established in 1955, Dordt offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its various colleges. The university is particularly noted for its programs in engineering, agriculture, and education. Dordt’s small class sizes and supportive community provide students with personalized attention and opportunities for personal and academic growth.

U.S. News Ranking of the University

Dordt University is consistently ranked among the top regional colleges in the Midwest.

Number of Students

Dordt serves approximately 1,500 students, including undergraduate and graduate students.

Degrees Offered

Dordt offers more than 40 degree programs across its various colleges.

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Dordt is around 73%.

Average SAT Score

The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1230.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities

Popular extracurricular activities at Dordt include student government, academic clubs, cultural organizations, sports teams, and service groups.

5 Famous Alumni

1. Arlan Koppendrayer – Former Minnesota Public Utilities Commissioner.
2. Chuck DeGroat – Author and professor.
3. Chris Kamminga – Technology entrepreneur.
4. Ruth Beitia – Olympic high jumper.
5. Jeff Barker – Business executive.

Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years

1. Pella Corporation
2. Vermeer Corporation
3. Northwestern Mutual
4. Sanford Health
5. Dordt University

7. Luther College

Luther College, located in Decorah, is a private liberal arts college known for its strong academic programs, beautiful campus, and commitment to sustainability. Established in 1861, Luther offers a wide range of undergraduate programs in various fields of study. The college is particularly noted for its programs in music, biology, and environmental studies. Luther’s small class sizes and supportive community provide students with personalized attention and opportunities for personal and academic growth.

U.S. News Ranking of the University

Luther College is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the Midwest.

Number of Students

Luther serves approximately 1,800 students, all of whom are undergraduates.

Degrees Offered

Luther offers more than 60 degree programs in various fields of study.

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Luther is around 62%.

Average SAT Score

The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1250.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities

Popular extracurricular activities at Luther include student government, academic clubs, cultural organizations, sports teams, and music ensembles.

5 Famous Alumni

1. David Runia – Philosopher and academic.
2. Earl Butz – Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
3. David T. Prosser Jr. – Former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice.
4. Patty Judge – Former Lieutenant Governor of Iowa.
5. Allen Eskens – Novelist.

Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years

1. Mayo Clinic
2. IBM
3. Target
4. Luther College
5. John Deere

8. Simpson College

Simpson College, located in Indianola, is a private liberal arts college known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and commitment to community engagement. Established in 1860, Simpson offers a wide range of undergraduate programs in various fields of study. The college is particularly noted for its programs in business, education, and the arts. Simpson’s small class sizes and supportive community provide students with personalized attention and opportunities for personal and academic growth.

U.S. News Ranking of the University

Simpson College is ranked among the top regional colleges in the Midwest.

Number of Students

Simpson serves approximately 1,300 students, all of whom are undergraduates.

Degrees Offered

Simpson offers more than 80 degree programs in various fields of study.

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Simpson is around 84%.

Average SAT Score

The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1150.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities

Popular extracurricular activities at Simpson include student government, academic clubs, cultural organizations, sports teams, and performing arts groups.

5 Famous Alumni

1. Dwight D. Opperman – Legal publishing executive.
2. Bill Buxton – Computer scientist and designer.
3. Don Lemon – Television journalist.
4. Jack Salzwedel – Chairman and CEO of American Family Insurance.
5. Karl Rove – Political consultant and strategist.

Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years

1. Principal Financial Group
2. Nationwide
3. Wells Fargo
4. Simpson College
5. MercyOne

9. Central College

Central College, located in Pella, is a private liberal arts college known for its strong academic programs, beautiful campus, and commitment to experiential learning. Established in 1853, Central offers a wide range of undergraduate programs in various fields of study. The college is particularly noted for its programs in the sciences, business, and the arts. Central’s small class sizes and supportive community provide students with personalized attention and opportunities for personal and academic growth.

U.S. News Ranking of the University

Central College is ranked among the top regional colleges in the Midwest.

Number of Students

Central serves approximately 1,100 students, all of whom are undergraduates.

Degrees Offered

Central offers more than 40 degree programs in various fields of study.

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Central is around 70%.

Average SAT Score

The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1170.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities

Popular extracurricular activities at Central include student government, academic clubs, cultural organizations, sports teams, and service groups.

5 Famous Alumni

1. Fred C. Newhouse – Olympic gold medalist.
2. Jim Nussle – Former U.S. Representative.
3. Jim Miller – Former NFL player.
4. Bruce Braley – Former U.S. Representative.
5. A. J. Jacobs – Author and journalist.

Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years

1. Pella Corporation
2. Vermeer Corporation
3. Wells Fargo
4. Principal Financial Group
5. Central College

10. Coe College

Coe College, located in Cedar Rapids, is a private liberal arts college known for its strong academic programs, beautiful campus, and commitment to experiential learning. Established in 1851, Coe offers a wide range of undergraduate programs in various fields of study. The college is particularly noted for its programs in the sciences, business, and the arts. Coe’s small class sizes and supportive community provide students with personalized attention and opportunities for personal and academic growth.

U.S. News Ranking of the University

Coe College is ranked among the top regional colleges in the Midwest.

Number of Students

Coe serves approximately 1,300 students, all of whom are undergraduates.

Degrees Offered

Coe offers more than 60 degree programs in various fields of study.

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Coe is around 69%.

Average SAT Score

The average SAT score for incoming freshmen is approximately 1200.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities

Popular extracurricular activities at Coe include student government, academic clubs, cultural organizations, sports teams, and service groups.

5 Famous Alumni

1. Fred Jackson – Former NFL player.
2. Jim Leach – Former U.S. Representative.
3. Marv Levy – NFL Hall of Fame coach.
4. Paul Engle – Poet and founder of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop.
5. William L. Shirer – Journalist and author.

Top 5 Companies or Organizations that Hire the Most Graduates in Recent Years

1. Rockwell Collins
2. Transamerica
3. UnityPoint Health
4. Principal Financial Group
5. Coe College