2024 Best Colleges with High Acceptance Rates in Iowa

• Ames, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  3,944 reviews

Alum: I was fortunate to have a number of options for colleges to attend, and am thankful I went with Iowa State! To me, this was the Goldilocks option: big college in a small town with a good balance between academics, social life, clubs, leadership, sports, and other opportunities. The campus is beautiful, the people are nice, the tradition and college spirit are strong. The classes, student jobs, and leadership experiences I held directly prepared me for grad school and my professional career. I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience and always look forward to returning to Ames as an alum.... Read 3,944 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $15,422

• SAT range 1070-1330

• Sioux City, IA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  259 reviews

Niche User: What I love about this school is how easy-going everyone is! There are very few careless professors and students. The classes are difficult only to an extent. However, I so believe the school could expand further with the campus and the overall material in such courses.... Read 259 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,282

• SAT range —

• Calmar, IA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  120 reviews

Sophomore: Everyone was very friendly and helpful when I was an in person student. When I was a student during Covid it was an adjustment for everyone, and I took several upper level science courses online. The support was definitely not the same, and for the higher classes such as physics and advanced chemistry classes, the only "tutor" is the instructor. That is a little frustrating, as sometime a different perspective and teaching style is exactly what helps everything clinic. Overall, I loved getting to know my instructors and classmates and valued my time at Northeast Iowa Community College.... Read 120 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,570

• SAT range —

• West Burlington, IA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  221 reviews

Freshman: I enjoy the campus and how the college reaches out to students. They plan a lot of fun activities for students. SCC cares about the students and teaches them to prioritize their health, whether physical or mental. That is important in college, so having faculty care about you gives you the encouragement to continue your education and the journey to your dream career. I love that it is a small campus because I do not have to take a shuttle bus to get to my next class. I am able to walk and enjoy the scenery leading to my class. Though SCC is small, they are always looking for opportunities to improve the campus and build the buildings students need. The professors will respond as soon as they can, which most often than not is within that day or the next, and help with your problems or questions. I am very glad to be at SCC and have such a kind community.... Read 221 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $5,926

• SAT range —

• Cedar Rapids, IA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  709 reviews

Junior: Kirkwood has a very welcoming campus! Every staff member is always willing to help and take time to figure out what works best for you. There are many options, such as the writing center or different tutoring choices, that are always available for students to use. All of my professors have been very kind and helpful, they are always willing to meet one on one. Kirkwood also has many different opportunities to get involved on and off campus, which is nice because it keeps campus fun and you involved in the community!... Read 709 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,740

• SAT range —

• Estherville, IA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  92 reviews

Junior: A smaller community college with diversity. Great settings to learn under, smaller sized classes, awesome instructors, friendly staff. Always willing to help with any questions, free one on one tutoring, many options to choose from. Very decent price.... Read 92 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $12,294

• SAT range —

• Waterloo, IA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  328 reviews

Other: As a student at Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, Iowa, I've had an enriching educational experience. The college's diverse programs cater to various interests, fostering my academic and career goals. Practical learning opportunities and internships have been invaluable. To improve, Hawkeye can invest in winter infrastructure and forge international partnerships. Hosting public events and collaborating with local businesses can contribute to community growth. Hawkeye is a place where students grow and thrive.... Read 328 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $11,359

• SAT range —

• Mason City, IA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  263 reviews

Niche User: I have loved my time at NIACC. I am currently a part time student while finishing high school. The professors are amazing and it is such a beautiful campus. The people are friendly, the facilities are wonderful, and the opportunities are endless. I love it so much!... Read 263 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,712

• SAT range —

• Ankeny, IA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  1,019 reviews

Sophomore: The professors and TRio advisors are absolutely amazing! They were extremely understanding and gentle with me during my first semester back to school. They made sure I was aware of any and all assistance available to me, especially if it would benefit my grades and GPA. DMACC is an overall great choice for any high-school graduate or adult that wants to further their education!... Read 1,019 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,667

• SAT range —

• Sheldon, IA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  70 reviews

Graduate Student: In my last years of high school, I didn't know what I wanted to do for a career. My mom suggested powerline, as she works for the City of Forest City, and all of their linemen are outdoorsmen like me, and they love their jobs. I gave it a lot of thought, then decided to apply to Sheldon. As it took a year to get into NW Iowa, I used that year to get my welding degree at NIACC to complement my powerline. Sheldon is a top-rated school for powerline, and everyone I graduated with were able to secure great jobs because of the education they received there. I lived on campus in the newest dorms, which turned out great, and I made many lasting friendships. The teachers are top-notch and know their stuff. Northwest Iowa Community College gave me an excellent education that I am now using with the Missouri Valley Union Apprenticeship Program, which provides excellent wages, benefits, and priceless work experience! Thank you to NW Iowa for starting me on the career of a lifetime.... Read 70 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $11,613

• SAT range —

• Marshalltown, IA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  117 reviews

Junior: My experience has been amazing at MCC! I have met soo many amazing faculty and made so many friends! I will cherish all of the memories I made bowling and canvas painting that were organized by the college. Being in the nursing program has been difficult but the last 3 years at MCC have been the best I've had in a long time! I am so thankful for all of the faculty that have supported me beyond measure throughout my schooling. I truly don't know where I would be without them and really appreciate everything they have done for me. I would recommend MCC to any high school seniors in my area that want to stay local because everyone is soo friendly and inviting and all of the faculty and students are nice and so welcoming!... Read 117 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,068

• SAT range —

• Ottumwa, IA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  280 reviews

Freshman: I absolutely love this college. They have great online opportunities for students who can’t attend on campus. I personally can’t do on campus so I’m fully online which is great because it gives me more time and space to have a full time job and career to build. The staff are especially great. They have helped my register for classes, I’m starting in the fall. I’m only going to this college for a few years until I’m able to attend a university for vet school. I’m thankful for the staff who helped my get my financial aid under control that way I’m not in any rush to cover my tuition for the 1st term. They also helped my find where I can order my books that are for my classes. I’m taking biology as a major because I know that that’s one step closer to getting some of my main courses done for a university that I would love to attend. This college is also not too far from where I live which is a bonus because if I need anything I can just go to the office for anything that I need.... Read 280 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,337

• SAT range —

• Fort Dodge, IA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  414 reviews

Other: I enjoyed my online experience with Iowa Central because the staff and faculty are very helpful when it comes to navigating my online degree. I am a dual enrollment student and am currently in high school, so I was grateful to have people who could help me with questions about college and my degree specifically. Additionally, the course options were intriguing and the materials were academically challenging and interesting. Overall, I had a pretty good experience during my time of enrollment with Iowa Central Community College.... Read 414 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,507

• SAT range —

• Iowa Falls, IA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  138 reviews

Sophomore: Ellsworth Community College is an amazing choice for a quality 2 year college. All of the professors that I have met are outstanding, humble people that know what they are talking about. I am majoring in Animal Science and Agribusiness and am almost ready for a full time career because I am getting all of the resources I need to succeed. The everyday classes feel like small, close-knit high school classes, which makes it easier to reach out to professors and get all the help I may need within the day. You form very close relationships with your professors and they actually care about every single individual by getting to really know them. My only complaint about the school is the food, because all full-time students are required to have a meal plan, the food should at least be decent. Overall, my experience and friends that I have made has been unforgettable.... Read 138 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,623

• SAT range —

• Indianola, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  362 reviews

Freshman: Simpson College excels in providing a unique and welcoming experience. Any student who attends Simpson is sure to agree with the previous statement, and also probably mention the wide variety of inclusive groups and organizations. Athletics, music, extracurriculars, and clubs are just some of the options available and many students such as myself enjoy the variety. The faculty at Simpson have also contributed to my experience greatly. Smaller class sizes and faculty that truly cares about helping you succeed has impacted me so much more than I thought it would. Talking to professors whenever I need help, or going into office hours is way less daunting because of the effort Simpson College and its faculty bring to the table. Overall, I am incredibly happy with Simpson College and recommend it to not just anyone interested in going to a liberal arts college, but anyone who cares about being supported as a student and an individual.... Read 362 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $20,986

• SAT range 890-1280

• Davenport, IA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  404 reviews

Sophomore: I love Eastern Iowa Community College. The support that I have received attending this school has been just what I needed to complete the difficult maze of education. From the financial advisors to the instructors, the librarians to the advisors, everyone has been helpful and encouraging. I have enjoyed my education here and at excited to start the next chapter of my academic career that I am prepared for because of EICC.... Read 404 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,743

• SAT range —

• Des Moines, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  400 reviews

Freshman: I thought Grand View was amazing! I love the community, being from a small town in the Midwest. Grand View was the perfect size and in the perfect area, because Des Moines is a “country big city.” I also really loved the small class sizes and the way the professors personally connected to the students. They understood that we have our own lives and they took that into consideration when dealing with our schoolwork.... Read 400 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $20,434

• SAT range 920-1080

• Creston, IA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  137 reviews

Freshman: I loved my time at SWCC. The community and campus is amazing. If you are wanting somewhere that you can be involved, this is the place for you! Everyone is included, everyone is welcome, and everyone is family. Great teachers and staff, events are always happening on campus. On campus housing is spacious and apartment style. There is also plenty of people renting in the community within short distance to the school!... Read 137 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,766

• SAT range —

• Des Moines, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  156 reviews

Freshman: Someone is always there to help others in time of need and this school has great professionals that stand by their students, to see that their students become successful throughout their plan in life. They have the tool for their students to achieve their goals... Read 156 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 97%

• Net price $18,129

• SAT range —

• Council Bluffs, IA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  489 reviews

Freshman: While I haven’t officially started there yet, the process of getting to where I am has been amazing! They were super quick and efficient in getting me into a meeting to discuss with an admissions counselor! She was super knowledgeable and answer any and all of our questions. She was also super helpful and reached out consistently to make sure my process was going smoothly!... Read 489 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $11,403

• SAT range —

• Sioux City, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  214 reviews

Sophomore: Briar Cliff University is a small private 4 year institution. With staff that are dedicated with making sure that the students have what they need and hold them accountable for making it to their classes and completing coursework. The ratio of student to professor is small, with 1 professor to 24 students, which allows more of a 1:1 ratio when you need assistance. With an active student government, the students voice is heard and charges made immediately after a problem is identified and addressed. Briar Cliff University is your home away from home with a beautiful scenery. Tuition lock on all incoming students making you keep your 1st year tuition all 4 years, making Briar Cliff University very affordable!... Read 214 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $21,734

• SAT range —

• West Des Moines, IA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Freshman: The people are really helpful kind and respectful. The teaxhers make sure you have time to finish your work and always available for questions... Read 1 review

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $15,521

• SAT range —

• Davenport, IA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.63 out of 5  8 reviews

Graduate Student: I absolutely loved Capri and I’m so excited to be an alumni! The friends that you make along the journey create this magical experience for sure! My instructor was amazing and I definitely learned a lot from there! I am proud to say that I am a Capri College graduate! I 100% recommend this establishment!... Read 8 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,971

• SAT range —

• Cedar Rapids, IA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.6 out of 5  5 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,600

• SAT range —

• Dubuque, IA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  1 review

Niche User: Very great school, I didn't know what I wanted to do for college and I met with the admissions here are so amazing and no nice. They swayed me towards cosmetology at Capri.... Read 1 review

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,025

• SAT range —