2023 Hardest Colleges to Get Into in Iowa

• Grinnell, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  434 reviews

Freshman: Grinnell has a whole has been an incredible experience so far. The people are absolutely incredible, the campus is wonderful, and the academics are very strong with all things considered about the pandemic. Grinnell truly feels like home and it is a place where I feel that the other students and teachers truly care about you. The administration is definitely not perfect but I am 100% happy with choice to attend Grinnell!... Read 434 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 19%

• Net price $32,091

• SAT range 1370-1540

• Storm Lake, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  353 reviews

Freshman: I personally greatly enjoyed how open the campus is as well as how inviting and friendly the students and faculty are. I also like how they have their weight room set up and how they personalize workouts not based only on a sport, although that is taken into great consideration, they also take into consideration your body as well as what goals you have for yourself. They are also concerned with the students success, if a teacher or coach notices your unexplained absence they will get in contact with you to try and find out if you are sick, injured, or if you just overslept. I appreciate that they do this and they are able to do this due to their size being that of a relatively smaller college which allows for an easier way of communicating with the teachers and coaches on a one on one setting.... Read 353 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 56%

• Net price $18,300

• SAT range 930-1110

• Dubuque, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  374 reviews

Sophomore: Most of the teachers are awesome! The administration is lacking competency unfortunately, especially when it comes to financial aid/tuition issues or credit transfers. The campus is pretty old, and most of the buildings do not have A/C. Although the campus terrain is beautiful, it is incredibly hilly and a bit treacherous in the winter months with steep inclines and lots of steps. As such, the campus overall is not ADA-compliant unless one drives and parks directly in front of the desired building--not walkable.... Read 374 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 58%

• Net price $22,418

• SAT range 960-1140

• Oskaloosa, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  172 reviews

Freshman: This is my second semester as a freshman. I am an only child from Texas. I didn't think I would make it past the first two weeks being four states away from my family. But now this school is my second family. It is a small private university so it is very tight-knit. Everyone, including the staff is so friendly and so willing to help. I knew I would never fit into a large university. So this was a perfect fit for me to be able to pursue my studies and for me to have an opportunity to play volleyball at a collegiate level. This school for its size offers so many sports so there are so many opportunities for so many athletes.... Read 172 reviews

• grade C minus

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 55%

• Net price $21,256

• SAT range 880-1060

• Decorah, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  756 reviews

Alum: Luther College is nestled in beautiful Decorah, Iowa. The campus is absolutely wonderful! Buildings are all easy to get to and kept up wonderfully. It is a smaller college and teachers/ professors are able to get to know their students and make connections with them. You get up-to-date technology and a top-of-the-line education but you also feel safe, secure, and like you are more than just a number or a tuition payment. I transferred in my Junior year and they worked well with my Community college. Due to my excellent grades, I was able to obtain scholarships and pay less for two years at Luther than I would have had to pay for one year without scholarships. I was also easily able to transfer some credits into my Graduate program so that I could take the Advanced standing MSW degree. I would highly recommend Luther College! Decorah has so much to offer and the scenery is breathtaking!... Read 756 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $25,291

• SAT range 1030-1280

• Des Moines, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  967 reviews

Alum: The best part of my Drake experience is that they catered to the phase of my life I was in. For the first two years, I was provided a lot of hands-on experience and guidance from trusted advisors. They taught the importance of internships, networking, building a community on campus and finding close friendships to help me get through the challenges of being away at college. I thrived in this nurturing environment. Going into my third year, I found a passion for international business and language. It was encouraged to pursue passions beyond your major coursework and I can't say enough good things about the experiences I was able to have. I found leadership opportunities and found myself helping younger students achieve and build their passions. Upon graduation, I believe that helped me land my first position immediately in a field and role I love. I can't say enough good things about the curriculum, activities, advisors and peers at this university!... Read 967 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $30,321

• SAT range 1110-1340

• Pella, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  450 reviews

Niche User: I love the visit! It honestly feels like home. The professors are very knowledgeable and confident about what they teach. In addition, the student life is fantastic because it is so easy to make friends and to adjust to student life. Another reason is that the faculty/admissions is supporting and willing to help any student. They take you step by step through financial and academic help. I cannot wait to adapt to the new student life in 2020, to make new friends, and pursue my academic career.... Read 450 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $21,690

• SAT range 980-1230

• Forest City, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  137 reviews

Freshman: I love Waldorf University, everyone is so welcoming! The facility is beautiful and the faculty goes above and beyond for their students. There is so much diversity amongst the students too, which i personally love because you meet so many new people. As a student athlete, Waldorf makes balancing life easier with the guidance from academic advisors and coaches. Waldrof University is for everyone and anyone with passion and devotion to succeed... Read 137 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 61%

• Net price $20,345

• SAT range 920-1110

• Fayette, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  465 reviews

Sophomore: Upper Iowa was very flexible with my schedule and offers online self-paced classes that allow you to complete your work on your own schedule. This was very helpful and allowed me to work around my busy schedule. Super military friendly as well! I do wish that they offered more classes as online self-paced options, but I was still able to finish my associate's degree entirely online.... Read 465 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 65%

• Net price $23,187

• SAT range 860-1160

• Sioux Center, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  412 reviews

Senior: Dordt has been a fantastic school for me. I am in the education program and truly feel that I am getting the best education I can. I really appreciate the small class sizes offered at Dordt because they allow me to get to know my peers and professors. I love being able to talk to my professors when I have questions because I know they care and want to help me thrive in their classes. I also appreciate how much classroom experience I have had. I have been in a classroom every semester and have been able to work with real teachers and students consistently. However, something I would like to see change at Dordt is the campus activities. There are typically a number of things going on each week which is great but I would love to see some more consistent, relaxed events.... Read 412 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $25,982

• SAT range 1060-1330

• Sioux City, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  484 reviews

Sophomore: Morningside is a great university to attend! I have loved it there last year and it is definitely a good place for anyone looking to continue their education. It offers many wonderful opportunities that not only allow for a great education, but experiences like different ways to be involved in the community.... Read 484 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $22,146

• SAT range 880-1120

• Lamoni, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  331 reviews

Junior: I LOVE GRACELAND! Being an International student, my decision in which college I chose was crucial as it would be my home for the next 4 years. As I am so far away from home (UK), I needed somewhere with a small community that treated me like they were family and that is exactly what Graceland does. Not only are the academics amazing, with small classes and personal relationships with professors, but I know that I am in safe hands. If there is ever a problem or I need help, I know exactly who to contact and have complete faith that whatever I am looking for or need will be found and resolved. Graceland ensures that each student has a comfortable and fun life when enrolled as a student. As Lamoni is a small town, people often think that there will be nothing to do but Graceland ensures that that is not the case. I have met the most amazing people here and it has changed my life forever. If I was to go through the recruitment/enrollment process again, I would pick Graceland again.... Read 331 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $18,434

• SAT range 920-1080

• Waverly, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  627 reviews

Alum: My experience at Wartburg positively changed who I was as a person primarily because of the community and amount of support that faculty and staff put into their students: the effort you put in you truly receive in return! I had multiple opportunities to put a part of something that I truly felt I belonged in: choirs, work studies, clubs/organizations, connecting with alumni and prospective students, so many second families I cherish. I was also a part of the COVID student population, and while that was a trying time for us all, I always felt safe and reassured by the efforts Wartburg made to make sure we could return to normalcy as quickly as possible while following guidelines. If I had the chance to go back to college and redo my undergraduate degree, I would absolutely choose Wartburg again and again for the people, the experiences, and the love that Wartburg showed me and I show back now!... Read 627 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $23,248

• SAT range 970-1200

• Orange City, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  385 reviews

Junior: My experience at Northwestern has been great! The first thing I noticed was how genuine the people are here. I am from Bozeman, Montana and I knew that if I was going to come so far from home I needed a strong support group at college. I can confidently say that I have found that here at Northwestern. There is such a strong Christ-centered community here which was exactly what I was looking for. I am a junior nursing major and I have had a great experience in the classroom and at clinicals in the area. The small student to professor ratio opens up more opportunities for one-on-one interactions. I feel the support of all of my professors to thrive in the classroom.... Read 385 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 74%

• Net price $24,513

• SAT range 1010-1210

• Davenport, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  754 reviews

Sophomore: I've had an amazing time at St. Ambrose! The campus is small and walkable, and the professors have years of experience and are very personable! Campus facilities have either been updated or are in the process of being updated allowing for a more modern feel to this 140 year old university. The only downside to the university would be the food service, they could definitely get rid of their current food service provider and I think you'd get a collective celebration from students and professors alike. But besides that, Ambrose is an incredible private university that will give you experiences to last a lifetime.... Read 754 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 74%

• Net price $26,497

• SAT range 980-1170

• Mount Pleasant, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  200 reviews

Junior: I feel like this university is on a uphill climb, but there is still lots of room for improvement. There are really good professors at the school within the biology and chemistry department. The athletic aspect is growing as we just transferred to NAIA. At least right now it is an athlete based school. The campus itself is very pretty and small just the same as the town, very clean. The dorms are a bit small in the Mckibbin residence. ST is a bit better for everyone. Can’t wait for the new year!... Read 200 reviews

• grade C

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 71%

• Net price $31,813

• SAT range 850-990

• Cedar Rapids, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  289 reviews

Sophomore: Love the small school setting. It is easier to get to know people . Quiet campus , perfect for studies. Ace center is awesome if you need help with classes. There are lots of organizations you can get involved with. Chicken nuggets and items from the grill cafe are decent . Generous scholarships and work study programs for academics and athletes. Professors are chill and helpful. There are lots of restaurants and shopping (small mall)about 10 minutes away, so you can get just about anything you need. Safe atmosphere. Tunnels are the best in winter , you don’t have to walk outside at all to get to classes. Known as “The Hill” , the actual hills are a bit of a challenge but there are ways around them . So far very pleased. Will start sophomore year soon.... Read 289 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $25,182

• SAT range —

• Cedar Rapids, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  511 reviews

Junior: I am Currently going into my junior year at Coe and I have had an amazing time here. Despite us being in a pandemic Coe has managed to give it's students the college experience while still keeping everyone safe. If you are someone who want's to go to a school to be involved and make real change in a community, Coe is the place for you. Having a small campus has it's benefits, almost every student is involved in either a club, organization or sport making the community feel like home. It also benefits our student body because we all have really good opportunities to network, get internships, do research or study abroad. I personally am working two internships I got through Coe and I will be studying abroad next year in Korea. The only downside to Coe is the slight lack of diversity, Coe is a predominantly White Institution which can make students coming from diverse neighborhoods struggle to find their place at times.... Read 511 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $21,155

• SAT range 1080-1300

• Cedar Falls, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  1,430 reviews

Freshman: I love the University of Northern Iowa for many reasons. When I initially began my college search I narrowed down my options to UNI, Iowa State, and Iowa. I took visits to all three of the universities but Iowa State and Iowa were too big for me and didn't make me feel like I'd enjoy going there. On my visits to UNI, the staff was super friendly and amazing, they even included a picture of me in their slide show which made me feel even more wanted! The campus was beautiful and I'm so excited to be attending this fall!... Read 1,430 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $16,166

• SAT range 1030-1230

• Mount Vernon, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.39 out of 5  741 reviews

Sophomore: I am from San Francisco, and it was a very big change going from California to Iowa but Cornell College really made it feel easy, except for the snow and the cold! I love most of the professors and they are all very dedicated to their subjects and classes. The campus is gorgeous and very nice, if not a bit hilly. The main hub of campus, Thomas Commons, is a nice place to relax every once in a while when I don’t want to go to my dorm room or just want a place to sit for a bit. I like the sense of comfort I have when walking around campus and the student body, a feeling probably started by our incredibly kind President Brand. While the upperclassmen dorms are a bit rough, they’re okay and livable (sometimes, hahaha). Overall there is little I’d change; I really do feel supported here both as a person and as a student.... Read 741 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $25,028

• SAT range 1060-1280

• Iowa City, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  3,783 reviews

Sophomore: It's easy to navigate, there are plenty of resources and opportunities for help if needed, and the staff is nice. It was a warm welcoming and pleasant surprise to attend the college. The curriculum is refreshing and challenging as it pushes you to take the imitative and learn things on your own but with the guidance of course. They have excellent hands-on activities in the science courses. The school is booming with extracurricular activities so it's easy to find something fun to do or a club to join! The cost of tuition is a value price and you get your money's worth from what is offered.... Read 3,783 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $17,452

• SAT range 1110-1310

• Dubuque, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.42 out of 5  431 reviews

Freshman: I have loved it here! University of Dubuque is beautiful and the workers work hard to keep it clean and well kept. Also, the professors and students are all friendly and wants to see everyone succeed. The University also incorporates God's word in the teachings. God is an important aspect in the community and school. Everyone there wants to see the students succeed and thrive.... Read 431 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $27,043

• SAT range 840-1070

• Indianola, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  355 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 355 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $20,457

• SAT range 1070-1200

• Ames, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  3,876 reviews

Junior: Iowa State can look like a very intimidating college from the outside but I promise once you get here it's rewarding! The campus has such a lovely atmosphere for students. While it is a large campus, between the CyRide and plenty of walking paths, it is very easy to find your way around. Overall, Iowa State is a place I would recommend to anyone with even the slightest interest in this university and campus.... Read 3,876 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $16,105

• SAT range 1010-1310

• Dubuque, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  368 reviews

Senior: As being a transfer student, I already knew the atmosphere of what it was like to be a college student, but when coming to Clarke University I felt welcomed in right away. I didn't feel like just a number added to the University, instead I felt I was known. The campus and student life does a great job of encouraging students to support other sports teams, hosts free events for students to attend, and has lots of clubs/organizations to get students involved. Clarke University feels more like a big community and continues each year to find ways to create that community like atmosphere for the students. Professors, coaches, counselors, etc all want their students to feel the safe, and get the best education to succeed. If you are an individual who isn't meant for a huge campus, big classroom size, and being known as just a number than Clarke University is a place for you. There is so much here at Clarke that keeps you involved in the community and be known as an individual person!... Read 368 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 89%

• Net price $25,756

• SAT range 930-1120