2023 Most Diverse Colleges in Iowa

• Grinnell, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  435 reviews

Senior: Grinnell College is a special place. If you're considering coming to Grinnell, you should keep some things in mind: - It's very isolated. Grinnell is located in a small community with only one bus that goes to Chicago per day. This also means that it is a tight-knit community where everyone knows and care for each other. Also, the college started a free local shuttle on Wednesdays-Saturdays that stops at many places downtown including Walmart, which was amazing. We also have a free Saturday shuttle for neighboring cities such as Iowa City and Des Moines. - The academic life is very demanding. I love studying, but even for me the workload is a bit too much sometimes. However, I truly believe Grinnell professors are one of a kind. They are understanding, absurdly knowledgeable, and kind. I have three professors who really inspire me and numerous staff/faculty members who helped me when I most needed. Nonetheless, Grinnell is not a place to just earn a degree, it's about learning.... Read 435 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $37,423

• SAT range 1370-1530

• Lamoni, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  332 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 332 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 67%

• Net price $18,595

• SAT range 880-1120

• Oskaloosa, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  177 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 177 reviews

• grade C minus

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 58%

• Net price $21,112

• SAT range 830-1030

• 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 A

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $34,988

• SAT range 820-1020

• Sioux City, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  209 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 209 reviews

• grade C

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $21,734

• SAT range —

• Dubuque, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.42 out of 5  433 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 433 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $24,868

• SAT range 840-1070

• 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 A

• Acceptance rate 65%

• Net price $22,888

• SAT range 870-1090

• Sioux City, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  485 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 485 reviews

• grade B

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 74%

• Net price $23,222

• SAT range 880-1120

• Cedar Rapids, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  514 reviews

Senior: I have had a wonderful experience during my time at Coe College. I attribute my academic successes to my professors. I am a biology major on a pre-medicine track, and the majority of my professors have wanted nothing but to see each of their students succeed. I have yet to have a professor who did not prioritize building relationships with their students, and I have yet to have a prof who has not taken it upon themselves to learn each of their student's names at the least. Additionally, the Coe College community is one that you will not find anywhere else. I grew up in small town Iowa and was used to being apart of a community that had differences in opinions and lifestyles. However, the politics overran this town. At Coe, differences in opinions are set aside and points of likeness are what binds this small campus that much tighter. By far the best decision I have ever made by choosing to attend Coe College.... Read 514 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 73%

• Net price $19,141

• SAT range 1080-1300

• Des Moines, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  395 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 395 reviews

• grade C+

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $20,434

• SAT range 920-1080

• Mount Vernon, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.39 out of 5  743 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 743 reviews

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $22,667

• SAT range 1130-1340

• Iowa City, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  3,797 reviews

Sophomore: The University of Iowa is a great school, especially for people interested in pursuing a career in writing like I am. There is a great variety of classes, and the campus and student environment is really great. There are also plenty of organizations and clubs to join as well, which is a great way to get involved on campus and to make friends! There are a bit too many required gen eds in my opinion, especially if you're a double major, but other than that, I love the school so far!... Read 3,797 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $17,599

• SAT range 1130-1350

• Dubuque, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  370 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 370 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 89%

• Net price $25,414

• SAT range 900-1120

• Ames, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  3,901 reviews

Sophomore: So far I have loved my experience at Iowa State. I truly believe that you get out what you put into it. In my first semester, I was less involved and not having the greatest experience. But in my second semester, I was able to join committees, clubs, and student organizations that really helped me enjoy my experience. I think the only thing I would like to see change is the marketing aspect for these activities. It took me a while to find these organizations.... Read 3,901 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $15,422

• SAT range 1070-1330

• Des Moines, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  971 reviews

Sophomore: Drake is a very good school if you are willing to put in the work required. "Drake busy" is not just a weird saying you will hear but an honest to god thing. Classes can be hard and the course load even at minimum credits is work. Drake isn't a school that you can slack off at, or just not go to class and still pass.... Read 971 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $29,507

• SAT range 1190-1410

• Davenport, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  760 reviews

Graduate Student: Saint Ambrose is a wonderful institution with very dedicated educators and supporting staff. One area of improvement is the overall security. The University is located in a bad area of Davenport, and so the security should take it more seriously instead of just worrying about the parking, but instead provide more services to students walking to their cars or dorms after night classes. IF these services are available they should be more known.... Read 760 reviews

• grade B

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $24,844

• SAT range 1030-1190

• Waverly, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  630 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 630 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $23,022

• SAT range 990-1200

• Decorah, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  760 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 760 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $25,929

• SAT range 1070-1270

• Cedar Rapids, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  292 reviews

Freshman: Mount Mercy is a great university. The staff and students are friendly. The professors really care about your success and do everything they can to make sure you are successful. There are so many resources available to students like ACE (Academic Center for Excellence), the Mustang Market, and office hours with professors. By utilizing these things, I was able to make it through my freshman year of college.... Read 292 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $25,345

• SAT range —

• 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 83%

• Net price $24,848

• SAT range 940-1240

• Sioux Center, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  413 reviews

Alum: Dordt isn't perfect (no college is), but in my experience as a student for 4 years, I loved it. Dordt is a school that puts faith first and they really invest in making people feel welcomed and known. I was challenged, encouraged, and supported the whole way through by faculty and staff, both academically, professionally, and spiritually. I met all of my lifelong friends here and due to the relationships built with my professors, I'd consider some of them friends too. After graduation, I felt prepared with the proper professional tools/skills to work in the field I am now. Yeah, Dordt is located in rural Iowa, but there was never a week that I was bored! There was always something to do with my friends. I loved the small class sizes, events, opportunities to get involved, academic quality, my study abroad program, the Christian atmosphere, and the community. I grew so much during my time here and I recommend Dordt to anyone who's looking for these things too.... Read 413 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 73%

• Net price $26,662

• SAT range 1050-1290

• Storm Lake, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  356 reviews

Sophomore: I liked the classes and professors very much. I was a part of their softball team and that ruined the experience for me. The softball coach, Sarah Richardson, was not a very good coach at all. She didn’t know how to coach a softball team and couldn’t run practices. She was overall a terrible coach and left our team with a conference record of 2-14. Lots of girls, including myself, are entering the transfer portal to try to play for a better coach with more skills. The school and learning environment overall was very good, but the athletics there are not good.... Read 356 reviews

• grade B

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 66%

• Net price $18,532

• SAT range 950-1110

• Indianola, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  357 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 357 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $20,986

• SAT range 890-1280

• 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 72%

• Net price $20,068

• SAT range 960-1140

• Cedar Falls, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  1,438 reviews

Junior: I've previously attended another 4-year college and two community colleges and out of all of these experiences, I feel that I best fit into the community of the University of Northern Iowa the best. All of the professors that I've taken courses with are involved in the community and the educational success of their students. They come from a variety of backgrounds, both professionally and personally, which I feel does a lot to enrich the ways that they teach. There are so many ways to become involved here at UNI and the surrounding community. Cedar Falls is a bigger city in Iowa, which is not saying much since Des Moines has less than 300,000 people living there, it still has that perfect mix of smalltown and bustling city feel. There are opportunities for many field experiences in a variety of career fields and volunteering opportunities.... Read 1,438 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $15,231

• SAT range 980-1190