Colleges in Iowa

Iowa does not get a tremendous amount of attention, except perhaps every four years when presidential candidates stop by when trying to win the state's caucus. However, despite its somewhat limited national presence in education it has a variety of colleges and universities that are regularly ranked high on lists of the top schools in the nation. Iowa colleges are available for almost any resident who wishes to attend, be it at the university level or a community college.

The ironic twist in Iowa is that despite having almost 100 two and four-year colleges in the state, most of them are located not in the major cities and metropolitan areas but in smaller, lesser-known areas including Waterloo, Davenport and Iowa City. Some of the top universities in the state include the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and Northern Iowa University. All public universities, they are known for academic excellence and hard-working students. The University of Iowa in Iowa City has received international recognition for many of its programs, and is always listed as one of the best schools in the nation. With Iowa City being considered one of the best places to live in America, the Hawkeyes have much to be proud of. Offering students internationally-acclaimed programs of study in Audiology, Theater and Creative Writing, the folks in Iowa City are well-respected academically.

Among private colleges, one of the most popular is Drake University, which offers students professional degrees in Pharmacy and Law. Located in Des Moines, it also offers a great campus life for its students as well as world-class academic programs in Public Administration, Music and Education. The school's internships are some of the most-respected in the world, allowing students to gain practical experience, get paid and learn something new while networking with potential employers.

Community colleges are also numerous in Iowa, especially for those who aren't sure what they want their calling in life to be, those wanting to save tuition money and students wanting to learn a specialized skill and begin their careers as soon as possible. Over 20 community colleges are available to choose from including Cedar Rapids' Kirkwood Community College, Hawkeye Community College and Iowa Western Community College. The state's community college system, considered one of the strongest in the United States, consistently graduates workers skilled in various areas from Business Management to Nursing to Industrial Electronics. Graduates of these programs include everyone from those just graduated from high school to military veterans using the GI Bill to transition into civilian careers to displaced manufacturing workers re-training for a new career. Many students also attend various technical schools to learn such skills as Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting and Cosmetology. Whatever a student's chosen profession, there are a variety of schools in Iowa that are able to meet their needs and provide them with an education that is of world-class quality. Through hard work and a dedication to Midwestern values, Iowa schools will continue to be recognized as some of the best in the world.

Because schools in Iowa are able to turn out qualified workers in various fields, the state's economy has continued to be quite strong despite the overall national economic woes of many states. Colleges in Iowa have allowed the state to find itself near the top of many lists for employment opportunities nationally. For example, Iowa City was recently named one of the best cities in the nation to find a job.

While Iowa is thought of as only an agricultural state, there are a number of other industries that are thriving. Financial Services is a recent addition to the Iowa mix, with students trained in Finance, Accounting and Management in high demand among employers. Students graduating with skills in Building Trades are also finding plenty of opportunities in manufacturing and other areas. In particular demand are those skilled in Welding, Auto Mechanics and Electronics. Health care is also always in need of skilled workers, particularly those in Radiology and Medical Assisting.

Since the state has one of the nation's most respected law schools in Drake University, opportunities in the legal field are also numerous. Besides lawyers, opportunities for paralegals and legal secretaries are also readily available. Through the state's community college system, students can train to work for law firms and corporate law departments by taking day and evening classes.

However, the state's reputation was built on agriculture. With the industry still being an integral part of the state's economy, there are a number of interesting options available for students. The field of sustainable agriculture is becoming a popular option for those committed to keeping the heart of the state's economy in the forefront. As consumers, industries and farmers become more environmentally aware jobs in this field are booming. Agricultural science is another area that is creating numerous jobs, as corporations are looking for new ways to make foods healthier by using science to grow foods more efficiently using less land and few if any pesticides. As consumers demand more naturally-grown foods, jobs in this field will continue to expand.

Many top business publications and organizations have ranked Iowa as one of the best states in America to do business. CNBC ranked the state high in such areas as Cost of Doing Business, Quality of Life, Business Friendly, Workforce Education and Technology and Innovation. With its economic diversity, the state has been able to withstand most of the national economy's attempts to slow down its growth. Manufacturing makes up the bulk of Iowa's economy, with a variety of companies calling the state home. Besides such traditional agricultural companies like John Deere and General Mills, other employers include Maytag, Amana and recreational vehicle manufacturer Winnebago.

With its diverse mix of colleges, educational programs and employers Iowa has positioned itself to be one of the stronger economic states in the country. By continuing to emphasize hard work, innovative thinking and a willingness to do what it takes to see success happen Iowa will be near the top for years to come.

Found 106 Post-Secondary Schools In Iowa


Title City State Type Enrollment
Aib College of Business Des Moines IA 2-year private, not-for-profit 875
Allen College Waterloo IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 251
American College of Hairstyling - Cedar Rapids Cedar Rapids IA 2-year private, for-profit 10
American College of Hairstyling - Des Moines Des Moines IA 2-year private, for-profit 11
Ashford University Clinton IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 616
Bill Hills College of Cosmetology Fort Madison IA 2-year private, for-profit No Data
Briar Cliff University Sioux City IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 917
Buena Vista University Storm Lake IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 2732
Capri College Cedar Rapids IA 2-year private, for-profit 88
Capri College Dubuque IA 2-year private, for-profit 96
Capri College Davenport IA 2-year private, for-profit 93
Central College Pella IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 1336
Clarke College Dubuque IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 1249
Coe College Cedar Rapids IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 1301
College of Hair Design Waterloo IA 2-year private, for-profit 21
Cornell College Mount Vernon IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 987
Davenport Barber Styling College Davenport IA 2-year private, for-profit 17
Dayton School of Hair Design Keokuk IA 2-year private, for-profit 14
Daytons School of Hair Design Burlington IA 2-year private, for-profit 45
Denison Aviation Inc Denison IA Less than 2-year private, for-profit No Data
Des Moines Area Community College Ankeny IA 2-year public 10998
Des Moines University Des Moines IA Graduate school, private, not for profit 1149
Divine Word College Epworth IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 8
Dordt College Sioux Center IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 1426
Drake University Des Moines IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 5126
Dwyer Aircraft Sales Mason City IA Less than 2-year private, for-profit No Data
E Q School of Hair Design Council Bluffs IA 2-year private, for-profit 43
Eastern Iowa Community College District Davenport IA 2-year public 6179
Emmaus Bible College Dubuque IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 294
Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary Ankeny IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 494
Faust Institute of Cosmetology Spirit Lake IA 2-year private, for-profit 18
Faust Institute of Cosmetology Storm Lake IA 2-year private, for-profit 17
Graceland University - Lamoni Lamoni IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 3211
Grand View College Des Moines IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 1378
Grinnell College Grinnell IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 1344
Hamilton College Urbandale IA 2-year private, for-profit 472
Hamilton College Cedar Falls IA 2-year private, for-profit 272
Hamilton College - Main Campus Cedar Rapids IA 4-year private, for-profit 345
Hamilton College - Mason City Branch Mason City IA 4-year private, for-profit 251
Hamilton Technical College Davenport IA 4-year private, for-profit 344
Hawkeye Community College Waterloo IA 2-year public 4263
Indian Hills Community College Ottumwa IA 2-year public 3615
Iowa Central Community College Fort Dodge IA 2-year public 4294
Iowa Health - Des Moines School of Radiologic Technology Des Moines IA 2-year private, not-for-profit 17
Iowa Lakes Community College Estherville IA 2-year public 2743
Iowa Real Estate School West Des Moines IA Less than 2-year private, for-profit No Data
Iowa Real Estate School of Cedar Rapids Marion IA Less than 2-year private, for-profit No Data
Iowa Real Estate Seminar Waterloo IA Less than 2-year private, for-profit No Data
Iowa School of Beauty Ottumwa IA 2-year private, for-profit 38
Iowa School of Beauty Sioux City IA Less than 2-year private, for-profit No Data
Iowa School of Beauty Des Moines IA 2-year private, for-profit 84
Iowa School of Beauty Ottumwa IA 2-year private, for-profit 38
Iowa State University Ames IA 4-year public 26845
Iowa Wesleyan College Mount Pleasant IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 777
Iowa Western Community College Council Bluffs IA 2-year public 4503
Jennie Edmundson Memorial Hospital - Sch of Rad Tech Council Bluffs IA 2-year private, not-for-profit No Data
Kaplan University Davenport IA 2-year private, for-profit 376
Key Real Estate School Council Bluffs IA Less than 2-year private, for-profit No Data
Kirkwood Community College Cedar Rapids IA 2-year public 11645
La James College of Hairstyling and Cosmetology Mason City IA 2-year private, for-profit 94
La James International College Iowa City IA 2-year private, for-profit 90
La James International College Johnston IA 2-year private, for-profit 98
La James International College Davenport IA 2-year private, for-profit 31
La James International College Cedar Falls IA 2-year private, for-profit 70
La James International College Fort Dodge IA 2-year private, for-profit 27
Larry Slaughters University Automotive Tech Des Moines IA Less than 2-year private, for-profit No Data
Le Mars Beauty College Le Mars IA 2-year private, for-profit No Data
Loras College Dubuque IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 1725
Luther College Decorah IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 2621
Maharishi University of Management Fairfield IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 734
Marshalltown Community College Marshalltown IA 2-year public 2198
Marycrest International University Davenport IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 721
Mercy College of Health Sciences Des Moines IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 409
Mercy College of Health Sciences - Sch of Cytotech Des Moines IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 238
Mercy Medical Center - North Iowa School of Rad Tech Mason City IA 2-year private, not-for-profit 14
Mercy Medical Center School of Medical Technology Sioux City IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 3
Mercy/st. Lukes School of Radiologic Technology Cedar Rapids IA 2-year private, not-for-profit 19
Morningside College Sioux City IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 1049
Mount Mercy College Cedar Rapids IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 1363
New Garden Aviation Toughkenamon IA Less than 2-year private, for-profit No Data
North Iowa Area Community College Mason City IA 2-year public 2803
Northeast Iowa Community College - Calmar Calmar IA 2-year public 3480
Northwest Iowa Community College Sheldon IA 2-year public 912
Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy Spirit Lake IA Less than 2-year private, for-profit No Data
Northwestern College Orange City IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 1243
Palmer College of Chiropractic Davenport IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 1729
Professional Cosmetology Institute Ames IA 2-year private, for-profit 62
Saint Ambrose University Davenport IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 3011
Saint Lukes Hospital Medical Technology Program Cedar Rapids IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 6
Simpson College Indianola IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 1912
Southeastern Community College West Burlington IA 2-year public 2537
Southwestern Community College Creston IA 2-year public 1211
St Lukes College Sioux City IA 2-year private, not-for-profit 97
St Lukes Regional Medical Center - Sch of Med Techn Sioux City IA 2-year private, not-for-profit No Data
Storeys School of Taxidermy Spencer IA Less than 2-year private, for-profit No Data
The Travel Academy Des Moines IA Less than 2-year private, for-profit No Data
University of Dubuque Dubuque IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 953
University of Iowa Iowa City IA 4-year public 28311
University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls IA 4-year public 14106
Upper Iowa University Fayette IA 4-year private, not-for-profit 4859

Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

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