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Choosing a small college offers numerous benefits: personalized attention from faculty, a close-knit community, and often lower tuition costs. As student debt continues to be a pressing concern, many students are seeking affordable educational opportunities that provide high value.
So, which small college in Iowa stands out as the best?
At Zippia, we analyzed data from 26 higher education institutions in Iowa to identify which colleges offer the best overall student experience. Our focus was on schools with enrollments under 2,000 students, which emphasizes the intimate learning environment small colleges provide.
After thorough analysis, here are the top small colleges and universities in Iowa for 2026:
- St Luke’s College
- Allen College
- Grinnell College
- Emmaus Bible College
- Mount Mercy University
- Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary
- AIB College of Business
- William Penn University
- Graceland University-Lamoni
- Morningside College
If you are attending one of these institutions, you may already appreciate the exceptional opportunities they offer. For those considering their options, read on to discover why these colleges are among the best in Iowa.
For additional resources on Iowa’s job market, check out:
- The 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Iowa
- The 10 Best Small Companies to Work For in Davenport
- The 100 Largest Companies in Iowa
How We Determined the Best Small Colleges in Iowa
In evaluating the best small colleges, we employed a data-driven approach that mirrors the analytical mindset of economics. By comparing various performance metrics, we aimed to help prospective students make informed decisions.
To optimize your selection process, we utilized data from the NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) and College Scorecard from ED.gov, focusing on key indicators of career success:
- Career Outcomes
- Mean Earnings After 6 Years
- Mean Earnings After 10 Years
- Employment-to-Unemployment Ratio After 10 Years
- Institutional Performance
- Admissions Rate (Lower is better)
- Graduation Rate
- Average Cost of Attendance (Lower is better)
- Average Debt Upon Graduation
Ultimately, a selective institution that fosters strong career outcomes is hard to beat.
After aggregating the data, we ranked the 26 small colleges in Iowa based on each criterion, with 1 representing the best performance. The final “Quality Index” score allowed us to determine the top-ranked school.
The highest score was awarded to St Luke’s College, making it Iowa’s premier small college.
1. St Luke’s College
Enrollment: 97
Located in Sioux City, IA, St Luke’s College stands out as Iowa’s top small college based on comprehensive data analysis.
Graduates from St Luke’s enjoy some of the highest salaries among small colleges in Iowa, ranking 8th statewide even a decade post-graduation. With an admission rate of 24% and the 6th lowest cost of attendance, it presents an excellent value proposition for students.
2. Allen College
Enrollment: 230
Allen College, located in Waterloo, is a prominent private college noted for its affordability and academic excellence.
It ranks as the 7th cheapest small college in Iowa, features a low admission rate, and boasts an impressive graduation rate, which is the 4th highest among small colleges in the state.
3. Grinnell College
Enrollment: 1,344
Grinnell College is well-regarded throughout Iowa as an elite educational institution. With a graduation rate of 89%, it ranks 2nd among small colleges and maintains a competitive admission rate of 28%.
4. Emmaus Bible College
Enrollment: 294
Located in Dubuque, Emmaus Bible College is recognized for its low admission and high graduation rates, making it a valuable choice for prospective students. Additionally, it ranks as the 3rd least expensive college in Iowa.
5. Mount Mercy University
Enrollment: 1,363
Mount Mercy University, situated in Cedar Rapids, excels in providing personalized education and notable graduate salaries.
6. Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary
Enrollment: 382
This Ankeny-based private college is celebrated for its low costs and impressive post-graduation employment rates, ranking 2nd in the state.
7. AIB College of Business
Enrollment: 875
AIB College of Business in Des Moines has an acceptance rate of 59%, indicating its desirability. Graduates enjoy the 16th highest salaries and a solid graduation rate.
8. William Penn University
Enrollment: 1,384
William Penn University, located in a picturesque area of Iowa, offers students low debt levels upon graduation and ranks 10th in terms of post-graduation salaries.
9. Graceland University-Lamoni
Enrollment: 1,477
Graceland University-Lamoni stands out for its selective admissions process, affordable costs, and high employment rates for graduates.
10. Morningside College
Enrollment: 968
Morningside College, another notable private institution, features a competitive admission rate and ranks 8th for post-graduation employment rates in Iowa.
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
