Rankings / By State
Best Biology Colleges in Iowa
- 23
- Schools
- $56,814
- Avg. Earnings
- 62%
- Avg. Graduation
- $23,091
- Avg. Net Price
- $24,246
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $48,936 at the low end to $71,901 at the top. That 1.5× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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Grinnell College offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $62,830 against $17,648 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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Cost and quality are not at odds here. The most affordable school, University of Northern Iowa at $15,901 a year in net price, delivers earnings of $55,177, matching or exceeding the list average.
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Completion rates separate this field: Grinnell College graduates 88% of its students, well above the 62% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Grinnell College: graduates owe only 0.28× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to Grinnell College ($62,830 earnings), not the highest earner, Drake University ($71,901). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. University of Northern Iowa ($15,901/yr) and Wartburg College ($32,908/yr) produce graduates earning $55,177 and $56,201 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $17,007 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, Grinnell College outperforms Drake University: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with Grinnell College. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $55K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Grinnell College #1 overall | $62,830 ▲ +11% vs avg | $17,648 | 88% | 83 |
| 2 Coe College #2 overall | $57,125 ▲ +1% vs avg | $18,745 | 62% | 74 |
| 3 University of Iowa #3 overall | $64,762 ▲ +14% vs avg | $22,531 | 74% | 73 |
| $53,460 ▼ -6% vs avg | $23,634 | 67% | 73 | |
| $55,177 ▼ -3% vs avg | $15,901 | 68% | 73 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Biology Colleges in Iowa
This analysis ranks 23 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $56,814 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 62% and an average net price of $23,091.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Grinnell College — Net Price: $17,648 | Graduation Rate: 88%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Grinnell College — 88% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Drake University — Median alumni earnings: $71,901
Data Insight
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Iowa Opportunity Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about higher education and opportunity in Iowa?
$55,494
Median earnings (10yr)
65%
Median graduation rate
$23,097
Median net price
1.3%
Avg. mobility rate
Students tend to study where they live and work where they study, which makes a state's colleges its most important economic development asset. This ranking evaluates how well institutions across Iowa serve that role: producing graduates with strong earnings, keeping talent in the regional economy, and offering affordable paths for local students.
Start with the medians across these 23 schools. Graduates earn a median of $55,494 ten years after enrollment, or about $7,494 above the $48,000 a typical American worker earns. The median graduation rate is 65%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $23,097 a year with about $25,000 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 30% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 1.3%.
For Iowa, the institutions that combine manageable costs with strong graduate outcomes are the ones building the local workforce. With a median net price of $23,097 and graduates earning a median of $55,494, these schools sit where the talent pipeline and economic development meet.
The podium
Build your ranking
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Grinnell College lands at #1 with a 83/100 composite, led by academic quality (88/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (71/100). Graduates earn a median $62,830 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,648 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Coe College lands at #2 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $57,125 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,745 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
University of Iowa lands at #3 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $64,762 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,531 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Cornell College lands at #4 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $53,460 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,634 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
University of Northern Iowa lands at #5 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $55,177 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,901 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Luther College lands at #6 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $59,850 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,097 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Drake University lands at #7 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (42/100). Graduates earn a median $71,901 a decade after enrolling, 27% above this list's average, and net price runs $29,127 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Wartburg College lands at #8 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (36/100). Graduates earn a median $56,201 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $32,908 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Simpson College lands at #9 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $59,274 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,936 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Central College lands at #10 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $54,317 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,377 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Saint Ambrose University lands at #11 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (42/100). Graduates earn a median $59,531 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,691 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Loras College lands at #12 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $58,289 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,716 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Mount Mercy University lands at #13 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $60,787 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,168 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Briar Cliff University lands at #14 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $54,475 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,907 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Dordt University lands at #15 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $52,559 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,807 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Buena Vista University lands at #16 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $49,156 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,846 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Grand View University lands at #17 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $52,824 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,774 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Clarke University lands at #18 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $55,396 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $24,479 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Morningside University lands at #19 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (31/100). Graduates earn a median $55,494 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $31,320 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
William Penn University lands at #20 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $48,936 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,601 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Iowa State University lands at #21 with a 64/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (70/100) and pulled down by social mobility (58/100). Graduates earn a median $63,386 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,589 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Northwestern College lands at #22 with a 60/100 composite, led by academic quality (71/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $49,802 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,907 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
University of Dubuque lands at #23 with a 58/100 composite, led by academic quality (67/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $51,190 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,386 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 23 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Choosing the right college for biology can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available in Iowa. Students want to know not just about the coursework but how their degree will impact their future. For instance, graduates from the top schools in this list earn an average of $57,279 annually right after finishing their degree.
The best biology colleges in Iowa stand out due to their strong outcomes, including graduation rates, earnings potential, and manageable debt levels. The data below reflects how well these institutions prepare students for successful careers in biology, along with their ability to help graduates avoid excessive student debt. You'll see that the graduation rates and average earnings vary significantly among the top schools, giving you insight into what to prioritize.
For example, Grinnell College has an impressive graduation rate of 88% and offers graduates an average salary of $62,830. In contrast, Central College, while still a solid choice, has a graduation rate of 68% and lower earnings at $54,317. This comparison highlights the trade-offs you might face when choosing a school, making it clear that graduation rates and post-graduation earnings are essential factors in your decision-making process.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 20 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1.3%. Clarke University leads the group at 3.4%, with Morningside University (1.8%) and Drake University (1.7%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 4.8% of students start in the bottom income quintile. William Penn University leads at 9.7%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 29.3% across this list. Clarke University posts the highest success rate at 49%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.
Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.72 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Drake University reaches 1.82, the highest on the list.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
When we compare Grinnell College and Central College, a noticeable pattern emerges. Grinnell's graduation rate of 88% significantly outperforms Central's 68%, which is crucial when considering long-term success. This difference also reflects in their average earnings, with Grinnell graduates earning $62,830 versus Central’s $54,317. Higher graduation rates can lead to better networking opportunities and job placements post-graduation.
After reviewing these figures, think about your own priorities. Location, campus culture, and specific program offerings are all important factors that should influence your choice. For instance, if you prioritize earning potential, Grinnell College might be more appealing, but if you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider Central College despite its lower earnings.
This data illustrates the tangible benefits of a biology degree in Iowa. The financial outcomes and graduation rates indicate that choosing a school wisely can lead to a more stable future. One family may invest in a school with higher tuition but ultimately gain better job prospects, while another might opt for a less expensive school, sacrificing some potential earnings for lower debt. These are critical decisions that will shape both education and career paths for years to come.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Biology Colleges in Iowa: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Biology Colleges in Iowa ranking? +
Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Biology Colleges in Iowa ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $62,830 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 88% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Drake University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $71,901 ten years after enrollment, well above the $56,814 average across the 23 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Grinnell College leads: graduates earn a median $62,830 against net price of about $17,648 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Grinnell College has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 88%, compared with a 62% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $23,091 a year across the 23 ranked schools with cost data. University of Northern Iowa is among the most affordable at roughly $15,901. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Biology Colleges in Iowa ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 23 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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