Rankings / By State
Best Colleges in Iowa
- 39
- Schools
- $51,663
- Avg. Earnings
- 54%
- Avg. Graduation
- $19,536
- Avg. Net Price
- $20,119
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 39 schools run from $27,981 to $71,901, a 2.6× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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Marshalltown Community College delivers the most for the money: roughly $41,010 in median earnings against $8,059 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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Marshalltown Community College is the lowest-cost school here at $8,059 a year in net price.
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Grinnell College graduates 88% of its students, versus a 54% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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Northwest Iowa Community College carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.19× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 Grinnell College ($62,830 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, Drake University ($71,901), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- Marshalltown Community College costs $8,059 a year and Wartburg College costs $32,908. Yet their graduates earn $41,010 and $56,201, nowhere near the $24,849 price gap.
- On value, Marshalltown Community College beats Drake University: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the 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 Marshalltown Community College and 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 $53K 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 2026-06-15
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 ▲ +22% vs avg | $17,648 | 88% | 75 |
| 2 University of Iowa #2 overall | $64,762 ▲ +25% vs avg | $22,531 | 74% | 71 |
| 3 University of Northern Iowa #3 overall | $55,177 ▲ +7% vs avg | $15,901 | 68% | 71 |
| $50,776 ▼ -2% vs avg | $14,800 | 57% | 71 | |
| $71,901 ▲ +39% vs avg | $29,127 | 76% | 68 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Colleges in Iowa
This analysis ranks 39 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $51,663 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 54% and an average net price of $19,536.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Marshalltown Community College — Net Price: $8,059 | Graduation Rate: 40%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Grinnell College — 88% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Drake University — Median alumni earnings: $71,901
CollegeRanker Primary Research
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?
$52,766
Median earnings (10yr)
56%
Median graduation rate
$20,168
Median net price
1.3%
Avg. mobility rate
Higher education is intensely local: most students enroll close to home and stay to work nearby, so a state's colleges are also its talent pipeline. This ranking looks at the mix of public and private institutions across Iowa, asking who keeps graduates in-state, who delivers earnings against the local cost of living, and who moves residents up the income ladder.
Start with the medians across these 39 schools. Graduates earn a median of $52,766 ten years after enrollment, or about $4,766 above the $48,000 a typical American worker earns. The median graduation rate is 56%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $20,168 a year with about $22,500 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%.
What we’re seeing: the schools that matter most for Iowa pair affordability with outcomes that keep talent local. A median net price of $20,168 and median earnings of $52,766 show which institutions strengthen the regional economy rather than simply enrolling students.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
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 75/100 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, 22% 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
University of Iowa lands at #2 with a 71/100 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, 25% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,531 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 #3
University of Northern Iowa lands at #3 with a 71/100 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, 7% above 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Northwest Iowa Community College lands at #4 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (87/100) and pulled down by academic quality (70/100). Graduates earn a median $50,776 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,800 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 #5
Drake University lands at #5 with a 68/100 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, 39% 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 #6
Coe College lands at #6 with a 68/100 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, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,745 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
Upper Iowa University lands at #7 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (90/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $52,766 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,942 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 #8
Luther College lands at #8 with a 68/100 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, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,097 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 #9
Kirkwood Community College lands at #9 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (64/100). Graduates earn a median $41,016 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,705 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 #10
Marshalltown Community College lands at #10 with a 68/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (65/100). Graduates earn a median $41,010 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,059 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Mount Mercy University lands at #11 with a 67/100 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, 18% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,168 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
Iowa Central Community College lands at #12 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $42,046 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,328 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 #13
Cornell College lands at #13 with a 67/100 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, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,634 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Saint Ambrose University lands at #14 with a 67/100 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, 15% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,691 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Simpson College lands at #15 with a 66/100 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, 15% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,936 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Grand View University lands at #16 with a 66/100 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, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,774 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Hawkeye Community College lands at #17 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (77/100) and pulled down by academic quality (61/100). Graduates earn a median $42,849 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,649 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Dordt University lands at #18 with a 65/100 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, 2% above 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Central College lands at #19 with a 65/100 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, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,377 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Buena Vista University lands at #20 with a 65/100 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, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,846 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
Loras College lands at #21 with a 65/100 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, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,716 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 #22
Northwestern College lands at #22 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $49,802 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,907 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 #23
Wartburg College lands at #23 with a 65/100 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, 9% above 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 carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Iowa Lakes Community College lands at #24 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (76/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $43,108 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,933 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 #25
Northeast Iowa Community College lands at #25 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (78/100) and pulled down by academic quality (50/100). Graduates earn a median $41,306 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,272 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 #26
Waldorf University lands at #26 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (41/100). Graduates earn a median $51,165 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,693 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 #27
Indian Hills Community College lands at #27 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (77/100) and pulled down by academic quality (50/100). Graduates earn a median $40,507 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,693 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 #28
Clarke University lands at #28 with a 64/100 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, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,479 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Iowa Western Community College lands at #29 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $42,793 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,629 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 #30
Briar Cliff University lands at #30 with a 63/100 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, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,907 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
William Penn University lands at #31 with a 63/100 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, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,601 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 #32
Morningside University lands at #32 with a 62/100 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, 7% above 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
Iowa State University lands at #33 with a 62/100 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, 23% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,589 a year. 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 #34
Graceland University-Lamoni lands at #34 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (67/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $47,361 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,504 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
Ankeny, IA · 68% accepted · $16,282 net
Why it ranks #35
Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary lands at #35 with a 57/100 composite, led by value per dollar (68/100) and pulled down by social mobility (58/100). Graduates earn a median $40,650 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,282 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
Ellsworth Community College lands at #36 with a 56/100 composite, led by value per dollar (73/100) and pulled down by social mobility (55/100). Graduates earn a median $40,562 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,451 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #37
University of Dubuque lands at #37 with a 56/100 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, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,386 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 #38
Mercy College of Health Sciences lands at #38 with a 48/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (34/100). Graduates earn a median $62,234 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $26,924 a year, above 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 #39
Maharishi International University lands at #39 with a 47/100 composite, led by academic quality (64/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (46/100). Graduates earn a median $27,981 a decade after enrolling, 46% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,956 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
Cut it by what you care about
The same 39 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Iowa is home to a diverse range of colleges, each offering unique opportunities for students. With 38 institutions to choose from, families are weighing options based on graduation rates, earnings potential, and overall affordability. Understanding these factors can help guide a decision that impacts futures.
What sets the top schools apart in this list are the outcomes that matter most to students and families. Metrics such as average earnings, graduation rates, net price, and student debt provide a clearer picture of what to expect after graduation. For instance, the average earnings across these Iowa institutions stand at $51,362, while the average graduation rate is 56%. This information serves as a foundation for evaluating which colleges might lead to a more secure financial future.
Take Grinnell College and Iowa State University, for example. Grinnell boasts a high graduation rate of 88% and average earnings of $62,830, while Iowa State has a lower graduation rate of 75% and slightly higher average earnings at $63,386. This contrast highlights the tradeoff between a strong completion rate and immediate financial rewards.
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
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 32 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 1.3%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Clarke University leads the group at 3.4%, with Northwestern College (2.8%) and Morningside University (1.8%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 7.3% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Northwestern College enrolls the most, at 20.8%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 22.8% across the list, peaking at 49% at Clarke University.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.61, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Drake University is highest at 1.82.
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
Despite the appealing figures, there are nuances that can affect your choice. For instance, Grinnell College's remarkable 88% graduation rate may suggest a more supportive environment compared to North Iowa Area Community College's 58% rate. This indicates that while North Iowa has lower costs and debt, it may not provide the same level of completion support, which can impact long-term earnings potential.
As you sift through the options, it's crucial to balance these metrics against your personal priorities. Consider factors like location, program offerings, and campus culture. If proximity to home or specific academic programs is a priority, that may lead you to different choices than if financial outcomes are your primary concern. Knowing what matters most to you will help clarify your path.
Ultimately, the journey from college to a stable life hinges on a complex mix of college choice and personal circumstances. For many families, the decision comes down to finding a school that fits both their financial situation and their aspirations for the future. With careful consideration of these factors, you can make a choice that supports your goals and leads to a brighter financial outlook.
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 Colleges in Iowa: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Colleges in Iowa ranking? +
Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA ranks #1 in our 2026 Best 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 $51,663 average across the 39 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, Marshalltown Community College leads: graduates earn a median $41,010 against net price of about $8,059 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 54% 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 $19,536 a year across the 39 ranked schools with cost data. Marshalltown Community College is among the most affordable at roughly $8,059. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best 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 39 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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