2024 Best Bachelor's Degree Schools in Iowa
When pursuing a college degree in today's world, there are many different options to choose from. Our mission at College Factual is to arm you with as much information as we can to help you make that decision. Our Best Bachelor's Degree Colleges in Iowa ranking is one tool we have developed to help in this regard.
What's on This Page: * Our Methodology
Your Choice of School Matters
After analyzing 25 schools in Iowa, we came up with our list of those that offered the best bachelor's degree programs. Our ranking for the best schools is based on objective factors. We steer clear of subjective measures since they don't give a clear picture when determining how one school compares to another. The following gives more info on what goes into our ranking factors and why we consider those factors.
Early-Career Earnings
Average early-career salary of those graduating with a bachelor's degree is one indicator we use in our analysis to find the schools that offer the highest-quality education. This is because one of the main reasons people pursue a degree is to enable themselves to find better-paying positions.
Average Student Debt
In addition to average starting salaries, we also consider the average amount of student loans that students take on while pursuing their bachelor's degree.
Upon graduation, bachelor's degree recipients from schools in Iowa have accumulated an average of $30,839 in student debt.
The average debt load at a particular school may not be bad, but it's an important thing to consider in conjunction with post-graduation earnings.
Other Ranking Factors in Our Methodology
In addition to average post-graduation earnings and average student debt loads, we also look at a host of other factors to determining our Best Bachelor's Degree Schools ranking.
Several other factors - such as how much the school spends on educational resources, the demand of the school, the availability of online learning options, and the student body caliber - go into our rankings.
We go into more detail on these factors on our best schools ranking methodology page.
Check Out These Other Rankings
If you'd rather work on your bachelor's degree in a specific area of the country, you might be interested in our
rankings by place. Also, check out our other
college rankings to help you with your college decision.
Top Bachelor's Degree Schools in Iowa
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
6,998
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$43,537
Average Early-Career Earnings
$24,637
Average Student Debt
Iowa State University tops this year’s ranking as the best school for bachelor’s degrees in Iowa for overall quality. Iowa State is a public institution located in Ames, Iowa. The school has a large population, and it awarded 6,998 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State make an average of $43,537 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $24,637 in student loans. Average monthly loan payments are around $257 for a 10-year repayment plan.
Read full report on Iowa State University
5,998
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$39,274
Average Early-Career Earnings
$25,043
Average Student Debt
You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Iowa. The school came in at #2 in Iowa on this year’s best bachelor’s degree schools ranking. University of Iowa is a large public school located in Iowa City, Iowa that handed out 5,998 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Iowa make an average of $39,274 a year. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $25,043 in student loans. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $373.
Full University of Iowa Report
496
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$34,615
Average Early-Career Earnings
$17,989
Average Student Debt
You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Grinnell College. It ranked #3 on our 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Iowa list. Located in Grinnell, Iowa, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 496 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Grinnell make an average of $34,615 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $17,989 in student loans.
Full Grinnell College Report
2,555
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$39,103
Average Early-Career Earnings
$23,518
Average Student Debt
The excellent bachelor’s degree programs at University of Northern Iowa helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best schools in Iowa. Located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the medium-sized public school awarded 2,555 diplomas to qualifed bachelor’s degree students in 2020-2021.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from UNI go into careers with an average salary of $39,103 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $23,518 after getting their degree. This translates to an average monthly payment of $172 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.
Read full report on University of Northern Iowa
838
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$42,184
Average Early-Career Earnings
$23,440
Average Student Debt
The excellent bachelor’s degree programs at Drake University helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best schools in Iowa. Drake University is a small private not-for-profit school located in Des Moines, Iowa that handed out 838 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Drake make an average of $42,184 a year. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $23,440 after getting their degree. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $432.
Read full report on Drake University
460
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$35,469
Average Early-Career Earnings
$26,988
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #6, Luther College did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Iowa list. Luther is located in Decorah, Iowa and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 460 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Luther make an average of $35,469 a year. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $26,988 after getting their degree. This translates to an average monthly payment of $283 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.
Learn More About Luther College
378
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$48,809
Average Early-Career Earnings
$22,878
Average Student Debt
Dordt University came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Iowa ranking. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Sioux Center, Iowa, and it awarded 378 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Dordt is $48,809 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $22,878.
Learn More About Dordt University
540
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$50,382
Average Early-Career Earnings
$27,756
Average Student Debt
Waldorf University came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Iowa ranking. Waldorf University is a small private for-profit school located in Forest City, Iowa that handed out 540 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Waldorf is $50,382 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $27,756 in student loans.
Read full report on Waldorf University
626
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$39,990
Average Early-Career Earnings
$27,462
Average Student Debt
Saint Ambrose University landed the #9 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Iowa ranking. Located in Davenport, Iowa, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 626 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from St. Ambrose University go into careers with an average salary of $39,990 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $27,462 in student loans. Average monthly loan payments are around $401 for a 10-year repayment plan.
Full Saint Ambrose University Report
341
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$41,402
Average Early-Career Earnings
$26,380
Average Student Debt
Simpson College did quite well in the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Iowa ranking, coming in at #10. Located in Indianola, Iowa, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 341 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Simpson College go into careers with an average salary of $41,402 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $26,380.
Learn More About Simpson College
285
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$43,124
Average Early-Career Earnings
$27,331
Average Student Debt
Morningside College came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Iowa ranking. Morningside is a private not-for-profit institution located in Sioux City, Iowa. The school has a small population, and it awarded 285 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Morningside is $43,124 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $27,331 in student loans. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $208.
Full Morningside College Report
303
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$40,976
Average Early-Career Earnings
$26,969
Average Student Debt
Wartburg College ranked #12 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Iowa list. Wartburg College is a small private not-for-profit school located in Waverly, Iowa that handed out 303 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Wartburg is $40,976 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $26,969 after getting their degree. This translates to an average monthly payment of $313 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.
Full Wartburg College Report
340
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$37,282
Average Early-Career Earnings
$26,045
Average Student Debt
Loras College did quite well in the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Iowa ranking, coming in at #13. Loras College is a small private not-for-profit school located in Dubuque, Iowa that handed out 340 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Loras make an average of $37,282 a year. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $26,045 in student loans.
Learn More About Loras College
1,084
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$40,957
Average Early-Career Earnings
$34,117
Average Student Debt
Upper Iowa University came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Iowa ranking. Located in Fayette, Iowa, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 1,084 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from UIU make an average of $40,957 a year. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $34,117.
Read full report on Upper Iowa University
283
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$37,687
Average Early-Career Earnings
$25,773
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #15, Northwestern College did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Iowa list. Northwestern College is a small private not-for-profit school located in Orange City, Iowa that handed out 283 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $37,687 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $25,773 in student loans.
Full Northwestern College Report
314
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$30,504
Average Early-Career Earnings
$27,000
Average Student Debt
Cornell College came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Iowa ranking. Cornell College is a small private not-for-profit school located in Mount Vernon, Iowa that handed out 314 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Cornell College make an average of $30,504 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $27,000 in student loans.
Full Cornell College Report
399
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$36,112
Average Early-Career Earnings
$29,933
Average Student Debt
Buena Vista University did quite well in the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Iowa ranking, coming in at #17. BVU is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Storm Lake, Iowa. It awarded 399 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from BVU make an average of $36,112 a year. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $29,933 in student loans.
Read full report on Buena Vista University
289
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$38,947
Average Early-Career Earnings
$27,097
Average Student Debt
Graceland University - Lamoni came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Iowa ranking. Located in Lamoni, Iowa, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 289 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from Graceland Lamoni go into careers with an average salary of $38,947 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $27,097 in student loans. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $180.
Full Graceland University - Lamoni Report
161
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$42,574
Average Early-Career Earnings
$27,000
Average Student Debt
Clarke University did quite well in the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Iowa ranking, coming in at #19. Located in Dubuque, Iowa, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 161 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Clarke is $42,574 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $27,000 after getting their degree.
Learn More About Clarke University
395
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$36,874
Average Early-Career Earnings
$26,917
Average Student Debt
With a ranking of #20, Coe College did quite well on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Iowa list. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and it awarded 395 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from Coe make an average of $36,874 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $26,917 in student loans. This translates to an average monthly payment of $338 if the graduate is repaying the loan over a 10-year period.
Full Coe College Report
430
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$41,140
Average Early-Career Earnings
$28,129
Average Student Debt
Mount Mercy University did quite well in the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Iowa ranking, coming in at #21. Located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the small private not-for-profit school handed out 430 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
During the early years of their career, bachelor’s degree graduates from Mount Mercy make an average of $41,140 a year. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $28,129 in student loans. Average monthly loan payments are around $289 for a 10-year repayment plan.
Learn More About Mount Mercy University
521
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$39,475
Average Early-Career Earnings
$27,116
Average Student Debt
Grand View University landed the #22 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Iowa ranking. Grand View University is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Des Moines, Iowa. It awarded 521 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Upon graduation, bachelor’s degree recipients go on to jobs making an average salary of $39,475 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $27,116 after getting their degree. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $196.
Full Grand View University Report
196
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$40,326
Average Early-Career Earnings
$30,046
Average Student Debt
Briar Cliff University did quite well in the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Iowa ranking, coming in at #23. Sioux City, Iowa is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out bachelor’s degrees to 196 students in 2020-2021.
The average salary of a graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Briar Cliff is $40,326 during the early years of their career. The average amount of student debt accumulated by bachelor’s students is $30,046.
Read full report on Briar Cliff University
214
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$38,033
Average Early-Career Earnings
$30,264
Average Student Debt
William Penn University ranked #24 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Iowa list. William Penn University is located in Oskaloosa, Iowa and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 214 bachelor’s degrees to qualified graduate students.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from William Penn University make an average of $38,033 per year during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students carry an average student debt load of about $30,264 after getting their degree. If the student is repaying the loan over 10 years, the average monthly payment is $187.
Full William Penn University Report
423
Bachelor's Degrees Awarded
$38,089
Average Early-Career Earnings
$26,463
Average Student Debt
University of Dubuque landed the #25 spot on the 2024 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Iowa ranking. UD is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Dubuque, Iowa. It awarded 423 bachelor’s degrees in 2020-2021.
Those who receive a bachelor’s degree from UD go into careers with an average salary of $38,089 during the early years of their career. Bachelor’s students leave the school with an average of $26,463 in student loans.
Full University of Dubuque Report
college factual
