Academic Index Last updated: June 16, 2026

13 Best Universities in Iowa State

Our data-driven ranking evaluates 13 elite institutions across Iowa State to determine true academic prominence. The algorithmic evaluation processed 9.4K scholarly outputs and 143K peer-reviewed citations, mapping the region's total research impact. The ranking also highlights the real-world influence of these universities, represented by 13.6K notable alumni globally.

Active Filters: Iowa State Associate Clear All

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1

Des Moines, IA

Drake University

#396 in United States #442 in North America

64% Acceptance

16,744 Enrollment

1230 Avg SAT

1881 Founded

2

Dubuque

Clarke University

#891 in United States #961 in North America

72% Acceptance

1,631 Enrollment

1030 Avg SAT

1843 Founded

3

Sioux Center

#907 in United States #978 in North America

68% Acceptance

1,716 Enrollment

1200 Avg SAT

1955 Founded

4

Fayette, IA

Upper Iowa University

#1163 in United States #1238 in North America

96% Acceptance

6,332 Enrollment

967 Avg SAT

1857 Founded

5

Dubuque

University of Dubuque

#1279 in United States #1357 in North America

89% Acceptance

1,440 Enrollment

1100 Avg SAT

1852 Founded

6

Forest City

Waldorf University

#1435 in United States #1520 in North America

77% Acceptance

1,834 Enrollment

995 Avg SAT

1903 Founded

7

Waterloo, IA

#1721 in United States #1809 in North America

86% Acceptance

25,916 Enrollment

1010 Avg SAT

1989 Founded

8

Epworth

Divine Word College

#1854 in United States #1945 in North America

100% Acceptance

63,012 Enrollment

1010 Avg SAT

$3,083 Net Price

9

Des Moines, IA

Mercy College of Health Sciences

#1924 in United States #2016 in North America

100% Acceptance

867 Enrollment

19 Avg ACT

1899 Founded

10

Ankeny

Faith Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary

#2128 in United States #2225 in North America

68% Acceptance

551 Enrollment

1090 Avg SAT

1921 Founded

11

Dubuque

Emmaus Bible College

#2151 in United States #2250 in North America

60% Acceptance

234 Enrollment

1220 Avg SAT

1941 Founded

12

Davenport

Hamilton Technical College

#2237 in United States #2338 in North America

100% Acceptance

41 Enrollment

$27,001 Net Price

13

Sioux

St Luke’s College

#2283 in United States #2384 in North America

80% Acceptance

176 Enrollment

20 Avg ACT

$18,248 Net Price