Iowa Students Could Save Big at These Top-Ranked Colleges in 2026

With the first early-decision deadline for college applications coming up on November 1, students across Iowa are weighing their options carefully. That’s no surprise, considering the high cost of higher education—tuition, room, and board at a four-year college now average between $24,920 and $58,600 per year.

Iowa’s Top Colleges Revealed in 2026 WalletHub Rankings

To help families make informed choices, WalletHub released its 2026 Best College & University Rankings, comparing nearly 800 institutions nationwide. The personal-finance site analyzed 30 factors across seven categories, including Student Selectivity, Cost & Financing, and Career Outcomes.

How Iowa Schools Ranked

WalletHub’s report breaks down the Top 10 Colleges and Universities in Iowa, highlighting which schools offer the best balance of quality and value.

Top 10 Colleges & Universities in Iowa (2026):

1. Grinnell College
2. Luther College
3. Drake University
4. Coe College
5. Iowa State University
6. University of Iowa
7. Central College
8. University of Northern Iowa
9. Wartburg College
10. Cornell College

Grinnell, Luther, and Drake Lead the Way

Grinnell College claimed the top spot in Iowa, ranking 1st in admission rate, student-faculty ratio, and graduation rate. It also placed 2nd for diversity and 4th for post-attendance salary.

Luther College performed well with a 2nd-place student-faculty ratio and 3rd in graduation rate, while Drake University earned 1st in post-graduation salary and 2nd in graduation rate.

What It Means for Iowa Students

With college applications in full swing, these rankings offer valuable insight for Iowa seniors and their families looking for both academic quality and long-term financial payoff.