Mahadev Maitri Foundation

Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Iowa

33 accredited institutions in Iowa offering liberal arts programs, ranked by annual graduates (IPEDS 2023–24).

33

Colleges

14,568

Graduates/yr

19

Public

Associate's

Top Degree

Ranked: Liberal Arts Programs in Iowa

PublicAssociate's

Des Moines Area Community College

In-State Tuition

PublicAssociate's

Kirkwood Community College

In-State Tuition

PublicAssociate's

Iowa Central Community College

In-State Tuition

PublicAssociate's

Eastern Iowa Community College District

In-State Tuition

PublicAssociate's

Iowa Western Community College

In-State Tuition

PublicAssociate's

North Iowa Area Community College

In-State Tuition

PublicAssociate's

Southeastern Community College

West Burlington

In-State Tuition

PublicAssociate's

Hawkeye Community College

In-State Tuition

PublicAssociate's

Indian Hills Community College

In-State Tuition

PublicBachelor's

University of Iowa

In-State Tuition

PublicAssociate's

Iowa Lakes Community College

In-State Tuition

PublicAssociate's

Marshalltown Community College

In-State Tuition

PublicAssociate's

Southwestern Community College

In-State Tuition

PublicAssociate's

Northeast Iowa Community College

In-State Tuition

PublicAssociate's

Western Iowa Tech Community College

In-State Tuition

PublicAssociate's

Ellsworth Community College

In-State Tuition

PublicBachelor's

Iowa State University

In-State Tuition

PublicBachelor's

University of Northern Iowa

In-State Tuition

PublicAssociate's

Northwest Iowa Community College

In-State Tuition

Private NonprofitBachelor's

Maharishi International University

Net Price <$30K

Private NonprofitBachelor's

Grand View University

Net Price <$30K

Private NonprofitAssociate's

Upper Iowa University

Net Price <$30K

Private NonprofitBachelor's

Mount Mercy University

Net Price <$30K

Private NonprofitAssociate's

Drake University

Net Price <$30K

Private NonprofitAssociate's

Dordt University

Net Price <$30K

Private NonprofitBachelor's

Northwestern College

Net Price <$30K

Private NonprofitBachelor's

Graceland University-Lamoni

Net Price <$30K

Private NonprofitBachelor's

Clarke University

Net Price <$30K

Private NonprofitBachelor's

Cornell College

Net Price <$30K

Private NonprofitAssociate's

University of Dubuque

Net Price <$30K

Private For-ProfitAssociate's

Waldorf University

Net Price <$30K

Private NonprofitBachelor's

Buena Vista University

Net Price <$30K

Private NonprofitAssociate's

Emmaus Bible College

Net Price <$30K

Studying Liberal Arts in Iowa

Iowa has 33 accredited colleges offering liberal arts programs, producing 14,568 graduates annually. Of these, 19 are public institutions with subsidized in-state tuition for Iowa residents.

When evaluating programs, consider accreditation, internship placement rates, and faculty expertise. Always file the FAFSA — the net price after grants can be dramatically lower than sticker tuition, especially at public institutions.

← All colleges in Iowa ← All states

Data source: Graduate counts from IPEDS 2023–24 C2023_A Completions survey (NCES). Tuition, acceptance rate, and graduation rate from IPEDS HD2023, ADM2023, DRVGR2023.